Byron Bay

New South Wales Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in New South Wales, Australia in January.

Considering a trip to New South Wales, Australia this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in New South Wales in January

New South Wales, Australia is a region in Australia. New South Wales, Australia offers a broad spectrum of weather patterns. In January, one might encounter temperatures that range from warm to very hot, and precipitation levels ranging from low to heavy.

Temperatures

During the day the temperature is warm in Eden at 23°C (73°F) and very hot in Bourke at 37°C (99°F). As night falls, temperatures generally drop to 23°C (73°F) in Bourke and 17°C (63°F) in Eden. In New South Wales, Australia, January typically stands out as the hottest month of the year. If you're planning a visit during this time, it would be wise to come prepared. Packing light and breathable summer cloths will ensure you stay comfortable throughout your stay.

To explore the conditions in New South Wales, Australia in more detail, check the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From low rainfall in Broken Hill with an average of 22 mm (0.9 in) to heavy rainfall in Bellingen with 179 mm (7 in).

Average sunshine

January brings good sunshine to many areas. Sydney sees around 233 hours of sunlight, great for visitors looking for bright days.

Explore New South Wales by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in New South Wales — and find the best time to visit. (based on Sydney)

Best Places to Visit in New South Wales in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across New South Wales.

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).

Popular Destinations in New South Wales

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in New South Wales, Australia?

Temperature range in New South Wales (January)

Precipitation variation in New South Wales (January)

Sydney

In January Sydney generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 26°C (79°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
24°C (75°F)
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
20°C (68°F)
20°C (68°F)
Monthly sun hours
257 hours
233 hours
207 hours
Monthly rainfall
63 mm (2.5 in)
81 mm (3.2 in)
110 mm (4.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
12 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Byron Bay

In January Byron Bay generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 22°C (72°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
27°C (81°F)
28°C (82°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
21°C (70°F)
22°C (72°F)
22°C (72°F)
Monthly sun hours
250 hours
230 hours
210 hours
Monthly rainfall
120 mm (4.7 in)
148 mm (5.8 in)
172 mm (6.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
13 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Jindabyne

In January Jindabyne generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 11°C (52°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
22°C (72°F)
25°C (77°F)
24°C (75°F)
Min temperature
9°C (48°F)
11°C (52°F)
11°C (52°F)
Monthly rainfall
89 mm (3.5 in)
88 mm (3.5 in)
102 mm (4 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
14 days
13 days
Weather conditions

The Entrance

In January The Entrance generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 26°C (79°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
25°C (77°F)
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
20°C (68°F)
20°C (68°F)
Monthly rainfall
74 mm (2.9 in)
86 mm (3.4 in)
120 mm (4.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
12 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Merimbula

In January Merimbula generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 17°C (63°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
22°C (72°F)
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
17°C (63°F)
17°C (63°F)
Monthly rainfall
89 mm (3.5 in)
74 mm (2.9 in)
106 mm (4.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
13 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in New South Wales, in Australia.

In our records: Australia January extremes

Notable January records observed across cities in Australia in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • In our records, the warmest January day in Australia reached 46°C (115°F) in Ballarat on January 29, 2009.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in New South Wales in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Sydney 26°C (79°F) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Byron Bay 28°C (82°F) 22°C (72°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jindabyne 25°C (77°F) 11°C (52°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
The Entrance 26°C (79°F) 20°C (68°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Merimbula 24°C (75°F) 17°C (63°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Coffs Harbour 27°C (81°F) 21°C (70°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)

New South Wales weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in New South Wales, Australia in January?

In January, New South Wales, Australia generally has perfect weather conditions. Sydney sees daytime temperatures near 26°C (79°F), with nights cooling to roughly 20°C (68°F).

What is the average temperature in New South Wales, Australia in January?

Average temperatures in New South Wales, Australia during January range from a nighttime low near 20°C (68°F) to a daytime high around 26°C (79°F) in Sydney.

Does New South Wales, Australia get a lot of rain in January?

January is on the drier side in New South Wales, Australia. Sydney averages only about 81 mm (3.2 in), with most days staying dry.

Is January a Good Time to Visit New South Wales, Australia?

We consider January to be one of the best times to travel to New South Wales, Australia. Typically, the climate in Sydney is perfect.

On average, the best time to visit New South Wales, Australia is in January, March, April, May, September, October, November and December with generally perfect weather in Sydney.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in New South Wales.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Australia? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Australia.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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