Tanzania in January : Travel Tips, Weather & More : January is regarded as a shoulder season in Tanzania, this means you can expect a little bit of low population of tourists and some good deals on accommodations and flights.
In January, the weather is generally hot and although there will be a chance of rain, this month is an excellent for a safari visit to Tanzania and see the baby wildebeests in Serengeti’s Ndutu area. January also has fair conditions for Tanzania safari activities.
Weather in January
Tanzania experiences a tropical climate with fairly consistent year-round temperatures averaging between 77°F and 86°F (25°C–30°C) on the lowlands and at the coast, 59°F–68°F (15°C–20°C) in the highlands.
The most significant variables are altitude and rainfall, January is a relatively dry month squeezed between the short rainy (November and December) and long rainy (April to May) seasons. However there is a chance of experiencing rain everywhere more so at night, the period between November and March is often referred to as “The green season”
Crowds & Costs in January
January is a shoulder season for travel in Tanzania and as a traveler you should expect to see some other visitors but not the same volume as during the peak season that is from June to October. In this month accommodations and restaurants are open as opposed to the off-season and you may get some good deals on safari lodges and activities.
Earlier in January you might high season prices most especially at the beach resorts because of an influx of travelers during the Christmas and New year holidays in Late December
January is the shoulder season for travel in Tanzania, so you should
Where to Go in January
In January most especially in the later days on the month, the wildebeest calving season is happening on the Ndutu plains, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Southern part of the Serengeti national park in Tanzania.
Visitors can enjoy different wildlife – related experiences in Tanzania throughout the year, however if you are visiting Tanzania in January, plan your safari with intentions of seeing the wildebeest calving in Serengeti.
January experiences excellent conditions to enjoy the beaches of Zanzibar – the semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, the beach is one of the highlights in Tanzania with dazzling white – sand beaches, clear blue waters and unique hybrid culture that is absorbed many influences over the centuries.
In January, temperatures are hot in the coastal regions of Tanzania and rainfall is relatively low. In this month underwater visibility can be up to 98 feet (30 meters) making it great for divers.
What to Do
- Climbing Mountain Kilimanjaro – Mountain Kilimanjaro is located in the Northeastern Tanzania, the mountain is the tallest mountain in Africa at 19,340 feet (5,895 m). The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is when the weather is dry and January is one of the warmest months of the year.
Although temperatures will be cold at altitude, January is a warm month offering a great time to attempt climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbs on Mount Kilimanjaro normally take 5 to 10 days depending on the route and the number of days reserved for acclimation.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an excellent challenge for keen hikers and is not considered a technical climb, however that does not mean the challenge should be underestimated as the altitude can affect climbers more than the gradient.
However many days it takes you, you will be treated to incredible views across Tanzania and possibly into Kenya.
January is also a great time of the year to spot wildlife at lower altitudes and hiking through varied vegetation and terrain.
Events in January
Events hosted in January include
- Wanyambo Festival, Dar es Salaam – this cultural festival features traditional dances, food and drinks and traditional instruments, art and crafts.
