Cape Town guide
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Cape Town in January

One of the best times to go, but also one of the busiest. The best months for Cape Town are January, February, March and December. In January, mild, a mix of layers and a light jacket works well; very little rain.

One of the best times to go, but also one of the busiest.
Avg temp
21°C
Rainfall
13 mm
Season
Peak
~Cost/day
$130
Planning January?
Get a day-by-day Cape Town plan with a map and budget, free.
Plan my trip

Weather and what to pack

In January, Cape Town is typically mild, a mix of layers and a light jacket works well; very little rain. Average temperatures sit around 21°C with about 13mm of rain across the month.

Things to do in Cape Town in January

Highlights from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap.

Statue of Nelson Mandela, Cape Town City Hall
A Statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled on 24 July 2018. It was placed on the balcony of Cape Town City Hall overlooking the Grand Parade, Cape Town, South Africa. Nelson Mandela w
Cape Town
Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa. It is the country's oldest city and the seat of the Parliament of South Africa. Cape Town is the country's second-largest city
Cape Town City Hall
Cape Town City Hall is a large Edwardian building, built in 1905, and located in Cape Town's city centre. It is located on the Grand Parade, to the west of the Castle, and is built
South African Women's Open
The South African Women's Open is a golf tournament. It was first played in 1988, is sanctioned by the Women's PGA of South Africa and is played as part of the Sunshine Ladies Tour
Redoubt Duijnhoop
The Redoubt Duijnhoop was a square demi-bastioned clay and timber Redoubt built fort constructed at the mouth of the Salt River, leading into Table Bay, South Africa in January–Feb
Local food tour of Cape Town
Taste the signature dishes of Cape Town.

Want these arranged into days? See the full 5 days Cape Town itinerary →

Cape Town in January: FAQ

Is January a good time to visit Cape Town?+

One of the best times to go, but also one of the busiest. Cape Town's best months are generally January, February, March and December.

What is the weather like in Cape Town in January?+

Expect average temperatures around 21°C. Rainfall averages about 13mm for the month. In short, mild, a mix of layers and a light jacket works well; very little rain.

What should I pack for Cape Town in January?+

Based on the typical January weather: mild, a mix of layers and a light jacket works well; very little rain.

What is there to do in Cape Town in January?+

Popular things to do include Statue of Nelson Mandela, Cape Town City Hall, Cape Town, Cape Town City Hall and South African Women's Open. There is a longer list below, or you can generate a full plan.

Cape Town in other months

Other destinations