United States (US Virgin Islands), Central America & Caribbean

US Virgin Islands in January

Peak season with near-perfect weather. St. Croix's Crucian Christmas Festival wraps up in early January. Occasional north swells hit exposed beaches.

BestDry and breezy, highs near 84F (29C)

Trunk Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands — US Virgin IslandsPhoto: Ben Whitney, Public domain

The straight answer

January is one of the best months of the year to visit US Virgin Islands. Peak season with near-perfect weather. St. Croix's Crucian Christmas Festival wraps up in early January. Occasional north swells hit exposed beaches.

Weather: Dry and breezy, highs near 84F (29C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What January is like in US Virgin Islands

January is peak season in the US Virgin Islands, and the weather shows why. Days are dry and breezy with highs near 84F (29C), the sea is clear, and humidity is low. Prices are at their highest and crowds are thick on St. John's famous beaches. St. Croix's Crucian Christmas Festival wraps up in early January, and occasional north swells stir up exposed beaches.

This month suits families escaping winter, couples, and first-timers who want near-perfect beach weather and can pay for it. Budget travelers should look at May or early December instead. Book St. John villas, rental Jeeps, and ferries early, and pick a calm, sheltered beach on days when the north swell is running.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about US Virgin Islands this month.

Crucian Christmas Festival finale

St. Croix's weeks-long carnival peaks around New Year and Three Kings Day, with village food fairs, parades, and music.

Trade-wind beach days

Steady breezes keep the heat comfortable. Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay are at their postcard best.

Buck Island snorkeling

Calm, clear days are ideal for the underwater snorkel trail at Buck Island Reef off St. Croix.

What to pack for January

Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard
Snorkel mask that fits well
A light layer for breezy evenings
Water shoes for rocky entries

Our timing tip

Reserve your St. John rental Jeep when you book your flights, since winter inventory sells out and beach parking fills by mid morning.

Book US Virgin Islands for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in US Virgin Islands
Opens a hotel search for US Virgin Islands in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in US Virgin Islands
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in US Virgin Islands
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in US Virgin Islands for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

Crucian Christmas Festival

Late December into early January

St. Croix's weeks-long carnival with village food fairs, parades, and music, peaking around New Year and Three Kings Day.

Things to do in US Virgin Islands

Full guide

Virgin Islands National Park, St. John

Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay, and the Reef Bay Trail. Arrive at popular beaches before 10am, especially on cruise days when tours come over from St. Thomas.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Buck Island Reef National Monument

A protected reef and island off St. Croix with an underwater snorkel trail, reached by licensed boat operators.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Christiansted National Historic Site

The Danish-era fort and waterfront of St. Croix's main town, a short walk from the boardwalk.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Magens Bay, St. Thomas

A deep, calm, sheltered bay on St. Thomas's north side. It gets busy on cruise days; go early or late.

Tickets and tours →

Coral World Ocean Park

A marine park with an underwater observatory on St. Thomas, a good choice for kids and rainy days.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Waterlemon Cay and Annaberg

A snorkel around a small cay, often with turtles and rays, reached by a short trail past the ruins of the Annaberg sugar plantation.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Check the St. Thomas cruise schedule. On multi-ship days, Magens Bay, Charlotte Amalie, and even St. John's Trunk Bay get crowded by late morning.
Stay on St. John or St. Croix instead of St. Thomas for a calmer trip; use St. Thomas mainly as the airport.
Aim for May, when prices fall but the weather is still dry, or the first half of December.
Reserve rental Jeeps on St. John early for winter; they sell out, and parking at the most popular beaches fills fast.

Know before you go

September and October: many St. John restaurants, villas, and tour operators close for weeks. St. Thomas's big hotels mostly stay open.
Trunk Bay charges a national park entry fee; most other St. John beaches are free.
Ferries between St. Thomas and St. John run frequently, but schedules shrink at night and in bad weather.
Travel to the British Virgin Islands by ferry requires a passport, even for US citizens, since it is a separate country.