Marvel at the majestic Pitons as golden light kisses the St. Lucian coast.

Table of contents

Why choose a cruise?
Top 10 January destinations
What to expect from tropical weather in January

January doesn’t have to mean snow boots and short days. If those cold mornings leave you dreaming of sunshine, it’s the perfect time to plan your Caribbean cruise escape. Princess® makes it easy to reach some of the world’s most inviting destinations, including laid-back Caribbean beaches and tropical Pacific islands. These warm places to visit in January promise comfortable temperatures, sun-filled days and plenty of opportunities to explore with incredible excursions.

Key takeaways

• These 10 warm places to visit in January average highs in the mid-70s to upper 80s Fahrenheit
• Princess makes travel a breeze with curated excursions, expert hospitality and fewer logistics
• Private beaches, snorkeling, rainforest hikes and local tastings offer something for every guest
• These winter sun destinations deliver summer-like warmth with zero passport planning stress

Why choose a cruise?

Escaping to warmer weather in January is simple when you travel with Princess. You can skip the hassle of multiple bookings and enjoy the ease of arriving in one sunny destination after another. Cruises come with thoughtful service and the freedom to relax while everything is taken care of. 

Princess sails to over 330 destinations in more than 100 countries, across all seven continents. If you’re dreaming of winter sun or looking ahead to places to visit in November, Princess brings you closer to the world with every voyage.

Top 10 January destinations

From the Caribbean to the South Pacific, these warm places to visit in January are a welcome break from cold weather. Expect easygoing days and clear skies with experiences that make the most of every port. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to explore underwater reefs or simply stretch out on a quiet beach, each destination on this list delivers sunshine and atmosphere in equal parts.

1. Princess Cays®, Bahamas

• Average January temperature (F): high/low = 75° / 67°
• Princess Cays®, Bahamas port guide
• Cruise to Princess Cays®

Tucked on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island, Princess Cays® is a Private Island Resort exclusive to Princess guests. With 40 acres of beachfront access, it's easy to find your own space to unwind or try something new. You can snorkel in coral gardens, hop aboard a catamaran or paddle through the surf in a clear-bottom kayak. If you’d rather stay on shore, head to the local craft market or grab a drink with a view from the open-air bar that looks out across turquoise water. It’s quiet and designed for easy enjoyment.

2. San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Average January temperature (F): high/low = 85° / 66°
• San Juan, Puerto Rico port guide
• Cruises from San Juan or cruise to Puerto Rico

San Juan blends historical charm with Caribbean warmth. Cobblestone streets lead to centuries-old forts like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristóbal, each offering a glimpse into Puerto Rico’s storied past. For a change of pace, wander through the Botanical and Cultural Gardens of Caguas or unwind on the golden sands of Condado Beach. The city’s energy feels both historic and contemporary, with colorful facades, coastal views and flavors worth exploring around every corner.

3. Tent City Taphouse

• Average January temperature (F): high/low = 86° / 76°
• Aruba port guide
• Cruises to Aruba

Aruba’s dry climate and steady warmth make it one of the most dependable warm places to visit in January. Just off the coast, the sunken WWII-era Antilla shipwreck sets the stage for some of the region’s best snorkeling and diving. On land, the island’s soft-sand beaches invite slow mornings or sunset walks along the shore. If you’re in the mood for something quieter, the Aruba Butterfly Farm is a peaceful escape, where delicate wings flutter through lush, tropical enclosures just minutes from the port.

4. St. Thomas

• Average January temperature (F): high/low = 82° / 75°
• St. Thomas, Virgin Islands port guide
• Cruise to St. Thomas

St. Thomas combines relaxed island beauty with world-class marine life. Just steps from the harbor, you can explore Coral World Ocean Park, a 4.5-acre marine sanctuary home to sea turtles, reef sharks and underwater observatories. Snorkeling and diving here offer close-up views of coral reefs full of color. And if you’re craving beach time, Magens Bay is a standout. Selected by National Geographic as one of the world’s best beaches, it’s calm, curved and framed by green hills that slope toward the water.

5. St. Lucia

• Average January temperature (F): high/low = 83° / 72°
• St. Lucia port guide
• Cruise to St. Lucia

St. Lucia offers a dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic peaks and coastal rainforests. It’s home to Sulphur Springs (considered the world’s only drive-in volcano) where guests can see bubbling geothermal pools up close. For scenic views and lush foliage, Pigeon Island National Park and the Diamond Botanical Gardens provide a quieter, nature-filled experience. Many guests choose to set out by boat to spot dolphins and, in some cases, migrating whales cruising just off the island’s coast.

6. St. Maarten

• Average January temperature (F): high/low = 84° / 74°
• St. Maarten port guide
• Cruise to St. Maarten

With its Dutch and French influences, St. Maarten delivers both Caribbean charm and European flair. Guests can experience the thrill of yacht racing during the America’s Cup Regatta, where you'll crew an actual race boat in a friendly competition. Onshore, Topper’s Rhum distillery offers tastings and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated spirits. The island is also known for its wide range of water activities, including snorkeling, helmet diving and submarine tours that take you below the surface without getting wet.

7. Kauai, Hawaii

• Average January temperature (F): high/low = 72° / 54°
• Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii port guide

Kauai feels wild and cinematic, with landscapes shaped by centuries of wind and water. Along the island’s rugged Napali Coast, emerald cliffs rise from the ocean in dramatic folds. Inland, Waimea Canyon (often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”) offers layered views in deep reds and greens. You can also visit the Kilauea Lighthouse, perched above a wildlife refuge, or head to beaches where snorkeling begins just steps from the sand. It’s a quieter side of Hawaii, and January brings cooler, comfortable weather that’s ideal for exploring.

8. Lautoka, Fiji

• Average January temperature (F): high/low = 88° / 75°
• Lautoka, Fiji port guide

Known as the “Sugar City,” Lautoka is Fiji’s second-largest hub and a gateway to natural beauty and cultural traditions. The Sabeto Valley is home to two of the area’s most striking orchid gardens: the South Sea Orchid Garden and the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. These peaceful spots showcase thousands of blooms in vivid color. Guests can also join a visit to Sabeto Village, where customary ceremonies, music and food introduce visitors to everyday Fijian life. With warm waters, tropical blooms and a welcoming spirit, Lautoka is ideal for those seeking a deeper connection to the South Pacific.

9. Mo’orea, French Polynesia

• Average January temperature (F): high/low = 86° / 73°
• Mo’orea, French Polynesia port guide

Mo’orea feels like a postcard brought to life with jagged peaks rising above lagoons and slow rhythms that invite you to stay a little longer. January brings lush scenery and warm ocean breezes, perfect for dolphin watching or joining a shark-feeding excursion led by local experts. At the Mo’orea Fruit Juice Factory, guests can sample fresh tropical blends and learn how local fruit is grown and processed. Cultural tours are a great addition to your visit, with opportunities to enjoy traditional dance performances and visits at working pearl farms, where artisans explain the island’s connection to these ocean treasures.

10. Pago Pago, American Samoa

• Average January temperature (F): high/low = 88° / 77°
• Pago Pago, American Samoa port guide

Rich in Polynesian tradition and framed by volcanic peaks, Pago Pago offers a less-traveled experience among these warm destinations to visit in January. Guests are often welcomed with an ava ceremony, which is a customary gathering that honors visitors through storytelling and ritual. Nearby, the Tia Seu Lupe Star Mounds offer a glimpse into ancient Samoan culture, with platforms once used for ceremonial pigeon catching. For natural beauty, Fatu-Ma-Futi (or “Flowerpot Rock”) stands just offshore, a striking formation that rises from the sea at the mouth of Pago Pago Harbor.

What to expect from tropical weather in January

In most tropical destinations, January falls during the dry season. It brings warm temperatures, steady breezes and clear skies that are ideal for exploring. Average daytime highs across the Caribbean, South Pacific and Hawaii range from the low 70s to upper 80s Fahrenheit, with only brief, passing showers in many areas.

Still, it’s smart to be ready for quick changes. Lightweight layers, a packable rain jacket and sun protection will keep you comfortable when you're on a catamaran or hiking coastal trails. Early morning and late afternoon excursions tend to offer the mildest temperatures, and water-based activities are often best in mid-morning when the ocean is calm and visibility is high.

If you're heading ashore, always bring a dry change of clothes and a waterproof bag. Tropical climates can shift fast, but that’s part of the rhythm, and it rarely lasts long.

Quick escapes to warmth and sunshine

Not every getaway needs weeks of planning. Princess offers a collection of short sailings that make it easy to recharge without a long-haul itinerary. These 3- to 5-day cruises bring you to warm places to visit in January USA or just beyond, with departures that fit neatly between workweeks or school breaks.

Set sail on a Caribbean & Bahamas Getaway for palm-lined beaches and clear waters. Or try a Pacific Coast Cruise for sweeping sea views and laid-back ports just a few days from home. Looking for sun and seafood? A Cabo San Lucas Getaway offers both, along with warm surf and dramatic coastlines.