North West Weather in January

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

Thinking about venturing to North West, 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 North West in January

North West, South Africa is a region in South Africa. January in North West generally has temperatures that range from warm to very warm, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is warm in Magaliesburg at 27°C (81°F) to very warm in Madikwe Game Reserve at 32°C (90°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 21°C (70°F) in Madikwe Game Reserve and 17°C (63°F) in Magaliesburg. The temperatures cited for both day and night represent usual averages, but it's possible some days could be hotter. It's advisable to dress accordingly to handle the heat.

To explore the conditions in North West, South Africa in more detail, check the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Mahikeng with an average of 90 mm (3.5 in) to high rainfall in Magaliesburg with 128 mm (5 in).

Average sunshine

Several destinations enjoy plenty of sunshine this month. Hartbeespoort sees close to 257 hours of sunlight, making it great for sun lovers.

Explore North West by month

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

Best Places to Visit in North West in January

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

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 North West

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

Temperature range in North West (January)

Precipitation variation in North West (January)

Hartbeespoort

In January Hartbeespoort generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
29°C (84°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
19°C (66°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly sun hours
276 hours
257 hours
233 hours
Monthly rainfall
118 mm (4.6 in)
103 mm (4.1 in)
103 mm (4.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
12 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Mahikeng

In January Mahikeng generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
19°C (66°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly rainfall
86 mm (3.4 in)
90 mm (3.5 in)
97 mm (3.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
12 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Rustenburg

In January Rustenburg generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
19°C (66°F)
19°C (66°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly rainfall
117 mm (4.6 in)
99 mm (3.9 in)
103 mm (4.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
13 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Klerksdorp

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

December
January
February
Max temperature
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
29°C (84°F)
Min temperature
17°C (63°F)
18°C (64°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly rainfall
107 mm (4.2 in)
107 mm (4.2 in)
95 mm (3.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
12 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Magaliesburg

In January Magaliesburg generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 27°C (81°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 17°C (63°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
27°C (81°F)
27°C (81°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
16°C (61°F)
17°C (63°F)
17°C (63°F)
Monthly sun hours
264 hours
250 hours
225 hours
Monthly rainfall
139 mm (5.5 in)
128 mm (5 in)
128 mm (5 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
14 days
11 days
Weather conditions

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Hartbeespoort 30°C (86°F) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Mahikeng 30°C (86°F) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Rustenburg 30°C (86°F) 19°C (66°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Klerksdorp 30°C (86°F) 18°C (64°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Magaliesburg 27°C (81°F) 17°C (63°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Potchefstroom 29°C (84°F) 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)

North West weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in North West, South Africa in January?

In January, North West, South Africa generally has unpleasant weather conditions. Hartbeespoort sees daytime temperatures near 30°C (86°F), with nights cooling to roughly 19°C (66°F).

What is the average temperature in North West, South Africa in January?

In Hartbeespoort, the average daytime high in January is 30°C (86°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around 19°C (66°F).

Does North West, South Africa get a lot of rain in January?

Hartbeespoort typically receives notable rainfall in January, about 103 mm (4.1 in) on average across North West, South Africa.

Is January a Good Time to Visit North West, South Africa?

Given the typically tolerable weather conditions in Hartbeespoort, January may not be the ideal time to visit North West, South Africa.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November offering mostly perfect weather in Hartbeespoort. On the other hand, the weather in January and February tend to be unpleasant.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in North West.

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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