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Bay of Islands, New Zealand · Temperate oceanic

Bay of Islands in January: go or not?

Excellent time. Bay of Islands in January scores 8.2/10.

📅 Data updated: October 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 35.23°S · 174.11°E
⚡ This month's verdict
Go for it
Bay of Islands · January
8.2
17–24°
Temperature
22%
Rain
8h
Sun
🌊 Seaside☀️ Bright🍴 Gastronomy
Photo : Simon Infanger via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in January

Summer in Bay of Islands brings pleasant temperatures (24°C) and long sunny days (8.0h of sunshine). Rain risk remains low (22% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities.

January is the best month of the year in Bay of Islands. Compared to December: +2°C daytime.

This month's conditions

What it's like in January

UV index
8 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
comfortable
16°
Sea
21°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
14.1h of daylight
Air quality
excellent
AQI 14
Compare

Is January the right month?

January is actually the best month of the year in Bay of Islands. Good timing.

See all 12 months →
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Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🎟️ Activities & tours · Bay of Islands

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.

Country · New Zealand

🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJanuary · 24°C
❄️Coolest monthJuly · 16°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJuly · 48%

🏖️ Beach holiday

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Location

Where is Bay of Islands ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
New Zealand
Temperate oceanic climate with a 8.2 → 4.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
35.23°S · 174.11°E
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Bay of Islands?
January is the best month with 24.0°C highs, 17.0°C lows, 8.0h of sunshine and 22.0% rainy days. The months of January & February offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Bay of Islands get in January?
Bay of Islands averages 8.0 sunshine hours per day in January. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.8/10.
What is the rainiest month in Bay of Islands?
July is the most unfavourable month with July has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Bay of Islands in January?
In January, overnight lows reach 17.0°C, while afternoon highs average 24.0°C.
Is Bay of Islands good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Bay of Islands scores 7.6/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains January with a score of 7.8/10.
When should you avoid Bay of Islands?
July is the most difficult month to visit Bay of Islands, with July has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Bay of Islands in January?
In January, the sea averages 21°C in Bay of Islands: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Bay of Islands in January?
The average UV index reaches 8 in January in Bay of Islands (very high), with about 14.1h of daylight. Protection essential.