January?

[steelpe]

My wife and I might be able to get away next winter. We are thinking about heading back to St Barts. There is still a lot of planning to do, and a lot if things need to fall into place between now and then in order for us to go. That being said, I am interested in how the island is in January?

We have only been to the island once in October/November if 2011 and we found the island wonderful. I know January will be more busy I'm just not sure how muc. I also seem to remember someone saying that there is a lull after insane season where the island is a little quiet. I'm wondering if this is true and when this time may be.

Our travel window would be from early January to mid February.

Thank you for the information.

PS we already know it's going to cost a lot more than what upset cost us last time as we will be visiting the island during high season.

 

[cec1]

January is a "lull" . . . especially in the early to mid-period of the month. Weather is lovely, and I think you would find it very pleasant and comfortable.

 

[Petri]

We used to spend xmas & new year in Anguilla and fly to St. Barth right after New Year on 2nd January. Great time to visit, at least it used to be a quieter moment between the NY and start of real high-season from mid-January.

I would love to visit St. Barth again at that time.

 

[lloyd]

Probably me,who said that.We love January( and we know the island in every month).It will be quieter than November.In fact,from about January 6( after the crazy stuff) until close to the beginning of February will be fairly quiet.
It will be very windy,but the last few years,the Christmas Winds have blown until mid - February.It will also be a little cooler,but it won't be as crowded as February,in fact,it won't even be as busy as June!January is a very nice time.If you only have a week,you can't count on calm,perfect seas,like you can,say in March or later,but it'll be a lot easier to get around,and park in Gustavia
As you get closer to Feb. ,it gets progressively busier.It's not really high season until February

 

[steelpe]

We were thinking of late January... But it appears as if the closer to December the better. We will be coming from New England so anything should be better. Last time we found it to be a little hot for us.

 

[NHDiane]

We were thinking of late January... But it appears as if the closer to December the better. We will be coming form New England so anything should be better. Last time we found it to be a little hot for us.

As a fellow New Englander I would think that hot temps would be much more tolerable in January.....coming from all that snow and ice I mean :wink2:

 

[cassidain]

We were thinking of late January... But it appears as if the closer to December the better. We will be coming from New England so anything should be better. Last time we found it to be a little hot for us.

Statistically, you'll find more reliable weather in February than January: sunnier, less rainfall, less rain days, cooler, slightly less wind, longer days.

In January you'd encounter le Festival de Musique, which is very nice. Mid-February you'd be there for Carnaval (Feb17, 2015) which, although it seems to be diminished in scope from previously (permanently so?), is an experience you might want to have sometime.

 

[amyb]

We are there in that time slot. Showers happen, but not all day rain. I like it because it keeps the island green you see. Also, nights are cool-long sleeves or a light cover up helps in open breezy dining locations.

Easier to park in Gustavia

 

[stbartshopper]

We come the first two weeks of February every year. Even when SBH is full it is never crowded except for parking in Gustavia during say Carnival and the Bucket in late March. Don't Worry about any time you come and Be Happy!

 

[marybeth]

Our last 2 trIps were late January/early February after several years of going in late November. I did not think it was any more crowded or busy. Windier but we had lovely weather otherwise. You're right that the biggest difference is the villa price.

 

[steelpe]

When we were there in 2011 it was for Oct 27 to Nov 5 th. When we went not everything was open at the time. I remember a trip to Bonito that did not happen because they were closed. So I think the island was really dead then.

When should I reach out to the villa agency?

 

[cassidain]

November versus February weather:

rainfall: Nov 5" Feb 1.7"
rain days: Nov 21 days Feb 14 days
avg temp: Nov 79.4 F Feb 76.5 F
sunshine: 20% more in Feb vs Nov

 

[Trinigerl]

It's one of our "bucket list" so we will be there Dec 26th- Jan 5th. We already got our hotel, car and air...so we are ready!