Free State Weather in January

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

Considering a trip to Free State, South Africa this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Free State in January

Free State, South Africa is a region in South Africa. January in Free State generally has temperatures that range from warm to very warm, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to heavy. The month of January is in the summer season.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is warm in Clarens at 25°C (77°F) to very warm in Philippolis at 32°C (90°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 18°C (64°F) in Philippolis and 14°C (57°F) in Clarens. In Free State, South Africa, January typically stands out as the hottest month of the year. If you're planning a visit during this time, it would be wise to come prepared. Packing light and breathable summer cloths will ensure you stay comfortable throughout your stay.

For specific regional insights in Free State, South Africa, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Philippolis with an average of 74 mm (2.9 in) to heavy rainfall in Van Reenen with 190 mm (7.5 in). Based on our climate, it is the month with the most precipitation throughout the year in Bloemfontein.

Average sunshine

Most destinations offer generous amounts of sunshine this January. For example, Bloemfontein gets approximately 297 hours of sunlight, perfect for anyone wanting bright, sunny days.

Explore Free State by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Free State - and find the best time to visit. (based on Bloemfontein)

Best Places to Visit in Free State in January

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

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 Free State

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

Temperature range in Free State (January)

Precipitation variation in Free State (January)

Bloemfontein

In January Bloemfontein generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 32°C (90°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are very good that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
32°C (90°F)
32°C (90°F)
31°C (88°F)
Min temperature
17°C (63°F)
18°C (64°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly sun hours
320 hours
297 hours
250 hours
Monthly rainfall
80 mm (3.1 in)
90 mm (3.5 in)
88 mm (3.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
11 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Van Reenen

In January Van Reenen generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 27°C (81°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are good that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
27°C (81°F)
27°C (81°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
15°C (59°F)
15°C (59°F)
Monthly rainfall
191 mm (7.5 in)
190 mm (7.5 in)
162 mm (6.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
15 days
13 days
Weather conditions

Harrismith

In January Harrismith generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 26°C (79°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are very good that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
Min temperature
14°C (57°F)
15°C (59°F)
15°C (59°F)
Monthly rainfall
166 mm (6.5 in)
160 mm (6.3 in)
133 mm (5.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
15 days
13 days
Weather conditions

Philippolis

In January Philippolis generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 32°C (90°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are very good that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
31°C (88°F)
32°C (90°F)
31°C (88°F)
Min temperature
16°C (61°F)
18°C (64°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly rainfall
56 mm (2.2 in)
74 mm (2.9 in)
79 mm (3.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
6 days
7 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Sterkfontein Dam

In January Sterkfontein Dam generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 26°C (79°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are good that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
Min temperature
14°C (57°F)
15°C (59°F)
15°C (59°F)
Monthly rainfall
181 mm (7.1 in)
183 mm (7.2 in)
157 mm (6.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
15 days
13 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Free State, 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 Free State in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Bloemfontein 32°C (90°F) 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Van Reenen 27°C (81°F) 15°C (59°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Harrismith 26°C (79°F) 15°C (59°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Philippolis 32°C (90°F) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sterkfontein Dam 26°C (79°F) 15°C (59°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Clarens 25°C (77°F) 14°C (57°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)

Free State weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Free State, South Africa in January?

In January, Free State, South Africa generally has good weather conditions. Bloemfontein sees daytime temperatures near 32°C (90°F), with nights cooling to roughly 18°C (64°F).

What is the average temperature in Free State, South Africa in January?

In Bloemfontein, the average daytime high in January is 32°C (90°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around 18°C (64°F).

Does Free State, South Africa get a lot of rain in January?

Not particularly. Bloemfontein averages just 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain in January, making it a mostly dry month for Free State, South Africa.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Free State, South Africa?

In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to Free State, South Africa with often very good weather in Bloemfontein.

Generally speaking, March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October provide excellent weather in Bloemfontein. On the other hand, the weather in January, February, November and December tend to be good.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Free State.

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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