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Table of contents

Why January is the perfect time for a vacation
Top 9 best beaches to visit in January
Tips for planning a January beach vacation
January beaches FAQs

Sunlight hits differently when it’s warming white sand instead of your windshield on the way to work. January might mean winter elsewhere, but aboard a Princess® Caribbean cruise, it’s beach season in full swing. Imagine glassy water, reef-lined bays and stretches of shoreline where flip-flops outnumber coats. Sound appealing? We know where you should go.

We’re spotlighting eight can’t-miss beaches where the sun shows up on time and the water stays warm all year long. And, with Princess, your experience will be completely seamless thanks to curated excursions and breezy itineraries only we deliver.

Why January is the perfect time for a vacation

Winter has a way of overstaying its welcome. But while snowplows and icy sidewalks take over back home, the tropics are open for business. January beach travel means fewer crowds, milder sun and that unbeatable off-season calm. It’s the kind of reset that doesn’t need a resolution.

Cruising this time of year takes the guesswork out of planning. With Princess, every detail is handled, including your stateroom, your shore days and your spot on the sand. From snorkeling in turquoise coves to sipping something tropical under a palm tree, your warm-weather escape is already mapped out. All you have to do is show up.

Top 9 best beaches to visit in January

1. Princess Cays, Bahamas

Private, palm-lined and reserved exclusively for Princess guests, Princess Cays® is a welcome contrast to the January cold. Set on the southern end of Eleuthera, this slice of the Bahamas delivers everything you’d expect from a cruise to a private island — except the crowds.

The beach is all white sand and glass-clear water, perfect for sailing, snorkeling or just floating your way into the afternoon. Feeling active? Grab a Hobie Wave sailboat or paddle out with a clear-bottom kayak into the lagoon. More of an underwater explorer? The experienced snorkelers' tour leads you to coral gardens teeming with tropical fish.

And when it’s time to refuel, the complimentary beach barbecue has you covered. Warm breeze, a drink in hand and not a snowflake in sight — this is one of the top warm places to visit in January.

2. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Soft coral sand underfoot. Calm, clear water stretching into the horizon. Seven Mile Beach earns its reputation the second you step onto it, with its long, luxurious sweep of Caribbean shoreline.

Perfect for families and couples alike, this beach sits just minutes from the port and is a highlight for anyone on cruises to Grand Cayman. Snorkelers can dive into the story of Grand Cayman with a reef and shipwreck tour, while thrill-seekers wade into the shallows to meet stingrays in their natural habitat.

Need a break from the sun? Dip into oceanfront cafés, local shops or take a scenic ride out to the island’s infamous limestone outcropping known as Hell — yes, that’s the real name.

There’s a reason this stretch shows up on lists of the best places to visit in January. And once you’re waist-deep in that warm turquoise water, you won’t need much convincing.

3. Magens Bay, St. Thomas

Sheltered by emerald hills and shaped like a crescent moon, Magens Bay trades crashing surf for calm, warm water that feels more like a giant natural pool. Just a short taxi ride from the St. Thomas cruise port, it’s one of the most beloved beaches in the Caribbean, and for good reason.

The sand here is powdery and wide, with plenty of space to spread out in the horseshoe-shaped bay. Families love the gentle entry and nearby amenities, while adventurers head straight for the snorkeling spots at Shipwreck and Turtle Coves. For a new angle on the island, take a sky-high ride to Paradise Point or grab panoramic photos from Mountain Top before heading back down to float the afternoon away.

This beach is a bit of an underrated gem and quietly delivers, over and over. And in January, when the rest of the world is wrapped in fleece, Magens Bay is all sunshine, salt air and stillness.

4. Trunk Bay, St. John

Trunk Bay is what happens when nature shows off. Tucked inside Virgin Islands National Park, this beach is known for its flour-soft sand, crystal-clear water and the only underwater snorkeling trail in the Caribbean marked with interpretive signs.

The reef begins just offshore, so you can slip on a mask and dive straight into the action. Book a guided snorkel tour or keep things low-key with a swim-and-relax beach day. Either way, the water does all the talking.

There’s no music blaring. No vendors walking the shore. Just sea turtles offshore, hiking trails nearby and that perfect, take-a-deep-breath kind of quiet you don’t find on a crowded beach. Beach bathing and snorkeling has never been easier in one excursion — and it’s just a short trip from St. Thomas, making it an easy addition to many cruises to St. Thomas. For a truly tranquil winter escape, Trunk Bay is hard to top.

5. Eagle Beach, Aruba

If you’ve seen a photo of Aruba, it was probably taken here. Eagle Beach is known for its wide shoreline and the wind-shaped divi-divi trees that lean toward the sea like they’re in on the secret.

This stretch is quieter than nearby Palm Beach, but no less spectacular. The soft white sand is made for long walks and low-tide lounging, and the water stays gentle, ideal for paddleboarding or an easy swim. For a taste of island culture with your beach day, try a tour of the Aruba Aloe Factory or visit the California Lighthouse at golden hour for sunset views that go wide and deep.

Aruba is one of the best islands to visit in January, and Eagle Beach makes a strong case for staying put once you arrive on one of the many cruises to Aruba. With no rush or noise surrounding you, the warm sun and water that feels like slipping into a pleasant dream.

6. Grote Knip Beach, Curaçao

On the western coast of Curaçao, you’ll find one of the island’s most beloved stretches of sand: Grote Knip Beach. Locals also call it Playa Kenepa Grandi, and it’s the larger of the two beaches often referred to as “Kenepa” or “Knip.”

Here, a deep cove cradles deeply blue water, framed by limestone cliffs topped with cacti. The beach itself is wide and inviting, with powdery white sand perfect for a slow stroll or a spot under an umbrella. The calm, clear water makes for easy swimming and some of the best snorkeling on the island — sea turtles, manta rays and bright reef fish often glide just offshore.

For a dose of local culture, you can pair your beach day with a wander through nearby fishing villages or try Curaçao’s signature blue liqueur at a distillery in Willemstad. But many guests find it hard to leave Grote Knip at all, with its postcard-perfect mix of scenery and serenity.

7. Orient Beach, St. Maarten

Set on the French side of the island, Orient Beach has earned the nickname the St. Tropez of the Caribbean. Its long, crescent-shaped shoreline stretches against a backdrop of green mountains, where soft white sand meets calm waves. This is where guests come to unwind in the water or wander the shoreline without a care in the world.

On a cruise to St. Maarten, you can spend the day savoring the laid-back atmosphere with a complimentary beach chair and rum punch, or stroll to the clothing-optional area if you’re feeling adventurous. The surf here is gentle enough for swimming and wading, and beachside cafés keep the local flavors close at hand. You can experience all of this and more on the Orient Bay Beach Club Experience excursion.

If you want to experience more of the island, the Best of St. Maarten excursion combines a visit to Orient Beach with stops at Marigot’s open-air market and sweeping coastal lookout points.

8. Maho Beach

You don’t come to Maho Beach for silence. You come for the thrill of a jetliner roaring just overhead as it touches down on the island’s famously low-altitude runway. This is beach meets runway in the boldest way.

Just a short drive from the cruise port in Philipsburg, Maho Beach draws beachgoers, plane spotters and photographers alike, making it a must-see for anyone on a cruise to St. Maarten. The sand is golden, the surf strong and the action constant. Fuel up at a nearby beach bar or browse local shops before heading out on a 4x4 buggy safari or setting sail on a VIP snorkel cruise. Want to cover more ground? Try the Best of St. Maarten tour for a taste of both Dutch and French sides of the island.

It’s loud, it’s lively and it’s unforgettable. For guests chasing warm places to visit in January with a twist, Maho Beach delivers sky-high energy — literally.

9. Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen has a rhythm all its own — laid-back by day, electric by night, always wrapped in sunshine. A quick ferry ride from a cruise to Cozumel drops you into a beach town with alabaster-white sand, gentle surf and coral reefs just offshore.

Want a little thrill with your tan? Head off-road on a Jeep adventure that winds through jungle trails before stopping for a snorkel over vibrant reefs. More into discovery than diving? Swim in a limestone cenote, visit a sea turtle bay or grab lunch on a shaded terrace during the Cenote & Turtle Bay tour. Or, take it easy at an all-inclusive beach escape with nothing on the itinerary but ocean breezes and cold drinks.

Markets, music and mezcal are never far, but Playa keeps its edge relaxed. If you're chasing the best places to travel in January, this one hits every point on your list — sun, sea and a total escape.

Tips for planning a January beach vacation

Make the most of your trip and avoid common pitfalls by following these tips.

Pack for the season

It might be beach weather at your destination, but don’t forget that you’re traveling in winter. Once you are in warmer climates, you’ll want to bring lightweight layers for sun-soaked days, a swimsuit that earns its keep and something warmer for breezy evenings or air-conditioned excursions. Sunscreen’s a must, even on cloudy days.

Book excursions in advance

The best beach experiences fill up fast, especially in January when travelers are chasing the same warm-weather escape. If snorkeling reefs, riding ATVs or grabbing a catamaran spot is on your list, lock it in early. Princess excursions are curated to maximize your day in port, often with exclusive access or early departures that beat the crowds.

Planning your escape starts now. The Caribbean’s beaches may draw you in with their warm waters and soft sand but there’s so much more waiting beyond the shore. Savor fresh island flavors, wander through colorful markets, dance to the rhythm of local music or set out on excursions that bring you closer to the region’s history and natural wonders. Come for the beaches; stay for the culture, cuisine and adventure that make every island unique. Explore our Caribbean cruises and start mapping out the experiences you’ll treasure long after the sand washes away.

January beaches FAQs

Places like Aruba, St. Thomas and the Bahamas regularly hit the low 80s in January, making them some of the best warm places to visit in January. You’ll find sunshine, gentle trade winds and water warm enough for swimming all day long.

Yes, especially in the Caribbean, where water visibility stays high year-round. Reefs near Grand Cayman, St. John and Cozumel offer excellent snorkeling conditions even in winter.

As soon as your cruise itinerary is confirmed. Popular tours — like VIP snorkel cruises, wildlife encounters or anything limited-capacity — can fill up quickly, especially during the January rush.

Sunscreen, swimsuits, breathable layers and something light for cooler evenings. If you're heading out on excursions, water shoes and a daypack come in handy.

Generally, yes. January sees fewer families traveling, which means more room to stretch out — especially at off-the-beaten-path beaches like Trunk Bay or Princess Cays®.