January Weather in Melbourne, Australia

Last updated: February 25, 2025

January in Melbourne, Australia, showcases a dynamic climate, with maximum temperatures soaring up to 43°C (110°F), offering a taste of the Australian summer heat. The monthly average temperature settles comfortably at 21°C (70°F), while nighttime brings relief with a minimum dipping to 9°C (49°F). Despite the warm conditions, the city experiences a modest 42 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over five rainy days, maintaining a humidity level of 43% that adds a hint of mugginess to the air. This blend of weather patterns makes January in Melbourne both vibrant and varied, tempting visitors with its summer charm.

January Temperature in Melbourne

January in Melbourne is a month of striking contrasts, showcasing the city’s dynamic climate with a temperature range that captures summer’s essence. With a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), days can turn scorching, peaking at a sweltering 43°C (110°F). This warmth sets the stage for Melbourne’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle, inviting locals and visitors alike to bask in the sunny days. However, there’s a noticeable trend as the month draws to a close; temperatures begin to cool slightly into February, signaling the gradual transition into autumn. As you experience January’s heat, you’ll find a blend of excitement and relief in the brisk evenings, making it a quintessential summer escapade in one of Australia’s most compelling cities.

January Weather in Melbourne: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Melbourne, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec696766605450495054586265
Data source: Temperature data for Melbourne generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Melbourne

In January, Melbourne experiences a modest precipitation total of 42 mm (1.6 in), typically spread over just five days of rain. This sets the tone for the warmer months, as rainfall begins to increase gradually heading into February, where it rises slightly to 44 mm (1.7 in). Interestingly, the number of rainy days decreases in February, suggesting more intense showers within a shorter period, a trend that continues as the seasons shift. By April, rainfall reaches 51 mm (2.0 in), coinciding with an uptick in rainy days, reflecting the transition toward the wetter autumn months. Ultimately, this pattern reveals how January serves as a relatively dry precursor to what typically becomes a more hydrated and dynamic weather cycle in Melbourne as the year progresses.

January Precipitation Trends in Melbourne

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Melbourne, with values for each month alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec424440515754465864745874
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Melbourne

In January, Melbourne experiences its warm summer days characterized by a humidity level of 43%, the lowest of the year. This relatively moderate humidity sets the stage for the heat, providing a pleasant atmosphere for outdoor activities. As the month transitions into February, the humidity rises slightly to 49%, signaling the onset of a more humid season. By March, the trend continues, with humidity reaching 60%, and further climbing through the months, peaking at 83% in July. This upward trajectory in humidity illustrates a marked shift towards the more tropical conditions typical of Melbourne's winter months. Interestingly, as the year progresses to the more temperate months of spring and back to summer, humidity begins its gradual decline, ending the year at 50% in December, creating a cycle that highlights the city's changing climate patterns.

January Average Humidity in Melbourne

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Melbourne, with January's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how January's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec43%49%60%71%79%82%83%79%72%61%59%50%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Melbourne

In January, Melbourne experiences its highest UV Index of 14, signaling an extreme exposure category where just 10 minutes of sun can lead to skin burns. This intensity continues into February and March with UV Index values of 12 and 11, respectively, maintaining the urgent need for sun protection. As the year progresses, the UV Index gradually decreases, dipping to 7 in April and 4 in May, easing the risk to high and moderate categories, with burn times extending to 25 and 30 minutes. By mid-year, the UV Index hovers around 3 during June and July, indicating a moderate level of exposure. However, the UV Index rises again in October with a 9, marking a very high risk before the cycle returns to extreme levels in November and December. This trend highlights the importance of vigilance against UV radiation throughout the warmer months. For detailed information, visit Melbourne UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Melbourne for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Melbourne in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec14121174335791214
Data source: Melbourne January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Melbourne

In January, Melbourne basks in a generous 279 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for one of the city's sunniest months. This radiant start is followed by an even brighter February, which peaks at 290 hours. As summer wanes into March, the sunshine slightly dips, yet remains vibrant with 285 hours. A shift occurs in April, as daylight wanes to 240 hours, hinting at the approaching cooler months. From May to June, sunshine continues its gradual descent, reaching a minimum of 192 hours in June, before seeing a modest recovery in July at 210 hours. As winter gives way to spring, hours of sunshine gradually increase, culminating in a robust 291 hours in November and reaching a dazzling 337 hours in December. This clear trend illustrates Melbourne's dynamic weather pattern, oscillating between the vibrant warmth of summer and the cool embrace of winter, offering residents a delightful mix throughout the year.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Melbourne: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Melbourne experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec279h290h285h240h214h192h210h230h259h282h291h337h
Data source: Melbourne January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Melbourne During January

January in Melbourne boasts a 35% chance of sunny weather, making it a reasonably bright start to the year. While this percentage may not seem high at first glance, it positions January favorably within the warmer months, trailing closely behind February's 42% likelihood of sunshine. As the season transitions into March, the chances dip slightly to 31%, which aligns with a trend of fluctuating sunshine probabilities as autumn approaches. Interestingly, the likelihood of sunny days remains consistently moderate, with most months showcasing a percentage between 31% and 42%, culminating in December's more promising 49%. This suggests that while January may not guarantee clear skies, its sunlit moments are a refreshing prelude to Melbourne's vibrant summer season.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Melbourne

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Melbourne throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Melbourne experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec35%43%31%40%42%31%31%40%40%36%33%49%
Data source: Melbourne January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Melbourne in January

In Melbourne, Australia, January shines brightly with a generous 14 hours of daylight, setting the stage for summer adventures. As the month transitions to February, the daylight gradually decreases to 13 hours, marking the start of a gentle shift toward autumn. This pattern continues through the following months, with daylight dipping to 12 hours in March and further to 11 hours by April. The trend continues into the winter months of May and June, where daylight shrinks to a minimum of 9 hours. However, as July and August come around, daylight begins to creep back up to 10 hours. The cycle resumes its rhythm with 11 hours in September and 13 hours in October, before November and December bring the light back to a vibrant 14 hours once more. This yearly cycle showcases the dynamic nature of Melbourne’s daylight, reflecting the changing seasons and inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the varied experiences each month offers.

Average Daylight Hours in Melbourne for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Melbourne throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec14h 26m13h 29m12h 17m11h 4m10h 4m9h 34m9h 49m10h 41m11h 50m13h 3m14h 9m14h 43m
Data source: Melbourne daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Melbourne

In Melbourne, January embraces a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.9 m/s (9 mph), setting a calm tone for the summer. As the seasons transition into February, the winds slightly taper off to 3.7 m/s (8 mph), providing a tranquil end to the hot summer days. Interestingly, March marks a downward trend, with wind speeds dipping further to 3.2 m/s (7 mph), hinting at the approach of autumn. The winds pick up ever so slightly in April and May, stabilizing at 3.4 m/s (8 mph) and 3.7 m/s (8 mph), before building momentum in the cooler months of June and July, which see speeds rise to 4.0 m/s (9 mph) and 4.8 m/s (11 mph), respectively. The late winter brings consistently stronger winds, with speeds ranging between 4.3 m/s (10 mph) and 4.4 m/s (10 mph) in August and September. This pattern culminates in a steady 4.0 m/s (9 mph) from October to December, suggesting that Melbourne's wind characteristically fluctuates with the seasons, whispering stories of change and continuity.

Average January Wind Speed in Melbourne

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Melbourne, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.9 m/s3.73.23.43.74.04.84.34.44.04.04.0
Data source: Melbourne January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Melbourne Compares to Other Months

The weather in Melbourne changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Melbourne and find detailed weather information for every month.

In comparing the weather between January and February, January boasts slightly higher average temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and a maximum approaching 43°C (110°F). Conversely, February experiences a minor drop in temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and an average of 19°C (67°F), while the maximum reaches 42°C (109°F).

Precipitation levels are quite similar, with January recording 42 mm (1.6 in) over 5 days, and February seeing slightly more at 44 mm (1.7 in) across 4 days. Notably, February also has higher humidity at 49%, compared to January's 43%. For more detailed insights on February weather, you can check Melbourne weather in February.

In January, the weather typically showcases a range of temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and soaring up to a maximum of 43°C (110°F). The month experiences 42 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over about 5 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 43%. In contrast, March tends to be slightly cooler, with a minimum temperature of 8°C (47°F), an average of 19°C (66°F), and a maximum of 38°C (101°F). The precipitation is similar at 40 mm (1.6 in), but it is spread over 6 days, and the humidity increases to 60%. For more detailed insights, you can check Melbourne weather in March.

In January, the weather is marked by significantly higher temperatures, with averages around 21°C (70°F) and a maximum reaching up to 43°C (110°F). The month experiences less precipitation, totaling 42 mm (1.6 in) over about 5 days, and humidity sits at a relatively low 43%. Conversely, April brings cooler conditions with an average temperature of 15°C (60°F) and maximums of 32°C (89°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 51 mm (2.0 in) over 7 days, and humidity rises to 71%, creating a much more moist atmosphere. For a detailed overview, you can visit Melbourne weather in April.

In January, temperatures in the region soar with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and a scorching maximum of 43°C (110°F), averaging around 21°C (70°F). Despite experiencing only five days of rainfall, the humidity is relatively low at 43%, contributing to the dry heat. In contrast, May brings a cooler climate, with minimum temperatures dropping to 3°C (38°F) and a more moderate maximum of 25°C (77°F), resulting in an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees a notable increase in precipitation, totaling 57 mm (2.2 in) across ten days, and the humidity rises significantly to 79%, creating a damp environment. For more insights into May weather patterns, check out Melbourne weather in May.

January and June present contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures range significantly, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and a scorching maximum of 43°C (110°F). Precipitation is relatively low at 42 mm (1.6 in), occurring on about 5 days, while humidity sits at a comfortable 43%. In sharp contrast, June experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F), an average of 10°C (50°F), and a maximum of 18°C (65°F). The month is wetter, with 54 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation spread over 9 days and significantly higher humidity at 81%. For more details on June weather in Melbourne, check out Melbourne weather in June.

January and July present a stark contrast in weather conditions. January experiences much warmer temperatures, with a notable average of 21°C (70°F) and soaring highs reaching up to 43°C (110°F). In contrast, July sees much cooler temperatures, where the average drops to 10°C (49°F) and maximums cap at 18°C (64°F). Additionally, January is characterized by lower humidity levels at 43% and relatively less precipitation, totaling 42 mm (1.6 in) across only 5 days. July, on the other hand, brings higher humidity at 83% and increased rainfall, amounting to 46 mm (1.8 in) spread over 12 days. For more detailed insights on Melbourne's climate during July, you can check out Melbourne weather in July.

January and August present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures soar with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and can reach a scorching maximum of 43°C (110°F), offering an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). The month experiences relatively low humidity at 43%, and rainfall is minimal with only 42 mm (1.6 in) over about 5 days.

In contrast, August brings much cooler temperatures, starting with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and peaking at 21°C (70°F), averaging around 10°C (50°F). This month is notably wetter, with precipitation totaling 58 mm (2.3 in) spread over 13 days, accompanied by higher humidity levels of 79%. For more detailed information, check out Melbourne weather in August.

In comparison to January, September in Melbourne presents a notable shift in weather characteristics. January's temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a scorching maximum of 43°C (110°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F) and only 5 days of precipitation totaling 42 mm (1.6 in). In contrast, September experiences much cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), and an average of 12°C (54°F). Additionally, September sees increased rainfall, with 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation occurring over 12 days, leading to a higher humidity level of 72%. This shift in weather marks September as a much more temperate and wetter month compared to the extreme heat of January. For more specific insights on the climate during this month, please visit Melbourne weather in September.

In comparing the weather between January and October, one can observe significant differences in temperature and humidity. January typically experiences much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a scorching maximum of 43°C (110°F), accompanied by lower humidity at 43%. In contrast, October features cooler temperatures with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 32°C (91°F), while the humidity increases to 61%. Furthermore, October sees more rainfall, averaging 74 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days, compared to January's 42 mm (1.6 in) over just 5 days. For more details, you can check Melbourne weather in October.

In comparing the weather between January and November, January tends to be warmer with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 43°C (110°F), while November sees cooler temperatures with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 39°C (102°F). Additionally, January has lower precipitation levels at 42 mm (1.6 in) over approximately 5 days, compared to November's 58 mm (2.3 in) of rainfall spread across about 10 days. The humidity is also notably higher in November at 59%, compared to January's 43%. For more detailed insights into November's climate, you can visit Melbourne weather in November.

In comparison to December, January typically experiences slightly higher average temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to an average of 21°C (70°F), while December has a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). Both months can reach a maximum temperature of up to 43°C (110°F), but January sees less precipitation at 42 mm (1.6 in) over about 5 days compared to December's 74 mm (2.9 in) over 7 days. Additionally, January has lower humidity levels at 43%, whereas December's humidity averages around 50%. For a more detailed look at December's weather, check out Melbourne weather in December.

Compare Melbourne's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Melbourne

In January, Melbourne experiences some of its hottest days, often soaring to a maximum of 43°C (110°F), making it a stark contrast to the cooler months of the year. With an average temperature of 21°C (70°F), the city enjoys a warm climate, while nights can cool down to around 9°C (49°F). This month is relatively dry, with only about 42 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over just five days, allowing plenty of opportunities to soak up the summer sun. The humidity hovers around 43%, offering a comfortable atmosphere despite the heat. For more insights into the weather patterns that characterize this vibrant city, visit Melbourne Climate.