What to expect when you travel to South Africa in January 

The first half of January is summer holiday time in South Africa. It’s the hottest month across the country and beaches and seaside towns are at their busiest. In the south and west, January is also the driest month of the year, but up towards Durban, and inland, the hot days almost always end in spectacular thunderstorms. This is especially true in Gauteng where January is Johannesburg’s wettest month. 

cape town_south_africa

Schools resume in the middle of January causing a huge increase in traffic on the national roads. It’s best not to travel on the weekend before schools return, but once the rush dies down, late January is a great time to explore the coast. Fewer people also means more accommodation options and prices are generally lower outside of the holiday period. In the Western Cape, the sun sets after 9:00 pm for most of January, with sunset in Johannesburg an hour earlier on average. The long evenings are ideal for beach picnics and evening barbecues (or braais) and the smoke and smell of cooking fires drifts from back gardens and braai areas everywhere. The west coast and central regions can be particularly hot at this time of year. Hot summer evenings in the semi-desert Karoo are spectacular, but daytime temperatures can easily exceed 40°C. The Kruger National Park and the other inland national parks are always an option, but while January’s lush vegetation is beautiful, it also makes the animals harder to spot. On the plus side, park gates operate from dawn to dusk so there’s as much as 2.5 hours’ more time for game drives in summer. If you would like to inquire about our car hire options, one of our consultants will readily assist with any questions you may have.

Events running in South Africa in January

January

The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts | Cape Town| 12 January-5 April

Ticket prices: R170-435

Pack your picnic bag and a blanket, the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are perfect for the whole family or a group of friends looking to enjoy some good music by some of South Africa’s finest musicians and artists. The concerts are also hosted in one of the world’s greatest botanic gardens, nestled along the eastern slopes of one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Couple this with great company and great music and you’ll be making memories to last a lifetime.

The Pinor Celebration| Hermanus| 24-25 January 

Ticket price: From R2995

If you’re a wine lover or maker, the Pinor Celebration in Hermanus is the perfect festival for you. The festival celebrates South Africa’s beloved premium export wine and offers bespoke tastings, network opportunities and seminars. If you’re interested in learning about wine while celebrating South Africa’s finest winemakers, then you should make your way to Hermanus on the 24th January 2020.

The Cricket Test Series | Johannesburg | 24 January

Ticket price: R266

The cricket test series takes place at the Wanderers Stadium in Illovo Johannesburg. South Africa vs England Cricket Test Series takes place on the 24th of January. You may buy tickets for as little as R100 to attend.

Whatever your destination, we will take care of your car rental needs by offering you the best service. Contact us to talk to our friendly car rental consultants.

 

Here are interesting things to do around South Africa:

 

 

romantic things to do in cape town durban and joburg