Average rainfall and high temperature for Dominica in January. © Scott S. Bateman

Dominica weather in January begins the dry season for this island that lies between Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south.

But the dry season for Dominica is not very dry compared to other Caribbean destinations.

Dominica, Guadeloupe and Martinique in the eastern Caribbean receive more rain throughout the year than most of the destinations in the Caribbean. Dominica receives the most of all.

The rain doesn’t stop cruise lines from visiting. Dominica has nearly 400,000 visitors a year with most of them coming via cruise ships and a much smaller number who stay overnight, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Only about 6,000 people stay overnight in January.

Heavy rainfall throughout the year makes the island a popular ecotourism destination because of rainforests and waterfalls.

Dominica Rain in January

Dominica has an average of more than six inches of rain in January, according to the Dominica Meteorological Service.

The average has more in common with the heaviest rains of the year on other islands, especially in September and October.

But six inches is much better than Dominica’s worst month of the year. That month is November with an historical average of 15 inches.

January begins a somewhat dry season that goes through April. February usually has the least amount of rain with an average of about four inches.

Dominica Temperatures in January

Dominica’s daytime temperatures in January average a low point of the year at 82 degrees Fahrenheit or about 28 Celsius, according to the Dominica Meteorological Service.

The average low during the month is 71 degrees Fahrenheit or about 22 Celsius. The lows take place mostly at night.

Although Dominica isn’t known for beaches, seawater temperatures fall between the highs and lows. January temperatures are low enough that seawater may feel cool for swimmers, especially in the mornings.

• Dominica weather in January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December

Tourism in January

Dominica averages about 80,000 hotel visitors and more than 250,000 cruise visitors during the year, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

January is a below average month for visitors. It is not as popular as February through April, July, August, October and December.

Whether to Go in January

Dominica is more known for land activities than water activities. The lower risk of rain makes January one of the better months to visit Dominica for ecotourism activities such as waterfall and rainforest hikes.

February, March and April usually have warmer temperatures and a lower risk of rain. So vacation planners may want to visit then instead if they have a choice.