Lord Howe Island in January
Great time to visit
Peak summer means peak everything - heat, humidity, crowds, and prices. But the island's at its most lush and the lagoon's perfect for swimming.
Weather
January brings Lord Howe's peak summer heat with warm, humid days and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Trade winds provide relief from the humidity, but expect muggy nights. Rain comes in short, heavy bursts that cool things down temporarily.
26°C high20°C low14 rain days
Crowds & Cost
peak crowds
~$380/day average
Events & Festivals
- •New Year celebrations
- •Summer school holidays (Australia)
January Tips
- •Book accommodation 6-12 months ahead - this is peak season
- •Pack light rain gear for afternoon storms
- •Morning activities work best before the heat builds
All Months
September through April gives you the warmest weather and calmest seas. Water temperature peaks at 24°C in February and March — perfect for extended snorkeling sessions. But this is also peak season, so book accommodation at least six months ahead.
May through August brings cooler temperatures (18-22°C) and stronger trade winds. The upside? Fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates. You can still snorkel, but you'll want a wetsuit. This is actually the best time for hiking Mount Gower since the cooler weather makes the steep climb more bearable.
Avoid visiting during school holidays if possible. Australian families flood the island during these periods, and the limited accommodation fills up fast. The island also closes to new bookings during certain conservation periods when seabirds are nesting.
Lord Howe Island Scores
Solo
6/10
Couples
9/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
8/10
Budget
2/10
Luxury
8/10
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