Can you sail in January, is it safe to sail in winter? Are you planning a sailing holiday in January? Sailing in January offers a chance to escape the winter in colder regions and enjoy the warm, calm waters of exotic locations. Tropical places such as the Caribbean, the Maldives, Thailand, or Central America offer calm seas and excellent sailing conditions. Even the Canary Islands and the southern parts of Europe provide milder winter sailing. In the Southern Hemisphere, especially Australia and New Zealand, summer is the peak season, making it perfect for sailing adventures. January is a quieter month for sailors, with calm seas and fewer crowds at the most popular destinations. We help you with the best destinations, itineraries, yacht rental options and useful info.
In this article, you can read about the following:
- Where to sail in January? – winter sailing destinations
- The Caribbean
- Central America
- Dubai
- The South Pacific Ocean
- Sailing holidays in January: itineraries
Where to sail in January? – winter sailing destinations
The Caribbean
Sailing in the Caribbean in January is ideal because it offers perfect weather conditions – warm temperatures, steady trade winds and calm seas. January is a great time to escape the winter from colder regions and enjoy less crowded tropical islands with a New Year’s Eve sailing.
The BVI
The islands are relatively close together, so navigation is easy, and with over 60 islands and reefs to explore, you can easily hop from one stunning destination to another. The more famous islands: Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Norman Island, Cooper Island. The BVI Food Fete culinary event takes place throughout January, presenting the diverse food offerings of the BVI with special menus and events at participating restaurants.Tip: January is a popular time to sailing the BVI, so book your boat early. BVI yacht charter
Weather: In January, temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C, with warm, pleasant conditions and relatively low humidity. The northeast trade winds blow continuously at a speed of around 15-20 knots, providing excellent sailing conditions. Rainfall is minimal during this period and the seas are generally calm.
Grenadines
In January, you can expect clear skies and warm temperatures, which are ideal for sailing between the surrounding islands, such as Tobago Cays (an uninhabited archipelago with pristine beaches), Bequa (a charming island with a calm atmosphere, excellent snorkeling and diving spots), Mustique (exclusive island with luxury villas, pop-up celebrities) Mayreau (small island home to the picturesque Salt Whistle Bay, which is the Grenadines one of its most beautiful beaches), Union Island (vibrant island with lively nightlife and excellent hiking trails). The festive period extends into the beginning of the month, and the annual Canouan Regatta sailing event usually takes place in late January or early February. Grenadines yacht charter
Weather: January falls in the dry season, offering sunny skies, warm temperatures and steady winds – perfect for sailing! The highest temperature is 28°C and the lowest is 25°C, the average sea temperature is 27°C. Predominantly northeasterly trade winds blow at a speed of 15-25 knots. Be prepared for stronger “Christmas winds” of 20-30 knots, which may persist for a short time after the holiday. Precipitation is minimal.
Guadeloupe
If you sail in Guadeloupe in January, you can enjoy the warm weather, diverse flora and fauna, and vibrant marine life. Visit the beautiful islands of Les Saintes, the sugarcane distilleries of Marie-Galante mixed with cultural experiences, the Les Saintes archipelago and La Désirade island. Warm trade winds make for smooth sailing between these islands, for diving, fishing and exploring lush tropical landscapes such as the La Soufrière volcano in Basse-Terre. yacht charter Guadeloupe
Weather: The air temperature is between 22°C and 29°C, the sea temperature is between 24°C and 29°C. From January to April, there is a steady northeasterly wind, usually between 15 and 25 knots. These steady winds create excellent sailing conditions. January is relatively dry, with occasional light showers.
Antiqua
January is the peak season for sailing in Antigua, so it is recommended to book your boat and even your ports in time. With crystal clear waters, steady trade winds and 365 stunning beaches, Antigua is a sailor’s paradise. The island is relatively small, making it perfect for cruising around and stopping at popular bays such as Dickenson Bay, English Harbour, Jolly Harbour, Deep Bay. A short sailing trip from Antigua is Barbuda with its pristine pink sand beaches, or the volcanic island of Montserrat.
Weather: Daytime temperatures in Antigua in October range from 23°C to 27°C, with sea temperatures around 27°C. Compared to the wetter summer months, we can expect less precipitation and more sunshine. Antigua has a consistent trade wind throughout the year, making it a paradise for sailors. In January, you can expect a northeasterly wind of 10-20 knots, which provides excellent conditions for sailing, as well as an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day.
Central America
Sailing in Central America in January is an excellent choice due to the region’s ideal weather conditions. With warm temperatures, calm seas and the dry season in full swing, destinations like Belize, Costa Rica and Panama offer stunning coastal scenery, vibrant marine life and smooth sailing. During this time of the year, the hurricane season can also be avoided, thus ensuring a safe and comfortable trip.
Panama
January is a fantastic time to sail in Panama. You can explore the San Blas Islands, made up of more than 365 islands, with their beautiful beaches and indigenous Guna Yala culture. Sail through the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Experience the thrill of navigating between the locks and get to know the history of the canal. You can enjoy snorkelling and diving in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, where vibrant marine life and coral reefs await. Wildlife lovers can visit national parks such as Coiba Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. January is peak tourist season in Panama, so expect more crowds and higher prices. yacht charter Panama
Weather: The air (30°C during the day) and the water (around 27°C) are both warm and inviting. Panama‘s Pacific coast has a stronger dry season in January, with very little rain. Expect sunny days and calm waters. The Caribbean coast of Panama can occasionally experience showers, although usually for short periods. In January, the winds are generally light and variable, providing pleasant sailing conditions, especially for those who prefer calmer waters. However, stronger winds can occur in the Caribbean Sea. The sun is strong in Panama, so be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for protection.
Belize
If you’re sailing in Belize in January, visit the world’s second largest coral reef, the Belize Barrier Reef, where you can do excellent snorkelling and diving. Visit Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye for a laid-back island vibe, beach bars and water sports. Anchoring near Glover’s Reef Atoll or Turneffe Atoll, you can encounter wildlife and stunning seascapes. Tip: January is a popular time to sail in Belize, so book your sailing well in advance. yacht charter Belize
Weather: The average highest temperature is around 25°C on the beach, the lowest is 21°C and the water temperature is around 26°C. Occasional light showers may occur, but these are usually short. Belize generally has steady trade winds from the east-northeast, which is ideal for sailing. Wind speeds in January average around 10-15 knots, offering a good balance for both relaxed and more exciting sailing.
Dubai
Sailing on a yacht in Dubai in January is a luxurious and exciting luxury vacation. Visit the World Islands, an artificial group of islands shaped like a world map, or drop anchor at the Palm Jumeirah, a palm-shaped island with luxury resorts and villas. Jet-ski, wakeboard, paddleboard and kayak right from your yacht. Try deep sea fishing, catch tuna, kingfish or even barracuda. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the Dubai skyline while sipping champagne on board your yacht. Tie up at the Dubai Marina and visit the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the upscale restaurants, cafes and shops. yacht charter Dubai
Weather: The daytime temperature varies between 24°C and 28°C, the water remains warm, on average 21°C. January is part of the dry season in Dubai, so you can expect lots of sunshine and minimal rainfall. Average hours of sunshine are around eight hours per day, and wind speeds are generally low, with light to moderate breezes. This creates ideal conditions for comfortable sailing.
The South Pacific Ocean
Sailing the Pacific in January offers incredible opportunities, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s summer in regions like New Caledonia, Australia and French Polynesia, where you’ll find warm weather, steady winds and calm seas. Destinations such as Tahiti and Fiji offer the perfect tropical sailing experience.
French Polynesia
Sail on the world-famous Society Islands. Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea,Taha’a (“Vanilla Island”) and Huahine each offer a unique experience. If you want to see a truly unique and magical wildlife, sail to the Tuamotu Archipelago. The atolls and lagoons of Rangiroa, Fakarava, and Tikehau, as well as the UESCO-listed national parks, offer world-class views. Take part in a traditional Polynesian dance performance, visit local markets, learn about local crafts or enjoy delicious Polynesian cuisine. Compared to the high season (May-October), you will encounter fewer tourists and lower prices. yacht charter French Polynesia
Weather: January is the wet season in French Polynesia, but don’t let that put you off sailing! Although there may be some rain, there are usually short, heavy showers followed by sunshine. The weather is warm and humid, around 29°C on average, and the water is around 27°C on average. Trade winds tend to be lighter and less consistent. You can still expect good sailing days, but be prepared for lighter winds. While cyclone season officially runs from November to April, the risk is generally lower in January.
New-Caledonia
January is summer in New Caledonia. Here you can find the world’s largest lagoon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sail through its crystal clear waters, discover coral reefs, rich wildlife, stunning islands and turquoise bays. Sail to the pristine Loyalty Islands (Lifou, Mare and Ouvea) to Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, or to the island of Amedee. The waters around New Caledonia are perfect for sport fishing, with species such as tuna, marlin and mahi-mahi – enjoy reef fishing in the lagoon. yacht charter New Caledonia
Weather: Air temperatures range from 23°C to 29°C, the ocean is invitingly warm, averaging 26°C Trade winds tend to be lighter in January compared to other times of the year, offering more manageable sailing conditions, especially for those who prefer calmer seas . January falls in New Caledonia’s cyclone season, but the risk of tropical storms and heavy rain is reduced. The risk of cyclones and rains may be a more significant factor that you need to consider.
Sailing holidays in January: itineraries
Sailing itineraries in the Caribbean
The BVI
Day 1. Road Town – Parham Town 9, 38 km (5, 83 nm), Day 2. Parham Town – Spanish Town (Virgine Gorda Island) 14, 02 km (8, 71 nm), Day 3. Spanish Town – Anegada 31, 11 km (19, 33 nm), Day 4. Anegada – Scrub Island 32, 34 km (20, 10 nm), Day 5. Scrub Island – Jost Van Dyke 25, 61 km (15, 91 nm), Day 6. Jost Van Dyke – Cruz Bay 13, 75 km (8, 54 nm), Day 7. Cruz Bay – Nanny Cay – Road Town 25, 25 km (15, 69 nm).
Other Tortola sailing itinerary.
Guadeloupe
Day 1. Guadeloupe – Ilet a Gosier 6,61 km (4,11 nm), Day 2. Ilet a Gosier – Marie-Galante 33,04 km (20,53 nm), Day 3. Marie-Galante – Portsmouth, Dominica 46,54 km (28,92 nm), Day 4. Portsmouth, Dominica – Les Saintes 36,96 km (22,96 nm), Day 5. Les Saintes – Plage de Petite Anse 32,00 km (19,89 nm), Day 6. Plage de Petite Anse – Cousteau Marine Park 8,17 km (5,07 nm), Day 7. Cousteau Marine Park – Sainte-Rose – Guadeloupe 53,86 km (33,47 nm)
Central-America sailing itineraries
Panama
Day 1. Panama – Taboga Island 19,80 km (12,30 nm), Day 2. Taboga Island – San Jose Island 80,25 km (49,86 nm), Day 3. San Jose Island – Isla del Rey, Playa Grande 22,40 km (13,92 nm), Day 4. Isla del Rey, Playa Grande – Isla del Rey, Playa Bongo 30,66 km (19,05 nm), Day 5. Isla del Rey, Playa Bongo – Viveros Island 21,18 km (13,16 nm), Day 6. Viveros Island – Saboga 17,05 km (10,59 nm), Day 7. Saboga – East Island – Panama 64,72 km (40,22 nm)
Belize
Day 1. Belize city – Whipray Caye 15,24 km (9,47 nm), Day 2. Whipray Caye – Hideaway Caye 15,23 km (9,46 nm), Day 3. Hideaway Caye – South Water Caye 18,68 km (11,61 nm), Day 4. South Water Caye – Thatch Caye 7,61 km (4,73 nm), Day 5. Thatch Caye – Lagoon Caye 28,21 km (17,53 nm), Day 6. Lagoon Caye – Hatchet Caye 15,26 km (9,48 nm), Day 7. Hatchet Caye – Lark Caye – Belize city 21,85 km (13,58 nm)
Dubai sailing itinerary
Day 1. Dubai – The Heart Of Europe 19,80 km (12,30 nm), Day 2. The Heart Of Europe – Dubai Islands Beach 17,77 km (11,04 nm), Day 3. Dubai Islands Beach – Sir Abu Nu’Ayr 107,21 km (66,62 nm), Day 4. Sir Abu Nu’Ayr – Abu-Dzabi 77,15 km (47,94 nm), Day 5. Abu-Dzabi – Saadiyat Beach 15,10 km (9,38 nm), Day 6. Saadiyat Beach – Nourai Island 8,27 km (5,14 nm), Day 7. Nourai Island – Palm Jebel Ali – Dubai 85,08 km (52,86 nm)
The South-Pacific sailing itinerary
Day 1. Tuamotu Rangiroa – Motu Tereia, Blue Lagoon 30,08 km (18,69 nm), Day 2. Motu Tereia, Blue Lagoon – Makatea 88,63 km (55,07 nm), Day 3. Makatea – Tikehau 77,89 km (48,40 nm), Day 4. Tikehau – Le Tikehau 4,11 km (2,55 nm), Day 5. Le Tikehau – Hakumanu Lodge 10,08 km (6,26 nm), Day 6. Hakumanu Lodge – Eden Point 9,07 km (5,64 nm), Day 7. Eden Point – Motu Mahuta – Tuamotu Rangiroa 39,54 km (24,57 nm)
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