January Weather in Dunedin, New Zealand

Last updated: August 31, 2025

January in Dunedin, New Zealand brings a delightful mix of warm weather and moderate humidity, making it a vibrant summer month. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 31°C (88°F), the days can be pleasantly warm, while the average temperature rests at a comfortable 15°C (60°F), allowing for both relaxing afternoons and cooler evenings. However, visitors should prepare for a bit of rain, as 13 days of precipitation contribute to a total of 96 mm (3.8 in) for the month. The humidity level of 79% adds a tropical touch to this charming coastal city, creating a unique atmosphere ideal for exploring its stunning landscapes and rich culture.

January Temperature in Dunedin

In Dunedin, New Zealand, January delivers a delightful blend of summer warmth, with temperatures ranging from a crisp 5°C (42°F) at night to a high of 31°C (88°F) during the day. The average temperature hovers around a comfortable 15°C (60°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures and beach outings. As the month unfolds, you’ll notice a slight upward trend, peaking in February with its maximum reaching 32°C (91°F). However, the transition into March introduces cooler evenings and reduced daytime highs, signifying the gradual shift towards autumn. Throughout the year, Dunedin experiences a distinctive pattern where the warmth of summer gives way to chillier months, yet January remains a standout for its sunny charm and vibrant atmosphere, inviting locals and visitors alike to soak up the sun before cooler temperatures set in.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Dunedin, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Dunedin, 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).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec605957524743424548515558
Data source: Temperature data for Dunedin 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 Dunedin

In January, Dunedin experiences a moderate precipitation total of 96 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days, setting the stage for a lively summer climate. This amount is slightly less than February's rainfall of 100 mm (3.9 in), creating a trend where the early months of the year see a marked increase in precipitation before it tapers off significantly by March, plunging to just 52 mm (2.1 in) over the subsequent month. As summer turns to autumn, the overall precipitation begins to decline, with monthly totals generally falling below 70 mm from April onwards. This seasonal transition highlights a distinct pattern, where January’s ample rains are succeeded by drier months, leading into the cool, crisp winter, marking a refreshing rhythm in Dunedin's weather.

January Precipitation Trends in Dunedin

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Dunedin, 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 Dunedin, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec96100536945376340578196105
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Dunedin

In Dunedin, New Zealand, January ushers in the year with a relative humidity of 79%, setting a pattern that highlights the city's moderately humid climate. As summer transitions into autumn, humidity slightly dips to 76% in February but quickly rebounds to 78% in March. The trend continues through the seasons, with April’s humidity reaching 81%, leading into a wetter winter where levels rise to 84% in May and peak at 85% in both June and July. As winter gives way to spring, humidity begins to ease back slightly, with August at 84% and September at 83%. The cycle rounds out with a return to 80% in October, before settling at 78% in November, and rising again to 81% in December. This consistent humidity variation reflects Dunedin's unique maritime climate, providing residents with a refreshing yet moist atmosphere throughout the year.

January Average Humidity in Dunedin

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Dunedin, 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin

In January, Dunedin experiences one of its highest UV indices, peaking at 13, which falls into the extreme exposure category, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This intensity is a common trend for the summer months, as February closely follows with a UV index of 12. However, as the seasons transition into autumn, the UV levels begin to drop significantly. By March, the index decreases to 9, moving into the very high category, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As summer fades, the UV index continues to decline, reaching 5 by April and 3 by May, indicating moderate levels of exposure, where the burn time extends to 30 minutes. Visitors and locals alike should remain vigilant during these sun-drenched summer months, especially under Dunedin's brilliant sun. For more details, check the Dunedin UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Dunedin for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Dunedin 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 Dunedin typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1312953223581012
Data source: Dunedin 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 Dunedin

In Dunedin, New Zealand, January shines brightly with an impressive 253 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a bright summer. As the year progresses into February, the days become even longer and sunnier, peaking at 277 hours before the sunlight begins to wane in March, returning to 253 hours. The transition into autumn sees a gradual decline, with April and May witnessing lower light levels at 213 and 188 hours respectively. However, the sunshine starts to recover in the winter months, hitting a low of 158 hours in June, before bouncing back to 171 hours in July. As spring arrives, September captures attention with 240 hours, and the warmth of summer is fully reinstated by November, boasting 296 hours, ultimately culminating in December's record-breaking 319 hours. This seasonal rhythm not only highlights the varied climate but also prompts a vibrant lifestyle opportunity for residents and visitors alike, making Dunedin a delightful destination throughout the year.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Dunedin: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Dunedin 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec253h277h253h213h188h158h171h197h240h253h296h319h
Data source: Dunedin January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Dunedin During January

In Dunedin, New Zealand, January ushers in the summer with a 27% chance of sunny weather, setting the stage for warmer days ahead. This likelihood of sunshine sees a gentle rise through the early months of the year, peaking at 40% in March and hitting 47% by April, showcasing a clear trend towards brighter skies as summer transitions into autumn. Following this peak, the chances of sunshine remain fairly stable, fluctuating between 33% and 46% from June to September. Interestingly, the sunny streak tends to dip again in the latter months of the year, with January matching the sunniest conditions of October, November, and December at 27%. Ultimately, while January may not be the sunniest month, it signals the start of a promising season for those seeking sunny days in Dunedin.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Dunedin

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Dunedin 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 Dunedin experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec27%34%40%47%44%33%35%44%46%27%28%28%
Data source: Dunedin January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Dunedin in January

In Dunedin, New Zealand, January embraces the long, sunlit days with an impressive 15 hours of daylight, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. As the summer transitions into autumn, daylight gradually decreases, dropping to 13 hours in February and continuing its descent to 12 hours in March. The decline persists through April and May, where the days shrink to 10 and 9 hours respectively, signaling the approach of winter. June arrives with the least daylight at just 8 hours, but as winter recedes, the light starts to return. By July, daylight inches back up to 9 hours, followed by gradual increases to 10 hours in August and 11 hours in September. October and November see a resurgence, with 13 and 14 hours of daylight, respectively, culminating again in December’s return to 15 hours, wrapping up the year on a bright note. This cyclical rhythm reflects the seasonal changes that define Dunedin, inviting residents and visitors alike to relish the vibrant contrasts throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Dunedin for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Dunedin throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec15h 15m13h 58m12h 21m10h 45m9h 23m8h 41m9h 2m10h 13m11h 46m13h 23m14h 51m15h 38m
Data source: Dunedin daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Dunedin

In January, Dunedin experiences a gentle average wind speed of 4.2 m/s (9 mph), marking one of the windiest months of the year. As summer transitions into autumn, the winds gradually calm, with February and March witnessing slight declines to 3.6 m/s (8 mph) and 3.4 m/s (8 mph), respectively. The trend continues through the cooler months, reaching a low of 2.9 m/s (6 mph) in June before slowly picking up again to 3.3 m/s (7 mph) in July. As spring approaches, September sees a modest uptick with winds at 3.8 m/s (9 mph), mirroring the steeper wind speeds observed in January and October. Overall, the wind patterns in Dunedin reveal a seasonal ebb and flow, providing a lively atmosphere during the warmer months while offering calmer breezes in the depths of winter.

Average January Wind Speed in Dunedin

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Dunedin, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.2 m/s3.63.43.03.22.93.33.73.84.23.43.7
Data source: Dunedin January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Dunedin Compares to Other Months

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

In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 96 mm (3.8 inches) over 13 days, coupled with a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, February offers a slightly cooler start, with minimum temperatures dropping to 2°C (37°F), while maximum temperatures reach 32°C (91°F) and the average remains similar at 15°C (59°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 100 mm (3.9 inches) but occurs over just 10 days, resulting in a lower humidity level of 76%. For more detailed insights, you can check Dunedin weather in February.

In January, the weather tends to be warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), creating a warm and humid atmosphere with high humidity levels of 79%. In contrast, March experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), resulting in an average temperature of 14°C (57°F). Additionally, March sees less precipitation at 52 mm (2.1 in) over approximately 10 days, compared to January's 96 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days, making it slightly drier. For more detailed information, you can check Dunedin weather in March.

January and April in Dunedin display notable differences in weather patterns. January enjoys warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 31°C (88°F), resulting in an average of 15°C (60°F). In contrast, April sees cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (31°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). Additionally, while January experiences higher precipitation at 96 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days, April is slightly drier, with 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain spread across 11 days. Humidity remains comparable, with January at 79% and April at 81%. For more detailed insights, visit Dunedin weather in April.

In comparing the weather between January and May, we see a significant shift in temperature and precipitation patterns. January experiences a wider temperature range, with minimums around 5°C and maximums peaking at 31°C, making it a much warmer month overall. In contrast, May presents cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -3°C and a maximum of 20°C. January also sees higher precipitation, with 96 mm falling over 13 days, compared to only 45 mm over 9 days in May. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with January at 79% and May slightly higher at 84%. For more detailed weather information specifically for May, you can check out Dunedin weather in May.

When comparing the weather in January and June, there's a stark contrast in temperatures and overall climate conditions. January boasts a much warmer range with minimum temperatures around 5°C (42°F) and average highs reaching up to 31°C (88°F), while June experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average maximum of only 21°C (70°F). Precipitation is higher in January, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days, compared to June's 37 mm (1.4 in) spread across 9 days. Additionally, the humidity is slightly lower in June at 85% compared to January's 79%. For more details on June weather, check out Dunedin weather in June.

In January, the weather is much warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F). This month experiences substantial rainfall, with about 96 mm (3.8 inches) of precipitation over 13 days, and humidity levels averaging 79%. In contrast, July brings much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and a maximum of 16°C (62°F), averaging only 5°C (42°F). Precipitation in July is less, at 63 mm (2.5 inches) over 10 days, while humidity slightly increases to 85%. For a closer look at July weather specifics, you can check Dunedin weather in July.

January and August exhibit stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F) and relatively high humidity at 79%. This month also sees substantial precipitation, with 96 mm (3.8 in) falling over 13 days. In contrast, August experiences much cooler weather, with minimum temperatures dropping to -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F), averaging around 7°C (45°F). The month is drier, receiving only 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation across 12 days and slightly higher humidity at 84%. For more detailed information, you can refer to the link: Dunedin weather in August.

January and September present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). This month experiences higher humidity at 79% and more rainfall, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 13 days. In contrast, September's cooler temperatures range from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). Precipitation is lower at 57 mm (2.2 in) across 12 days, and the humidity rises slightly to 83%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Dunedin weather in September.

January and October present contrasting weather patterns. In January, the temperatures soar with minimums of 5°C (42°F), averaging 15°C (60°F) and peaking at 31°C (88°F), making it a warm summer month. The humidity is relatively high at 79%, and the region sees about 96 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 rainy days. In stark contrast, October experiences cooler temperatures with a minimum of 0°C (32°F), an average of 10°C (51°F), and a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Although it has slightly less precipitation at 81 mm (3.2 in) over about 14 days, the humidity remains similar at 80%. For a closer look at October weather, you can explore Dunedin weather in October.

In January, the weather is generally warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F). The month experiences 96 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days, combined with a relatively high humidity of 79%. In contrast, November typically features cooler temperatures, with minimums of 1°C (34°F), averages around 13°C (55°F), and maximums reaching 27°C (81°F). November also sees similar precipitation levels at 96 mm (3.8 in), but spread over 15 days, and maintains a slightly lower humidity of 78%. To learn more about the weather specifics in November, you can visit Dunedin weather in November.

January generally offers warmer temperatures compared to December, with highs reaching up to 31°C (88°F) in January, compared to 27°C (80°F) in December. The average temperature in January is slightly higher at 15°C (60°F) versus December's 14°C (58°F). Both months experience considerable rainfall, with January receiving about 96 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days, while December sees a bit more precipitation at 105 mm (4.1 in) over 15 days. Humidity levels are also comparable, with January at 79% and December slightly higher at 81%. For more details on December weather, visit Dunedin weather in December.

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Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Dunedin

As January rolls into Dunedin, it brings a vibrant contrast to the colder months, with warm temperatures peaking at 31°C (88°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F). This month often feels more humid, with an average humidity of 79%, coupled with 96 mm of precipitation over approximately half the month. While rain is still a part of the January experience, fewer rainy days mean more opportunities to enjoy the sunshine and outdoor activities. For a deeper insight into seasonal weather patterns, check out Dunedin Climate.