Pretoria in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Pretoria

29°C (84°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

119 mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak jacaranda season - the entire city transforms into purple great destination from early to mid-January, with Union Buildings gardens and Herbert Baker Street offering the most spectacular displays
Perfect hiking weather before 11am - morning temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) make Wonderboom Nature Reserve and Groenkloof Nature Reserve ideal for wildlife viewing when animals are most active
Summer fruit season at peak - local markets overflow with mangoes, litchis, and granadillas at rock-bottom prices (R15-25/kg compared to R60+ in winter)
Outdoor dining season - evening temperatures drop to comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) by 6pm, perfect for Hatfield Square and Brooklyn Mall outdoor restaurants without winter's biting cold

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5pm, often violent with hail and flooding in low-lying areas like Sunnyside - indoor backup plans essential
University students return mid-January, causing accommodation prices in Hatfield and Arcadia to spike 40-60% and restaurant crowds to triple
Extreme UV exposure - Pretoria's 1,339m (4,393 ft) altitude intensifies UV rays, causing sunburn in under 15 minutes even on cloudy days

Best Activities in January

Union Buildings and Government Precinct Tours

January offers the perfect combination of jacaranda blooms and comfortable morning temperatures for exploring South Africa's administrative capital. The gardens are at their most photogenic, and morning visits (8-10am) avoid both crowds and afternoon storms. The Nelson Mandela statue area provides impressive city views in clear morning light.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided access daily, or join guided heritage tours (typically R150-250 per person) that run 2-3 hours. Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead during jacaranda season. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Cullinan Diamond Mine Historical Tours

January's clear morning skies provide optimal visibility for the 40km (25-mile) drive to this working diamond mine where the world's largest diamond was found. Underground tours stay cool during hot afternoons, and the surface museum visits work perfectly before daily 2pm thunderstorms hit.

Booking Tip: Underground tours require advance booking (typically R280-420 per person) and run Tuesday-Sunday. Book 7-10 days ahead as group sizes are limited to 20 people. Tours include 45-minute underground experience plus surface exhibits.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve Game Drives

January's summer rains create lush grasslands attracting game to open areas, making wildlife viewing exceptional. Early morning drives (6:30-9:30am) offer the best animal activity before heat sets in, with excellent chances of seeing white rhino, Buffalo, and over 240 bird species in breeding plumage.

Booking Tip: Self-drive entry costs R65 per adult, or guided game drives typically R450-650 per person including transport from Pretoria. Reserve accommodates day visitors and overnight stays. Book guided drives 5-7 days ahead for weekend slots.

Pretoria Art Museum and Cultural District Walking

January's afternoon storms make this the perfect month for indoor cultural exploration. The air-conditioned museum houses South Africa's largest art collection, while the surrounding Arcadia district offers covered walkways between galleries, craft shops, and cafes during afternoon downpours.

Booking Tip: Museum entry R30 for adults, free guided tours Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11am. Walking tours of cultural district typically R120-180 per person for 2-3 hours. Book cultural walking tours through local operators listed in booking section below.

Wonderboom Nature Reserve Hiking

January mornings offer perfect hiking conditions with temperatures in the low 20s°C (low 70s°F) and excellent visibility. The 2.5km (1.6-mile) trail to the ancient baobab tree takes 1.5 hours and must be completed before afternoon storms. Summer rains bring out colorful wildflowers and active birdlife.

Booking Tip: Entry R25 per adult, trails open 6am-6pm daily. No booking required for day hiking, but arrive by 8am to complete longer trails before weather changes. Guided botanical walks available weekends (typically R85-120 per person).

Hazel Food Market and Menlyn Park Shopping

January's afternoon storms make covered markets and shopping centers essential. Hazel Food Market offers the city's best artisanal food scene, while Menlyn Park provides complete shopping with indoor entertainment options. Both feature excellent air conditioning during humid spells.

Booking Tip: Hazel Food Market operates Thursday-Sunday with peak hours 10am-3pm. Entry is free, food costs R45-120 per dish. Menlyn Park open daily with extended hours. Food tours of local markets typically R280-380 per person including tastings.

January Events & Festivals

Early to mid January

Jacaranda Festival

Though the official festival runs October-November, January still catches the spectacular late-blooming trees throughout the city. Self-guided jacaranda routes through suburbs like Waterkloof and along Herbert Baker Street offer incredible photo opportunities without festival crowds.

Mid to late January

University of Pretoria Summer Orientation

While not a tourist event, this significantly impacts the city from mid-January onwards. Hatfield transforms into a busy student hub with extended restaurant hours, pop-up markets, and increased nightlife activity, offering visitors a glimpse into student culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon thunderstorms are sudden and intense, lasting 20-45 minutes with heavy downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8+ due to 1,339m (4,393 ft) altitude, causing burns within 15 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, synthetic fabrics become unbearable by midday

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - summer rains make pavements and hiking trails slippery, especially around Union Buildings

Light layers for temperature swings - mornings start at 18°C (64°F) but reach 29°C (84°F) by afternoon, then drop quickly after storms

Compact umbrella - essential for sudden downpours when caught between buildings or waiting for transport

Insect repellent containing DEET - summer rains increase mosquito activity, particularly around Rietvlei wetlands and botanical areas

Waterproof phone case or ziplock bag - protect electronics during unexpected storms while sightseeing outdoors

Cash in small denominations - many local markets, nature reserves, and informal vendors don't accept cards, entrance fees typically R25-65

Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated in humid conditions but avoid tap water, refill at hotels or buy bottled water

Insider Knowledge

Shop for summer fruits at Boeremark on Saturday mornings - locals arrive by 7am for the best mangoes and litchis at prices 60% cheaper than supermarkets, plus you'll experience authentic Afrikaner culture

Plan outdoor activities for 7-11am window - this gives you 4 hours of perfect weather before heat and humidity become uncomfortable, and you'll beat both tourist and local crowds

Use the Gautrain from OR Tambo Airport to Hatfield station (R165, 45 minutes) rather than road transfer - January traffic is particularly heavy with returning university students, and the train offers reliable timing

Book accommodation in Brooklyn or Waterkloof rather than Hatfield after mid-January - student return causes noise levels and prices to spike dramatically in the university district, while these suburbs remain quiet and affordable

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning afternoon outdoor activities - most tourists don't realize how violent and sudden January thunderstorms can be, often getting caught in dangerous lightning and hail situations

Underestimating UV exposure on cloudy days - the high altitude means even overcast skies allow dangerous UV levels through, causing severe sunburn for unprepared visitors

Booking accommodation in Hatfield after January 15th without research - university students return and transform the quiet area into a noisy, crowded district with inflated prices