Dunedin Weather in January

Dunedin in January averages 19°C (66°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night. Keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is expected this month.

Rainfall in Dunedin in January

You can expect rain on around 14 days based on historical patterns, with 113 mm (4.4 in) average for the month. The rain this month tends to fall in heavier spells rather than light drizzle. When it rains, showers can be significant.

Temperature in Dunedin in January

Dunedin in January gets highs of 19°C (66°F) during the day and drops to 10°C (50°F) at night. Conditions are often most pleasant around the middle of the day. With lows around 10°C (50°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep. On average, it sees the highest temps of the year.

Sunshine in Dunedin in January

With about 174 hours of sunshine, the area enjoys a nice balance of sun and overcast, creating a pleasant environment.

Wind Speed in Dunedin in January

Average wind speeds reach 3 m/s (6 knots) in January, creating light breezes that feel pleasant throughout the day. Some days are calmer, while others bring slightly more active breezes.

Average water temperature in January

The water is 13°C (55°F) this month — cool enough to feel refreshing on a warm day, but cold enough that most people won't stay in for long without a wetsuit.

Should you favor a climate that's both dry and comfortably warm, February and March typically offer the most agreeable circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Dunedin's climate page.

Dunedin Temperature in January

Min Temperature 10°C (50°F)  

Max Temperature 19°C (66°F)  

Water Temperature 13°C (55°F)  

Chance of Rain 45%  

Precipitation 113 mm (4.4 in)  

Rainy days 14 days  

Humidity 74%  

Windspeed 3 m/s (6 knots)  

Sunshine 174 hours  

Percentage Sunshine 38%  

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Dunedin typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 19°C (66°F). Nights are cool, with lows around 11°C (52°F).

Average temperatures in January

‹ Select year to compare to 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 ›

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Historical weather for Dunedin in January

Browse day-by-day weather records for Dunedin spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Historical weather Temperatures Precipitation

‹ 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 ›

‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Dunedin historical weather extremes in January

Based on 21 years of weather observations in Dunedin between 2004 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.

• On January 31, 2018, temperatures climbed to 33°C (91°F), marking the warmest January day on record.
• On January 8, 2010, Dunedin saw its coldest January day with temperatures maxing out at 11°C (52°F).
• The coldest night in January in Dunedin was on January 22, 2015, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F).
• Peak precipitation in January occurred on January 22, 2017, when 49 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation was measured.

What to Wear in Dunedin in January

For Dunedin in January, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. Expect water temperatures of around 13°C (55°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the month

What To Do in Dunedin in January

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming

6/10

Cycling

9/10

Walking

9/10

Camping

3/10

Outdoor sports

9/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Dunedin's climate page.

More climate data for Dunedin

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

See the full Dunedin climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.