January Weather in Papeete, French Polynesia

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Experience the vibrant January weather of Papeete, French Polynesia, where the tropical climate creates an inviting atmosphere. With maximum temperatures reaching 28°C (82°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F), it's perfect for outdoor adventures. However, be prepared for frequent rainfall, as the city sees approximately 250 mm (9.8 in) of precipitation over 22 days this month. Despite the wet conditions, humidity levels soar at around 80%, creating a lush, green landscape and enhancing the island's natural beauty. Embrace the warmth and the refreshing showers that define the allure of Papeete in January!

January Temperature in Papeete

In January, Papeete, French Polynesia, basks in warm tropical weather, with temperatures typically ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F). The average temperature during this month hovers around a pleasant 26°C (79°F), offering ideal conditions for beach outings and exploring the lush landscapes. As the month progresses into February and March, you’ll find very similar patterns, with temperatures remaining comfortably warm, reinforcing January’s appeal. Notably, while the minimums might shift slightly, the averages and maximums remain stable, ensuring that the island’s warmth continues to beckon visitors. By mid-year, temperatures dip ever so slightly, but the essence of Papeete's tropical charm persists, making January a fantastic gateway to experience this paradise.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Papeete, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Papeete, January typically has an average temperature of 26°C (79°F), with highs reaching up to 28°C (82°F) and lows dropping to around 23°C (73°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec787979797977767675767778
Data source: Temperature data for Papeete generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Papeete

In January, Papeete experiences a significant amount of rainfall, with 250 mm (9.8 in) accumulating over 22 days. This places January among the wetter months of the year, although it falls short of February's peak rainfall of 334 mm (13.1 in). The trend shows a gradual decline in precipitation leading into the drier months, with subsequent months like May and August exhibiting notably lower totals of 96 mm (3.8 in) and 65 mm (2.6 in) respectively. Interestingly, while January's wet days are abundant, they do not overshadow the higher frequency of rain observed in March, which sees the highest number of rainy days at 27. The pattern of rainfall illustrates a dynamic tropical climate where the early months of the year are characterized by lush humidity, gradually transitioning to drier conditions as the year progresses.

January Precipitation Trends in Papeete

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Papeete, 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. In Papeete, January typically receives around 250 mm (9.8 inches) of precipitation spread over approximately 22 days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2503342131579611513465111162182271
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Papeete

In January, Papeete, French Polynesia, experiences a lush 80% humidity, setting the tone for a generally tropical climate throughout the year. As the months progress, humidity fluctuates slightly, peaking in October at 84%, indicative of the region's warm, moist conditions. The summer months show a trend of increased humidity, particularly in August and September, where levels reach 83% and 82% respectively. Conversely, the humidity dips modestly to 78% in July, offering a brief respite. Overall, Papeete maintains a consistently humid atmosphere, reflecting its beautiful and vibrant tropical landscape.

January Average Humidity in Papeete

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Papeete, with January’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In January, average humidity in Papeete is approximately 80%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec80%81%79%79%80%80%78%83%82%84%82%82%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Papeete

In January, Papeete, French Polynesia, experiences a severe UV Index of 16, classified as extreme, indicating that unprotected skin can sustain damage in as little as 10 minutes of sun exposure. This intensity notably sets the stage for the first few months of the year, where the UV Index remains consistently high, ranging between 15 and 16 through March. The trend shows a slight dip in April, yet the UV levels still pose an extreme risk with an Index of 13. As the months progress into May and June, although the UV Index decreases to 10 and 8 respectively, it's important to note that these levels are still categorized as very high, with recommended burn times extended to 15 minutes. The UV Index then surges back into the extreme category as the year draws to a close, sustaining levels of 13 to 15 from September to December. To stay safe under the tropical sun, it's crucial to remain aware of these elevated UV levels throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit the Papeete UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Papeete for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Papeete 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. In January, the maximum UV index in Papeete typically reaches 16, which falls under the extreme exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1615151310881013151515
Data source: Papeete 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 Papeete

January in Papeete, French Polynesia, basks in 243 hours of glorious sunshine, setting the tone for a vibrant start to the year. As the months pass, the sunlit hours gradually increase, peaking in October with an impressive 312 hours, offering residents and visitors alike an abundance of warm, inviting days. The trend shows a delightful climb, especially from August onwards, where sunshine hours consistently hover above 280, inviting exploration and leisurely beach days. While January may start with a cozy embrace, the island gradually transforms into a sun-drenched paradise, with each month outshining the last, making Papeete a year-round destination for sun seekers.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Papeete: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Papeete 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec243h243h284h271h284h266h274h289h292h312h309h297h
Data source: Papeete January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Papeete During January

In Papeete, French Polynesia, January boasts a 33% chance of sunny weather, marking the beginning of an upward trend that sees increasing sunshine towards mid-year. As the months progress, the likelihood of clear skies steadily rises, peaking in August at 61%. This pattern demonstrates a seasonal shift, where greater sunshine becomes more frequent as the region transitions from the rainy season to the drier months. By September, the probability of sunny days reaches an impressive 66%, suggesting that if you’re hoping for clear, beautiful weather, planning your visit later in the year might yield the best results.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Papeete

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Papeete 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 Papeete experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec33%26%33%38%39%49%59%61%66%48%37%38%
Data source: Papeete January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Papeete in January

In January, Papeete basks in a generous 13 hours of daylight, making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures and soaking up the tropical sun. As the month transitions into February and March, daylight remains plentiful at 12 hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. However, as the year progresses into April and the following months, daylight gently dips to 11 hours. This consistent pattern continues through July, August, and September, providing a stable yet slightly shorter day length. As the year winds down, daylight duration starts to increase again, reaching back to 12 hours in October and November, before returning to 13 hours in December. This rhythmic cycle not only reflects the predictable beauty of the tropics but also enhances the allure of experiencing Papeete throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Papeete for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Papeete throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec13h 1m12h 38m12h 9m11h 39m11h 16m11h 4m11h 11m11h 32m11h 59m12h 29m12h 55m13h 8m
Data source: Papeete daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Papeete

In Papeete, French Polynesia, the January winds set a lively tone for the year, with average speeds reaching 6.2 m/s (14 mph). This energetic breeze marks the start of the year, gradually giving way to lighter wind patterns in February. As the months progress, the winds tend to stabilize around the 5 to 6 m/s range, showcasing a gentle consistency throughout the early year. Interestingly, July stands out with a notable rise to 6.9 m/s (16 mph), hinting at a refreshing shift mid-year before easing back down in the following months, culminating in December's lighter 5.5 m/s (12 mph) winds. This pattern illustrates how the winds in Papeete provide both vibrancy and relief, contributing to the island's allure across the seasons.

Average January Wind Speed in Papeete

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Papeete, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec6.2 m/s4.74.84.35.45.76.96.16.15.65.25.5
Data source: Papeete January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Papeete Compares to Other Months

Weather in Papeete varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Papeete, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In January, the weather in Papeete features temperatures ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F). The month is characterized by significant rainfall, totaling 250 mm (9.8 in) over 22 days, and a humidity level of 80%.

In contrast, February experiences a similar temperature range but with slightly higher maximum temperatures reaching 28°C (83°F) while still averaging 26°C (79°F). However, February is notably wetter, with precipitation reaching 334 mm (13.1 in) over 24 days and humidity increasing to 81%. For a more detailed view of February's weather, you can visit Papeete weather in February.

In January, the weather in Papeete features temperatures ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F). This month is characterized by high humidity at 80% and significant precipitation, totaling 250 mm (9.8 in) over 22 rainy days. In contrast, March maintains a similar temperature profile, with a minimum of 24°C (75°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), also averaging 26°C (79°F). However, the precipitation in March decreases to 213 mm (8.4 in) over 27 days, coupled with slightly lower humidity at 79%. For more detailed information, you can refer to Papeete weather in March.

In comparing the weather of January and April, both months exhibit similar temperature ranges, with January having a minimum of 23°C (73°F), an average of 26°C (79°F), and a maximum of 28°C (82°F), which closely mirrors April's temperatures of 23°C (74°F) minimum, 26°C (79°F) average, and 28°C (83°F) maximum. However, January is significantly wetter, receiving 250 mm (9.8 in) of precipitation over 22 days, compared to April's 157 mm (6.2 in) over 25 days. Additionally, while January's humidity averages around 80%, April is slightly less humid at 79%. For more detailed information on April's weather, you can visit Papeete weather in April.

In both January and May, the weather remains quite similar, with temperatures consistently ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), and an average temperature of 26°C (79°F). However, January experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 250 mm (9.8 in) over 22 days, compared to May's 96 mm (3.8 in) across 21 days. Despite the rainfall difference, humidity levels are steady at 80% during both months, creating a warm and humid atmosphere year-round. For more information, you can check Papeete weather in May.

In January, the weather is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), averaging around 26°C (79°F). This month sees significant rainfall, with around 250 mm (9.8 in) of precipitation over 22 days. In contrast, June features slightly cooler temperatures, with a range from 22°C (72°F) to 27°C (81°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F). The precipitation in June is considerably lower, at 115 mm (4.5 in) over 20 days, while humidity remains consistent at 80%. For more specific details about the weather in June, you can visit Papeete weather in June.

In January, Papeete experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F), peaking at 28°C (82°F). The month is also marked by higher precipitation, amounting to 250 mm (9.8 in) over 22 days, coupled with a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, July sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (73°F) and an average of 25°C (76°F), reaching a maximum of 27°C (80°F). The rainfall decreases significantly to 134 mm (5.3 in) spread over 20 days, with humidity slightly lower at 78%. For more detailed weather insights, you can check Papeete weather in July.

In January, the weather tends to be warmer, with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F) and maximums reaching up to 28°C (82°F). However, it is also quite rainy, with approximately 250 mm (9.8 in) of precipitation spread over 22 days and a humidity level around 80%. In contrast, August experiences cooler temperatures, with averages dropping to 24°C (76°F) and maximums peaking at 26°C (79°F). Notably, August is much drier, with only 65 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 15 days, alongside a slightly higher humidity of 83%. For a detailed look at the weather conditions in August, visit Papeete weather in August.

In January, the weather is warmer with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), accompanied by significant rainfall totaling 250 mm (9.8 in) over 22 days and a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, September offers slightly cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 22°C (71°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F). The precipitation in September is notably lower at 110 mm (4.4 in) over 16 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 82%. For more detailed information, you can check Papeete weather in September.

In January, the weather tends to be warmer with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F) and maximums reaching up to 28°C (82°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 250 mm (9.8 in) over 22 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 80%. Comparatively, October features slightly cooler temperatures, with an average of 24°C (76°F) and maximums around 26°C (79°F). Precipitation in October is less intense, amounting to 162 mm (6.4 in) over 21 days, and the humidity rises slightly to 84%. For more details, you can check Papeete weather in October.

In January, the weather is characterized by slightly higher temperatures compared to November, with an average of 26°C (79°F) and maximums reaching up to 28°C (82°F). However, January also experiences significantly more rainfall, totaling 250 mm (9.8 in) over 22 days, resulting in a humid atmosphere at 80%. In contrast, November features a milder average temperature of 25°C (77°F) with maximums of 27°C (81°F) and less precipitation, amounting to 182 mm (7.2 in) across 23 days, alongside a humidity level of 82%. For more details about November weather, you can check Papeete weather in November.

In both January and December, the weather in Papeete remains quite similar, with average temperatures hovering around 26°C (79°F). However, January experiences slightly lower precipitation, measuring 250 mm (9.8 in) across 22 rainy days, compared to December's 271 mm (10.7 in) over 26 days. Humidity levels are also marginally lower in January at 80%, while December sees a higher humidity level of 82%. Overall, while the temperatures stay consistent, December tends to be a bit wetter and more humid. For a detailed look at December's weather, you can refer to Papeete weather in December.

Compare Papeete's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Papeete

In January, Papeete experiences a warm and humid tropical climate, with temperatures typically hovering around a comfortable 26°C (79°F). This month is marked by frequent rainfall, with nearly three-quarters of the days seeing some precipitation, totaling about 250 mm (9.8 in). In contrast to the dryer months, January's humidity reaches around 80%, creating a lush environment that's perfect for those who appreciate vibrant landscapes. Visitors can expect a mix of sunny spells and refreshing showers, making it a beautiful yet unpredictable time to explore the island. For more detailed information on Papeete's climate throughout the year, check out Papeete Climate.