Weather by month
Timor-Leste in January: Weather and What to Expect
Wet season · Wet: plan for rain
Last verified: Climate normals from the national meteorological services; events from official sources
By David
Quick answer · as of October 2026
January is the wettest month in Timor-Leste. Dili gets about 175 mm of rain over 14 rainy days, usually in heavy afternoon downpours, with highs of 31°C. Mountain roads can be closed by landslides and boat trips cancelled in rough seas. It is possible to visit, especially Dili, but keep plans flexible.
- Dili high / low
- 31.3°C / 24.1°C
- Rainfall (Dili)
- 175 mm
- Rainy days
- 14
- Sea temperature
- About 29°C
- Sunshine
- 6.1 hours a day
- Season
- Wet season
On this page
Weather in January
January in Dili averages highs of 31.3°C and lows of 24.1°C, with 175 mm of rain over about 14 rainy days. For comparison, the hottest month averages 32.7°C and the wettest, January, gets 175 mm. Dili is one of the driest places in the country; the mountains and the south coast get more rain, and above 1,000 metres nights are cool all year.
| Measure | January |
|---|---|
| Average high | 31.3°C |
| Average low | 24.1°C |
| Rainfall | 175.2 mm |
| Days with rain (1 mm or more) | 14.2 |
| Sunshine | 6.1 hours a day |
| Humidity | 80% |
| Sea temperature | About 29°C |
What January is good for
- Green landscapes
- Low visitor numbers
- Dili city stays
What to watch out for
- Heavy rain and humidity
- Landslides and closed mountain roads
- Cancelled boat trips in rough seas
- Dengue is more common in the wet season
Holidays and events in January
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day |
See all public holidays and festivals.
What to pack
- Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees, a hat and high-factor sunscreen.
- A light rain jacket or umbrella, and quick-drying shoes.
- A warm layer for the mountains.
- Insect repellent: dengue occurs in Timor-Leste, most of all in the wet season.
See the full packing list and the best time to visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Timor-Leste?
It is possible, but January is in the wet season. Expect heavy afternoon rain, and keep your plans flexible.
Does it rain in Timor-Leste in January?
Dili averages 175 mm of rain over about 14 rainy days in January. The mountains and the south coast are usually wetter than Dili.
How hot is Timor-Leste in January?
In Dili, average highs are 31.3°C and lows 24.1°C, with the sea at about 29°C. It is much cooler in the mountains, especially at night.
Sources
Official sites, operators and references we checked for this page.
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