The short answer: the Caribbean and the Arabian Gulf for warmth; the Canary Islands for sun close to home; Cape Horn and Antarctica for the trip of a lifetime; the northern lights for the Arctic winter. After New Year's week, ships are noticeably quieter.
Where to go in January
| Destination | Weather | Why this month | Where from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean | About 27–30 °C | Dry season with reliable weather; quieter after New Year's week | Florida or the islands |
| Arabian Gulf | About 22–27 °C | Comfortable weather for city sightseeing and the desert | Dubai or Abu Dhabi |
| Canary Islands | About 19–22 °C | Reliable sunshine; the coolest month, the sea is fresh | Tenerife or Gran Canaria |
| South America | Often 26–34 °C in Brazil | The peak of the Brazilian summer; local school holidays | Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires |
| Cape Horn | About 5–15 °C, windy | High summer down south and a good time for penguins; Antarctica cruises too | Buenos Aires or Chile |
| Northern lights | About −5 to 0 °C | Darkness and snow; the light slowly returns towards the end of the month | Northern European ports |
Temperatures are typical daytime values and vary from year to year. Ships and routes are based on cruise line announcements for 2026–2027 and may change; always check the specific sailing.
What is special about January
- Quiet after the holidays. Once New Year's week is over, ships in the Caribbean and the Canaries are noticeably less full.
- World cruises begin. Many long voyages around the world set off in January.
- Carnival is coming. In 2027 carnival falls on 6–9 February; cruises around carnival fill up early.
- Antarctica's high season. From December to February some ships sail from Buenos Aires to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Booking a January cruise with points
Every way of paying in the club also works for sailings in January that are available in the club. You choose one per booking: the member price (INsider Pricing), roughly 17% below the listed price, or your Reward Points, which can cover up to half of the cruise price; they do not add up. To pay up to 100% with points, the booking must be made at least 270 days before departure — for a cruise in January, that is roughly April or early May of the year before — and you need to have accumulated enough points by then.
How booking with points works →
← December · All months · February →
Common questions
Is January a good month for the Caribbean?
Yes. It is the dry season, with reliable weather at about 27–30 °C, and after New Year's week the ships are quieter.
Where is it warm in January, close to Europe?
In the Canary Islands, at about 19–22 °C. It is the coolest month there, but sunshine is reliable.
Can I go to Antarctica on a cruise in January?
Yes. From December to February some ships sail from Buenos Aires to the Antarctic Peninsula, usually as scenic cruising without going ashore.
When do I need to book a cruise in January to pay fully with points?
To pay up to 100% with points, book at least 270 days before departure — for in January that is roughly April or early May of the year before — and have enough points accumulated by then. Points can also cover up to half of the cruise price.
Weather figures are typical values; ships, routes and dates are based on cruise line announcements for 2026–2027 and may change. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.