January weather forecast
Tanzania

January in Tanzania falls within the short dry season, characterized by relatively lower rainfall and milder temperatures compared to the peak rainy months. Rainfall typically remains below 60mm (2.36") throughout the month, providing ample opportunities for outdoor exploration and wildlife viewing.

The temperature in January is moderately high, particularly along the coastal areas and on the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia. Here, it can range from 27°C (80.6°F) to 33°C (91.4°F), with a high level of humidity. Conversely, in the northern highlands, which include areas around Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti, temperatures are cooler, usually falling between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F). The southern highlands, encompassing the Mbeya region, witness similar temperatures.

In terms of extremes, January does not typically record the highest or lowest temperatures of the year. However, it is one of the warmer months, following the hot December and slightly cooler than the incoming February. The weather remains largely predictable, with lower chances of rainfall interrupting travel plans compared to the wetter months of March to May and November to early December.

Comparatively, Dar es Salaam, the largest city and former capital, experiences hot and humid conditions due to its coastal location, with average temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). On the other hand, Dodoma, the capital city located in the central region, experiences semi-arid conditions with January temperatures typically varying from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F).

January can offer excellent wildlife viewing conditions in the national parks, with animals gathering around waterholes and the Great Migration continuing in the Serengeti. The dry weather and lower visitor numbers compared to peak seasons make it an appealing time for a quieter wildlife experience.

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• Dar es Salaam - January »
  In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in January, the average water temperature is 28.5°C (83.3°F). In Dar es Salaam, during January, the rain falls for 20.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 49mm (1.93") of precipitation.
• Dodoma - January »
  In Dodoma the average relative humidity in January is 78%. Dodoma experiences an average nighttime temperature of 18°C (64.4°F) in the month of January.
• Mwanza - January »
  In Mwanza, the months of January, March, May through November are known for the peak temperatures, reaching an average high of 29°C (84.2°F). In Mwanza, the months of January, March, May through November are known for the peak temperatures, reaching an average high of 29°C (84.2°F).
• Arusha - January »
  On the first day of January in Arusha sunrise is at 06:27 and sunset at 18:46. In Arusha in January, it is raining for 11 days, with typically 58mm (2.28") of accumulated precipitation.
• Mbeya - January »
  On the first day of January in Mbeya sunrise is at 06:30 and sunset at 19:08. Beginning the year in Mbeya January brings with it weather that sets a tone for the upcoming months.
• Morogoro - January »
  The heaviest rain pours down in January with an impressive 238mm (9.37"), defining the downpours as one of the notable characteristics of Morogoro's weather at the start of the year. In Morogoro in January, it is raining for 28.8 days, with typically 238mm (9.37") of accumulated precipitation.
• Tanga - January »
  In Tanga, in January, the average water temperature is 28.3°C (82.9°F). The transition from December to January in Tanga brings an average high-temperature of a still hot 32.3°C (90.1°F), barely different from December's 32.2°C (90°F).
• Kigoma - January »
  On the last day of January, in Kigoma sunrise is at 07:04 and sunset at 19:24 EAT. On the first day of January in Kigoma, Tanzania, sunrise is at 06:52 and sunset at 19:16.
• Moshi - January »
  The highest point of temperatures in Moshi, Tanzania, falls in January and February, when the average high-temperature ascends to 33°C (91.4°F). The months with the most sunshine in Moshi are January and February, with an average of 9h of sunshine.
• Songea - January »
  In January, in Songea the rain falls for 25.9 days. The months with the lowest UV index in Songea are January, March through July and November, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
• Musoma - January »
  On the first day of January in Musoma sunrise is at 06:41 and sunset at 18:54. January in Musoma displays an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 28°C (82.4°F), holding the same as the previous month.
• Iringa - January »
  In Iringa in January, during 29.6 rainfall days, 214mm (8.43") of precipitation is typically accumulated. On the last day of January, in Iringa, sunrise is at 06:37 and sunset at 19:04 EAT.