Invercargill Weather in January

January in Invercargill brings pleasant temperatures around 19°C (66°F) during the day, dropping to 11°C (52°F) at night, with quite a bit of rainfall expected, averaging around 127 mm (5 in) for the month.

Rainfall in Invercargill in January

Looking at the last 30 years, the data shows about 18 days with rain, averaging 127 mm (5 in) for the month. Rain falls regularly this month and can be quite heavy when it does. Showers can be substantial, so waterproof gear is a good idea.

Temperature in Invercargill in January

Temperatures in Invercargill in January top out at 19°C (66°F) and drop to 11°C (52°F) overnight. Temperatures can feel cooler in the morning and evening, so layering is often the best approach. Nights cool down to 11°C (52°F), so a light jacket or extra layer is useful once the sun goes down. On the plus side, the cooler nights make for comfortable sleeping conditions. On average, it sees the highest temps of the year.

Sunshine in Invercargill in January

With about 187 hours of sunshine, the area enjoys a nice balance of sun and overcast, creating a pleasant environment.

Wind Speed in Invercargill in January

Wind speeds average 5 m/s (10 knots) during January. At this speed, gentle to moderate breezes make small trees sway and the wind creates whitecaps on water bodies. Daily variations range from moderate winds to stronger breezes, creating excellent conditions for sailing, kite flying and wind sports.

Average water temperature in January

At 13°C (55°F), the water is cool but manageable for those who don't mind a bit of a shock getting in. Most people adjust after a few minutes.

If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, January, February, March and December typically offer the best circumstances for Invercargill.

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 Invercargill's climate page.

Invercargill Temperature in January

Min Temperature 11°C (52°F)  

Max Temperature 19°C (66°F)  

Water Temperature 13°C (55°F)  

Chance of Rain 60%  

Precipitation 127 mm (5 in)  

Rainy days 18 days  

Humidity 80%  

Windspeed 5 m/s (10 knots)  

Sunshine 187 hours  

Percentage Sunshine 41%  

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Invercargill 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

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

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

Daily Historical Precipitation

50-year average (1976-2026)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in January

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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 Invercargill in January

Browse day-by-day weather records for Invercargill 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 ›

Invercargill historical weather extremes in January

Based on 28 years of weather observations (1997-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Invercargill.

• Invercargill recorded its highest January temperature of 32°C (90°F) on January 14, 2018.
• The coldest January day was on January 9, 1998, with a maximum of 10°C (50°F).
• The coldest night in January in Invercargill was on January 26, 2000, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F).
• The wettest day in January Invercargill was on January 11, 2006 with 37 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation.

What to Wear in Invercargill in January

Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in January. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. With water temperatures around 13°C (55°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.

What To Do in Invercargill 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

6/10

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 Invercargill's climate page.

More climate data for Invercargill

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

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