Weather in New Zealand in January

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Visiting New Zealand in January

January is one of the best months to visit New Zealand for the best beach weather. It has the most sunshine and best sunbathing and swimming conditions of the year.

The weather in January is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into February. January has average maximum temperatures of 21°C (71°F) which is nice and warm and makes sunbathing pleasant on clear days. The sunshine percentage is 50.8% making it quite sunny but with occasional periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 7.4 hours of sunshine per day.

January has total rainfall of 3cm (1.2inches) making it predominantly dry with occasional light showers on very few days. There are just 8.5 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of rain free clear days.

Sea temperatures are a chilly 19°C (66°F). January is a little too cold to enjoy swimming in New Zealand for prolonged periods of time. The sea temperature in January is warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into February.

Also consider visiting New Zealand in one of the other best months of February, March, December, for the best beach weather. Also consider one of our other suggestions for January.

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Can you sunbathe in New Zealand in January?

Yes, January is a good time for sunbathing in New Zealand.

January has average maximum temperatures of 21°C (71°F) which is nice and warm and makes sunbathing pleasant on clear days. The sunshine percentage is 50.8% making it quite sunny but with occasional periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 7.4 hours of sunshine per day. January has total rainfall of 3cm (1.2inches) making it predominantly dry with occasional light showers on very few days. There are just 8.5 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of rain free clear days.

More about January temperature and sunshine.

Can you swim in New Zealand in January?

Probably not, January is a little too cold to enjoy swimming in New Zealand for prolonged periods of time with the sea water at 19°C (66°F).

More about January sea temperatures.

Is January a good time to holiday in New Zealand?

Yes, January is a good time for a holiday in New Zealand.

January has average maximum temperatures of 21°C (71°F) which is nice and warm and makes sunbathing pleasant on clear days. The sunshine percentage is 50.8% making it quite sunny but with occasional periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 7.4 hours of sunshine per day. January has total rainfall of 3cm (1.2inches) making it predominantly dry with occasional light showers on very few days. There are just 8.5 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of rain free clear days. Sea temperatures are a chilly 19°C (66°F). January is a little too cold to enjoy swimming in New Zealand for prolonged periods of time.

More about the January temperatures and sunshine.

Is New Zealand warm in January?

Yes, New Zealand is nice and warm and makes sunbathing pleasant on clear days in January.

The average maximum temperature in New Zealand in January is 21°C (71°F). The average maximum temperature is 20°C (68°) in the previous month and 22°C (72°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in New Zealand in January is 17°C (63°F). The average temperature is 16°C (61°F) in the previous month and 18°C (64°F) in the next month.

More info about the January temperatures and sunshine.

How sunny is New Zealand in January?

The average day light hours per day in New Zealand in January are 14.5. The sunshine percentage is 50.8% making it quite sunny but with occasional periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 7.4 hours of sunshine per day.

More about January sunshine.

Temperature in New Zealand in January

The weather in January is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into February. The average maximum temperature in New Zealand in January is 21°C (71°F). The average maximum temperature is 20°C (68°F) in the previous month and 22°C (72°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in New Zealand in January is 17°C (63°F). The average temperature is 16°C (61°F) in the previous month and 18°C (64°F) in the next month.

The average minimum temperature in New Zealand in January is 14°C (58°F). The minimum temperature is 14°C (56°F) in the previous month and 15°C (58°F) in the next month.

Sunshine in New Zealand in January

The days in January are marginally shorter than the previous month and days continue to get slightly shorter into February. January has less hours of sunshine than the previous month and hours of sunshine continue to drop into February. During January the average day light hours are 14.5 per day in New Zealand. The sunshine percentage is 50.8% making it quite sunny but with occasional periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 7.4 hours of sunshine per day.

The ultraviolet index in New Zealand in January is typically 12.8 during January. An ultraviolet index reading above 11 indicates an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Unprotected skin risks burning in less than 10 minutes. Take all precautions because unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes. Tanning will be safest before 10am and after 4pm but only with a good application of sun screen. For those with sensitive skin stay in the shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. Watch out for relections from water that may increase ultraviolet exposure.

Sea Temperature in New Zealand in January

The average sea water temperature in New Zealand in January is 18.8°C (65.8°F) which is cool for swimming, shorty wetsuit may help you extend your time in the water. The sea temperature in January is warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into February.

Rainfall in New Zealand in January

January weather is slightly drier than the previous month. January has far fewer days of rain than the previous month. The average total rainfall in New Zealand in January is 3cm (1.2inches) and on average there are 8.5 rainy days in January making it a quite rainy time to visit the beach.

Humidity in New Zealand in January

The maximum dew point (an indicator of humidity) in New Zealand in January is 11°C (51°F) which is very comfortable. The dew point is 10°C (51°F) in the previous month and 11°C (11°F) in the next month.

The average maximum relative humidity in New Zealand in January is typically 57.3%. The maximum relative humidity is 59.4% in the previous month and 58.3% in the next month.

The average relative humidity in New Zealand in January is typically 46.8%. The average relative humidity is 49.8% in the previous month and 47.5% in the next month.

Wind Speed in New Zealand in January

The average maximum wind speed in New Zealand in January is typically 18KM/H (11MPH). The average maximum wind speed is 18KM/H (11MPH) in the previous month and 17KM/H (10MPH) in the next month.

The average wind speed in New Zealand in January is typically 10KM/H (6MPH). The average wind speed is 11KM/H (7MPH) in the previous month and 9KM/H (6MPH) in the next month.

The average wind direction in New Zealand in January is from the South.

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Monthly Averages

Suggested Beaches in January

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Beaches recommended for you today, this weekend, in the next 2 weeks or in any month of the year.

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Need Inspiration?

Beaches recommended for you today, this weekend, in the next 2 weeks or in any month of the year.