Suriname in January: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for January
Average temperature across Suriname in January.
City Weather in January
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paramaribo | 30° | 23° | 199 mm | very high | Warm |
| Lelydorp | 30° | 22° | 218 mm | very high | Warm |
| Brokopondo | 30° | 22° | 186 mm | very high | Warm |
| Nieuw Nickerie | 30° | 23° | 155 mm | very high | Warm |
| Meerzorg | 30° | 23° | 227 mm | very high | Warm |
| Moengo | 29° | 22° | 217 mm | very high | Warm |
| Nieuw Amsterdam, Suriname | 29° | 23° | 229 mm | very high | Warm |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Coastal Lowlands (Paramaribo, Wanica, Commewijne, Albina)
Humidity is high and the coastal plain often feels muggy in January, with warm nights around 24-26°C and daytime highs near 30°C. Paramaribo’s colonial streets are green from recent rains; river ferries on the Suriname and Commewijne rivers run normally though short squalls can suddenly reduce visibility. The short rainy season around late December-January still lingers, so pack a light waterproof and expect mosquitoes around mangrove edges. For museums, restaurants and city walking tours this is still a practical month, but inland boat trips may be splashy.
Western Rice Belt & Bigi Pan Wetlands (Nickerie, Nieuw-Nickerie, Bigi Pan)
January usually brings muggy, warm weather to Nickerie with occasional heavy showers; rice fields remain wet and vibrant after the short rains. Nieuw-Nickerie’s coastal roads can have puddles, but birding at Bigi Pan remains excellent as migratory and resident waterfowl use the flooded lagoons. Ferry and road links to nearby fishing villages operate normally, though expect mosquitoes in evenings; lightweight waterproofs and rubber-soled shoes are useful for mud on farm roads.
Central Rainforest & Brokopondo (Brokopondo Reservoir, Brownsberg, Raleighvallen)
January in the central rainforest is warm and humid, with frequent tropical downpours that keep trails lush and rivers high - Brownsberg’s viewpoints are dramatic but muddy. Boat trips on the Brokopondo Reservoir often run, though expect spray and wet decks; waterfalls like those around Raleighvallen flow strongly and are spectacular. Small eco-lodges continue to operate but overland transfers from Paramaribo may be slower due to saturated tracks. Bring sturdy waterproof trekking boots and expect mosquitoes at dusk.
Southern Highlands & Sipaliwini (Tafelberg, Julianatop, Sipaliwini Savanna)
January in the southern highlands is warm but cloudier than the lowlands; afternoon rains are frequent and trails on Tafelberg are often wet and mist-shrouded. Flights to mountain airstrips can be delayed by low cloud, so inland itineraries need flexible timing; waterfalls around the escarpments are full and dramatic. Nights are cooler at altitude - layers are useful - and the overall feeling is deep jungle humidity with refreshing breezes above the canopy. Bring sturdy boots and waterproof outer layers.