What is the Weather Like in Fiji in January?
So you are thinking of planning your trip to Fiji in January? January is during the middle of the “Wet Season” in Fiji, where short bursts of intense rainfall quickly followed by sunshine is common. It can be a welcome refresher from the high temperatures and humidity during this summer season in Fiji. Because it is the wet season, January is also one of the quietest seasons to visit Fiji, making it ideal for a couples’ getaway, a backpacking trip away from the tourists, or for some quality family time together. Find out more about the typical temperatures, rainfall, tropical storms and more in this guide to the Fiji weather in January!
If you find this article useful, then you might want to take a look at the Fiji Seasons and What is the Weather Like in Fiji?
5 Tips For Travelling Fiji in January
- Due to the high UV levels during January, make sure you always wear high-factor sunscreen
- Looking to escape the rain? Head to the Yasawa Islands which are known for having a drier climate.
- Pack insect repellent. Mosquitoes are more active during the wet season in Fiji. Check out 12 Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Fiji.
- While January is hot and humid, remember that there are plenty of ways to cool down and most resort rooms have air conditioning.
- January is the low season in Fiji, so don’t worry about booking accommodation and activities too far in advance.
© MaxpixelTypical Temperatures in January
January is one of the warmest months to visit Fiji with maximum average temperatures reaching 30°C / 86°F and the minimum average temperatures being 23°C / 73°F usually at night. January also experiences high heat and humidity.
Temperatures in Nadi and Suva
- Nadi: average max temperature – 31.6°C / 88.9°F, average minimum temperature 22°C / 71.6°F
- Suva: average max temperature – 30.6°C / 87°F, average minimum temperature 23.6°C / 74.5°F
Sea Temperature in January
While sea temperatures in Fiji are warm all year round, the sea temperatures are at some of their highest during January. Expect sea temperatures to be around 28.5°C / 83°F during January.
© FijiPocketGuide.comHours of Sun in January
Pretty much everyone that comes to Fiji wants to see the sun! January would be a good time for a bit of sun-soaking with an average of 6 hours of bright sunshine each day. Daylight hours during January are at some of their longest out of the whole year with an average of 13 daylight hours.
UV Levels During January
Wearing sunscreen is advised all year round in Fiji, but especially in January when the maximum UV levels are extreme at midday. UV levels are 11+ UV index during midday. For advice on what sunscreen to wear in Fiji, see our 5 Best Environmentally-Friendly Sunscreens.
Sunrise and Sunset During January
January brings daylight hours lasting about 13 hours a day.
- Sunrise: 6.30am at the beginning of January and 5.50am at the end of January
- Sunset: 7.45pm at the beginning of January and 6.50pm at the end of January.
Note: Daylight Savings ends around January 13th/14th in Fiji. Find out more about daylight savings in What is the Fiji Time Zone?
© PixabayRainfall in January
January is in the middle of the wet season in Fiji, so expect higher amounts of rainfall compared to other months of the year. The rain weather patterns in Fiji are best described as “liquid sunshine” with quick but intense showers quickly replaced by brilliant sunshine. The larger islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu receive the highest amounts of rainfall, while the small and more isolated island groups like the Yasawa Islands receive the least amount of rainfall.
Fiji receives an average of 308mm / 12.13″ of rainfall in the month of January, with around 18 days out of January experiencing rain.
Rainfall in Nadi and Suva
- Nadi: average rainfall in January – 299mm / 12″ and average rain days – 18
- Suva: average rainfall in January – 315mm / 12.4″ nd average rain days – 23.
© NASA on WikipediaTropical Storms in January
With the South Pacific cyclone season starting in November and ending in April, January is one of the months with the highest risk of being affected by tropical storms. On average, about 3% of January is affected by tropical storms.
In the 2017-18 South Pacific cyclone season, there were six tropical cyclones, 3 of which were classed as severe. Only the Lau Islands were affected significantly in that year, while other cyclones produced gale-force winds and rainfall in some parts of Fiji.
If you want to decrease the chance of experiencing the effects of a tropical storm in Fiji, then consider travelling in the dry season.
© FijiPocketGuide.comBest Places to Visit in January
Thanks to January being an uncrowded season, as it is the low season, you’re bound to have a great time wherever you are in Fiji. Nevertheless, you might want to consider going to the following locations if chasing certain weather or experiences:
Yasawa Islands – Stretching north above Viti Levu, these isolated island dotted around the Pacific Ocean receive far less rainfall than what is experienced on the larger main islands. So if you are trying to escape the rain, the Yasawas is where to go. Find out more about the Yasawas in our Complete Guide to the Yasawa Islands.
Suva – The capital of Fiji is the place to be when celebrating the New Year in Fiji, especially with its street parties. Alternatively, there are lots of city activities and amazing eateries to get stuck into for those periods of wet weather. Find out more in our Complete Guide to Suva.
Denarau – The resorts in Denarau are well equipped to keep you wool during those humid days in January. Jump in the pool, enjoy air-conditioned rooms and relax with a refreshing beer or cocktail. Check out our Complete Guide to Denarau for more inspiration.
© PixabayJanuary Packing List for Fiji
When travelling to Fiji in January, there are a few essential items to add to the packing list:
- High-factor sunscreen
- Rain jacket
- Light cotton layers
- Light long-sleeved tops (to cover from sun and mosquitoes)
- Light pants/trousers
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Swimwear
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Sarong (especially when leaving a resort)
For more inspiration on what to pack, check out our Packing List for Fiji.
More About Fiji Weather in January
- 11 Reasons to Travel in the Low Season
- What Does Fiji Time Mean? (& What You Need to Know About It)
- What is the Fiji Time Zone?
That’s it for the guide to the Fiji weather in January. If weather affects your decision on when to come to Fiji, you might also like to check out The Best Time to Visit Fiji.
