January weather forecast
Cairns, Australia

January marks the start of the year with high temperatures and abundant rainfall in Cairns, Australia. There is a mix of hot, humid weather and rainy spells throughout the month. January presents the highest relative humidity with 80%, resulting in frequent afternoon shower events. Thunderstorm activities are common given the high humidity. The precipitation is notably high from 162mm (6.38") to that of the subsequent month.

Temperature

The arrival of January in Cairns, Australia, marks a slight shift to an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 29.3°C (84.7°F) from December's 29.2°C (84.6°F). A mild drop to an average of 24.3°C (75.7°F) marks the nights in Cairns during January.

Heat index

During January, the heat index is calculated to be a sweltering 36°C (96.8°F). Take additional safety steps, risk of heat exhaustion and heat cramps is notable. Prolonged activity may cause heatstroke.
One should consider that heat index numbers are for shaded settings and light wind. The direct sun can potentially cause the heat index to increase by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'feels like', is the result of factoring in humidity to the air temperature, indicating perceived warmth. A person's impression of weather can be affected by numerous aspects, among them metabolic variations, pregnancy, and activity levels. Be mindful that being in direct sunlight might mean feeling hotter, with the heat index rising by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are quite important for babies and toddlers. Young ones are generally more prone to risk than adults due to their reduced ability to sweat. Their large skin surface area relative to their diminutive bodies and elevated heat production from their activities further enhance this risk.
In high temperatures, perspiration kicks in, allowing the human body to cool down through the evaporation of sweat. With a lot of moisture in the air, the evaporation process is not as effective, and the body does not cool down as efficiently, creating a perception of overheating. When body temperature rises due to an imbalance in heat gain, there's a potential for dehydration and overheating.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in January is 80%.

Rainfall

The month with the most rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 22.4 days and typically aggregates up to 162mm (6.38") of precipitation.

Sea temperature

January is the month with the warmest seawater in Cairns, Australia, with an average sea temperature of 29.5°C (85.1°F).
Note: Water temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 29°C (84.2°F) are ideal for all water activities, offering enjoyment without causing discomfort over extended periods.

Daylight

The average length of the day in January in Cairns is 13h and 1min.
On the first day of January, sunrise is at 5:46 am and sunset at 6:53 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:04 am and sunset at 6:56 pm AEST.

Sunshine

In January, the average sunshine is 8.9h.

UV index

The months with the highest UV index in Cairns are January, February and November, with an average maximum UV index of 7. A UV Index estimate of 6 to 7 represents a high health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for average individuals.
Note: During January, 7 as the daily maximum UV index converts into the following advice:
Avert overexposure. Light-skinned people might experience burning in less than 20 minutes. Seek shade and minimize exposure to direct Sun in a period between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV radiation is most intense; keep in mind that shade structures like parasols or canopies do not provide perfect sun protection. On bright days sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays should be worn. A hat with a wide brim is extremely helpful, as it can prevent roughly 50% of UV radiation from reaching the eyes. Be cautious! Sand and water surfaces make the Sun's UV rays more potent.