January is outside the preferred season for Mana Pools; most visitors choose August to October.
Weather in Mana Pools in January
Average highs in January are around 32°C, dropping to about 22°C at night. This is the rainy season, so expect frequent showers and occasionally harder roads.
What happens in January
Rainy season: large parts of the park close to vehicles and few camps operate.
Experience quality this month is 2 out of 5, and visitor levels are very quiet. The best period overall is August to October.
What to pack
- neutral-coloured layers
- a rain jacket and a dry bag for your camera
- insect repellent and long sleeves for the evening
- binoculars for distant wildlife
Mana Pools through the year
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| February | 22–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| March | 22–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| April | 19–31 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 15–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 12–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 12–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| August | 15–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 20–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 24–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 24–35 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 23–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
Other good choices in January
- Bwindi Uganda
- Ngorongoro Tanzania
- Serengeti Tanzania
- Volcanoes Rwanda
- Lake Nakuru Kenya
- Murchison Falls Uganda
Mana Pools in DecemberBest safaris in JanuaryMana Pools in February
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Mana Pools?
January is outside the preferred season for Mana Pools; most visitors choose August to October.
What is the weather like in Mana Pools in January?
Highs around 32°C, rainy season.
Is Mana Pools busy in January?
Visitor levels in January are very quiet.
Sources: ZimParks - Mana Pools National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mana Pools, Sapi and Chewore · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.