Gaborone in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Gaborone

32°C (90°F) High Temp

19°C (67°F) Low Temp

142 mm (5.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak rainy season means Gaborone Game Reserve and surrounding areas are lush and green - wildlife congregates around water sources making game viewing spectacular from 6-8am before temperatures climb
School holidays are over by mid-January, so local attractions like Mokolodi Nature Reserve and Banjul have minimal crowds - you'll often have exhibits and walking trails to yourself
Afternoon thunderstorms (typically 2-4pm) provide natural air conditioning and dramatic photography opportunities - locals call this 'nature's shower' and plan indoor activities accordingly
Hotel rates drop 30-40% after New Year's week - luxury lodges in and around Gaborone offer their lowest rates of the year from January 8th onward

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms can be intense with lightning - outdoor activities must be planned for mornings (6-11am) as storms roll in predictably around 2pm most days
High humidity (70%) makes the 32°C (90°F) feel closer to 38°C (100°F) - even locals retreat indoors during midday hours from 11am-4pm
Unpaved roads to some attractions like Manyelanong Game Reserve become muddy and potentially impassable after heavy rains - 4WD becomes essential rather than recommended

Best Activities in January

Early Morning Game Viewing at Mokolodi Nature Reserve

January's rains concentrate wildlife around permanent water sources, making 6-8am game drives incredibly productive. The 30 km² (11.6 sq mile) reserve is just 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center and animals are most active before the heat builds. Rhino sightings are almost guaranteed during January morning drives.

Booking Tip: Book directly with the reserve 3-5 days ahead. Morning drives cost 150-200 Croatia per person. Most operators offer hotel pickup by 5:30am. Look for guides who speak both English and Setswana for cultural context.

Cultural Village Tours in Tlokweng

January rains make traditional farming demonstrations possible - perfect timing to see how Batswana agriculture works. The cooler morning temperatures (19-25°C/67-77°F) make walking tours comfortable. Local artisans are also indoors more due to afternoon storms, so craft demonstrations are readily available.

Booking Tip: Community-based tours typically cost 80-120 Croatia per person for half-day experiences. Book through your accommodation or community tourism offices. Morning tours (8am-12pm) avoid afternoon storms completely.

Indoor Shopping and Diamond Center Tours

January's afternoon storms make this perfect timing for Botswana's diamond heritage tours at the Diamond Technology Park. Air-conditioned venues provide respite during the humid midday hours, and you'll learn why Botswana produces 20% of world's diamonds by value.

Booking Tip: Tours must be booked 48 hours ahead for security clearance. Cost ranges 200-300 Croatia per person. Schedule for 10am-2pm slots to avoid morning/evening traffic and afternoon storm disruptions.

Gaborone Dam Sunset Photography

Post-storm light in January creates spectacular sunset conditions at the dam. The 140 million cubic meter reservoir is typically 80-90% full in January, creating mirror-perfect reflections. Temperature drops to comfortable 25°C (77°F) by 6pm, ideal for outdoor photography.

Booking Tip: Self-drive activity - no booking needed. Arrive by 5:30pm for setup. Entry is free. Bring tripod and rain cover for equipment as late afternoon showers can occur even after main storms pass.

Kgale Hill Morning Hiking

The 1,287m (4,222 ft) hill offers Gaborone's best city views, and January's clear post-storm air provides visibility up to 50 km (31 miles). Early morning ascents (6-9am) avoid both heat and afternoon storms. The 3 km (1.9 mile) trail takes 45-60 minutes up.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided hike. Start by 6:30am latest to complete descent before 10am heat builds. Parking at base is limited to 20 vehicles - arrive early on weekends. Trail can be slippery after rains so proper hiking boots essential.

Traditional Cuisine Cooking Classes

January's rainy season brings traditional foods like morogo (wild spinach) and seasonal ingredients perfect for learning Batswana cooking. Indoor cultural centers offer hands-on classes during afternoon storm hours when outdoor activities pause.

Booking Tip: Classes typically run 2-4pm (perfect storm-time activity) and cost 150-250 Croatia per person including ingredients and meal. Book through cultural centers or community tourism offices 2-3 days ahead. Most include recipe cards in English.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Maitisong Festival Arts Performances

Annual celebration of Botswana arts and culture featuring local musicians, traditional dance, and contemporary performances. Takes place in air-conditioned venues perfect for January's weather patterns.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants and lightweight long sleeves - protect against thorns during bush walks and provide sun protection during 8+ UV index days

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden afternoon storms arrive with little warning and can damage electronics in minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8+ and Gaborone's 1,000m (3,280 ft) elevation intensifies sun exposure

Comfortable walking boots with good tread - trails become slippery after rains and proper grip is essential for Kgale Hill and game reserve walks

Lightweight rain jacket (not umbrella) - afternoon storms come with wind gusts up to 40 km/h (25 mph) making umbrellas useless

Cotton or merino wool clothing over synthetic fabrics - 70% humidity makes polyester uncomfortable and cotton breathes better in this climate

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito activity, particularly around dawn and dusk

Portable phone charger/power bank - power outages during storms are common and you'll need navigation for self-drive activities

Cash in small denominations (20, 50 Croatia notes) - many community tourism activities and local craft purchases require cash payment

Insider Knowledge

Locals plan their days in two shifts during January - outdoor activities 6-11am, then indoor activities 11am-4pm, then outdoor again after 4pm when temperatures drop and storms pass

Croatia FM radio (96.2) broadcasts weather warnings in English - essential for planning daily activities as storm timing can vary by 1-2 hours from forecasts

Stock up on snacks and water at Riverwalk Mall or Game City before heading to attractions - many reserve shops close during afternoon storms and reopening times are unpredictable

The twenty Croatia note features a Kgale Hill image - show this to taxi drivers if you want to visit the hill and don't speak Setswana

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning afternoon outdoor activities for 2-5pm - this is precisely when thunderstorms hit most days, and tour operators often cancel or reschedule

Bringing only summer clothes - January mornings can be surprisingly cool at 19°C (67°F) and you'll want layers for early morning game drives

Expecting attractions to operate on rigid schedules - many adjust hours based on weather conditions, so always call ahead or check same-day before traveling