January Weather in Timaru, New Zealand

Last updated: August 31, 2025

In January, Timaru, New Zealand, experiences a delightful summer climate characterized by a maximum temperature reaching 26°C (80°F), with an average of 16°C (61°F) and a cool minimum of 9°C (48°F). Despite the warm days, the city sees approximately 69 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 12 days, resulting in a humidity level of 79%. This blend of warmth and moisture creates an invigorating atmosphere, making January a vibrant month for both residents and visitors alike.

January Temperature in Timaru

In Timaru, New Zealand, January heralds the peak of summer, showcasing an inviting range of temperatures that makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The month begins with a refreshing minimum of 9°C (48°F), gradually warming to an enjoyable average of 16°C (61°F), and can reach a pleasant maximum of 26°C (80°F). This trend of mild nights and warm days not only emphasizes the summer vibe but also sets the stage for February’s similarly warm climate, peaking at 27°C (81°F). As the seasons shift towards autumn, temperatures begin to cool, with March seeing averages decline to 15°C (58°F), marking the transition to a more refreshing atmosphere. Overall, January stands out as a highlight of the year, inviting both locals and visitors to relish in its moderate warmth before cooler days set in.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Timaru, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Timaru, January typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec616058544945434548515559
Data source: Temperature data for Timaru 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 Timaru

In January, Timaru experiences a moderate precipitation total of 69 mm (2.7 in) over approximately 12 rainy days. This volume marks a subtle shift from the wetter months of late spring and early summer, particularly November and December, which record significantly higher rainfall at 105 mm (4.1 in) and 104 mm (4.1 in), respectively. As the summer progresses into February, precipitation increases to 88 mm (3.5 in), highlighting a trend of growing rainfall leading into autumn. Overall, while January may be one of the drier months, the transition from January’s relative calm to the wetter conditions in the following months establishes a clear rhythm of precipitation throughout the year in this vibrant New Zealand town.

January Precipitation Trends in Timaru

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Timaru, 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 Timaru, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec69887382454876464775105104
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Timaru

In January, Timaru experiences a comfortable humidity level of 79%, which sets the tone for a relatively moist summer. As the season transitions into February, humidity gently dips to 76%, providing a slight reprieve. However, this trend is reversed in March, as levels creep back up to 78%, leading into the autumn months. The humidity continues to rise, peaking at a notable 85% from June through July, indicating the chill of winter brings along increased moisture in the air. As winter wanes and spring approaches, humidity gradually lessens, hitting 80% in October before settling at 78% in November. With December closing the year at 81%, Timaru's climate reflects a cycle of rising and falling humidity, creating a vibrant tapestry of moisture throughout the seasons.

January Average Humidity in Timaru

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Timaru, 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 Timaru is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec79%76%78%81%84%85%85%84%83%80%78%81%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Timaru

In January, Timaru experiences an extreme UV Index of 13, marking one of the highest levels for the year, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer peaks, the intensity remains palpable, tapering slightly in February to a UV Index of 12, yet the exposure category remains extreme. This trend continues into March, where the UV Index drops to 9—still very high—but allows for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Notably, as autumn approaches, the UV Index decreases progressively, with April seeing values of 6 and a burn time of 25 minutes. Compared to the summer months, the UV levels become more manageable, reflecting a gradual transition into more moderate conditions by May and June, where the UV Index falls to 3 and 2, respectively, allowing for safer outdoor activities. As winter rolls in, the UV Index stabilizes at low levels, only to begin rising again towards the end of the year. This pattern notably emphasizes the importance of sun safety during the summer months. For more information, check out Timaru UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Timaru for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Timaru 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 Timaru typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1312963223591012
Data source: Timaru 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 Timaru

In Timaru, New Zealand, January shines brightly with an impressive 277 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a summer that only gets brighter as the year progresses. The following month, February, boasts even more sunlight, reaching 297 hours, before a slight dip in March brings it down to 267 hours. As the seasons change, the sunshine hours gradually decrease, particularly through the winter months, with June experiencing just 156 hours of sunlight. However, as spring approaches, the sunshine begins to make a strong comeback, culminating in a spectacular 313 hours in November and peaking at 331 hours in December. This seasonal trend highlights the welcoming warmth and dazzling light that characterize the summer months in Timaru, making it a delightful destination for sunny adventures.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Timaru: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Timaru 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec277h297h267h231h199h156h180h216h250h281h313h331h
Data source: Timaru January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Timaru During January

In January, Timaru enjoys a 37% chance of sunny weather, which aligns with the city's sunnier months, where the likelihood of clear skies tends to be higher. This percentage captures the essence of summer, as it is one of the peak times for sunshine, similar to February and March, which also showcase a 37% chance of sun. Interestingly, the likelihood of sunny days starts to trend upwards again in late spring and early summer, with April peaking at 50%. As January transitions into later months, the sun's presence fluctuates, with a noticeable dip in winter months, particularly June (25%) and October (28%), before rising again in spring. This overall trend highlights that while January might not guarantee blue skies every day, it's certainly one of the best months to enjoy the warmth of the sun in Timaru.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Timaru

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Timaru 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 Timaru experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec37%33%37%50%41%25%34%42%48%28%30%27%
Data source: Timaru January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Timaru in January

In Timaru, New Zealand, January shines as the month of abundant daylight, basking in a generous 15 hours of sunlight, setting the tone for a vibrant summer. As the calendar flips to February, the daylight gently decreases to 13 hours, signaling a gradual transition towards autumn. This trend continues into March with 12 hours of daylight, before plunging to 10 hours in April, with twilight creeping in earlier. By May, the days shorten to 9 hours, heralding the onset of winter. June brings the year’s shortest days at just 8 hours, followed by a slight rebound in July and August, both offering 9 and 10 hours of daylight, respectively. As spring approaches in September, daylight begins to lengthen again, gradually rising to 11 hours. October and November witness a renewed surge, culminating in another peak of 15 hours in December, mirroring the length of January, thus completing the cycle of fluctuating daylight that characterizes Timaru's charming seasonal rhythm.

Average Daylight Hours in Timaru for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Timaru throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec15h 4m13h 52m12h 21m10h 49m9h 31m8h 52m9h 12m10h 19m11h 46m13h 19m14h 42m15h 26m
Data source: Timaru daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Timaru

In Timaru, New Zealand, January ushers in the windiest conditions of the year with an average wind speed of 4.3 m/s (10 mph), creating a lively atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities. As summer gives way to autumn, the winds gradually subside, with February experiencing a notable drop to 3.6 m/s (8 mph). This trend continues through March and April, where breezes maintain a soft, calm presence at around 3.3 to 3.6 m/s (7 to 8 mph). The following months see slight fluctuations, but May and August bring a gentle uptick, reflecting average speeds of 3.8 m/s (9 mph) and 3.9 m/s (9 mph), respectively. Notably, the winds remain relatively stable as the year transitions into winter and spring, averaging between 3.0 to 4.1 m/s (7 to 9 mph) in June through October. Overall, the winds of Timaru embrace a rhythmic pattern, peaking in January and softening as the seasons shift, creating a dynamic yet balanced climate year-round.

Average January Wind Speed in Timaru

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Timaru, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.3 m/s3.63.33.63.83.03.23.94.04.13.74.2
Data source: Timaru January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Timaru Compares to Other Months

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

When comparing the weather in January and February, both months exhibit mild temperatures with average highs around 16°C (61°F) and 16°C (60°F) respectively, but February sees a slightly warmer maximum temperature of 27°C (81°F) compared to January's 26°C (80°F). The minimum temperatures are comparable, with January starting at 9°C (48°F) and February a touch cooler at 8°C (46°F). Precipitation levels rise in February to 88 mm (3.5 in), with rain expected over 10 days, in contrast to January's 69 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days. Humidity levels are also slightly lower in February at 76%, compared to January's higher humidity of 79%. For more detailed information, you can explore Timaru weather in February.

In comparing the weather between January and March, January tends to be slightly warmer, with an average temperature of 16°C (61°F) compared to March's 15°C (58°F). January also boasts higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 26°C (80°F), while March peaks at 24°C (75°F). Both months experience similar levels of precipitation, with January seeing 69 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days and March accumulating 73 mm (2.9 in) over 11 days. Humidity levels are quite comparable as well, measuring 79% in January and 78% in March. For more detailed insights on March weather, check out Timaru weather in March.

January and April exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 26°C (80°F), with an average of 16°C (61°F). This month experiences less precipitation, totaling 69 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days and a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, April brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 21°C (71°F), averaging 12°C (54°F). Precipitation increases to 82 mm (3.2 in) across the same number of rainy days, and humidity rises slightly to 81%. For more detailed information, check out Timaru weather in April.

In January, the weather is generally warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 26°C (80°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). The month experiences 69 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 12 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, May brings cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 2°C (35°F) and peaking at 18°C (64°F), averaging around 10°C (50°F). Precipitation is also lighter in May, totaling 45 mm (1.8 in) over 10 days, while humidity increases slightly to 84%. For more specific details about the weather in May, you can refer to Timaru weather in May.

In January, the weather is notably warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 26°C (80°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). This month experiences higher precipitation levels at 69 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days, along with humidity at 79%. Conversely, June presents a much cooler climate, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and only reaching a maximum of 16°C (61°F), averaging 7°C (45°F). The precipitation in June is lower at 48 mm (1.9 in) over 10 days, accompanied by a slightly higher humidity of 85%. For more detailed insights, you can check Timaru weather in June.

In January, the weather is generally warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 26°C (80°F), accompanied by a moderate level of humidity at 79%. The month sees around 69 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days. In contrast, July presents a cooler climate, with average temperatures from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F), and an increased humidity level of 85%. July experiences a slightly higher precipitation total of 76 mm (3.0 in), but over fewer days, with rainfall occurring around 10 days. For more information, check out Timaru weather in July.

January and August showcase distinctly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures are notably warmer, with averages ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 26°C (80°F), accompanied by 69 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation across 12 days and a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, August sees much cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and only reaching an average maximum of 17°C (63°F). The month experiences less rainfall at 45 mm (1.8 in) over 9 days, coupled with a higher humidity of 84%. For more insights on August weather, check out Timaru weather in August.

In January, the weather is significantly warmer with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 26°C (80°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). In contrast, September shows a much cooler trend, with temperatures that range from 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), averaging just 9°C (48°F). Additionally, January experiences higher precipitation levels at 69 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days, while September sees reduced rainfall of 47 mm (1.8 in) over 8 days. Interestingly, September has a slightly higher humidity level at 83%, compared to January's 79%. For more details on September weather, you can check out Timaru weather in September.

In January, temperatures in Timaru range from a mild 9°C (48°F) to a warm 26°C (80°F), with an average of 16°C (61°F). The month experiences 69 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days, with humidity levels at 79%. In contrast, October brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F), averaging at 11°C (51°F). Although October sees slightly higher precipitation at 75 mm (2.9 in) over around 16 days, the humidity remains similar at 80%. For more details, check out Timaru weather in October.

In January, the weather is warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 26°C (80°F), and an overall average of 16°C (61°F). In contrast, November experiences cooler temperatures, with averages from 4°C (40°F) to 26°C (79°F) and a lower overall average of 13°C (56°F). Precipitation levels also differ, with January receiving 69 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days, compared to November's 105 mm (4.1 in) spread across 13 days. Humidity remains fairly consistent between the two months, with only a slight difference—79% in January and 78% in November. For more detailed information, you can check Timaru weather in November.

In comparing the weather of January and December, we see slight variations in temperature and precipitation. January typically experiences a minimum temperature of 9°C (48°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F), while December has a slightly lower average temperature of 15°C (59°F) with a minimum of 8°C (47°F). The maximum temperatures are also quite similar, reaching 26°C (80°F) in January and 25°C (78°F) in December. However, December tends to be wetter, with 104 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over 16 days, compared to January's 69 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 81%, compared to January's 79%. For more details, you can explore Timaru weather in December.

Compare Timaru's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Timaru

In January, Timaru experiences a delightful blend of warmth and moisture, setting it apart from the cooler months. With average temperatures reaching a pleasant 16°C (61°F), residents and visitors enjoy mild days punctuated by occasional peaks of up to 26°C (80°F). While this summer month does bring some rain—averaging about 69 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days—the overall humidity remains at a comfortable 79%, contributing to a refreshing atmosphere. This unique combination of warmth and moisture not only enhances the vibrant summer landscape but also makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities. For a more in-depth look at what to expect throughout the year, check out Timaru Climate.