Northern Cape Weather in January

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

Are you planning a trip a to Northern Cape, South Africa in January and wondering what kind of weather to expect? This page has all the details you need.

What to Expect in Northern Cape in January

Northern Cape, South Africa is a region in South Africa. January in Northern Cape generally has temperatures that range from warm to very hot, with precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate. January falls during the summer season.

Temperatures

During the day the temperature is warm in Sutherland at 30°C (86°F) and very hot in Keimoes at 37°C (99°F). As night falls, temperatures generally drop to 22°C (72°F) in Keimoes and 15°C (59°F) in Sutherland. On average, January is the warmest month of the year in Northern Cape, South Africa. So be prepared and pack summer clothes.

For specific regional insights in Northern Cape, South Africa, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From low rainfall in Kotzeshoop with an average of 6.8 mm (0.3 in) to moderate rainfall in Kimberley with 82 mm (3.2 in).

Average sunshine

Plenty of sunshine can be expected in numerous places in January. Upington typically receives 351 hours of sunlight, making it ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore Northern Cape by month

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

Best Places to Visit in Northern Cape in January

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

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

Temperature range in Northern Cape (January)

Precipitation variation in Northern Cape (January)

Upington

In January Upington generally has extremely high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 36°C (97°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 22°C (72°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
36°C (97°F)
36°C (97°F)
36°C (97°F)
Min temperature
20°C (68°F)
22°C (72°F)
22°C (72°F)
Monthly sun hours
368 hours
351 hours
299 hours
Monthly rainfall
28 mm (1.1 in)
37 mm (1.5 in)
37 mm (1.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
3 days
4 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Kathu

In January Kathu generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 33°C (91°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
33°C (91°F)
33°C (91°F)
32°C (90°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
19°C (66°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly sun hours
310 hours
290 hours
266 hours
Monthly rainfall
58 mm (2.3 in)
78 mm (3.1 in)
68 mm (2.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
6 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Kotzeshoop

In January Kotzeshoop generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 35°C (95°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
33°C (91°F)
35°C (95°F)
35°C (95°F)
Min temperature
17°C (63°F)
18°C (64°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly rainfall
3.3 mm (0.1 in)
6.8 mm (0.3 in)
11 mm (0.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
a single day
a single day
2 days
Weather conditions

Hanover Road

In January Hanover Road 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
31°C (88°F)
32°C (90°F)
31°C (88°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
17°C (63°F)
17°C (63°F)
Monthly rainfall
43 mm (1.7 in)
62 mm (2.4 in)
64 mm (2.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
6 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Kimberley

In January Kimberley generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 34°C (93°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
34°C (93°F)
34°C (93°F)
33°C (91°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
20°C (68°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly sun hours
329 hours
309 hours
262 hours
Monthly rainfall
64 mm (2.5 in)
82 mm (3.2 in)
74 mm (2.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
9 days
10 days
Weather conditions

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Upington 36°C (97°F) 22°C (72°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Kathu 33°C (91°F) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Kotzeshoop 35°C (95°F) 18°C (64°F) 6.8 mm (0.3 in)
Hanover Road 32°C (90°F) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Kimberley 34°C (93°F) 20°C (68°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
De Aar 33°C (91°F) 18°C (64°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)

Northern Cape weather in January: frequently asked questions

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

Northern Cape, South Africa typically experiences poor weather in January, part of the summer season. Daytime highs in Upington average around 36°C (97°F), and temperatures drop to about 22°C (72°F) at night.

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

Upington averages a daytime maximum of 36°C (97°F) in January, with overnight lows close to 22°C (72°F).

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

Not particularly. Upington averages just 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain in January, making it a mostly dry month for Northern Cape, South Africa.

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

In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to Northern Cape, South Africa with often poor weather in Upington.

On average, the best time to visit Northern Cape, South Africa is in April, May, June, July, August and September with generally perfect weather in Upington. On the other hand, the weather in January, February, March, November and December tend to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Northern 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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