What Is The Weather Like In The Whitsundays In January?

Updated Fri 05 Jan 2024

The weather in the Whitsundays during January is a total dream! Despite being in the wet season, sailing tours and reef adventures run often, as showers occur in the afternoon and are usually short and sweet. Get ready for a true far north Queensland summer! The days are hot and humid, but the ocean is refreshing and shady spots are easy to come by.

So, if you’re visiting our slice of paradise during January, bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen before you catch a boat out to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Indeed, that cool salty breeze, glittering ocean and cool refreshments will help you beat the heat and relax in blissfully gorgeous destinations!

January Temperatures and Humidity the Whitsundays

The daily average for January in the Whitsundays sits at 27°C, with an average high of 31°C and an average low of 25°C. The ocean temperatures sit at a warm 28°C, perfect for a dip or snorkel. Summer in the Whitsundays is infamously tropical and wet, with humidity sitting between 50% - 80%. For up to date radars and alerts for severe weather, check the Bureau of Meteorology’s radar.

You just need to be mindful that the month of January still falls within Stinger Season. This means there is a possibility of being stung by dangerous jellyfish. However, don't let that stop you from steering clear of the beautiful Whitsunday waters, you can simply wear a stinger suit to stay protected! Most tours provide stinger suits when you're out on the water, otherwise there are places in Airlie Beach where you can hire them.

Tips for travelling to the Whitsundays in January

1)	Wear light clothing On sunny, humid days, wearing light materials such as cotton and linen make all the difference! Let the breeze in and avoid wearing tight, unbreathable clothing as it will only make your day hotter.
2)	Stay sun safe To stay sun safe in the Whitsundays, there is no better way to protect yourself than with a classic slip, slop, slap approach! For those who didn’t grow up in an Aussie school, that means slip on a shirt to protect your neck and shoulders, slop on sunscreen to avoid a nasty burn and slap on a hat!
3)	Drink plenty of water Hydration is key during Australian summers, as our bodies need more water to replace our naturally increased sweating. That means bring your water bottle and fill up often to avoid dehydration.
4)	Stay flexible While summer in the Whitsundays is utterly beautiful, the wet season can sometimes bring in unexpected weather events. While our team will do everything they can to get you on your dream vessel, the expert skippers of every vessel make the call and sometimes rain, winds or forecasts can knock back your tour. Stay calm, flexible and excited, as we work to get you on the water ASAP!
5)	Take a dip in the lagoon Cool off without a stinger suit in the beautiful Airlie Beach Lagoon this January to enjoy a splash this summer! A great way to relax, stay fresh and enjoy the sunshine with friends and family, the local lagoon is conveniently located right in the middle of town!