Marshallislands in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Marshallislands

29°C (84°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

102mm (4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season with minimal rainfall - only 102mm (4 inches) total, making it ideal for diving and outer atoll excursions
Perfect water visibility for diving reaches 40-50m (131-164 ft) due to calm seas and minimal runoff
Trade winds provide natural cooling, making 29°C (84°F) highs feel comfortable for outdoor activities
Fishing season peaks in January - yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi are most abundant, with locals organizing community fishing tournaments

Considerations

High season pricing - accommodation rates increase 30-40% compared to shoulder months, with limited availability
Strong UV exposure with index of 8 requires constant sun protection, especially on boats with reflected sunlight from water
Limited evening activities after 9pm due to early island rhythms and energy conservation practices

Best Activities in January

Bikini Atoll Diving Expeditions

January offers the clearest water conditions of the year with 40-50m (131-164 ft) visibility around the sunken fleet. Calm seas make the 3-hour boat journey comfortable, and cooler morning temperatures (24°C/75°F) are perfect for multiple dives. The USS Saratoga wreck is most accessible in these conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 6-8 weeks ahead as only 2-3 operators have permits. Expect to pay $800-1,200 for 2-day packages including boat transport, tanks, and basic meals. Look for operators with hyperbaric chamber access and certified dive masters.

Majuro Lagoon Kayaking and Island Hopping

Trade winds in January create perfect paddling conditions across the 295 sq km (114 sq mile) lagoon. Morning sessions (7-10am) avoid the strongest sun while catching the best wind. The shallow lagoon waters warm to 27°C (81°F) by midday, perfect for swimming stops.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost $60-90 and include basic kayak, life vest, and guide. Book through guesthouses 3-5 days ahead. Multi-day camping trips to uninhabited islets run $200-300 per person.

Traditional Outrigger Sailing Between Atolls

January's consistent trade winds make this the premier month for traditional wa sailing. Local boat builders offer 4-6 hour trips between nearby atolls using authentic techniques. Water stays calm with 1-2m (3-6 ft) swells maximum.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local families rather than formal operators - expect to pay $150-250 per person including traditional lunch. Book minimum 1 week ahead through accommodation hosts who can make introductions.

Laura Beach Surfing and Kitesurfing

Consistent 15-20 knot trade winds create ideal kitesurfing conditions, while the reef break produces 1-3m (3-10 ft) waves perfect for intermediate surfers. January has the most reliable wind patterns of the year.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental runs $80-120 per day for kitesurfing gear, $40-60 for surfboards. No formal instruction available - bring experience or learn basics elsewhere first. Wind strongest 11am-4pm daily.

Arno Atoll Fishing Charters

Peak yellowfin tuna season coincides with January's calm seas. Local fishing families organize day trips targeting 20-40kg (44-88 lb) tuna using traditional and modern techniques. Success rates reach 80% in January compared to 40% in other months.

Booking Tip: Full-day charters cost $400-600 for groups up to 6 people including basic tackle, lunch, and fish cleaning. Book through local fishing families 1-2 weeks ahead. Trips depart 5am, return 4pm.

WWII Historical Site Exploration

Dry conditions make January ideal for exploring crash sites and bunkers across multiple atolls. Lower rainfall means better access to remote sites, and comfortable temperatures allow full-day exploration without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration with local transport costs $100-150 per day including boat transfers and guide. Multi-atoll historical tours run $300-500 for 2-3 days. Bring sturdy shoes for coral walking.

January Events & Festivals

Late January

Lutok Kobban Alele (Traditional Games Festival)

Annual celebration of traditional Marshallese games including coconut husking contests, outrigger racing, and traditional dancing. Features food stalls with local specialties like barramundi and breadfruit prepared in earth ovens.

Early to Mid January

New Year Community Fishing Tournaments

Local communities organize week-long fishing competitions throughout January. Visitors can join community teams or observe weigh-ins and traditional fish preparation methods. Includes evening storytelling sessions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index of 8 plus water reflection creates extreme exposure, local reefs are protected

Quick-dry long-sleeve shirts - better protection than constant sunscreen reapplication during 8+ hour boat trips

Waterproof phone case rated IPX8 - saltwater spray constant during boat transfers between atolls

Reef shoes with thick soles - walking on coral requires protection, flip-flops insufficient for most activities

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers on 10 days, usually 15-20 minutes but intense

Portable water purification tablets - outer atoll accommodation may have limited fresh water supplies

High-quality snorkel mask - rental equipment often poor quality, visibility too good to waste with leaky masks

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes active during brief evening periods, especially after rain

Cash in small denominations - many outer atoll services operate on cash basis, no ATMs available

Dry bags for electronics - boat transfers involve saltwater spray, humidity affects equipment even indoors

Insider Knowledge

Morning boat departures (6-7am) avoid afternoon wind pickup - seas stay calmer for diving and transfers until 2pm

Bring gifts for host families on outer atolls - small useful items like batteries, soap, or school supplies are deeply appreciated

Learn basic Marshallese greetings - 'Yokwe yuk' (hello to you) opens doors, especially with older community members who remember pre-tourism days

January breadfruit harvest season means traditional earth oven cooking - ask guesthouses about participating in weekend community meals

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure on boats - even with 70% humidity, UV reflection off water causes severe burns within 2 hours without protection

Booking accommodation less than 6 weeks ahead - January high season means limited beds, especially on outer atolls with 2-3 guesthouses maximum

Expecting Western meal schedules - traditional eating patterns involve larger midday meals, dinner often simple fish and rice by 6pm