January is a good time to visit the Whitsundays, despite falling during the wet season.
You can expect sunny skies, warm to hot temperatures and high humidity on most days, with tropical rain showers falling in the late afternoon or early evening.
How hot is it in the Whitsundays in January?
January is the hottest month in the Whitsundays. Daytime temperatures usually reach 30°C (86°F) but it's not unknown to hit 34°C (93°F) in the Whitsundays in January with high heat and humidity, falling to 25°C (77°F) at night.
What does the humidity feel like in the Whitsundays in January?
The average dew point temperature in the Whitsundays in January is 24°C (75°F), which can feel muggy and uncomfortable.
There are on average 30 days in January that may feel muggy.
How sunny is it in the Whitsundays in January?
There are normally nine hours of bright sunshine each day in the Whitsundays in January – that's around 69% of daylight hours.
Sunrise & sunset in January?
Sunrise is around 5:30am with sunset around 6:45pm.
How warm is the sea in the Whitsundays in January?
The average sea temperature in the Whitsundays in January is 28°C (82°F).
Does it rain in the Whitsundays in January?
There are usually 13 days with some rain in the Whitsundays in January and the average monthly rainfall is 260mm (10in).
Be prepared for thunder, lightning and heavy rainfall. It’s best to carry an umbrella or rain jacket.
How windy is it in the Whitsundays in January?
January sees an average wind speed of around 23km/h (14 mph; 12 knots).
The Whitsunday Islands are influenced by the South Pacific trade winds and consequently enjoy predominantly south-east and east winds. However, north-east winds occur with increasing frequency from September through to January.
What to do in the Whitsundays in January?
Despite the occasional rain shower, January is still a good time to enjoy the island’s beaches and hiking trails, as well as swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing.
Note: Be aware that the stinger season lasts from October to March. A lycra stinger suit should be worn when swimming in the Whitsundays during this time. The risk of being stung is small. Sharks are generally not regarded as a risk.
Local holidays?
New Year's Day – 1st Jan; Australia Day – 26th Jan.
This is the peak summer season on the Whitsundays – flights and hotel rooms need to be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
High Temp: 30°C (86°F) | |
Low Temp: 25°C (77°F) | |
Sunshine: 9 hours per day | |
13
|
Daylight: 13 hours per day |
Wind speed: 23 km/h (14 mph; 12 knots) | |
Wet Days: 13 days with some rain | |
Rainfall: 260 mm (10 in) per month | |
Comfort Level: High heat; ≤ 30 muggy days | |
11
|
UV Index: Extreme |
Sea Temp: 28°C (82°F) | |
Hamilton Island, Whitsundays |
For the best weather visit the Whitsundays anytime between May and November. However, late March through December are considered the best holiday months.
› Whitsundays weather overview
Source: Meteorological data for the Whitsundays is based on weather statistics gathered for the 30-year period 1991 to 2020 by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) from the closest weather station: Hamilton Island Airport (HTI), also known as Great Barrier Reef Airport.
Advice on the best time to visit a particular destination is based on average local weather statistics, when the weather conditions are generally better than at other times of the year. We consider high and low temperatures, risk of rain (and thunderstorms, etc.), amount of sunshine and sea temperature. For general outdoor activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 18°C (64°F) and 27°C (80°F); and for hot-weather activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (89°F). Often, the best times to visit correspond to high season and therefore involve higher prices. Dew point temperature measures moisture content in the atmosphere: a higher dew point feels more humid, while a lower dew point feels drier.
Latest update: Whitsundays weather in January: 12 June, 2024
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided as is, without any assurances as to its accuracy or suitability for any purpose. Weather data and conditions at any given location and time are unpredictable and variable. We assume no responsibility and can not be held legally responsible for any decisions made on the basis of the information presented on this site.
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