Khartoum in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Khartoum

31°C (87°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with virtually zero rainfall - perfect for exploring outdoor markets and Blue And White Nile Confluence without weather disruptions
Cooler mornings and evenings (16°C/60°F) make early morning visits to archaeological sites like Old Sudan comfortable before midday heat
Clear skies provide excellent visibility for Nile boat trips and photography at the confluence where the rivers meet
January is harvest season - local markets overflow with fresh dates, citrus fruits, and traditional foods at their seasonal peak

Considerations

Midday temperatures reach 31°C (87°F) with intense UV (index 8) making afternoon outdoor activities challenging without proper sun protection
Dust storms can occur with little warning, reducing visibility and affecting those with respiratory sensitivities
Limited accommodation options due to ongoing political situation - book verified properties well in advance

Best Activities in January

Blue and White Nile Confluence Boat Tours

January's dry weather and clear skies provide perfect conditions to see the dramatic color difference where the two Niles meet. Morning tours (7-9am) avoid midday heat and offer the best lighting for photography. The 70% humidity makes early morning surprisingly comfortable on the water.

Booking Tip: Book through established riverside operators 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 SDG and last 2-3 hours. Ensure boat includes shade cover and life jackets. Morning departures fill up fastest in dry season.

Traditional Souq Market Walking Tours

January's dry conditions mean dusty market stalls are at their cleanest, and harvest season brings the year's best selection of dates, spices, and local produce. Early morning visits (6-8am) before 31°C heat allow comfortable browsing of covered and open-air sections.

Booking Tip: Join guided walking tours or explore independently. Guided tours cost 8,000-15,000 SDG for 2-3 hours. Best visited Tuesday-Thursday when stock is freshest. Bring small denominations for purchases.

Archaeological Site Day Trips

Cool morning temperatures (16°C/60°F) make January ideal for exploring outdoor archaeological sites like Sudan Pyramids and Naga ruins. Clear, dry weather provides excellent conditions for photography and comfortable walking before afternoon heat peaks.

Booking Tip: Book full-day trips 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Costs typically 40,000-60,000 SDG including transport and guide. Start early (6am departures) to maximize cool-weather exploration time.

Nile Riverside Evening Walks

January evenings cool to comfortable 16°C (60°F) making riverside promenades and tea houses perfect for unwinding. Clear skies offer beautiful sunset views over the Nile, and dry conditions mean well-maintained walking paths.

Booking Tip: No booking required - simply arrive at Blue or Juba waterfront areas after 5pm. Traditional tea costs 500-1,000 SDG. Avoid Friday evenings when areas are most crowded with local families.

Traditional Coffee Culture Tours

January's pleasant morning temperatures make coffee house visits comfortable, and locals gather more frequently during dry season. Experience traditional coffee preparation and local breakfast before the day heats up.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours available through local guides cost 10,000-18,000 SDG for 3-4 hour morning experiences. Best scheduled 8-11am when coffee houses are most active. Ask for tours including traditional breakfast.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to Late January

Harvest Festival Celebrations

Local communities celebrate the date and citrus harvest with traditional music, food, and market celebrations. Experience authentic Sudanese culture and sample seasonal foods at their peak.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High SPF sunscreen (50+) and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 even in 'cooler' January weather

Lightweight long sleeves and pants in natural fabrics - protects from sun while staying cool in 31°C (87°F) heat

Light layers for 15°C (27°F) temperature swings between morning (16°C/60°F) and midday (31°C/87°F)

Dust mask or bandana - January dust storms can arise suddenly and affect breathing

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - market areas and archaeological sites have uneven surfaces

Water bottle (2L capacity minimum) - dry air and heat increase dehydration risk significantly

Power bank and universal adapter - electricity can be intermittent, especially during peak usage

Cash in small denominations - card payment limited, and market vendors need exact change

Electrolyte packets - 70% humidity plus heat leads to faster mineral loss than expected

Lightweight rain jacket - despite low rainfall, brief showers can occur and markets offer limited shelter

Insider Knowledge

Visit the Nile confluence at 7am - tour boats arrive by 9am and the lighting and crowd-free experience is dramatically better early

January is date harvest season - buy fresh dates directly from farm trucks parked near major markets for half the tourist price

Many Khartoum residents visit family in other regions during January school holidays, meaning less crowded local transport and restaurants

Dust storms typically build afternoon and clear overnight - if you see hazy conditions developing, head indoors by 2pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the morning cold - 16°C (60°F) feels quite chilly after months of heat, yet tourists pack only summer clothes

Planning outdoor activities during midday peak heat (11am-3pm) instead of taking advantage of comfortable morning and evening temperatures

Not carrying enough cash - card acceptance is limited and ATMs frequently out of service, leaving tourists unable to pay for basic services