Windhoek in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Windhoek

30°C (86°F) High Temp

17°C (62°F) Low Temp

79mm (3.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak rainy season brings lush green landscapes and dramatically lower dust levels - the city transforms from brown to emerald green, making photography spectacular
Afternoon thunderstorms provide natural air conditioning, dropping temperatures by 8-10°C (14-18°F) for 2-3 hours daily around 3pm
Tourist numbers are at annual low due to rainy season perception, meaning shorter queues at Independence Memorial Museum and better service at restaurants
Game viewing at nearby Daan Viljoen Game Reserve is excellent as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is thick enough to spot wildlife easily

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5pm, disrupting outdoor plans - many locals plan indoor activities during these hours
Gravel roads to outlying townships become difficult to navigate, limiting township tour options to tar road areas only
High humidity makes the 30°C (86°F) temperatures feel closer to 35°C (95°F), particularly challenging for visitors from dry climates

Best Activities in January

National Museum and Cultural Center Tours

January's afternoon rains make this the perfect time to explore Windhoek's exceptional museums. The Banjul showcases Namibian independence history, while the Sofia features contemporary African art. Morning visits (8-11am) are ideal before afternoon storms, and the air-conditioned spaces provide relief from humidity.

Booking Tip: Museums are walk-in friendly in January due to low tourist numbers. Entry typically costs N$20-40 (US$1-2). Allow 3-4 hours total for both locations. See current cultural tours in the booking section below.

Craft Beer and Local Distillery Experiences

Windhoek's craft brewing scene thrives in January as locals escape afternoon rains in taprooms. The city's German heritage shows in excellent beer culture, while local distilleries produce unique Kalahari gin. Indoor venues with covered outdoor areas are perfect for January's variable weather patterns.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically run N$150-300 (US$8-16) including tastings. Book afternoon slots (2-6pm) when storms provide natural cooling. Most venues accommodate walk-ins during low season.

Daan Viljoen Game Reserve Day Trips

Just 24km (15 miles) west of Windhoek, January transforms this reserve into a wildlife great destination. Recent rains create waterholes that attract oryx, kudu, and baboons. Morning game drives (6-10am) before afternoon storms offer the best wildlife viewing of the year.

Booking Tip: Self-drive entry costs N$80 (US$4) per vehicle plus N$20 per person. Guided game drives range N$400-600 (US$21-32) per person. Book tours 5-7 days ahead through lodge operators. See current options in booking section below.

Katutura Township Cultural Tours

January rains limit access to some township areas, but main routes remain accessible and the community atmosphere is busy. Local guides share apartheid history and contemporary life while visitors enjoy traditional foods like kapana (grilled meat) under covered market areas during afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost N$300-500 (US$16-27) for 3-4 hours including transport. Morning departures (9am) ensure completion before afternoon rains. Book through community-based operators for real feels.

Windhoek Food Market and Cooking Classes

January brings seasonal foods like marula fruit and fresh game meat to local markets. Indoor cooking classes teaching traditional Namibian dishes like potjiekos become popular as locals avoid outdoor braais during unpredictable weather. Markets are less crowded and vendors have more time for interaction.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range N$400-800 (US$21-43) including ingredients and meals. Saturday morning markets (6-10am) offer the best selection before afternoon rains. Book cooking experiences 3-5 days ahead.

Auas Mountains Hiking and Nature Photography

January rains create temporary waterfalls and wildflower blooms in the Auas Mountains surrounding Windhoek. Early morning hikes (5:30-9am) before heat and afternoon storms provide exceptional photography opportunities with dramatic storm clouds building over the city below.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost N$300-600 (US$16-32) for half-day trips. Self-guided hiking is free but requires 4WD access to trailheads. Book guided trips 7-10 days ahead as some trails become inaccessible during heavy rains.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Windhoek Summer Festival

Annual celebration featuring local music, traditional dance performances, and Kampala. Events move to covered venues during afternoon storms, creating intimate atmospheres for cultural performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket (not umbrella) - afternoon thunderstorms come with 40-60 km/h (25-37 mph) winds making umbrellas useless

Lightweight merino wool or moisture-wicking shirts - cotton becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity

Waterproof hiking boots for morning nature walks - trails become muddy but remain accessible

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 at 1,650m (5,413ft) altitude burns skin quickly

Packable daypack with waterproof liner - for protecting electronics during sudden downpours

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito activity

Light fleece or thin sweater - evenings drop to 17°C (62°F) and feel cool after hot days

Waterproof phone case - essential for photography during and after storms

Comfortable walking shoes that dry quickly - cobblestone streets in city center become slippery when wet

Electrolyte supplements - high altitude combined with humidity increases dehydration risk

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat lunch between 11:30am-1:30pm to avoid being caught in afternoon storms - restaurants offer better service and faster food during this window

Pick-n-Pay and Shoprite supermarkets become social hubs during afternoon rains (2-4pm) - great time to stock up on supplies and observe local life

Morning coffee culture peaks in January as people start early to maximize outdoor time - join locals at cafes along Independence Avenue from 7-9am

Windhoek's German architecture creates natural rain shelters throughout the city center - locals know which covered walkways connect major streets during storms

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 1pm without indoor backup options - 60% of afternoons have thunderstorms that last 1-3 hours

Wearing white or light colors to township tours during rainy season - red dust mixed with rain creates permanent stains on clothing

Booking accommodation without covered parking - hail during storms can damage rental cars, and most budget lodges don't provide covered parking