In this article we will discuss whether or not January is a good time to visit Aruba. Although January is part of the rainy season, Aruba gets very little rain compared to other tropical islands, and most days in January are warm and sunny. You’ll want to consider crowds, which can tick up this time of year. Quickly, here are some of the most important pros and cons to visiting Aruba in January:
- Warm Weather – January is usually warm and sunny in Aruba. The average high temperature in Aruba in January is 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30c). This is actually the coolest month in Aruba, and the humidity isn’t as much of a problem this time of year. Click here to jump ahead on the page to read more about Aruba’s January temperatures.
- Rain – January is, on average, one of the rainiest months in Aruba. But before you cancel those plans, it’s important to understand that Aruba gets very little rain compared to other Caribbean islands. The average rainfall total for January in Aruba is 2.36 inches. Therefore, rain will most likely not disrupt your vacation. Click here to jump ahead on the page to read more about the risk of rain in Aruba during January.
- Wind – Aruba is known for being windy year-round, but January is actually one of the least windiest months in Aruba, and makes it a good time of year to visit the island if you hate extreme wind. The average wind speed in January is 15 mph. This wind provides relief on hot, muggy days and also brings a cool breeze at night. Click here to jump ahead on the page to read more about Aruba’s wind in January.
- Cost and Crowds – January is part of the busy season in Aruba (which is December through April). This means prices will tick up and hotels may be quite crowded. The New Years holiday can be very crowded. You will want to book your trip in advance. Click here to jump ahead on the page to read more about costs and crowds.
- Daylight Hours – Something to consider about January in Aruba is daylight hours. January provides 11.5 daylight hours on average, which ranks it near the bottom out of all months in Aruba. This means days will be a bit shorter than most other months. If you want longer days, the summer months will be the better option. Click here to jump ahead on the page to read more about the daylight hours in Aruba.
- Hurricane Season – No, January is not part of the Atlantic hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak of the season being in September and October.
- Sea Temperature – The average sea temperature in Aruba in January is 80.4 degrees Fahrenheit, which falls into what most people consider a comfortable range (based on Oranjestad, Aruba). Click here to jump ahead on the page to read more about sea temperature during January in Aruba.
Overall, January is a good month to visit Aruba. Even though January is part of the rainy season, there is still very little total rainfall, and the weather remains warm and sunny most of the month. There is also less wind and humidity this time of year.
January is part of the busy season, and although that can mean an increase in crowds and prices, it also creates an uptick in the amount of tours, excursions, and other activities offered on the island.
In this article let’s dive into the data to get a better idea how Aruba in January stacks up compared to other months so you can decide whether or not a January trip makes sense for you.
Table of Contents
Is January a Good Time to Visit Aruba for Weather?
The weather in Aruba in January is usually warm and sunny, but January is part of the rainy season, so there is a small uptick in rain compared to the summer months.
However, it is important to note that Aruba maintains a relatively dry climate throughout the year, including during the rainy season, and January receives only approximately 2.36 inches of total rainfall for the month.
January is one of the most pleasant months in Aruba regarding temperature. It is the “coolest” month, but the average high temperature for the month of January is 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29C). January has less humidity than other months, and the wind isn’t as extreme as summer months.
January is not part of the Atlantic hurricane season, so that is a bonus. To read more about other months, visit our article that discusses the best time to visit Aruba for weather.
Is Aruba Sunny in January?
Yes, Aruba is sunny in January, however, there are several months that get more sun.
January is one of the rainiest months in Aruba. But before you cancel those plans, it’s important to understand that even the “rainy” season in Aruba doesn’t get a lot of rain (more on rain in a little bit).
You can safely expect most days in Aruba in January to be warm and sunny.
One thing to consider is January averages 11.5 hours of daylight in Aruba, which is less than most other months (meaning the days are a little shorter in January than other months). The sun usually sets between 6-7pm in Aruba, which is earlier than some other beach getaways.
Expect Aruba to be sunny in January, but not quite as sunny as March through September.
Aruba Average Daylight by Month
| Month | Avg Daylight Hours |
| January | 11.5 |
| February | 11.7 |
| March | 12.1 |
| April | 12.4 |
| May | 12.7 |
| June | 12.9 |
| July | 12.8 |
| August | 12.5 |
| September | 12.2 |
| October | 11.8 |
| November | 11.5 |
| December | 11.4 |
SOURCE: Weather Spark
Is Aruba Hot and Humid in January?
Yes, Aruba is warm in January. Aruba is warm year-round.
January, however, is actually the coolest month in Aruba based on average high temperature. The average high temperature for Aruba in January is 85°F (29°C). August and September are the hottest months.
It’s important to note that the temperature in Aruba remains consistent throughout the year, with little variation. This is one of the things that makes Aruba so appealing.
Even though Aruba can be humid during the day, January has much less humidity than other months in Aruba (source). The muggiest months in Aruba are usually August, September, and October.
The strong trade winds on the island offer a refreshing relief from the heat and humidity, making for a more enjoyable overall experience. In addition, the evenings in Aruba during January are particularly comfortable and pleasant, and those strong winds can bring in a cool night breeze.
Aruba Average Temperature by Month
| Month | Avg High Temp |
| January | 85°F (29°C) |
| February | 86°F (30°C) |
| March | 87°F (31°C) |
| April | 88°F (31°C) |
| May | 89°F (32°C) |
| June | 89°F (32°C) |
| July | 89°F (32°C) |
| August | 90°F (32°C) |
| September | 90°F (32°C) |
| October | 89°F (31°C) |
| November | 88°F (31°C) |
| December | 86°F (30°C) |
SOURCE: Weather Spark
Is Aruba Rainy in January?
January is the fourth rainiest month on average in Aruba. However, before you cancel those plans, it is important to understand that Aruba has a dry climate, and even the rainy season doesn’t get as much rain as other Caribbean islands.
Out of roughly 700 islands in the Caribbean, Aruba consistently ranks as having the least amount of rainfall (Aruba averages approximately 15 inches for the entire year).
Still, because January is part of the rainy season in Aruba, there is a chance rain could disrupt part of your trip. On average, Aruba has 12 days of rain in January (source). The average total rainfall for the month of January in Aruba is 2.36 inches.
Overall, 2.36 inches is not that much total rainfall, and should not pose a huge threat to your plans. If you want to visit Aruba and not worry about rain, the dry season runs from March through August (but, again, Aruba is relatively dry year round).
How Rainy is Aruba in January?
Aruba Average Rainfall by Month
| Month | Avg Rain (Inches) |
| January | 2.36 |
| February | 1.57 |
| March | 0.39 |
| April | 0.39 |
| May | 0.79 |
| June | 0.39 |
| July | 0.79 |
| August | 0.39 |
| September | 1.97 |
| October | 3.15 |
| November | 3.54 |
| December | 3.15 |
SOURCE: Holiday Weather
Is UV Bad in Aruba in January?
Yes, the UV is extreme in January in Aruba. You will need to wear proper sun protection.
The average UV index in January in Aruba is 10.2. Though this is extreme, January has the second-lowest average UV exposure out of any month in Aruba.
Aruba is located near the equator, and because of that, Aruba experiences high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation throughout the entire year.
However, the UV index can vary slightly by season, with the highest levels typically observed from February to October. At these times, the UV index can reach extremely high values, ranging from 11 or above, indicating that sunburn can occur within a matter of minutes.
Even during January when the UV index is comparatively lower, it is still important to use proper sun protection. Always check the local UV index forecast before engaging in outdoor activities during your trip to Aruba so you can prepare accordingly.
Average UV Strength by Month
| Month | Avg UV Index |
| January | 10.2 |
| February | 12.1 |
| March | 14.1 |
| April | 14.5 |
| May | 13.7 |
| June | 12.9 |
| July | 12.9 |
| August | 13.3 |
| September | 13.2 |
| October | 11.9 |
| November | 10.2 |
| December | 9.5 |
SOURCE: Beach Weather
Is Aruba Windy in January?
Aruba is windy most of the year. And even though the wind will still be noticeable, January is not part of the windiest season in Aruba (which runs from February through August).
The average wind speed is 15 mph for January. The late fall and early winter months are the best time to visit Aruba if you want to avoid extreme wind.
Still, don’t expect calm days in January. Trade winds can make it very windy in certain areas of the island, especially on the north and northwest coasts. Keep in mind that these winds also help keep the island’s climate nice and pleasant all year round, and help carry in a cool breeze after sunset.
Aruba Average Wind Speed by Month
| Month | Avg Wind Speed (mph) |
| January | 15 |
| February | 16 |
| March | 17 |
| April | 16 |
| May | 16 |
| June | 18 |
| July | 17 |
| August | 16 |
| September | 14 |
| October | 11 |
| November | 11 |
| December | 13 |
SOURCE: Beach Weather
Does Aruba Get Hurricanes in January?
No, January is not part of the Atlantic hurricane season.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak of the season being in September and October (source). Therefore, your January vacation will not fall inside the Atlantic hurricane season.
That said, even during hurricane season, Aruba’s hurricane risk is very low. Aruba is located on the southern edge of what is considered to be the hurricane belt (some people even consider Aruba to be outside the hurricane belt). Because of this, Aruba gets hit by very few hurricanes compared to other Caribbean islands.
Even when Aruba does get hit by a hurricane, it is usually just clipped by the edge of the hurricane, which bring strong winds and rain, but less severe damage.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Aruba for Sea Temperatures?
The average sea temperature in Aruba in January is 80.4 degrees Fahrenheit (based off of Oranjestad, Aruba).
Typically, sea temperatures between 78-86°F (25-30°C) are considered comfortable for most people, so January falls inside that range. This sea temperature is perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the ocean when you visit Aruba’s beaches.
The sea temperature in Aruba is warm year-round. There are actually seven other months in Aruba that have warmer average sea temperatures, but the overall fluctuation is minimal.
Aruba Average Sea Temperature by Month
| Month | Degrees (F) |
| January | 80.4 |
| February | 79 |
| March | 79.2 |
| April | 80.1 |
| May | 81.7 |
| June | 82.2 |
| July | 81.3 |
| August | 82.6 |
| September | 84 |
| October | 84.6 |
| November | 83.5 |
| December | 81.1 |
SOURCE: SeaTemperature.org
Is January a Good Time to Visit Aruba for Crowds?
January is part of peak season in Aruba. Crowds can be heavy as travelers escape the colder weather in other parts of the world and enjoy warm, tropical temperatures in Aruba.
New Years also attracts visitors who want to enjoy the holidays in a tropical paradise. Aruba is known for its festive atmosphere and holiday celebrations during the Christmas and New Years holiday season.
The busiest months to visit Aruba are typically December through the month of April, which is considered to be the island’s peak tourist season.
| December – April | More Crowds |
| May-July | Moderate Crowds |
| August – November | Less Crowds |
Aruba’s tourism did take a bit of a hit during the pandemic, but has seen a predictable bounce back. Aruba’s tourism had a growth of 119 percent in the first year after the pandemic (source). However, the most recent tourism numbers have still not recovered to where they were pre-pandemic.
Is Aruba Expensive to Visit in January?
January is usually one of the most expensive months to visit Aruba due to the fact that it is part of the busy season in Aruba, and has an increase in tourism during the holiday season.
To explore resort options, visit our article that discusses the different types of hotel resorts in Aruba.
What to Do in Aruba in January
Celebrating New Years in Aruba
New Year’s holiday is a festive time in Aruba. The island’s diverse population creates a unique blend of cultures that is reflected in the way New Year’s Eve is celebrated on the island.
Yes, like many other places in the world, there are fireworks. This can be quite a spectacle to witness, and many tourists come to the island specifically to experience the fireworks display.
In addition to the fireworks, many hotels and resorts on the island host special New Year’s Eve parties with live music, dancing, and food. These parties are popular with both tourists and locals, and they provide a festive atmosphere for celebrating the arrival of the New Year.
As a pro tip, traffic can be bad on New Years Eve in Aruba, so planning something that is within walking distance of your hotel is probably the best idea. Many hotels offer firework shows, and (of course) there are also many restaurants within walking distance.
Should You Visit Aruba in January?
January is a good time to visit Aruba because it provide a warm and sunny escape during the holiday seasons. Even though January is part of the rainy season, the overall amount of rain is still very low, meaning most days in January are warm and dry.
January brings less wind and humidity to Aruba. The average wind speed in Aruba in January is 15 mph, which is much less than the summer months (but still a bit windy).
January is also not part of the Atlantic hurricane season, so you won’t have to worry about a hurricane disrupting your plans.
There are a few obvious drawbacks. The island can be quite crowded during New Years, which can also drive up prices. However, since January is part of the busy season, this also means there is an uptick on the amount of tours, excursions, and other attractions offered.