Things to Do in South Sudan in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in South Sudan
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with virtually no rain (only 1-2 rainy days all month) - perfect for wildlife viewing at Boma National Park and White Nile adventures
- Cool mornings and evenings (18-22°C/64-72°F) ideal for outdoor activities before 10am and after 5pm when temperatures soar
- Crystal clear skies provide exceptional photography conditions and unobstructed views across the vast landscapes and swamplands
- Wildlife congregates around permanent water sources making game viewing predictable - elephants, antelopes, and birds gather at Sudd wetlands watering holes
Considerations
- Extreme midday heat (33-38°C/91-100°F) forces indoor breaks between 11am-4pm, limiting sightseeing hours to early morning and late afternoon
- Dusty conditions from Harmattan winds create hazy skies and require frequent eye/respiratory protection, especially problematic for those with allergies
- Limited infrastructure means few air-conditioned refuges outside Juba - most lodges and camps rely on fans which provide minimal relief during peak heat
Best Activities in January
Sudd Wetlands Wildlife Viewing
January's dry season concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources in the world's largest tropical wetland. Early morning boat trips (6-9am) offer the best chance to spot shoebill storks, elephants, hippos, and over 400 bird species before temperatures become unbearable. The receding waters create natural viewing corridors impossible during rainy months.
White Nile River Adventures
January's low water levels reveal sandbanks and create calmer currents perfect for dugout canoe trips and riverbank camping. The dry weather means reliable conditions for multi-day river expeditions from Juba toward Bor. Fishing is excellent as fish concentrate in deeper pools, and you'll encounter local Dinka and Nuer communities engaged in dry season cattle grazing.
Boma National Park Safari Camping
January marks the beginning of the greatest wildlife migration remaining in East Africa as over one million antelope begin moving toward seasonal grazing grounds. Dry conditions make the park's limited road network accessible, though still challenging. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs follow the migrating herds creating exceptional predator viewing opportunities.
Traditional Market and Cultural Immersion
January's pleasant evenings make exploring Juba's Konyo Konyo Market and Wau's traditional markets comfortable after 5pm. Dry season brings increased trade activity as rural communities transport goods along improved dirt roads. Perfect time to witness traditional crafts, taste local sorghum beer, and interact with diverse ethnic groups including Dinka, Nuer, and Shilluk peoples.
Nimule National Park Border Adventures
January's dry conditions make the rough 192 km (119 mile) journey from Juba to Nimule manageable, though still requiring 4-6 hours. The park's location along the White Nile near Uganda border offers unique cross-border wildlife viewing. Elephants, buffalo, and hippos are easily spotted, and the Fola Rapids provide dramatic scenery impossible to access during wet months.
January Events & Festivals
Dry Season Cattle Camps
Throughout January, Dinka and Nuer pastoralists establish temporary cattle camps near permanent water sources. These camps offer authentic glimpses into South Sudan's pastoral culture with traditional songs, dances, and ceremonies. Visitors can witness ancient cattle-keeping traditions and understand the deep cultural significance of livestock in South Sudanese society.