Sanaa in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Sanaa

22°C (72°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season with minimal rainfall - only 5mm (0.2 inches) total makes it perfect for exploring the UNESCO Old City on foot without weather disruptions
Clear mountain air visibility reaches 15-20 km (9-12 miles) - ideal for photography of the surrounding Sarawat Mountains and traditional architecture
Mild daytime temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make walking the steep Old City streets comfortable, while cool evenings at 3°C (37°F) create perfect sleeping conditions at altitude
Traditional Yemeni winter foods are in season - freshly harvested coffee beans from nearby plantations and warming dishes like fahsa are at their peak flavor

Considerations

Extreme temperature swings from 22°C to 3°C (72°F to 37°F) require carrying layers throughout the day - you'll need both shorts and warm jackets
Tourist infrastructure remains extremely limited due to ongoing regional instability - many historical sites have restricted access and few international tour operators
Accommodation options are severely restricted with most international hotels closed - booking requires weeks of advance planning through local contacts

Best Activities in January

Old City Walking Tours

January's dry weather and comfortable 22°C (72°F) daytime temperatures make exploring Sanaa's UNESCO World Heritage Old City ideal. The 2,200m (7,218 ft) altitude feels manageable in cooler weather. Ancient suqs, traditional architecture, and the famous Bab al-Yemen gate are best experienced during the 8am-4pm window when lighting is optimal for photography.

Booking Tip: Arrange through established local guides 2-3 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost $30-50 per day including traditional lunch. Look for guides certified by the General Authority for Tourism. See current options in booking section below.

Traditional Coffee House Experiences

January coincides with fresh coffee harvest from nearby mountain plantations. Cool evening temperatures of 3°C (37°F) make warming up in traditional qahwa houses with freshly roasted Yemeni coffee and shisha perfect. Many coffee houses have rooftop terraces with impressive Old City views.

Booking Tip: Most coffee houses welcome walk-ins, but cultural tours including coffee experiences should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead through local cultural centers. Experiences typically cost $15-25 including traditional preparations.

Suq al-Milh Market Tours

January's cool mornings (starting around 7°C/45°F at dawn) align perfectly with market opening hours. The famous spice and traditional crafts market is most active 7am-11am before midday heat. Vendors are more willing to engage during cooler weather, making it ideal for cultural exchange and photography.

Booking Tip: Best experienced with local guides familiar with vendor relationships. Cultural market tours cost $20-35 and should be booked through established local operators. Avoid Friday mornings during prayer times.

Traditional Architecture Photography Tours

January's clear atmospheric conditions provide exceptional visibility for capturing Sanaa's famous gingerbread-style tower houses. Low humidity at 70% and minimal rainfall create optimal lighting conditions. The 22°C (72°F) daytime temperature allows comfortable walking with photography equipment through narrow Old City alleys.

Booking Tip: Specialized photography guides charge $40-60 per day and should be booked 2-3 weeks ahead. Best times are 8-10am and 3-5pm for optimal lighting. Include rooftop access permissions in tour arrangements.

Mountain Day Trips

Cool January weather makes day trips to surrounding Sarawat Mountains comfortable. Villages like Thula and Kawkaban are accessible via 1-2 hour drives. Clear weather provides impressive views back toward Sanaa and opportunities to visit traditional mountain communities and ancient fortifications.

Booking Tip: Mountain trips require 4WD vehicles and experienced drivers familiar with mountain roads. Day trips cost $80-120 for 2-4 people including vehicle, driver, and basic meals. Book 1-2 weeks ahead through established travel services.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Moulid al-Nabi Celebrations

Traditional celebrations marking Prophet Muhammad's birthday typically occur in January with special prayers, traditional foods, and cultural gatherings in Old City mosques. Features traditional Yemeni poetry, music, and communal meals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - temperatures swing 19°C (34°F) daily from 3°C to 22°C (37°F to 72°F)

Warm jacket or fleece for early morning and evening when temperatures drop to 3°C (37°F) at altitude

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Old City streets are stone and can be slippery, involve steep climbs up to 100m (328 ft) elevation changes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at 2,200m (7,218 ft) altitude creates intense sun exposure despite cool air temperatures

Light rain jacket for occasional brief showers - 10 rainy days typically bring short bursts rather than sustained rainfall

Conservative clothing covering arms and legs - long pants and long sleeves required for mosque visits and cultural respect

Cash in small bills - USD and Yemeni Rial, as credit card infrastructure is extremely limited

Power bank and universal adapter - electricity can be intermittent, especially in Old City accommodations

Water purification tablets or reliable water bottles - tap water safety varies significantly

Basic first aid kit including altitude sickness medication - 2,200m (7,218 ft) elevation affects some visitors

Insider Knowledge

Start walking tours by 8am to take advantage of cool morning temperatures and avoid afternoon heat - locals begin their day much earlier in January

Traditional Yemeni lunch (main meal) is served 1-3pm - restaurants may have limited options outside these hours, plan accordingly

Photography of people requires permission - offer to share photos via WhatsApp, which most locals use, to build rapport

Friday prayers 12-2pm mean many shops close - plan museum visits or indoor activities during this time

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature drops - many visitors pack only for warm weather and freeze during 3°C (37°F) evenings

Attempting to rush Old City exploration - the altitude of 2,200m (7,218 ft) plus steep stone streets require slower pace than sea-level cities

Not carrying cash - expecting credit card acceptance leads to inability to buy food, crafts, or pay for services