End of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Maasai Mara in January
Little changes in Maasai Mara from December: highs stay near 82°F (28°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), and about 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain falls.
It scores 78/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 82°F (28°C)
- Avg low
- 59°F (15°C)
- Rain
- 4.2 in (106 mm)
- Humidity
- 68%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 05 min
- Comfort score
- 78/100 · Great
What January feels like
Days are warm, averaging 82°F (28°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 13°C (23°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Some rain is likely, about 4.2 in (106 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around January
January is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (June – August).
- Comfort improves from 74/100 in December to 78/100.
- Our Kenya & Tanzania Safari route recommends Jun – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes82°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 59°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.2 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Maasai Mara in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Hilltop lodge in the Mara Triangle whose terrace bar overlooks the Mara River plains.
Why now January scores 78/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Governors' Camp
Classic tented camp on the Mara River in Musiara, serving meals with hippos below the bank.
Why now Highs near 82°F and 4.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Community-owned conservancy bordering the reserve, allowing walks and night drives with fewer vehicles.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Governors' Balloon Safaris
Dawn hot-air balloon flight over the reserve, finished with a champagne bush breakfast.
Oloololo Escarpment
Steep western rim of the Mara Triangle with sweeping views over the plains below.
Nearby in January
- Serengeti in January~62 mi · highs 81°F, 4.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Nairobi in January~117 mi · highs 81°F, 1.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Ngorongoro in January~121 mi · highs 76°F, 5.6 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler 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.
Maasai Mara in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Maasai Mara?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 78/100 against a best of 90 in June – August. Expect highs of 82°F (28°C) and 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain. Our Kenya & Tanzania Safari route recommends Jun – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Maasai Mara in January?
Average highs are 82°F (28°C) and average lows 59°F (15°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Maasai Mara in January?
Some: about 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 44.3 in (1124 mm).
What should I pack for Maasai Mara in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (82°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 59°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.2 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Maasai Mara
Planning Maasai Mara in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.