Things to Do in Namibia in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Namibia
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season landscapes - January sits right in the middle of Namibia's rainy season, which means the typically rust-colored desert transforms into surprising patches of green. The Etosha Pan often has water, creating mirror-like reflections and drawing massive concentrations of wildlife. Photography opportunities are actually better now than the famous dry season.
- Dramatic storm photography and cooler temperatures - Those 10 rainy days typically bring afternoon thunderstorms that are spectacular to watch roll across the desert. The storms cool things down from the 35°C (96°F) highs to much more comfortable evenings around 18°C (64°F). Plus, you get those incredible storm light conditions that landscape photographers dream about.
- Baby wildlife season - January is calving and birthing season across Namibia. You'll see newborn springbok, oryx, and if you're lucky, predators with cubs. The fresh vegetation from recent rains means herbivores are in excellent condition, and predator activity increases. This is genuinely one of the best times for wildlife viewing, despite what the dry season marketing tells you.
- Significantly lower prices and fewer tourists - January is low season, which means accommodation costs drop by 30-50% compared to June-October. You'll have Sossusvlei's dunes, Deadvlei, and even popular Etosha waterholes practically to yourself. No need to book months ahead - 2-3 weeks is usually plenty, even for premium lodges.
Considerations
- Afternoon rain disrupts outdoor plans - Those 10 rainy days aren't spread evenly, and when storms hit, they typically arrive between 2pm-6pm. This can interfere with afternoon game drives, dune climbing at Sossusvlei, or coastal activities in Swakopmund. The rain itself usually only lasts 20-40 minutes, but the buildup and aftermath can eat into your afternoon plans.
- Some roads become challenging or impassable - The 51 mm (2.0 inches) of rain doesn't sound like much, but on Namibia's gravel roads, it can create slippery conditions and occasional flooding in low-lying areas. The C-roads to remote camps in northern Etosha sometimes close temporarily. If you're self-driving, you need experience with gravel roads in wet conditions, or you should stick to main routes and guided tours.
- Heat and humidity combo is uncomfortable midday - That 70% humidity combined with 35°C (96°F) temperatures creates conditions that feel much hotter than Namibia's famous dry heat. Between 11am-3pm, being outdoors without shade is genuinely unpleasant. The UV index of 8 means you'll burn quickly. This isn't the weather for midday desert hikes - you'll need to adjust your schedule significantly.
Best Activities in January
Etosha National Park game drives
January is actually exceptional for Etosha despite being rainy season. The pan holds water, creating dramatic landscapes and concentrating wildlife around both natural pans and permanent waterholes. You get the best of both worlds - green landscapes with abundant wildlife, plus far fewer vehicles at sightings compared to dry season crowds. Early morning drives from 6:30am-10am and late afternoon from 4pm-sunset avoid both the midday heat and typical storm timing. The light during storm season is extraordinary for photography.
Sossusvlei and Deadvlei dune exploration
The iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei are stunning in January, with occasional green vegetation adding surreal contrast to the orange sand. The key is timing - you must start before sunrise to climb Dune 45 or Big Daddy before temperatures hit 35°C (96°F) by 9am. The softer sand from occasional moisture actually makes climbing slightly easier than bone-dry conditions. Storm clouds create dramatic backdrops for the dead trees at Deadvlei. Afternoon storms typically hold off until after 2pm, giving you a solid morning window.
Swakopmund coastal activities and desert adventures
Swakopmund's coastal location keeps it cooler than inland Namibia - typically 22-25°C (72-77°F) in January with ocean breezes. This makes it the perfect midpoint break from desert heat. Sandboarding, quad biking in the dunes, and scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast are all excellent in January. The town itself has good restaurants, German colonial architecture, and the Atlantic provides natural air conditioning. Morning fog is common but usually burns off by 10am.
Damaraland desert-adapted wildlife tracking
January brings green patches to Damaraland's rocky landscape, and the desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, and other wildlife are more active and visible near seasonal water sources. The dramatic granite formations and ancient rock art sites are spectacular under storm-season clouds. This is genuinely one of Namibia's most unique landscapes, and January's occasional rain makes it come alive. Morning tracking expeditions from 6am-11am avoid afternoon heat and storms.
Windhoek cultural and historical exploration
Namibia's capital makes an excellent bookend to your trip, and January's afternoon rains actually make the city more pleasant - everything gets washed clean and temperatures drop. The National Museum, Independence Memorial Museum, and Katutura township tours provide essential context for understanding modern Namibia. The craft markets at the Old Breweries complex offer quality souvenirs. Windhoek sits at 1,650 m (5,413 ft) elevation, so it's noticeably cooler than lower-lying areas.
Caprivi Strip and Bwabwata National Park water-based wildlife viewing
The Caprivi Strip in January is completely different from the rest of Namibia - this is tropical, wet, and green. The Okavango and Kwando Rivers are full, making boat safaris and mokoro trips excellent for hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. This region gets significantly more rain than the rest of Namibia, so expect lush conditions. It feels more like Botswana than classic Namibian desert. The humidity is higher here, but river breezes help.
January Events & Festivals
Windhoek Karneval (WIKA)
This German-influenced carnival typically happens in late January or early February and is a legacy of Namibia's colonial history. You'll see elaborate costumes, street parades, and multiple days of festivities centered in Windhoek. It's an interesting cultural experience that shows Namibia's complex cultural blend. The main parade and street festival are free to watch, though some evening balls require tickets.