Weather in Bahamas in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Bahamas and ranks 40th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Bahamas is 16.2°C warmer by day and 18.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Bahamas peaks at 23.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 25.6°C or more. Roughly 1 in 4 days top 25°C. Nights average 21.1°C; one night in ten drops to 18.2°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 27.6°C (2019-01-03) and the coldest night 14.5°C (1997-01-21).

Rain in January

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 7 days with 1 mm or more, 41 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2018 with 112 mm, the driest 2012 with 10 mm. Humidity averages 71%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 24.2°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 23.6°C to 24.8°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (29.7°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 10.6 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:56 and sets about 17:41 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 50%.

Is January a good time to visit Bahamas?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Bahamas on our scoring are April, March, December; months averaging 25°C or more: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Warm by UK standards, mild by Bahamian standards

The Bahamas is much warmer than London in January: the average daytime high is 16.2°C higher than London's 7.4°C. Still, this is the destination's coolest month, so think warm afternoons rather than strong tropical heat. Only 24% of days reach 25°C, making January a better fit for travellers who prefer being outdoors without very hot weather. Light daytime clothing is sensible, with a layer for evenings. Nights average 21.1°C, but the coldest 10% fall to 18.2°C or lower, so packing only beachwear would leave you short on cooler evenings. If heat is your main reason for travelling, temper your expectations.

Swimmable sea, but sunshine has its limits

The sea is warm enough for swimming, so January need not rule out a holiday centred on the water. The catch is the amount of sunshine: expect about 5.3 hours a day within 10.6 hours of daylight, rather than uninterrupted blue skies. Leave room to shift swimming and sunbathing around the weather instead of relying on a fixed daily routine. About 7 days have measurable rain, which makes a light waterproof useful without treating the month as a washout. Humidity averages 71%, so loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice. Overall, January offers workable conditions for a mixed holiday, provided you are happy with some cloud and occasional wet weather.