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Eastern Cape Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Eastern Cape, South Africa in January.

Thinking about venturing to Eastern Cape, South Africa this January and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:

What to Expect in Eastern Cape in January

Eastern Cape, South Africa is a region in South Africa. Eastern Cape, South Africa offers a broad spectrum of weather patterns. In January, one might encounter temperatures that range from warm to very warm, and precipitation levels ranging from low to heavy.

Temperatures

During the day temperatures vary from warm in Port Nolloth at 23°C (73°F) to very warm in Kruger National Park at 33°C (91°F). At night it cools down to 23°C (73°F) in Kruger National Park and 17°C (63°F) in Port Nolloth.

To explore the conditions in Eastern Cape, South Africa in more detail, check the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From low rainfall in Port Nolloth with an average of 5.4 mm (0.2 in) to heavy rainfall in Maclear with 216 mm (8.5 in). Based on climate data from the last 30 years, Gqeberha typically sees the least rain in this month, making it the driest month of the year.

Average sunshine

Most destinations offer generous amounts of sunshine this January. For example, Gqeberha gets approximately 266 hours of sunlight, perfect for anyone wanting bright, sunny days.

Explore Eastern Cape by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Eastern Cape — and find the best time to visit. (based on Gqeberha)

Best Places to Visit in Eastern Cape in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Eastern Cape.

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).

Popular Destinations in Eastern Cape

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in Eastern Cape, South Africa?

Temperature range in Eastern Cape (January)

Precipitation variation in Eastern Cape (January)

Gqeberha

In January Gqeberha generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
23°C (73°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
20°C (68°F)
20°C (68°F)
Monthly sun hours
279 hours
266 hours
223 hours
Monthly rainfall
48 mm (1.9 in)
40 mm (1.6 in)
46 mm (1.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
9 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Jeffreys Bay

In January Jeffreys Bay generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
24°C (75°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
19°C (66°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly sun hours
279 hours
266 hours
223 hours
Monthly rainfall
48 mm (1.9 in)
43 mm (1.7 in)
50 mm (2 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
7 days
7 days
Weather conditions

East London

In January East London generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 26°C (79°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
25°C (77°F)
26°C (79°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
19°C (66°F)
20°C (68°F)
21°C (70°F)
Monthly sun hours
240 hours
221 hours
192 hours
Monthly rainfall
85 mm (3.3 in)
83 mm (3.3 in)
95 mm (3.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
12 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Port Alfred

In January Port Alfred generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 26°C (79°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
24°C (75°F)
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
Min temperature
19°C (66°F)
20°C (68°F)
20°C (68°F)
Monthly rainfall
66 mm (2.6 in)
58 mm (2.3 in)
66 mm (2.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
9 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Addo

In January Addo generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
28°C (82°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
16°C (61°F)
18°C (64°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly sun hours
279 hours
266 hours
223 hours
Monthly rainfall
52 mm (2 in)
47 mm (1.9 in)
56 mm (2.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
6 days
7 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Eastern Cape, in South Africa.

In our records: South Africa January extremes

Notable January records observed across cities in South Africa in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • From our sources, the wettest January day in South Africa brought 323 mm (13 in) in Hoedspruit on January 18, 2012.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Eastern Cape in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Gqeberha 25°C (77°F) 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jeffreys Bay 25°C (77°F) 19°C (66°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
East London 26°C (79°F) 20°C (68°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Port Alfred 26°C (79°F) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Addo 30°C (86°F) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Graaff-Reinet 30°C (86°F) 16°C (61°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)

Eastern Cape weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Eastern Cape, South Africa in January?

In January, Eastern Cape, South Africa generally has perfect weather conditions. Gqeberha sees daytime temperatures near 25°C (77°F), with nights cooling to roughly 20°C (68°F).

What is the average temperature in Eastern Cape, South Africa in January?

Average temperatures in Eastern Cape, South Africa during January range from a nighttime low near 20°C (68°F) to a daytime high around 25°C (77°F) in Gqeberha.

Does Eastern Cape, South Africa get a lot of rain in January?

January is on the drier side in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Gqeberha averages only about 40 mm (1.6 in), with most days staying dry.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Eastern Cape, South Africa?

Given the typically perfect weather conditions in Gqeberha, January might be a good time to visit Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in offering mostly perfect weather in Gqeberha.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Eastern Cape.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to South Africa? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in South Africa.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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