The month in detail
What to expect in January
January is peak dry season in Socotra. The air is warm and humidity more bearable than in the rainy season. Rain is virtually absent (3% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if February (9.2/10) remains theoretically better.
January ranks 4 out of 12 months in Socotra. Compared to December: 5 pts fewer rainy days.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
7 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
14°
Sea
27°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
11.3h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 39
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Socotra is February (9.2/10), 0.3 pt higher than January.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Socotra
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Socotra
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · Yemen
🗣️LanguageArabic
💶CurrencyRial yéménite (﷼)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘAt risk · 4/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthApril · 31°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 25°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMay · 21%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘSeason Nov-Apr
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Socotra ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
YemenTropical climate with a 9.2 → 5.8 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
12.47°N · 53.87°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Socotra?
February is the best month with 27.0°C highs, 16.0°C lows, 8.6h of sunshine and 3.0% rainy days. The months of February & March offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Socotra get in February?
Socotra averages 8.6 sunshine hours per day in February. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.9/10.
What is the rainiest month in Socotra?
May is the most unfavourable month with May has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Socotra in February?
In February, overnight lows reach 16.0°C, while afternoon highs average 27.0°C.
Is Socotra good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Socotra scores 8.6/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains February with a score of 8.9/10.
When should you avoid Socotra?
May is the most difficult month to visit Socotra, with May has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Socotra in January?
In January, the sea averages 27°C in Socotra: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Socotra in January?
The average UV index reaches 7 in January in Socotra (high), with about 11.3h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.