Virgin Islands in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 55/100 · #9 of 12 months

January is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Virgin Islands National Park: crowds run 88% of the March peak (35,185 average visits). Weather: highs average 84°F and lows 74°F, with 2.6″ of precipitation and 11.1 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in January

Virgin Islands averages 35,185 recreation visits in January — 88% of what March, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — book early and start days at dawn.

Weather & daylight

Expect warm days (highs average 84°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 74°F). Average precipitation is 2.6″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 11.1 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CHARLOTTE AMALIE AP, VI VQ (16 mi from park coordinates, 20 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of January.

What to pack for Virgin Islands in January

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Sun protection and 2L+ water per person — highs average 84°F
• Packable rain jacket — 2.6″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Virgin Islands are August and September.

Also at their best in January

Other parks whose computed January verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

• Channel Islands in January — 35% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 76/100
• Zion in January — 23% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 76/100
• Carlsbad Caverns in January — 38% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 73/100
• Big Bend in January — 50% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 71/100

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-09-24