Is the weather good in Tanzania in January 2025?
For the past few decades, the average daily temperatures in Tanzania during January have been around +86°F.
In Tanzania the temperature rarely varies more than seven degrees between the different parts with the highest temperature +86°F in Dar es Salaam to +84°F in Arusha. So you should be able to pack for similar conditions wherever you go in the country.
Temperature, wind and humidity in January
Average
Arusha
Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar
☀️
+86°F
Avg. max. temperature
Our opinion: Tanzania has OK weather in January.
Tanzania in January – what city is the…
- rainiest? Dar es Salaam, with an average of 3 mm of rain and humidity of 79%;
- warmest? Dar es Salaam, with daytime temperatures averaging +88°F;
- windiest? Zanzibar, with an average of 3 m/s;
- coolest? Arusha, with daytime temperatures averaging +84°F;
How good is the weather in Tanzania in January?
During January, the Tanzania is characterized by variable weather with air pressure around 1013 HPa and therefore elements of sun, rain, and wind – with a little extra emphasis on the latter two. The humidity in January ranges between 65% in Arusha and 79% in Zanzibar.
How warm is it in Tanzania during January?
Variable weather with sun, rain and wind: +86°F in average daily temperature.
This is how hot it usually is in January
The average daily temperatures above don't tell you everything about how hot it can be in Tanzania. For example, cold nights can make a big difference for those staying in tents or unheated houses. Extra hot days, on the other hand, can make a big difference for those who plan to engage in demanding physical training or competition. So here are some more temperatures for January:
Average
Arusha
Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar
- Average maximum temperature for the month: +86°F;
- Average minimum temperature for the month: +73°F;
- Highest monthly temperature: +86°F;
- Lowest monthly temperature: +73°F;
Monthly temperatures:
Average
Arusha
Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar
- Warmest: January with an average +86°F during the day;
- Coldest: June with an average +79°F of the day;
- Hottest month in hottest city: February in Dar es Salaam;
- Coldest month in coolest city: June in Arusha;
Can you swim in Tanzania in January?
Here are the minimum and maximum water temperatures in cities in Tanzania in January:
You can definitely swim in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar in January, with the water temperature of +82°F and up.
Winds in Tanzania during January
Wind speed in Tanzania in January based on historical data:
Average
Arusha
Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar
January tends to offer light winds averaging 2 m/s. However, coastal cities may experience breezes during the mornings and afternoons.
Comparison between cities in January:
- Highest average wind speed: Zanzibar with 3 m/s;
- Lowest average wind speed: Arusha with 2 m/s;
- Windiest day of the month: Zanzibar with 4 m/s;
- The least windy day of the month: Arusha with 1 m/s;
Humidity and precipitation in Tanzania in January
Amount of rainfall in mm during January in Tanzania based on historical data:
Average
Arusha
Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar
January tends to be an extremely humid month with 77% humidity and 74 mm rainfall. In general the humidity tends to be a little lower in mountainous regions and more humid closer to water.
Comparison between cities in January:
Average
Arusha
Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar
- Highest average rainfall: Dar es Salaam with 81 mm;
- Lowest average rainfall: Zanzibar with 52 mm;
- Most number of rainy days: Dar es Salaam with 23 rainy days;
- Least number of rainy days: Arusha with 17 rainy days;
- Highest risk of rain during the day: Dar es Salaam with 74%;
- Least risk of rain during the day: Arusha with 55%;
- Highest average humidity: Zanzibar with 79%;
- Lowest average humidity: Arusha with 65%;
Tips for traveling to Tanzania in January
Looking for some tips for traveling to the sun, snow, or whatever you're aiming for Tanzania? Activities, weather, and clothing are closely linked. In addition, it's important to pack only what you really need so you don't have to worry about heavy packing or paying extra baggage fees.
Here is some advice on what to pack and what kind of activities you can do in the Tanzania based on the weather that January is expected to bring. The advice applies to the country as a whole – local weather and possible activities may differ somewhat.
rainy, warm weather with light winds and very high humidity in January
Pack right for January
The weather makes a difference when it comes to packing - especially which items should go in your suitcase. The tips below are designed to help you pack light and right without carrying more than necessary.
- For light showers, an umbrella or a thin and light rain cape is usually sufficient, while more rain may require rainwear and rain boots.
- Warm - neither hot nor cool, are probably the most comfortable when you think of sunbathing. Shorts, shorter skirts or dresses, tank tops and t-shirts are the basics here. If you're going to a seaside resort, don't forget your swimwear and maybe even a snorkel, mask and flippers.
- Light winds are probably most comfortable in hot weather but is cooling in cool and cold weather. If it is hot (when the air temperature is about 30 degrees), the wind can have a warming effect. A thin, windproof jacket and long trousers help to counteract these effects.
- High humidity means that the air conducts heat to and from the skin more easily. For example, if the air is hot (above skin temperature), it will be harder to stay cool. On the other hand, if the air is cool or cold, it is more difficult to stay warm. In high humidity, the choice of clothing makes less of a difference. However, your physical activity plays a bigger role.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the weather in Tanzania in January:
What can you do outside when it's warm in Tanzania?
Bathing and sunbathing can be suitable. Warm (but not hot) days are also good for activities that are not so physically demanding: sightseeing on foot, by boat, on a scooter, camel riding. You can also exercise easily as long as you make sure to cool down and quench thirst.
Is January a good time to visit Tanzania?
It’s always a good time to visit Tanzania, but the weather is changeable in January, so plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and exploring, and pack for every eventuality. Monthly weather in Tanzania
Source of the data
For this page, we’ve looked at the typical weather in Tanzania, based on historical hourly weather data from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2023.
For past dates, we show actual recorded data at the location at that time. Forecasts are based on recorded weather during that day of the year, averaged over the total years for which we have records (unless stated otherwise). The daily temperature is the highest recorded temperature in the shadow during that day.