Niue Weather in January

What is the Weather Like in Niue in January?

January is right in the middle of the local wet season where you can expect changeable weather going from high heat to heavy rainfall and back to high heat within only a couple of hours. But don’t fret, in most cases, the short rainfall is not here to ruin your holiday. They are actually a welcome refresher from the high temperatures.

The changeable weather makes January one of the quietest months to travel Niue which should ensure a romantic time away from the crowds for couples on a getaway or enjoy a more relaxed family holiday. January offers the luxury of “having the place all to yourself” per se.

In this guide, we will cover the typical January temperatures, rainfall and storm in Niue and include tips on travelling and packing for the Niue weather in January. But before that, be sure to bookmark Niue Weather by Month: What is the Weather Like in Niue? and The Best Time to Visit Niue for more climate advice.

6 Tips for Travelling Niue in January

The high UV level warrant for high-factor sunscreen to be worn whenever you’re outside
Although January is one of the quietest months of the year, you can expect the first week of January to be quite busy due to New Zealand and Australian travellers seeking a Christmas escape
Because January is the low season in Niue, it affords you the freedom to book your accommodation at the last minute. We recommend booking at least one week (or more) in advance
January is known as a “hot and humid” month in Niue but most accommodation have air conditioning or ceiling fans for a peaceful night of sleep
Mosquitos are quite active in January due to the hot and humid climate, so pack insect repellent. Check out our tips on How to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Niue
Like in most countries, the 1st and 2nd of January are public holidays in Niue, so expect all shops and restaurants, as well as most tours to be closed. Plan yourself a self-guided tour and a meal in your hotel’s restaurant for those days.

Typical Temperatures in January

January is the third-warmest month in Niue with a maximum average temperature of 28°C / 82°F and a minimum average temperature of 23°C / 73°F. Expect tropical hot and humid weather in January.

Temperatures in Alofi

Average maximum temperature: 29°C / 84°F
Average minimum temperature: 23°C / 73°F

Sea Temperature in January

There’s never a bad time to jump in the water in Niue. In fact, January is poised with some of the warmer waters of the year. Picky swimmers that only jump in tropical warm waters will appreciate the average sea temperature of 28°C / 82°F during the whole month.

Hours of Sun in January

If you are coming to Niue for the sun then January will not disappoint. Although branded as the rainy season, January offers an average of over 7 hours of bright sunshine per day and 13 hours of daylight. This is up to twice more than in the dry season and more than enough to make the most of your trip!

UV Levels During January

It is advised to wear sunscreen all year round in Niue but in January it is more important to keep on top of your sun protection. The UV levels in January are at their highest ranging from 11 to 12 which is considered as “extreme”. If you are on the market for great sun protection, we’ve got tips for you on how to pick a safe sunscreen for your kids or a selection of environmental conscious sunscreen that will protect the precious Niuean coral reefs.

Sunrise and Sunset During January

In January you will be blessed with 13 hours of daylight.

Sunrise: 5.45am at the beginning of January and 6.00am at the end of January
Sunset: 7.00pm at the beginning of January and 7.05pm at the end of January

Rainfall in January

Since January is in the middle of the wet season you should expect to get wet at some point during your trip. However, the silver lining is that due to the small size of the country, the weather pattern is extremely changeable. So expect short bursts of intense warm rain followed by hours of bright sunshine. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen after getting drenched and enjoy your true tropical experience.

Niue receives an average of 260mm / 10.2” of rainfall in January with an average of 18 days out of the month experiencing some rain.

Rainfall in Alofi

Average rainfall in January: 276mm / 10.9″
Average rain days: 18

Tropical Storms in January

Although there have been no major cyclones in Niue in recent years, the island is prone to tropical storms and cyclones during the wet season (which includes January) when the temperatures exceed 27°C / 80°F.

The island nation is well prepared for this kind of natural event as is shown by the very limited lives lost during cyclone Heta in 2004. Should there be any concern your accommodation or tour staff will escort you to safe zones in higher ground and issue instructions.

See How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Niue for more advice.

Best Things to Do in January

Since January is an “off-season” month in Niue, you’ll get the feeling that you’ve got the whole island to yourself. It is a great time to make the most of the most popular attractions of the island without the crowds. Not that Niue ever really suffers from being crowded, to be fair…

Dolphin Swimming – If it is forecast to rain, you will get wet, so why not “really” get wet?! Hop on one of the dolphin swimming charters and go encounter the happiest marine mammals in their natural habitat. The stunningly clear waters surrounding Niue makes a dolphin swim an experience like no other!

Museums – As mentioned previously, the rainfall is likely to be abrupt but short, so a great option is to head to the small local museum to let the storm pass before getting back on your merry way. The Taoga Miue Museum in Alofi is Niue’s national museum with spectacular woven art and WWI relics. The Tahiono Art Gallery in Alofi is another great option to let the rain pass while gawking at superb local art.

Snorkelling – January offers some of the warmest waters Niue experiences, so it would be foolish not to make the most of it! There are several fabulous snorkelling spots around the island, all of which are excellent for a January dip. Check out of the list of The Best Snorkelling Spots in Niue for a rundown of all your options.

January Packing List for Niue

Alright, so January is the month and you are heading to Niue. Here is our essential packing list for that specific month:

Sunscreen (30+ protection index)
Rain jacket
Light clothing layer
Light long-sleeved top (this will help protect you against the sun and mosquitos)
Light pants/trousers
Sunhat/Sunglasses/Swimwear (The water is warm and the sun is hot, you will get your “summer” time!)
Flip-flops/sandals
Sarong or other light clothing to wear over your swimwear when passing through villages.

We’ve got a comprehensive packing list for your trip to Niue already ready for you, so check it out for more packing tips.

More About the Niue Weather

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Niue Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. He is also consulting regularly with Niue Tourism to ensure content accuracy. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

Contact Robin via our contact page