Last updated: August 31, 2025
January in Wanaka, New Zealand offers a pleasant summer experience, with temperatures typically ranging from a comfortable 3°C (37°F) at night to a warm 28°C (82°F) during the day. The average temperature sits at a delightful 14°C (58°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, visitors should be prepared for some rain, as this month sees approximately 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation across 10 days, contributing to high humidity levels of 86%. Whether you’re hiking through breathtaking landscapes or enjoying lakeside moments, January in Wanaka promises a captivating blend of summer warmth and refreshing showers.
In Wanaka, New Zealand, January marks the peak of summer, showcasing mild nights with temperatures dipping to a comfortable 3°C (37°F) and days that can soar to a warm 28°C (82°F). With an average temperature of 14°C (58°F), this month invites outdoor adventures against stunning lake and mountain backdrops. As the summer months transition to autumn, February sees a slight decrease in both minimum and maximum temperatures, settling at 2°C (36°F) and 24°C (76°F), while March brings cooler averages at 12°C (54°F) and nights that plunge to a brisk -1°C (31°F). This downward trend continues into the subsequent months, with April and May introducing crisp air and chillier nights, often reaching below freezing. The temperatures take a notable dip in the heart of winter, affecting activities and local life, yet every season presents its unique charm against Wanaka's breathtaking landscapes.
In January, Wanaka experiences a precipitation total of 88 mm (3.5 in) over approximately 10 days, marking the month as relatively moderate compared to the wetter months that follow. This initial rainfall sets the stage for February's significant jump, where 123 mm (4.8 in) is recorded across 12 days, suggesting a trend of increasing precipitation as summer progresses. Interestingly, while March enjoys similar rainfall levels to January, it also foreshadows the arrival of more substantial rain in the coming months. The pattern continues into mid-year, where July peaks with 127 mm (5.0 in) and 13 days of rain, before gradually tapering off. Overall, the data illustrates a seasonal crescendo of rainfall, making Wanaka’s climate diverse and dynamic throughout the summer and into autumn.
In January, Wanaka, New Zealand, experiences a high humidity level of 86%, setting the tone for the summer months ahead. Interestingly, this figure is closely mirrored in February, where humidity dips slightly to 85%, showcasing a minor shift rather than a drastic change. As autumn approaches in March, the humidity rises again to 87%, followed by a steady increase, peaking at 88% from April through July. This consistent humidity level suggests a stable and moist environment, ideal for enjoying the region’s lush landscapes. As the months transition back to spring, humidity gradually decreases, settling back at 86% by November and December, indicating that while the humidity fluctuates slightly, it remains relatively constant throughout the year. This pattern paints a picture of Wanaka's temperate climate, making it a beautiful destination for nature lovers year-round.
In Wanaka, New Zealand, January showcases a notably high UV Index of 13, categorizing it as extreme, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. This trend of elevated UV exposure continues into February, with a slightly reduced index of 12, still categorized as extreme. As summer transitions into autumn, March experiences a decline to a UV Index of 9 (very high), extending the burn time to 15 minutes. The UV index further decreases in April to 6 (high) and continues to drop through the colder months, reaching a low of 2 in June and July, where safe exposure can last up to 45 minutes. However, the sun's intensity begins to rise again by August, signifying a seasonal swing in UV levels. For anyone planning outdoor activities, it's essential to stay informed and protect your skin, especially in peak summer months. For detailed information, check out the Wanaka UV Index.
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January in Wanaka, New Zealand, boasts 262 hours of sunshine, setting the tone for a vibrant summer that gradually intensifies throughout the months. As February rolls in, sunshine hours climb to 284, peaking into the idyllic warmth before a slight drop in March. The trend towards longer, brighter days resumes in September, culminating in a remarkable 302 hours in November and an impressive 324 hours by December. This seasonal rhythm showcases Wanaka's enchanting climate, where the transition from summer to late spring gifts visitors with a canvas of golden hours, perfectly complementing the region's stunning landscapes.
In Wanaka, New Zealand, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather peaks in the summer months, with January boasting a 34% chance of sunshine. This is closely followed by February at 37%, signaling a trend of increasing daylight and warmth as the season progresses. Interestingly, March captures the highest likelihood of sun at 41%, offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities. As the months transition into autumn and winter, the chances of sunny weather gradually decline, with June and July seeing a significant dip to 17% and 12%, respectively. This pattern suggests that while January is a delightful month for sun-seekers, the weather becomes markedly less favorable as the year progresses, making early summer the prime time to bask in Wanaka’s sunshine.
In Wanaka, New Zealand, January shines brightly with an impressive 15 hours of daylight, setting the stage for summer adventures. As the month transitions into February, the light gently recedes to 13 hours, heralding the gradual shift toward autumn. March continues this trend with 12 hours of daylight, while April and May see further reductions to 10 and 9 hours respectively, ushering in cooler temperatures. By June, daylight dips to its lowest at 8 hours, but it starts to rebound in July. The return of longer days is palpable as daylight increases to 9 hours, eventually rising to 14 hours by November, and back to 15 hours in December. This cyclical pattern reflects the enchanting rhythm of Wanaka’s seasons, inviting residents and visitors alike to bask in the brilliance of the sky before retreating into the cozy embrace of winter.
In January, Wanaka greets visitors with a gentle breeze, averaging 2.1 m/s (5 mph), making it one of the more energetic months of the year. This lively wind sets the tone for the summer, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm sunshine. As the season progresses into February and March, the wind speed dips slightly to 1.8 m/s (4 mph), creating a more tranquil atmosphere ideal for outdoor activities. Interestingly, April and December see a modest uptick to 2.0 m/s and 2.2 m/s respectively, hinting at seasonal changes that bring a revitalizing gust. The latter half of the year experiences a general decline in wind speed, reaching a low of 1.5 m/s (3 mph) during the colder months of June and July. However, the cycle reawakens in September, aligning with the arrival of spring, where the wind picks up again to 2.1 m/s. This dynamic dance of wind speeds not only defines the seasonal character of Wanaka but also plays a vital role in shaping the local landscape and outdoor experiences throughout the year.
Weather in Wanaka varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Wanaka, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In January, the weather in Wanaka features a minimum temperature of 3°C (37°F) and an average high of 28°C (82°F), with total precipitation reaching 88 mm (3.5 in) over 10 days. The high humidity of 86% adds to the warmth, creating a tropical feel during the day. In contrast, February sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and an average high of 24°C (76°F). This month also experiences increased precipitation, totaling 123 mm (4.8 in) across 12 days, while humidity remains relatively consistent at 85%. For a detailed look at the February weather, you can follow this link: Wanaka weather in February.
In January, the weather in Wanaka is generally warm, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). The month experiences 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, alongside a humidity level of 86%. In contrast, March sees cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping to -1°C (31°F) and maximums reaching 22°C (73°F). The average temperature in March is 12°C (54°F), and while precipitation increases slightly to 96 mm (3.8 in), it still falls over the same number of days. Humidity remains relatively stable at 87%. For a more detailed look at the weather trends in March, visit Wanaka weather in March.
In January, the weather is considerably warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a pleasant maximum of 28°C (82°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). The month experiences 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, and humidity is relatively high at 86%. In contrast, April sees a notable drop in temperature, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F), an average of 8°C (47°F), and a maximum of 20°C (69°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 101 mm (4.0 in) across 11 days, accompanied by even higher humidity at 88%. For more details about the weather in April, check out Wanaka weather in April.
In January, the weather is generally warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), and an average of 14°C (58°F). The month sees approximately 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, with humidity levels at 86%. In contrast, May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (21°F) and a maximum of 16°C (60°F), leading to an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). Although May has slightly more precipitation at 95 mm (3.7 in) over 11 days, humidity increases marginally to 88%. For a closer look at May's specifics, check out Wanaka weather in May.
In January, the weather is typically much warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). This month experiences 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, and the humidity is relatively high at 86%. In contrast, June brings cooler conditions, where temperatures drop significantly, with a minimum of -9°C (17°F), an average of 2°C (37°F), and a maximum of 15°C (59°F). The precipitation in June is lower, at 61 mm (2.4 in) over 9 days, and the humidity slightly increases to 88%. For a closer look at June weather patterns, you can visit Wanaka weather in June.
In January, the weather offers a mild climate with average temperatures around 14°C (58°F) and maximums reaching up to 28°C (82°F), providing warm conditions ideal for outdoor activities. However, it also experiences notable humidity at 86% and approximately 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain spread across 10 days. In stark contrast, July presents a much cooler atmosphere, with average temperatures dropping to around 1°C (35°F) and highs only reaching 9°C (49°F). The precipitation increases to 127 mm (5.0 in) over 13 days, accompanied by a slightly higher humidity of 88%. For more details, visit Wanaka weather in July.
In comparing the weather between January and August, notable contrasts emerge. January enjoys a warmer climate with average temperatures ranging from a mild 14°C (58°F) to a pleasant maximum of 28°C (82°F), accompanied by higher humidity levels of 86% and 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days. In contrast, August presents a much cooler atmosphere, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -11°C (12°F) and an average of just 3°C (38°F). While it experiences slightly less precipitation at 77 mm (3.0 in) across 14 days, humidity remains high at 87%. For those interested in more details about August weather in Wanaka, please visit Wanaka weather in August.
In comparing the weather between January and September, there are notable differences in temperature and precipitation. January features a much warmer climate, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), while September experiences cooler temperatures, with an average range from a minimum of -6°C (21°F) to a maximum of 15°C (60°F). Additionally, September sees a higher amount of rainfall, with 130 mm (5.1 in) spread over 13 days compared to January's 88 mm (3.5 in) over 10 days. Both months share a consistent humidity level of 86%, but the overall feel and experience of the weather can be quite different. For more detailed insights, you can check Wanaka weather in September.
In January, the weather is relatively warm, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), and an average temperature of 14°C (58°F). This month experiences about 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation spread over roughly 10 days, along with consistently high humidity at 86%. Conversely, October usher in cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F), while the average temperature is around 8°C (46°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 102 mm (4.0 in) over 13 days, yet humidity remains the same at 86%. For more details on the October climate, you can check Wanaka weather in October.
When comparing the weather in January and November, it's clear that both months experience high humidity levels of 86%. However, January tends to be warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), while November's temperatures range from -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F). In terms of precipitation, November is notably wetter, receiving 127 mm (5.0 in) over 14 days compared to January’s 88 mm (3.5 in) over 10 days. For a more detailed look at November weather, check out Wanaka weather in November.
Comparing January and December weather reveals some intriguing differences. In January, the minimum temperature is slightly higher at 3°C (37°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F). This month experiences relatively less precipitation, totaling 88 mm (3.5 in) over about 10 days of rain. In contrast, December tends to be cooler, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F), an average of 13°C (55°F), and a maximum of 24°C (75°F). It also sees more rainfall, accumulating 134 mm (5.3 in) over approximately 15 rainy days. Interestingly, both months share the same humidity level of 86%. For more details on December weather, you can visit Wanaka weather in December.
January in Wanaka stands out with its warm maximum temperatures reaching 28°C (82°F), providing a delightful respite compared to the cooler months. The average temperature settles around a comfortable 14°C (58°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, with 10 days of precipitation and relative humidity at 86%, visitors should be prepared for occasional rain. This blend of warmth and moisture creates a unique summer atmosphere, distinct from the drier and cooler seasons. For a more detailed look at the weather patterns throughout the year, explore our page on Wanaka Climate.