Middle of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Waikiki in January
Little changes in Waikiki from December: highs stay near 77°F (25°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), and about 2.8 in (71 mm) of rain falls.
January opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 85/100 (5th of 12).
- Avg high
- 77°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 72°F (22°C)
- Rain
- 2.8 in (71 mm)
- Humidity
- 75%
- Cloud cover
- 52%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 50 min
- Comfort score
- 85/100 · Great
What January feels like
Days are warm, averaging 77°F (25°C).
Even at night it stays warm, around 72°F (22°C).
Humidity averages 75%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.8 in (71 mm).
Plan around January
January is one of Waikiki's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: January and April – August.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by February, the score drops to 82/100.
- Comfort improves from 80/100 in December to 85/100.
- Our Honolulu New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — January is part of it.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes77°F afternoons
- Quick-dry fabrics75% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Waikiki in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Diamond Head State Monument
Volcanic crater above Waikiki with a steep 0.8-mile trail to old military bunkers on the rim.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best sunrise Jan 1.
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Pink 1927 Spanish-Moorish hotel on Waikiki Beach, with gardens and a beachfront bar open to visitors.
Why now January scores 85/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Waikiki Beach fireworks
Midnight fireworks launched from a barge off Waikiki, free to watch from the sand along Duke Kahanamoku Beach.
Why now Highs near 77°F and 2.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Rainbow Drive-In
Plate-lunch drive-in near Kapiolani Park open since 1961, serving loco moco and mixed plates.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in January
- Kailua & Lanikai in January~11 mi · highs 76°F, 2.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Oahu in January~15 mi · highs 75°F, 2.8 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Maui in January~103 mi · highs 68°F, 2.4 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Big Island in January~185 mi · highs 50°F, 5.8 in rain · 15°C (27°F) cooler by day, wetter
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.
Waikiki in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Waikiki?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 85/100. Expect highs of 77°F (25°C) and 2.8 in (71 mm) of rain.
How hot is Waikiki in January?
Average highs are 77°F (25°C) and average lows 72°F (22°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Waikiki in January?
Some: about 2.8 in (71 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 30.4 in (771 mm).
What should I pack for Waikiki in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (77°F afternoons), quick-dry fabrics (75% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in January
- Honolulu New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Waikiki in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.