Kona (Big Island) in January

In January, Kona (Big Island) averages 25°C (76°F) during the day and 19°C (67°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 23 days of the month see precipitation (97 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

January offers comfortable temperatures in Kona (Big Island), with some rain to plan around.

25°C
Avg high
19°C
Avg low
23
Rain days
97 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Kona (Big Island)

12th
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
4%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
11 h 4 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the coolest months in Kona (Big Island) (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (26°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (25°C) and stays flat into February.

January sunrise & sunset in Kona (Big Island)

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:01 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:05 PM
Day length
11 h 4 min

Times shown for Kona (Big Island) local time (Pacific/Honolulu), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Kona (Big Island) — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:01 AM – 6:41 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:41 AM – 7:41 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:25 PM – 6:25 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:25 PM – 7:05 PM

📅 When to book — Kona (Big Island) 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 (Shoulder) and Kona (Big Island)'s popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ 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.

January in United States — events that affect travel

Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.

🎄
US Christmas/New Year Window
Travel surge · high impact

Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.

Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.

Crowds & pricing — January in Kona (Big Island)

Shoulder

Kona (Big Island) is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — January in Kona (Big Island)

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
9
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural.

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 Kona (Big Island) — January

25.4°C (78°F)
warm
comfortable for extended swimming

Across the year Kona (Big Island)'s sea swings from 25°C (March) to 27.3°C (September) — January sits at 25.4°C.

Kona (Big Island) in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 25°C / 76°F 19°C / 67°F 97 mm 23
February 25°C / 76°F 19°C / 67°F 118 mm 22
March 25°C / 77°F 20°C / 68°F 111 mm 23
April 25°C / 77°F 21°C / 69°F 207 mm 27
May 26°C / 78°F 21°C / 70°F 224 mm 28
June 26°C / 79°F 22°C / 71°F 301 mm 29
July 27°C / 81°F 23°C / 73°F 296 mm 30
August 27°C / 81°F 23°C / 73°F 278 mm 29
September 27°C / 81°F 23°C / 73°F 206 mm 27
October 27°C / 81°F 22°C / 72°F 138 mm 25
November 26°C / 80°F 21°C / 70°F 103 mm 22
December 25°C / 77°F 20°C / 68°F 134 mm 23

Other cities with similar January weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kona (Big Island) in January →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Kona (Big Island) in January?

In January, Kona (Big Island) averages a high of 25°C (76°F) and a low of 19°C (67°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Kona (Big Island) in January?

January is quite rainy in Kona (Big Island), with about 23 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Kona (Big Island)?

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 Kona (Big Island) in January?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Kona (Big Island) for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Kona (Big Island) on the interactive map

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