Philipsburg Weather in January

January weather

January feels warm and mostly settled in Philipsburg. The high and low are both 26°C, with humidity at 76%, so the air can feel sticky when you're walking around town. Rain falls on about six days, but January is drier than December and a little wetter than February.

You'll get plenty of sun for Great Bay Beach, browsing Front Street, or taking in the view from Fort Amsterdam. It's also a good month for a boat trip. Heavy showers can interrupt beach time, so keep indoor stops like the Sint Maarten Museum in mind.

What's on

New Year's Day is a public holiday in Sint Maarten. Expect some businesses to close or open for shorter hours, while the waterfront and beach remain popular places to spend the day. January is part of the island's busy winter season, but it isn't the main Carnival period.

If you hate crowds, avoid the busiest parts of Philipsburg when cruise ships are in port. The town's shops and boardwalk can feel packed, even when the beaches outside the centre are quieter.

Crowds and costs

January is high season, so flights and hotels usually cost more than in the quieter summer and autumn months. December can feel even busier around the holidays. You'll find a lively town and lots of open businesses, but don't expect low-season prices.

For an easy trip between the cruise terminal and Front Street, take the water taxi across Great Bay. It saves you a walk along the busy harbour road, and drops you close to the shops and boardwalk.