Honestly, if you’re looking at a weather report Byron Bay and seeing nothing but rain icons for January, don't cancel your flights just yet. Byron has this weird, dramatic way of performing for the cameras. It’ll look like the end of the world at 8:00 AM, and by lunchtime, you’re literally scouring the shops for extra sunscreen because the sky turned a piercing, impossible blue.
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the town is sitting at a muggy 75°F. It feels closer to 79°F though. That’s the humidity talking. 84% humidity makes the air feel thick enough to chew. It’s cloudy, and there is a 28% chance of rain currently, but that's just the baseline.
Today’s forecast is a bit of a mixed bag. We’re looking at scattered thunderstorms with a high of 79°F and a low of 72°F.
People freak out about the "wet season" labels. It’s kinda funny. In reality, the rain here usually hits in these short, sharp tropical bursts. You get a massive downpour that clears the humidity, smells amazing on the hot pavement, and then disappears.
The January Reality Check
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is looking like it’ll be a bit wetter. The chance of rain jumps to 75% during the day with a high of 76°F. South winds will be blowing at about 18 mph. If you’re planning on hitting the Pass or Wategos, maybe keep an eye on that wind direction. A southerly can get a bit gusty.
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What most travelers don’t realize is that Byron Bay sits on an ocean-facing cape. This makes it a target for moist easterly flows. It’s why the annual rainfall is actually higher than in Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
What to Expect This Week
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Light rain, high of 76°F, low of 68°F. Winds stay southerly at 18 mph.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: The sun finally breaks through! High of 76°F.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Pure sun. High of 79°F. The UV index hits 10, which is "stay in the shade or fry" territory.
- Friday, Jan 23: Partly sunny, climbing to 80°F.
By the time we hit the end of the month, around January 28, temperatures usually peak at about 81°F. It’s the hottest part of the year.
The Microclimate Myth
There’s this idea that "Byron weather" is the same as "Northern Rivers weather." It’s not. You can be standing at the Cape Byron Lighthouse getting blasted by wind, while someone ten minutes away in the Arts & Industry Estate is sitting in dead calm heat.
The ocean temperature right now is hovering around 26°C (79°F). Basically, it’s like jumping into a lukewarm bath. If you’re coming from the southern states or anywhere cold, you won't even need a spring suit. Most locals just go out in boardies or a bikini and stay in for hours.
Humidity vs. Happiness
Basically, the weather report Byron Bay for the next few days shows a transition. We're moving from a stormy, humid Sunday/Monday into a gorgeous, clear-sky run toward the end of the week.
If you're here for the Australia Day long weekend (January 26), the forecast is already looking promising: 79°F and partly sunny. The UV index will be a 9, so seriously, don't mess around with the sunblock.
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Actionable Advice for Your Trip:
- Ignore the 24-hour rain icon: If it says "showers," it usually means for 20 minutes, not the whole day.
- Pack for the "Feels Like": Don't just look at the 75°F. With the 84% humidity, you want linen, not cotton. Anything heavy will just stick to you.
- South Winds are Key: When the wind comes from the south (like it is today at 13 mph), the swell changes. If you're a surfer, you'll want to head to the protected corners.
- Early Starts: The UV hits "extreme" by 10:00 AM. Do your lighthouse walk at 6:00 AM. You’ll beat the heat and the crowds.
The weather is unpredictable, sure, but that's part of the charm. Just have a backup plan for a long lunch at a cafe if the storms hit on Monday. By Thursday, you'll be back on the sand anyway.