Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 14h
What to expect

January lands in the heart of summer in Rotorua, where the weather is warming up. Daytime highs average 22°C / 72°F, dropping to 14°C / 57°F at night.

Skies are often changeable, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 14 wet days). The sun is very strong at this time of year, making sun protection essential during the day.

Statistically, this is the driest month historically.

January in context

How it compares to the rest of the year in Rotorua.

Hottest (avg)
#2 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#1 / 12
Daylight Hours
#2 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#9 / 12
Highest UV
#1 / 12
Most Humid
#12 / 12

Temperature

Daytime high
Nighttime low
Feels like (avg)

Sunshine

Daylight
14.5 hours
UV index (max)
9
Typical sun hours
06:09 – 20:37

Rain & Snow

Total
Rainy days
14
Cloud cover
60%
Snowfall

Humidity & Wind

Humidity (avg)
77%
Wind (avg)
Wind (max gusts)

Frequently asked questions

Is January a good time to visit Rotorua?

Typical January days in Rotorua reach highs of 22°C (72°F) with nights around 14°C (57°F). It usually feels warm by day and cool after dark. It is one of the drier months, which suits outdoor exploring and sightseeing.

What are temperatures like in January?

Daytime temperatures in January typically peak near 22°C (72°F), while nights drop to around 14°C (57°F). Expect warm afternoons and cool evenings.

How much does it rain in January?

Rainfall in January averages 101 mm (4.0 in) across roughly 14 days. Overall it is a quite rainy time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.

How many hours of daylight are there in January?

You can expect about 14 hours of daylight in January. Sunrise is typically around 06:09 and sunset near 20:37. You get long days with comfortable amounts of daylight.

How strong is the sun in January?

UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 9), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.

Is it windy in January?

In January, average wind speeds are around 12 km/h (7 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 59 km/h (37 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.

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