Avarua Weather in January

January weather in Avarua

January is warm, sticky and often cloudy. Days reach 27°C, and nights barely cool, with lows around 26°C. Rain falls on 20 days, which is the main reason January rates poorly here at 4.3 out of 10. Showers can interrupt beach time or a walk around town, and although you'll get some sunshine, don't count on a clear sky all day.

The lagoon is lovely for a swim when the weather allows, and Avarua's shops and cafés make an easy stop on a rainy day. Heavy rain can make the Cross-Island Track muddy, so save that hike for a drier spell. If muggy weather wears you down, July to September is the better choice, since those are the best months to visit Avarua.

Holidays and crowds

New Year's Day is a public holiday, and January falls in the busy summer holiday season. Expect more visitors than in the quieter months, along with higher prices for stays and flights. The rush is strongest around New Year, and later in the month Avarua can feel calmer.

There isn't a major annual festival to plan around in January. You might still catch the Saturday morning crowds at Punanga Nui Market, where local food and crafts bring people into town.

Plans for a wet day

Travelling with kids? Keep a rainy-day plan handy, because the Cook Islands National Museum in Avarua offers an indoor break from showers.

Visit Punanga Nui Market early on Saturday, then spend the rest of the day in the town centre if rain sets in. January averages 194 mm of rain, more than December or February at 186 mm each, so a flexible plan helps. The warm, wet weather can make any long walk feel tiring, so keep your outings short on the wettest days.