Palau in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Palau

30°C (87°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak with minimal rainfall and maximum underwater visibility reaching 45-60 m (148-197 ft) - perfect for diving and snorkeling at sites like Micronesia and German Channel
Cooler northeast trade winds keep temperatures comfortable at 24-30°C (75-87°F) with lower humidity than other months, ideal for long days on boats
Manta ray season continues from December with 80% sighting rates at Manta Ray Bay and German Channel during incoming tides
Tourist numbers drop significantly after New Year week, meaning better dive site access and lower accommodation rates from January 8th onward

Considerations

First week of January sees peak crowds and highest accommodation prices due to holiday overflow, with rooms costing 40-60% more than mid-month
Strong northeast winds can make boat rides to outer reef sites choppy, with 1.5-2.5 m (5-8 ft) swells common on windward sides
Jellyfish blooms occur sporadically in January, particularly moon jellies near shore areas - not dangerous but can limit swimming comfort

Best Activities in January

Blue Corner Wall Diving

January offers the year's clearest water with 50+ m (164+ ft) visibility and strong currents bringing pelagic action. Northeast winds create perfect conditions on the western barrier reef. Water temperature stays comfortable at 28-29°C (82-84°F). Manta rays, grey reef sharks, and barracuda schools peak in January.

Booking Tip: Book dive packages 14-21 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Expect $180-250 for 2-tank dives. Advanced Open Water certification required for most sites. Morning dives offer calmest conditions before afternoon winds pick up.

Jellyfish Lake Snorkeling

Cool January mornings provide ideal conditions before the lake warms up and jellies move deeper. Water temperature at 27°C (81°F) is perfect for extended swimming. Tourist numbers drop after January 8th, offering more peaceful experiences. Lake levels are optimal after December rains.

Booking Tip: Combine with other Rock Island tours for best value - typically $85-120 for full-day packages including permits. Book through operators with traditional Palauan guides who understand seasonal jellyfish behavior. Go early morning (8-10am) for best visibility.

Rock Islands Kayaking

January's lower rainfall means crystal-clear lagoons and calm morning conditions. Mushroom-shaped limestone formations are at their most photogenic with dramatic lighting. Cooler temperatures make 4-6 hour paddling trips comfortable. Marine lakes are accessible with minimal current.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $65-95, full-day $130-180 including lunch. Book with operators providing dry bags and reef-safe sunscreen. Avoid afternoon tours during windy periods (typically 2-5pm). No experience necessary for lagoon routes.

WWII Historical Site Tours

January's clear weather allows excellent access to Peleliu Island battlefields and Japanese caves. Cooler morning temperatures make walking tours comfortable - important as sites involve 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) of hiking. Aircraft wrecks are clearly visible in calm January waters.

Booking Tip: Full-day Peleliu tours run $160-220 including flights or boat transfers. Book with guides certified in historical interpretation. Bring sturdy walking shoes for rough coral terrain. Land tour operators require minimum 4 people.

German Channel Manta Ray Encounters

January continues peak manta season with 75-85% encounter rates during incoming tides. Cleaning stations remain active with cooler water bringing nutrients. Visibility averages 40 m (131 ft) - excellent for photography. Morning dives coincide with manta feeding patterns.

Booking Tip: Book manta-focused dive trips 10-14 days ahead, typically $95-140 for single tank experiences. Snorkel options available for non-divers at $65-85. Check tide charts - incoming tides 2 hours before high tide offer best sightings. Underwater cameras rent for $35-45/day.

Ngardmau Waterfall Hiking

January's dry conditions make the 2.8 km (1.7 mile) jungle trail most accessible with minimal mud. Cooler morning temperatures at 26°C (79°F) under forest canopy provide comfortable hiking. Waterfall flow remains strong from December rains but pools are swimmable.

Booking Tip: Join guided hikes for $45-65 including transportation from Koror. Independent hikers need 4WD vehicles and $15 trail permits. Start early (7-8am) to avoid afternoon heat. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent - mosquitoes active in forest areas.

January Events & Festivals

Early January

Palau Visitors Authority New Year Cultural Show

Traditional dancing and local craft demonstrations at Etpison Museum showcasing Palauan heritage. Features traditional stick dances, storytelling, and local food preparation demonstrations. Free event supporting cultural preservation.

Mid January

Traditional Fishing Season Opening

Local villages begin traditional group fishing practices using ancestral methods. While not a tourist event, visitors can observe from respectful distances or join cultural tours explaining traditional marine resource management.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry shirts and shorts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable and slow to dry after boat trips

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water intensifies exposure

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers occur 10 days per month, lasting 15-30 minutes

Water shoes with thick soles - coral paths and boat entries require protection from sharp surfaces

Dry bag (20L minimum) - essential for camera gear and clothes during boat transfers and kayaking

Long-sleeve UV protection shirt - for extended snorkeling and diving surface intervals

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - forest hikes and evening activities require protection from mosquitoes

Swimwear that covers more skin - jellyfish encounters are possible, conservative dress respects local culture

Waterproof watch or dive computer - tide timing crucial for manta ray encounters and drift dives

Cash in small bills - many local operators and restaurants don't accept cards, ATMs limited outside Koror

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations after January 8th for 40% savings - most tourists leave after New Year week but weather and activities remain excellent

Morning boat departures (7-8am) avoid afternoon wind buildup that creates 2-3 m (6-10 ft) swells on outer reef sites

Palau Pacific Airways offers better dive gear allowances than United - important for serious divers bringing their own equipment

Local dive shops offer gear cleaning and maintenance during surface intervals - saltwater corrosion happens quickly in tropical humidity

Avoid These Mistakes

Arriving only with credit cards - many local boat operators, restaurants, and activity providers only accept cash

Booking afternoon boat trips to outer sites - northeast winds create uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe conditions after 2pm

Skipping tide charts for manta ray dives - timing is everything, and tour operators may not optimize schedules for best sightings