January falls in Palau's drier season with relatively low rainfall and good visibility for diving and snorkeling. Sea conditions are generally calm and island transport is reliable.
Lukas from Munich, Germany derivative work: Inkey CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Palau in January.
Main Hub
Humidity feels gentler in January thanks to steady northeast trades; temperatures sit around the high 20s°C and mornings are pleasant for walks along Koror’s waterfront. Dive operators are busy but schedules rarely change, so expect full boats and reserve ahead if you want Blue Corner or German Channel. Short, intense showers are possible but usually pass; bring a light rain shell for evening rain squalls and a reef-safe sunscreen for bright, sunny afternoons.
Interior & North
January mornings on Babeldaob are cooler under steady northeast winds, making forest walks and drives to waterfalls like Taki and Ngardmau pleasant. The interior’s rivers run moderate and trails are typically in good condition, but bring insect repellent-mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk. Roadside puddles are rare in this drier stretch, so exploring traditional villages and viewpoints is straightforward.
Diving, Kayaking & Snorkeling
January presents calm, glassy lagoon conditions ideal for kayaking, snorkeling and the classic Rock Islands boat tours; water temperatures are pleasantly warm and visibility is usually excellent. Popular attractions such as the Milky Way mud baths, Skull and Ngercheu islands, and many snorkeling spots are easy to reach, but remember to book operators early if you want a private outing. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a lightweight rashguard-the sun is strong even when the air feels comfortably breezy.
Southern Historic Islands
January offers comfortable weather for walking the WWII battlefields of Peleliu and the memorial sites on Angaur, with lower humidity and calm seas for the short ferry hop from Koror. Trails and paved paths are mostly dry and easy to navigate, making historical tours and coral-reef snorkeling equally accessible. Bring sun protection and sturdy shoes for uneven concrete and reef edges while boat schedules remain dependable.
Kayangel, Ngarchelong
January’s trade winds make the atolls pleasantly breezy and the shallow lagoons glossy and inviting for remote snorkel trips-Kayangel’s sand cays are easy to visit when sea state is calm. Facilities are minimal and trips are rustic; bring spare water, sunscreen and a robust daypack for the long boat ride. Expect near-empty beaches and excellent solitude on day excursions.
There are no major festivals or events in Palau during January to be aware of.
See how January compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.