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Pietermaritzburg Weather in January

January in Pietermaritzburg brings high temperatures, with daytime highs of 27°C (81°F) and nights around 17°C (63°F). It's also the wettest month of the year, so an umbrella is a must.

Rainfall in Pietermaritzburg in January

The month brings the most rain, so be prepared with an umbrella for the occasional shower. Rain is expected on roughly 19 days, totalling around 148 mm (5.8 in) for the month. This is a wet month with frequent and often heavy showers. Both the number of rain days and the total rainfall are high.

Temperature in Pietermaritzburg in January

January in Pietermaritzburg sees highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F) overnight. This gives the month a fairly typical daily rhythm, with warmer afternoons and more comfortable nights. With lows of 17°C (63°F), nights are cool. If you're out after dark, an extra layer will keep you comfortable. The cooler air at night is also great for getting a good rest.

Sunshine in Pietermaritzburg in January

You can expect a moderate amount of sunlight, with approximately 183 hours. This means a pleasant mix of sun and overcast.

January in Pietermaritzburg has its charm. However, if you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather, our weather planner can help you explore other destinations in the world.

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Check the conditions for any month of the year.

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit South Africa, check out our Pietermaritzburg's climate page.

Pietermaritzburg Temperature in January

Min TemperatureMin Temperature 17°C (63°F)  
Max TemperatureMax Temperature 27°C (81°F)  
Chance of RainChance of Rain 62%  
PrecipitationPrecipitation 148 mm (5.8 in)  
Rainy daysRainy days 19 days  
HumidityHumidity 80% *  
SunshineSunshine 183 hours *  
Percentage SunshinePercentage Sunshine *  
* Data from: Durban, South Africa (67 KM, 41 Miles).

Best Places in South Africa in January

Find out more about the weather in South Africa and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of South Africa in January →

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Legend perfect weather pleasant tolerable unpleasant poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Pietermaritzburg in January

Warm weather calls for comfortable, breathable clothing in January. Cotton t-shirts, shorts, light dresses, and sandals are perfect. You might still want a light layer for evenings or air-conditioned places (for example buses). High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.

What To Do in Pietermaritzburg in January

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming
7/10
Cycling
7/10
Walking
7/10
Camping
6/10
Outdoor sports
7/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit South Africa, check out our Pietermaritzburg's climate page.

More climate data for Pietermaritzburg