Palau Palau Weather in January — Climate Guide
January in Palau is high
Palau Weather in January — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 31° / 24°
- Rainfall
- 280mm · 19 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, Palau in January averages a high of 31°C and low of 24°C with 280mm of rain over about 19 days. Peak dry-season travel and hot, humid all day — around 31°C/24°C. Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen. UV is extreme (11) at this latitude — a hat and sunglasses are essential on boat days.
January is high for Palau.
January falls in Palau's drier, more reliable travel window, with hot, humid days around 31°C/24°C. Like all of Palau, temperatures barely change through the year; what shifts is rainfall and sea conditions.
This is generally one of the best months for boat trips and diving — seas tend to be calmer and underwater visibility good, which is why the Rock Islands, Milky Way and the famous dive walls (Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel) are at their most dependable now.
Travel score
Palau January Weather Stats
Avg High
31°C
Avg Low
24°C
Rainy Days
19
280mm total
Sunshine
6.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
82%
muggy
UV Index
11
Extreme
Wind
16 km/h
Gusts 28
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
January Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
8 μg/m³
PM10
16 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
36°C
Nighttime
26°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
16 km/h
Max gust 28 km/h
Activities Recommended for January
January Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Calmer seas and good diving visibility
- Most reliable month for Rock Islands boat days
- Hot and sunny — full beach and snorkel weather
Cons
- Busier and pricier (year-end carryover)
- Extreme UV (11) — easy to burn
- Still humid with occasional showers
- Flights and hotels limited — book early
January Events & Festivals
- Peak dry-season travel — calmer seas and good diving visibility
- Year-end / New Year carryover demand
- Best conditions for Rock Islands boat days
Palau in January — Full Picture
January falls in Palau's drier, more reliable travel window, with hot, humid days around 31°C/24°C. Like all of Palau, temperatures barely change through the year; what shifts is rainfall and sea conditions.
This is generally one of the best months for boat trips and diving — seas tend to be calmer and underwater visibility good, which is why the Rock Islands, Milky Way and the famous dive walls (Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel) are at their most dependable now.
It is also busier and pricier, carrying over from the year-end period, so book flights, hotels and dive days ahead — Palau has limited air service and a small hotel stock.
Note that 'dry season' is relative: tropical showers can still pass through, and humidity stays high. The Jellyfish Lake experience varies year to year — golden jellyfish numbers crashed in 2017-2018 and were reported very low again in 2025 — so check current conditions before paying the permit.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Peak dry-season travel and hot, humid all day — around 31°C/24°C. Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen. UV is extreme (11) at this latitude — a hat and sunglasses are essential on boat days.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
31°C
24.7°C
17/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
31°C
25°C
21.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
31°C
25°C
18.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current31°C
24.3°C
18/mo
Palau Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 31° | 24° | 19d·280mm | 6.5h | 82% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 31° | 24° | 16d·200mm | 7h | 80% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
| March (Best) | 31° | 24° | 16d·220mm | 7h | 80% | 12 | Busy | Peak |
| 31° | 25° | 16d·230mm | 7h | 80% | 12 | Busy | Peak | |
| 31° | 25° | 19d·280mm | 6h | 83% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 25° | 21d·320mm | 5.5h | 84% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 22d·380mm | 5h | 85% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 22d·360mm | 5.5h | 85% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 20d·300mm | 5.5h | 84% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 18d·250mm | 6h | 83% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 25° | 18d·240mm | 6h | 83% | 11 | Moderate | Peak | |
| 31° | 25° | 19d·290mm | 6h | 83% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Palau January Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is January a good time to visit Palau?
Palau in January is high. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Palau in January?
Palau January averages a high of 31°C and a low of 24°C.
Does it rain much in Palau in January?
Palau January averages 280mm of rainfall over about 19 rainy days.
What should I wear in Palau in January?
Peak dry-season travel and hot, humid all day — around 31°C/24°C. Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen. UV is extreme (11) at this latitude — a hat and sunglasses are essential on boat days.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Palau in January?
Palau January sunrise is 06:25 and sunset is 18:25, with 12h 00min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Palau in January?
Palau January air quality (AQI) averages 25, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 8μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Palau in January?
In January, Palau is great for Rock Islands boat day (Milky Way, Long Beach), Diving Blue Corner / German Channel, Snorkeling shallow reefs.
Is January peak season in Palau?
Palau January crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Palau
View Other Months
Planning a January trip to Palau?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.