Middle of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Port Douglas & Daintree in January
Little changes in Port Douglas & Daintree from December: highs stay near 85°F (29°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), and about 14.3 in (364 mm) of rain falls.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by rain.
- Avg high
- 85°F (29°C)
- Avg low
- 78°F (26°C)
- Rain
- 14.3 in (364 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 53 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Days are warm, averaging 85°F (29°C).
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 78°F (26°C).
Humidity averages 84%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
It's a very wet month, with around 14.3 in (364 mm) of rain, so keep plans flexible and have indoor backups ready.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July – October.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (January – March), which brings about 45.4 in (1154 mm) in total.
- Comfort slips from 56/100 in December to 41/100.
- Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes85°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Quick-dry fabrics84% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes14.3 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Port Douglas & Daintree in January
With 14.3 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Hemingway's Brewery
Waterfront brewery at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina with craft beers and marina views.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 14.3 in of rain.
Daintree Ice Cream Company
Orchard farm making ice cream from its own tropical fruit, in a set tasting cup.
Why now Easy to slot in when January's rain moves in.
Salsa Bar & Grill
Long-running Port Douglas restaurant with tropical Australian dishes and seafood.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter January days.
Cape Tribulation
Where the Daintree rainforest meets the reef, with boardwalks and quiet beaches.
Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
Wildlife park with tropical habitats, cassowaries, koalas and breakfast with the birds.
Nearby in January
- Cairns in January~36 mi · highs 87°F, 13.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Port Douglas & Daintree in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Port Douglas & Daintree?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by rain. The best months are July – October. Expect highs of 85°F (29°C) and 14.3 in (364 mm) of rain. Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Port Douglas & Daintree in January?
Average highs are 85°F (29°C) and average lows 78°F (26°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Port Douglas & Daintree in January?
Yes: about 14.3 in (364 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 73.9 in (1877 mm).
What should I pack for Port Douglas & Daintree in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (85°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), quick-dry fabrics (84% average humidity), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (14.3 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Port Douglas & Daintree
Planning Port Douglas & Daintree in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.