Port of Spain in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Port of Spain

87°F (31°C) High Temp

71°F (22°C) Low Temp

3.1 inches (79 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak Carnival preparation season - witness mas bands rehearsing and steelpan orchestras perfecting their arrangements for February's festival throughout the city
Dry season winds bring relief from humidity - consistent northeast trade winds at 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) make outdoor exploration comfortable, especially afternoons
Optimal hiking weather in Northern Range - temperatures stay below 85°F (29°C) at elevation with minimal rainfall, perfect for El Tucuche and Maracas Falls trails
Local produce season peaks - julie mango, chenette, and zaboca are at their best, plus street vendors offer seasonal specialties like doubles with extra pepper sauce

Considerations

Accommodation prices increase 40-60% as Carnival approaches - book by early December or expect to pay premium rates, especially in St. Clair and Woodbrook areas
Afternoon rain showers occur every 3-4 days - typically 2-3 hour downpours that flood downtown streets temporarily, disrupting walking tours and outdoor dining
Saharan dust episodes reduce visibility - 2-3 periods monthly when dust from Africa creates hazy conditions, affecting sunrise/sunset photography and air quality for sensitive individuals

Best Activities in January

Asa Wright Nature Centre Bird Watching

January is peak migration season with over 170 species active including rare oilbirds, channel-billed toucans, and white-bearded manakins. Early morning temperatures of 71°F (22°C) and minimal rainfall make this the ideal month for guided walks through the Arima Valley. Hummingbird activity peaks between 6-9am when feeders attract 13 different species.

Booking Tip: Reserve guided walks 2-3 weeks ahead through certified naturalist guides. Tours typically cost TT$300-500 ($44-74) including transportation from Port of Spain. Look for operators offering dawn departure tours starting 5am. Check current options in the booking section below.

Maracas Beach and North Coast Exploration

Trade winds keep temperatures comfortable at 82-85°F (28-29°C) while January's reduced rainfall means better road conditions on the 45-minute drive over North Coast Road. Surf conditions are optimal with 3-4 foot (1-1.2m) waves perfect for bodyboarding. Local bake and shark vendors operate peak hours 10am-4pm with minimal rain interruptions.

Booking Tip: Join organized beach tours that include multiple stops along the north coast including Las Cuevas and Blanchisseuse. Tours run TT$200-350 ($29-52) per person with hotel pickup. Book 1-2 weeks ahead during January. Independent travelers should rent cars by December for better rates.

Downtown Port of Spain Heritage Walking Tours

Cooler morning temperatures make exploring Accra, this destination, and Queen's Park Savannah comfortable between 7-10am. January's lower humidity allows for 3-4 hour walking tours without excessive heat fatigue. Magnificent Seven mansions are best photographed in January's clearer air quality before Saharan dust peaks.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours cost TT$150-250 ($22-37) for 3-4 hour experiences including Brian Lara Promenade and Banjul stops. Book certified heritage guides through tourism board approved operators. Morning tours (8am start) offer best weather conditions.

Caroni Bird Sanctuary Scarlet Ibis Tours

January offers the most reliable scarlet ibis sightings as birds follow predictable roosting patterns during dry season. Afternoon boat tours at 4pm catch optimal lighting for photography while avoiding the hottest part of day. Mangrove channels are at ideal water levels with minimal storm runoff affecting visibility.

Booking Tip: Sunset boat tours through the mangrove swamps cost TT$250-400 ($37-59) including guide and refreshments. Book 10-14 days ahead as tours are limited to 12 people per boat. Choose operators with covered boats for afternoon sun protection and waterproof storage.

El Cerro del Aripo Hiking Adventures

Trinidad's highest peak at 3,084 feet (940m) is most accessible in January due to drier trail conditions and cooler temperatures. Morning starts at 6am take advantage of 71°F (22°C) temperatures before afternoon heating. Cloud forest sections offer respite with temperatures 8-10°F (4-6°C) cooler than sea level.

Booking Tip: Full-day guided hikes cost TT$400-650 ($59-96) including transportation, guide, and lunch. Requires advance fitness assessment and booking 2-3 weeks ahead. Look for guides certified in wilderness first aid. Trail conditions in January allow hiking in regular athletic shoes rather than heavy boots.

Steelpan Yard Cultural Experiences

January is rehearsal season for Panorama competitions, offering unique access to steelpan orchestras perfecting their arrangements. Temperature-controlled practice spaces in Laventille, Woodbrook, and San Juan welcome visitors during evening rehearsals 6-9pm. This is the only time of year to witness intensive preparation for Carnival competitions.

Booking Tip: Cultural immersion experiences with steelpan bands cost TT$100-200 ($15-29) including instrument try-outs and traditional snacks. Contact bands directly through community centers or book through cultural tour operators 1-2 weeks ahead. Evening sessions avoid daytime heat while showcasing authentic rehearsal atmosphere.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to Late January

Steelpan Panorama Preliminaries

Semi-professional and community steel orchestras compete in preliminary rounds throughout January at Queen's Park Savannah. Over 100 bands participate in different categories, offering the most authentic steelpan experience before Carnival crowds arrive. Entry is typically free and offers close-up access to performers.

Late January

Tobago Jazz Experience

Though based in Tobago, many preliminary events and artist showcases occur in Port of Spain venues throughout January. Local jazz clubs and cultural centers host visiting international artists in intimate settings before the main festival. Tickets are significantly cheaper than main festival events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers last 2-3 hours and can flood streets temporarily, making umbrellas insufficient

SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index reaches 8 even during partly cloudy conditions common in January

Moisture-wicking cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity, especially during 87°F (31°C) afternoon temperatures

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - sidewalks become slippery during rain showers and many attractions require 1-3 mile (1.6-4.8 km) of walking on uneven surfaces

Insect repellent containing 20-30% DEET - mosquitoes are active during dawn and dusk hours, particularly in Caroni wetlands and Northern Range hiking areas

Light sweater or long sleeves for air conditioning - indoor spaces like malls, restaurants, and tour buses keep temperatures at 68-70°F (20-21°C)

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for boat tours to Caroni sanctuary and protection during sudden downpours

Cash in small bills - many vendors, taxi drivers, and small restaurants don't accept cards, and ATMs in tourist areas may charge high fees

Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated in humid conditions but avoid single-use plastics; many hotels and tour operators offer refill stations

Insider Knowledge

Visit doubles vendors between 6-8am for freshest bara bread and optimal curry chickpea filling - popular spots like St. James and Curepe sell out by 9am during January school holidays

Take Route Taxis (shared cars) along Eastern Main Road during rush hours 7-9am and 4-6pm - costs TT$4-6 ($0.60-0.90) versus TT$50+ ($7.50+) for private taxis covering same distances

Shop for local produce at Chaguanas Market on Saturday mornings - prices are 50-70% lower than Port of Spain vendors and selection includes seasonal fruits unavailable in hotels

Time Queen's Park Savannah visits for 5:30-6:30am - locals exercise during cooler temperatures, food vendors set up fresh, and parking is free before 8am enforcement begins

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all outdoor activities are available during afternoon rain showers - plan indoor alternatives like Banjul, Central Bank Art Gallery, or shopping at Long Circular Mall for rainy periods

Booking accommodation in downtown Port of Spain without considering noise - Carnival preparation means steelpan practice until 10pm and early morning setup activities starting 5am in many neighborhoods

Relying solely on hotel transport for attractions - many hotels charge TT$200-400 ($29-59) for trips that cost TT$20-40 ($3-6) using public transport or route taxis with minimal time difference