January weather forecast
Sierra Leone

January is characterized as the driest month of the year in Sierra Leone, with minimal rainfall throughout the country. Due to the tropical monsoon climate, precipitation levels are considerably low during this time, with the average rainfall typically less than 10mm (0.39"). This makes January a favourable month for outdoor activities and travel, due to reduced chances of rain-related disruptions.

In the capital city, Freetown, situated on the coast, temperatures in January range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). In the central and eastern parts of the country, temperatures may drop slightly lower during the night, due to the higher altitude in these regions. However, despite these minor variations, the overall weather conditions remain consistently warm across Sierra Leone in January, as befits its tropical monsoon climate.

Compared to December, the preceding month, January experiences a further reduction in rainfall, marking the peak of the dry season. In contrast, the following month, February, though still part of the dry season, sees a slight increase in rainfall as the country begins its gradual transition into the wet season.

Notably, January's favourable weather conditions and lower humidity levels contribute to a relatively low prevalence of mosquitoes, and therefore a decreased risk of malaria transmission. This factor, in conjunction with the warm, sunny days, makes January one of the most appealing months for tourism in Sierra Leone. However, visitors are advised to stay hydrated and wear sun protection due to the high daytime temperatures.

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• Freetown - January »
  With an average relative humidity of 68%, January is the least humid month in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The warmest period in Freetown tends to be January, when average temperatures fluctuate between a high of 31.4°C (88.5°F) and a low of 24.1°C (75.4°F).
• Koidu - January »
  The least humid month in Koidu is January, with an average relative humidity of 49%. With an average relative humidity of 49%, January is the least humid month in Koidu.
• Makeni - January »
  January, the first month of the year, graces Makeni, Sierra Leone with warm afternoons reaching up to 35.4°C (95.7°F) and considerably cooler nights with lows around 19.8°C (67.6°F). On the first day of January in Makeni, Sierra Leone, sunrise is at 07:02 and sunset at 18:40.
• Waterloo - January »
  In Waterloo, Sierra Leone, during January, the rain falls for 1.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 2mm (0.08") of precipitation. The least humid month in Waterloo is January, with an average relative humidity of 68%.
• Kabala - January »
  January brings a promising start to the new year in Kabala characterized by lower average temperatures and less humidity compared to the coming months. January through April, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Kabala, Sierra Leone.
• Kambia - January »
  The months with the highest UV index in Kambia, Sierra Leone, are January through June, September through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7. In Kambia during January, the rain falls for 1.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 2mm (0.08") of precipitation.
• Magburaka - January »
  January and February, with an average relative humidity of 58%, are the least humid months in Magburaka. January and February, with an average relative humidity of 58%, are the least humid months in Magburaka.
• Moyamba - January »
  The month with the least rainfall in Moyamba is January, when the rain falls for 3.8 days and typically collects 5mm (0.2") of precipitation. In Moyamba during January, the rain falls for 3.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 5mm (0.2") of precipitation.
• Kailahun - January »
  With an average relative humidity of 49%, January is the least humid month in Kailahun. With an average relative humidity of 49%, January is the least humid month in Kailahun.
• Bonthe - January »
  In Bonthe in January, the average water temperature is 28.1°C (82.6°F). In Bonthe, Sierra Leone, in January, the average water temperature is 28.1°C (82.6°F).