Eswatini in January

Hot, wet lowveld; Incwala may run into early January (check).

January is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• AprilGreatAutumn clarity; Easter queues at borders; 19 April King's birthday.
• MayGreatDry, clear and mild; Bushfire festival has been held in late May (check).
• JuneGreatCool dry season; good game viewing in the lowveld.
• JulyGreatSouth African school holidays fill Hlane and Mlilwane.

• Highveld · Mbabane, Malolotja, Piggs Peakrainy

  Misty, cool and green; summer storms and fog on the MR1; frosty winter nights.

• Middleveld · Ezulwini Valley, Lobamba, Manzini, Malkernsrainy

  Mild all year; most lodges, crafts and ceremonies are here.

• Lowveld · Hlane, Mkhaya, Mbuluzi, Big Bendhot

  Hot and humid Nov–Mar with some malaria risk; winter dry season concentrates game at waterholes.

• Lubombo plateau · Shewula, Mlawula, Sitekihot

  Border ridge with Mozambique; warm and dry in winter.

• Mbabane26 °C (79 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 13 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 13 rain days
• Lobamba30 °C (86 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 5 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 5 rain days
• Manzini28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 12 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• New Year's Day

  1 Jan

  Public holiday.

• Incwala

  Dec–Jan (set by the moon, announced late)

  Kingship ceremony; the main public day is a holiday; strict photo rules.

Crowds · Eswatini

Medium

Prices · Eswatini

Medium

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Eswatini, side by side.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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