Weather in Cape Town in January

How January compares

January is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Cape Town and ranks 34th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Cape Town is 18.1°C warmer by day and 15.2°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Cape Town peaks at 25.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 30.0°C or more. About 50% of days top 25°C and 1 in 10 pass 30°C. Nights average 17.4°C; one night in ten drops to 15.4°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 36.3°C (2004-01-04) and the coldest night 12.4°C (1998-01-11).

Rain in January

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 3 days with 1 mm or more, 12 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2002 with 64 mm, the driest 2007 with 1 mm. Humidity averages 69%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 17.6°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.1°C to 19.0°C. For the warmest sea here, come in February (18.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 10.8 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:50 and sets about 20:01 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 23%.

Is January a good time to visit Cape Town?

Yes - it is one of the better months: hot days, little rain and long sunny days. The best months for Cape Town on our scoring are February, January, March; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb.

Warm days, with some hotter spells

Cape Town offers a clear change from London's January daytime high of 7.4°C: the average difference is 18.1°C. January is among Cape Town's warmest months, but that does not mean every day brings intense heat. About 50% of days reach 25°C, while 10% reach 30°C or more. That makes it a good fit if you like warm days without needing constant high heat. Keep more energetic plans for the morning or later afternoon when the day feels hot, and leave room for shade at midday. Pack light clothes, sun protection and a light layer rather than treating the whole stay as shorts-and-T-shirt weather.

Plenty of time outdoors, with little rain

Rain is unlikely to dominate a January holiday: there are about 3 rainy days during the month. That favours outdoor plans, although it is still sensible to leave some flexibility rather than assuming every day will stay dry. Around 10.8 hours of sunshine within 14.0 hours of daylight gives you a long window for being outside. You do not need to fit everything into the hottest part of the day, so a relaxed lunch in the shade can work well. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen deserve space in your bag; a light waterproof is a precaution rather than the focus of your packing.

The sea is the main compromise

Do not judge swimming conditions by the air temperature. The average sea temperature is 17.6°C, with a year-to-year range of 16°C to 19°C, so the water is cold on average and bracing even towards the warmer end of that range. If swimming is central to your holiday, January's warm afternoons may not compensate for that chill. Short dips may appeal more than long swims, and a wetsuit is worth considering if you intend to spend time in the water. This is a better weather match for travellers who enjoy being outdoors in warmth than for those whose priority is an invitingly warm sea.