Papeete (Tahiti) in January

In January, Papeete (Tahiti) averages 27°C (81°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 31 days of the month see precipitation (424 mm total).

Shoulder

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

It's peak cyclone season in Papeete (Tahiti) during January. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

27°C
Avg high
24°C
Avg low
31
Rain days
424 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Papeete (Tahiti)

5th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
14%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
13 h 4 min
daylight on the 15th

January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Papeete (Tahiti) (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. January runs roughly the same as December (27°C) and stays flat into February.

January sunrise & sunset in Papeete (Tahiti)

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:35 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:39 PM
Day length
13 h 4 min

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

Photography light in Papeete (Tahiti) — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:35 AM – 5:15 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:15 AM – 6:15 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:59 PM – 6:59 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:59 PM – 7:39 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Papeete (Tahiti) 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 Papeete (Tahiti)'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. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 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.

Crowds & pricing — January in Papeete (Tahiti)

Shoulder

Papeete (Tahiti) 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: Southern Hemisphere summer holidays peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — January in Papeete (Tahiti)

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
13
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 Papeete (Tahiti) — January

28.6°C (83°F)
bath-warm
tropical and comfortable for hours

Across the year Papeete (Tahiti)'s sea swings from 26.5°C (September) to 29.4°C (March) — January sits at 28.6°C.

Papeete (Tahiti) in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 27°C / 81°F 24°C / 75°F 424 mm 31
February 28°C / 82°F 24°C / 76°F 413 mm 28
March 28°C / 82°F 25°C / 76°F 259 mm 29
April 28°C / 82°F 25°C / 76°F 240 mm 28
May 27°C / 81°F 24°C / 75°F 137 mm 26
June 26°C / 79°F 23°C / 74°F 163 mm 27
July 26°C / 78°F 23°C / 73°F 130 mm 26
August 26°C / 78°F 22°C / 72°F 140 mm 26
September 26°C / 78°F 22°C / 72°F 148 mm 26
October 26°C / 79°F 23°C / 73°F 222 mm 27
November 27°C / 80°F 24°C / 74°F 293 mm 28
December 27°C / 81°F 24°C / 75°F 378 mm 27

Other cities with similar January weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Papeete (Tahiti) in January →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Papeete (Tahiti) in January?

In January, Papeete (Tahiti) averages a high of 27°C (81°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Papeete (Tahiti) in January?

January is quite rainy in Papeete (Tahiti), with about 31 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Papeete (Tahiti)?

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 Papeete (Tahiti) in January?

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

Open Papeete (Tahiti) on the interactive map

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