Libya in January: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for January
Average temperature across Libya in January.
City Weather in January
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tripoli, Libya | 17° | 8° | 65 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Benghazi | 17° | 10° | 55 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Misrata | 18° | 10° | 54 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Zliten | 18° | 9° | 50 mm | low | Cool |
| Al-Khums | 18° | 10° | 57 mm | low | Cool |
| Az Zāwīyah | 17° | 8° | 47 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Zawiya, Libya | 17° | 8° | 47 mm | moderate | Cool |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Tripolitania / Western Coast (Tripoli to Sabratha)
Along the coast around Tripoli the January air feels sharp and marine: days are cool and damp, with frequent rain and gusty winds off the Mediterranean. Storm fronts from the northwest bring the heaviest rain of the year, so expect wet streets in Tripoli, coastal ruins like Sabratha slick and muddy, and occasional service disruptions for ferries. Pack a waterproof jacket and layers; hotel and museum visits are comfortable and crowds are low compared with summer.
Jabal Nafusa (Nafusa Mountains and Hinterland)
January nights in the Nafusa range are noticeably colder than on the coast and early mornings can be near freezing at higher villages such as Nalut. Rainfall is concentrated in winter and upland slopes hold green patches; terraces and spring-fed streams are at their fullest after seasonal storms. Bring warm layers for dawn and sturdy boots - narrow mountain roads can be muddy after rain and some guesthouses keep basic heating.
Cyrenaica / Eastern Coast & Jabal al Akhdar (Benghazi to Derna)
January brings the wettest, coolest weather of the year to Cyrenaica’s coast and the Jabal al Akhdar highlands; Benghazi sees brisk, rainy days and the Green Mountain (Jabal al Akhdar) gets noticeably more precipitation and lushness. Archaeological sites such as Cyrene and Apollonia are quieter but can be muddy after storms, so waterproof shoes and a warm layer are essential. Coastal winds make evenings feel colder than the thermometer suggests, and ferry services may be disrupted during strong winter lows.
Fezzan & Central Sahara (Sabha, Ghat, Murzuq)
January in Fezzan is dry and pleasantly warm by day but nights can be sharp, especially around Sabha and Ghat where desert lows may approach freezing. The clear, dry air gives excellent visibility for dunes and rock-art sites; early mornings are best for excursions to Erg Murzuq. Bring warm layers for night camps and expect sparse services outside main towns.
Kufra & Southeastern Oases (Kufra, Jalu, Tazerbo)
January mornings in the Kufra basin are cold and crystalline, with very dry air and bright skies; daytime warmth makes for comfortable travel but nights require a warm jacket. The network of oases feels remote and quiet this month, ideal for photography of palm groves and traditional architecture. Plan for minimal services and carry extra supplies; roads to Jalu and Tazerbo can be rough but are usually passable in winter.