When to go · Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei in January
Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Feb (extreme heat, 40°C (104°F)+ days).Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Feb (extreme heat, 104°F (40°C)+ days).
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Temperature
- 36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C) / 18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 3
- Crowds
- Medium
- Namibia overall
- Prices
- Medium
- Namibia overall
Verdict
Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Feb (extreme heat, 40°C (104°F)+ days).Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Feb (extreme heat, 104°F (40°C)+ days).
Is another month better than January?
January is rated avoid. These months rate higher:
- AprilGreatInside Sossusvlei's best window: Apr–Oct (dry, clear, cooler nights).
- MayGreatInside Sossusvlei's best window: Apr–Oct (dry, clear, cooler nights).
- JuneGreatInside Sossusvlei's best window: Apr–Oct (dry, clear, cooler nights).
- JulyGreatInside Sossusvlei's best window: Apr–Oct (dry, clear, cooler nights).
Weather in January
- SossusvleiHighs around 36 °C (97 °F), lows around 18 °C (64 °F), rain on about 3 daysHighs around 97 °F (36 °C), lows around 64 °F (18 °C), rain on about 3 days
- Namib Desert, Namibia · Sossusvlei, Sesriem, NamibRandhot
Summer days above 40 °C (104 °F) in the dunes; winter days warm, nights cold. Rain is rare.Summer days above 104 °F (40 °C) in the dunes; winter days warm, nights cold. Rain is rare.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Namibia overall
- Medium
- Prices · Namibia overall
- Medium
Namibia overall: Hot, first big storms; South African holidaymakers till mid-month.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Sossusvlei, side by side.
Verdict
Jan: Avoid
Apr: Great (better)
Daytime high
Jan: 36 °C (97 °F)97 °F (36 °C)
Apr: 30 °C (86 °F)86 °F (30 °C)
Night low
Jan: 18 °C (64 °F)64 °F (18 °C)
Apr: 13 °C (55 °F)55 °F (13 °C)
Rain days
Jan: 3
Apr: 2 (better)
Crowds
Jan: Medium
Apr: Low
Prices
Jan: Medium
Apr: Medium
Festivals listed
Jan: 0
Apr: 1
January: Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Feb (extreme heat, 40°C+ days).
April: Inside Sossusvlei's best window: Apr–Oct (dry, clear, cooler nights).
Sossusvlei: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen