North Island New Zealand Weather in January

Average Temperatures in the North Island in January

Although there’s plenty of variation between regions, average temperatures across the entire North Island are warm throughout January. Unsurprisingly, the far North and sunny eastern regions like Kaitaia, Auckland, Napier and the Hawke’s Bay receive the highest average temperatures, although nowhere you visit on a January North Island road trip – including the alpine region around Lake Taupō – is likely to be very cold. 

Average Sunshine Hours Per day in the North Island in January

A month after the summer equinox around Christmas, daylight hours are technically on the decline throughout January. However, thanks to typically sunny and rain-free periods being the norm, average sunshine hours per day in the North Island are relatively high across January. In fact, on average, January in the North Island sees more sunshine hours per day than any other month of the year. Perfect for enjoying barbecues and al fresco dinners, long days at the beach, and getting out and about in the sun.

Average rainfall in the North Island in January

The average rainfall to expect across the North Island varies depending on where you plan to go. For example, the drier, ‘leeward’ regions of the East Coast such as Napier and Hawke’s Bay have very low rainfall; while the subtropical areas of Northland and Auckland experience some characteristic afternoon showers and a few heavy downpours. Overall, though, there’s not a huge number of wet days to worry about when planning a North Island holiday in January.

Best Things to do in the North Island in January 

Head to the beach and soak up the sun

With sunny days and high temperatures, January is arguably the best month for visiting one of the North Island’s ridiculous number of world-class beaches. Whether you like the idea of paddling out into the surf at Raglan or Wainui, kayaking around secluded coves in the Bay of Islands, diving for rock lobster off Wellington’s Kapiti Coast, or simply soaking up the sun and digging holes at Coromandel’s famous Hot Water Beach, the North Island is studded with incredible beaches and coastlines at nearly every turn.

Make the most of Lake Taupō

Whether it’s fishing, swimming, sailing, boating, kayaking, visiting cultural sites, or simply soaking up the sun that you’re after, Lake Taupō is likely to offer it to you in spades during the long, hot, summer days of January. The lake and its tributary rivers are home to a world-famous trout fishery, while the Great Lake Walkway makes for countless walking trails, offering stunning views of the surrounding volcanic landscape at every turn. Pop into Taupō township for one of its fun summer music festivals; or you can kayak up to some of the country’s most celebrated examples of pre-European Māori rock art at Mine Bay, where breathtaking figures carved into the cliffs tower 50 feet over the water.

Ready to go?

If you’re ready to start planning your North Island New Zealand trip, then take a look at the range of North Island self-drive itineraries and other tour options available from First Light Travel. In addition to those tours and packages, you can also custom make your own version. Simply reach out to FLT’s expert North Island travel advisors, for free, online, and they can help you out. If you need any more information about visiting the North Island or New Zealand, you’re likely to find it by browsing through the wealth of articles on FLT’s dedicated New Zealand travel blog.