Whitsunday islands
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Whitsunday islands Weather in January

January in Whitsunday islands averages 29°C (84°F) during the day and 26°C (79°F) at night. January is part of the rainy season, with around 213 mm (8.4 in) of rainfall and frequent showers.

Rainfall in Whitsunday islands in January

Whitsunday islands is in the rainy season in January, with rain on around 12 days and an average of 213 mm (8.4 in). With high rainfall totals spread across the month, individual showers can be very heavy. Waterproof gear is strongly recommended.

Temperature in Whitsunday islands in January

Expect highs of 29°C (84°F) in Whitsunday islands in January, with nights dropping to around 26°C (79°F). Overall, the month follows a fairly predictable daily temperature pattern. With overnight lows of 26°C (79°F), evenings and nights remain warm. Light clothing and an open window or fan can help you sleep comfortably.

Sunshine in Whitsunday islands in January

Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 240 hours of sunshine. Despite being the rainy season, it could still be a nice time to visit. Rain often arrives later in the day, keeping most of the days sunny.

If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, May, June, July, August, September, October and November typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.

Whitsunday islands Temperature in January

Min Temperature
26°C (79°F)
Max Temperature
29°C (84°F)
Chance of Rain
39%
Precipitation
213 mm (8.4 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
65% *
Sunshine
240 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
*
* Data from: Airlie Beach, Australia (22 KM, 14 Miles).

Whitsunday islands Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Whitsunday islands - and find the best time to visit.

Daily Historical Temperatures

36-year average (1991-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Whitsunday islands typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 29°C (84°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 25°C (77°F).

Average temperatures in January

Daily Historical Precipitation

36-year average (1991-2026)

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

Average precipitation in January

Historical weather records for Whitsunday islands in January

Browse day-by-day weather records for Whitsunday islands spanning 38 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Whitsunday islands historical weather extremes in January

Based on 33 years of weather observations in Whitsunday islands between 1992 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.

  • On January 28, 2013, temperatures climbed to 38°C (100°F), marking the warmest January day on record.
  • Whitsunday islands experienced its chilliest January day on January 10, 1993, reaching only 24°C (75°F).
  • Nighttime temperatures dropped to 19°C (66°F) on January 20, 2000, marking the coldest January night on record.

Best Places in Australia in January

Find out more about the weather in Australia and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Australia in January →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Whitsunday islands in January

Warm weather calls for comfortable, breathable clothing in January. Cotton t-shirts, shorts, light dresses, and sandals are perfect. You might still want a light layer for evenings or air-conditioned places (for example buses). Also bring a poncho, it will rain a lot! Waterproof everything you can. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.

What To Do in Whitsunday islands in January

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

  • Swimming
    8/10
  • Cycling
    7/10
  • Walking
    7/10
  • Camping
    7/10
  • Outdoor sports
    7/10

Whitsunday islands 3-Day Forecast

More climate data for Whitsunday islands

Popular in January

Where to go in January - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.