January weather forecast
New Zealand

January marks the peak of summer in New Zealand, experiencing some of the highest temperatures of the year. The North Island, particularly in regions such as Auckland and Wellington, enjoys an average temperature of 20°C (68°F), while the South Island experiences slightly cooler conditions, with average temperatures around 16°C (60.8°F) in cities such as Christchurch and Dunedin.

In terms of geographical variations, the far north of the North Island tends to have sub-tropical weather conditions, characterized by warmer temperatures and higher humidity. On the other hand, regions such as Central Otago and Canterbury's interior on the South Island are more temperate but can experience occasional spikes in temperature due to the Foehn winds.

Compared to December, January experiences similar temperature ranges but with slightly higher averages, making it one of the warmest months of the year. Rainfall remains relatively low, providing favorable conditions for outdoor activities. The sunshine duration is still substantial, offering between six to eight hours of daylight per day, a slight decrease from the longer days experienced in December.

The South Island's coastal areas, particularly in the regions around Rangiora and Marlborough, have been known to record high temperatures in January. The record being 42.4°C (108.3°F) set on February 7, 1973, indicating that the heat in these areas can sometimes reach extreme levels.

While the sea temperatures are generally comfortable for swimming, ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), it is essential to note the increased risk of tropical cyclones during this month. Despite this, January remains a popular month for tourism, especially for beach-goers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Looking forward, the climate in February remains similar to that of January, with high temperatures and lower rainfall, offering an extended summer season for visitors and locals alike.

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• Auckland - January »
  The months with the highest UV index in Auckland are January through April and December, with an average maximum UV index of 5. In Auckland, in January, the average water temperature is 20.3°C (68.5°F).
• Wellington - January »
  Wellington, New Zealand, measures an average high-temperature of a still enjoyable 18.5°C (65.3°F) in January, nearly consistent with the preceding month. A summer month in Wellington, January paints a picture of warm days and relatively comfortable nights.
• Christchurch - January »
  In Christchurch in January, the average water temperature is 15.8°C (60.4°F). A typical start to the year in Christchurch January welcomes locals and visitors alike with higher temperatures and a pleasing humidity level.
• Hamilton - January »
  On the first day of January in Hamilton sunrise is at 5:59 am and sunset at 8:44 pm. On the last day of January, in Hamilton, sunrise is at 6:30 am and sunset at 8:33 pm NZDT.
• Tauranga - January »
  The months with the least rainfall in Tauranga are January and November Rain falls for 12.6 days and accumulates 45mm (1.77") of rain. The months with the lowest humidity in Tauranga are January through March and November, with an average relative humidity of 79%.
• Napier - January »
  Napier's temperature records reveal January as the warmest month, marked by average highs of 24.5°C (76.1°F) and lows of 14.6°C (58.3°F). Napier's warmest month, January, registers temperatures that range from a high of 24.5°C (76.1°F) to a low of 14.6°C (58.3°F).
• Dunedin - January »
  January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the highest UV index in Dunedin, New Zealand. On the first day of January in Dunedin, New Zealand, sunrise is at 5:51 am and sunset at 9:31 pm.
• Palmerston North - January »
  The least humid month in Palmerston North is January, with an average relative humidity of 75.3%. With an average relative humidity of 75.3%, January is the least humid month in Palmerston North.
• Nelson - January »
  In Nelson in January, it is raining for 6.8 days, with typically 77mm (3.03") of accumulated precipitation. In January, Nelson experiences a minor shift in meteorological conditions with average high-temperatures marked at a still pleasant 22.4°C (72.3°F), closely mirroring the climate in December.
• Rotorua - January »
  The months with the highest UV index in Rotorua are January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 5. The least humid month in Rotorua is January, with an average relative humidity of 78%.
• New Plymouth - January »
  In the month of January, the nighttime temperature in New Plymouth dips to a steady average of 13.8°C (56.8°F). The months with the highest UV index in New Plymouth are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 11.
• Whangarei - January »
  In Whangarei in January, it is raining for 7.9 days, with typically 28mm (1.1") of accumulated precipitation. January's arrival in Whangarei registers an average high-temperature of a still agreeable 22.7°C (72.9°F), closely aligning with the temperature of the previous month.