Is January a good month to surf Byron Bay?

January is outside Byron Bay's main surf season (March–September), so surf is less reliable, though it can still work on the right day.

How warm is the sea in Byron Bay in January?

About 26°C on average, which calls for boardshorts or a rash vest.

What is the weather like in Byron Bay in January?

Air temperature averages 25°C, with about 5.2 mm of rain per day and average winds of 23 km/h.

Surf Byron Bay in January

Surfing Byron Bay in January: outside the main surf season, air around 25°C, sea around 26°C, 5.2 mm of rain a day on average. Wetsuit: boardshorts or a rash vest.

Surf season

Off-season

Air temperature

25°C

Sea temperature

26°C

Rain

5.2 mm/day

Wind

23 km/h avg

Average wave height

1.5 m (5 ft)

Big days (top 10%)

2.0 m (7 ft)+

Swell period

9 s

Main swell direction

From E (90°)

What to wear: with the sea around 26°C in January, expect boardshorts or a rash vest.

Surf size in Byron Bay in January

Offshore of Byron Bay, waves in January average 1.5 m (5 ft), below the year-round average of 1.6 m — the 8th biggest month of the year. One hour in ten is 2.0 m (7 ft) or bigger. The dominant swell runs at about 9 seconds from the E.

These are open-ocean figures from 10 years of hourly wave data, not a beach forecast: a sheltered break will be smaller, an exposed reef or point can be bigger.

January in the context of Byron Bay's surf season

Byron Bay's main surf season runs March–September. January is outside it.

Full Byron Bay surf and remote-work guide →

Frequently asked questions

Is January a good month to surf Byron Bay?: January is outside Byron Bay's main surf season (March–September), so surf is less reliable, though it can still work on the right day.
How warm is the sea in Byron Bay in January?: About 26°C on average, which calls for boardshorts or a rash vest.
What is the weather like in Byron Bay in January?: Air temperature averages 25°C, with about 5.2 mm of rain per day and average winds of 23 km/h.