Brisbane in January

In January, Brisbane averages 29°C (85°F) during the day and 21°C (70°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 22 days of the month see precipitation (110 mm total).

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

January offers comfortable temperatures in Brisbane, with some rain to plan around.

29°C
Avg high
21°C
Avg low
22
Rain days
110 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Brisbane

1st
warmest month of the 12
2nd
wettest month of the 12
11%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
13 h 41 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the warmest months in Brisbane (1st of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (26°C). January runs roughly the same as December (29°C) and stays flat into February.

January sunrise & sunset in Brisbane

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:06 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:47 PM
Day length
13 h 41 min

Times shown for Brisbane local time (Australia/Brisbane), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Brisbane — January

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Brisbane's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:06 AM – 4:46 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
4:46 AM – 5:46 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:07 PM – 7:07 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:07 PM – 7:47 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Brisbane in January

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (High season) and Brisbane's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — January in Brisbane

High season

This is a busy month in Brisbane — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: Southern Hemisphere summer holidays

Sun & mosquito risk — January in Brisbane

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.9
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Brisbane — January

27.2°C (81°F)
bath-warm
tropical and comfortable for hours

Across the year Brisbane's sea swings from 17.1°C (July) to 27.6°C (February) — January sits at 27.2°C.

Brisbane in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 29°C / 85°F 21°C / 70°F 110 mm 22
February 29°C / 84°F 21°C / 69°F 165 mm 20
March 28°C / 82°F 20°C / 68°F 144 mm 24
April 26°C / 78°F 17°C / 62°F 54 mm 18
May 23°C / 74°F 14°C / 56°F 60 mm 13
June 21°C / 69°F 11°C / 52°F 44 mm 13
July 21°C / 70°F 10°C / 50°F 34 mm 10
August 22°C / 72°F 11°C / 52°F 37 mm 11
September 25°C / 76°F 13°C / 56°F 44 mm 14
October 26°C / 79°F 16°C / 61°F 103 mm 17
November 28°C / 83°F 18°C / 64°F 79 mm 16
December 29°C / 84°F 20°C / 68°F 102 mm 18

Other cities with similar January weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Brisbane in January →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Brisbane in January?

In January, Brisbane averages a high of 29°C (85°F) and a low of 21°C (70°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Brisbane in January?

January is quite rainy in Brisbane, with about 22 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Brisbane?

January is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Brisbane in January?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Brisbane for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Brisbane on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.