Karoo Weather in January

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

Considering a trip to the Karoo, 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 the Karoo in January

The Karoo, South Africa is a region in South Africa. January in the Karoo generally has temperatures that range from warm to very warm, with precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate. During January, summer is in full swing.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is warm in Barrydale at 29°C (84°F) to very warm in Merweville at 33°C (91°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 18°C (64°F) in Merweville and 16°C (61°F) in Barrydale. These night and day temperatures are average and some days may be even warmer. So be prepared and dress for the heat.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of the Karoo, South Africa, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From low rainfall in Merweville with an average of 22 mm (0.9 in) to moderate rainfall in Richmond with 58 mm (2.3 in).

Average sunshine

Several destinations enjoy plenty of sunshine this month. Oudtshoorn sees close to 234 hours of sunlight, making it great for sun lovers.

Explore the Karoo by month

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

Best Places to Visit in the Karoo in January

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

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 the Karoo

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

Temperature range in the Karoo (January)

Precipitation variation in the Karoo (January)

Oudtshoorn

In January Oudtshoorn generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
29°C (84°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
16°C (61°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly sun hours
237 hours
234 hours
209 hours
Monthly rainfall
36 mm (1.4 in)
33 mm (1.3 in)
34 mm (1.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
6 days
5 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Montagu

In January Montagu generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
29°C (84°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
16°C (61°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly rainfall
29 mm (1.1 in)
29 mm (1.1 in)
28 mm (1.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
4 days
4 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Beaufort West

In January Beaufort West generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 32°C (90°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 17°C (63°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
30°C (86°F)
32°C (90°F)
31°C (88°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
17°C (63°F)
17°C (63°F)
Monthly sun hours
347 hours
338 hours
294 hours
Monthly rainfall
40 mm (1.6 in)
44 mm (1.7 in)
50 mm (2 in)
Monthly rainy days
3 days
4 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Calitzdorp

In January Calitzdorp generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 31°C (88°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
29°C (84°F)
31°C (88°F)
31°C (88°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
16°C (61°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly rainfall
39 mm (1.5 in)
36 mm (1.4 in)
36 mm (1.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
5 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Ladismith

In January Ladismith generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 31°C (88°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
30°C (86°F)
31°C (88°F)
31°C (88°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
16°C (61°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly rainfall
30 mm (1.2 in)
22 mm (0.9 in)
23 mm (0.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
5 days
5 days
Weather conditions

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Oudtshoorn 30°C (86°F) 16°C (61°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Montagu 30°C (86°F) 16°C (61°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Beaufort West 32°C (90°F) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Calitzdorp 31°C (88°F) 16°C (61°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Ladismith 31°C (88°F) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Barrydale 29°C (84°F) 16°C (61°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)

The Karoo weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in the Karoo, South Africa in January?

January in the Karoo, South Africa brings tolerable weather. In Oudtshoorn, daytime temperatures are typically around 30°C (86°F) and nighttime lows hover near 16°C (61°F).

What is the average temperature in the Karoo, South Africa in January?

Daytime temperatures in Oudtshoorn peak at roughly 30°C (86°F) in January, dropping to about 16°C (61°F) overnight.

Does the Karoo, South Africa get a lot of rain in January?

January is on the drier side in the Karoo, South Africa. Oudtshoorn averages only about 33 mm (1.3 in), with most days staying dry.

Is January a Good Time to Visit the Karoo, South Africa?

In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to the Karoo, South Africa with often pleasant weather in Oudtshoorn.

Generally speaking, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December provide perfect weather in Oudtshoorn. In contrast, January and February tend to have tolerable weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in the Karoo.

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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