South Sulawesi Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in South Sulawesi, Indonesia in January.

Considering a trip to South Sulawesi, Indonesia 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 South Sulawesi in January

South Sulawesi, Indonesia is a region in Indonesia. January in South Sulawesi generally has temperatures that range from warm to very warm, with heavy precipitation.

Temperatures

The average highest temperatures fluctuate between warm in Makale at 28°C (82°F) to very warm in Bira at 31°C (88°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 26°C (79°F) in Bira and 18°C (64°F) in Makale. The temperatures mentioned for daytime and nighttime are general averages. However there can be days that surpass these temperatures. So equip yourself with clothing that can handle the potential heat.

For a closer look at conditions across South Sulawesi, Indonesia, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From heavy rainfall in Bira with an average of 280 mm (11 in) to heavy rainfall in Makassar with 616 mm (24 in). Looking at the climate data spanning the last 30 years, this month sees the heaviest rainfall of the year in Makassar.

Explore South Sulawesi by month

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

Best Places to Visit in South Sulawesi in January

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

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 South Sulawesi

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in South Sulawesi, Indonesia?

Temperature range in South Sulawesi (January)

Precipitation variation in South Sulawesi (January)

Makassar

In January Makassar generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
30°C (86°F)
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly rainfall
594 mm (23 in)
616 mm (24 in)
527 mm (21 in)
Monthly rainy days
22 days
25 days
20 days
Weather conditions

Bira

In January Bira generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 31°C (88°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
31°C (88°F)
31°C (88°F)
31°C (88°F)
Min temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
Monthly rainfall
252 mm (9.9 in)
280 mm (11 in)
290 mm (11 in)
Monthly rainy days
21 days
24 days
19 days
Weather conditions

Rantepao

In January Rantepao generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
19°C (66°F)
19°C (66°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly rainfall
466 mm (18 in)
439 mm (17 in)
474 mm (19 in)
Monthly rainy days
22 days
23 days
20 days
Weather conditions

Biringkanya

In January Biringkanya generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly rainfall
474 mm (19 in)
479 mm (19 in)
393 mm (15 in)
Monthly rainy days
22 days
25 days
20 days
Weather conditions

Makale

In January Makale generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
27°C (81°F)
28°C (82°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
18°C (64°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly rainfall
290 mm (11 in)
296 mm (12 in)
263 mm (10 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
19 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in South Sulawesi, in Indonesia.

In our records: Indonesia January extremes

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

  • From our sources, the wettest January day in Indonesia brought 389 mm (15 in) in Manado on January 27, 2023.

Popular cities in January

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Makassar 29°C (84°F) 25°C (77°F) 616 mm (24 in)
Bira 31°C (88°F) 26°C (79°F) 280 mm (11 in)
Rantepao 28°C (82°F) 19°C (66°F) 439 mm (17 in)
Biringkanya 29°C (84°F) 25°C (77°F) 479 mm (19 in)
Makale 28°C (82°F) 18°C (64°F) 296 mm (12 in)

South Sulawesi weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in South Sulawesi, Indonesia in January?

In January, South Sulawesi, Indonesia generally has poor weather conditions. Makassar sees daytime temperatures near 29°C (84°F), with nights cooling to roughly 25°C (77°F).

What is the average temperature in South Sulawesi, Indonesia in January?

Makassar averages a daytime maximum of 29°C (84°F) in January, with overnight lows close to 25°C (77°F).

Does South Sulawesi, Indonesia get a lot of rain in January?

Yes. January brings heavy rainfall to South Sulawesi, Indonesia, with Makassar averaging around 616 mm (24 in). Expect frequent showers and pack accordingly.

Is January a Good Time to Visit South Sulawesi, Indonesia?

In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to South Sulawesi, Indonesia with often poor weather in Makassar.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in July, August and September offering mostly tolerable weather in Makassar. On the other hand, the weather in January, February, March, April, November and December tend to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in South Sulawesi.

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

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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