Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Cape Town in January
Cape Town edges warmer than December, with highs of 71°F (22°C), lows of 65°F (18°C) and about 0.6 in (14 mm) of rain.
At 94/100 for comfort (5th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 71°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 65°F (18°C)
- Rain
- 0.6 in (14 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 25%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 01 min
- Comfort score
- 94/100 · Great
What January feels like
Highs settle around 71°F (22°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Nights cool to an average low of 65°F (18°C).
Humidity averages 78%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Rain is scarce: about 0.6 in (14 mm) for the whole month.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 25%.
It's breezy, with average winds near 13 mph (5.9 m/s) at ground level.
Plan around January
January is one of Cape Town's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 71°F, up from 69°F in December.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by February, the score drops to 93/100.
- Humidity season begins: 78% on average, up from 78% in December.
- Comfort holds steady from December (94 → 94/100).
- January sits inside the Oct – Apr window our Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes71°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Quick-dry fabrics78% average humidity
- Windproof shellaverage wind 13 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Cape Town in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Chapman's Peak Drive
Toll road cut into cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with pullouts over the Atlantic.
Why now January scores 94/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Gardens of native fynbos on the eastern slope of Table Mountain, with a canopy walkway called the Boomslang.
Why now Highs near 71°F and 0.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Rotating cable car to the flat summit, with trails and views over the city, Robben Island and the Twelve Apostles.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Neighbourgoods Market
Saturday food and design market inside the Old Biscuit Mill, with local producers and street food.
Kloof Street House
Victorian house turned restaurant with a garden terrace and a menu of steaks, seafood and cocktails.
Nearby in January
- Stellenbosch & Franschhoek in January~25 mi · highs 81°F, 0.8 in rain · 6°C (10°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in January~265 mi · highs 82°F, 1.5 in rain · 6°C (11°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Cape Town in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Cape Town?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 94/100. Expect highs of 71°F (22°C) and 0.6 in (14 mm) of rain. January is inside the Oct – Apr window our Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route recommends.
How hot is Cape Town in January?
Average highs are 71°F (22°C) and average lows 65°F (18°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cape Town in January?
Not much: about 0.6 in (14 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 19.3 in (489 mm).
What should I pack for Cape Town in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (71°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), quick-dry fabrics (78% average humidity), windproof shell (average wind 13 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in January
- Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route Oct – Apr
Planning Cape Town in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.