Aruba in January 2026: Carnival kickoff, cultural events, weather, and travel tips

January in Aruba tends to feel like a reset...

The holiday season has wrapped up, most visitors have flown home, and the island experiences a brief respite after the December frenzy.

But it’s not time to catch your breath just yet.

While the Christmas crowds may have faded, there’s something wonderful on the horizon.

Namely, Carnival!

Although Aruba’s Carnival (or carnaval in Papiamento) season officially starts in November, January is when the festivities really begin to ramp up.

And in our opinion, it’s one of the best times to be on the island.

You can spend your days swimming, reading, and enjoying quieter beaches, while also enjoying some of Aruba’s biggest annual cultural celebrations. Carnival has deep roots in Caribbean culture, and January offers a great way to experience it.

Here’s everything you need to know about things to do in Aruba in January, from Carnival events and cultural highlights to weather, crowds, and outdoor adventures.

Aruba weather in January: what to expect

January is considered to be one of the best months weather-wise in Aruba.

Average daytime temperatures sit comfortably around 24–30°C (mid-70s to mid-80s °F), with lower humidity than later in the year. Rain is pretty minimal, and the steady breeze keeps things feeling fresh even when the sun is out.

This mild, dry climate makes January ideal for hiking, sightseeing, beach days, and exploring the island without the intense heat of summer.

Carnival in Aruba in January: early celebrations begin

Aruba’s Carnival season officially starts in November, but January is when the excitement REALLY starts to bubble all across the island. 

Competitions, parades, and music events begin happening almost weekly.

You don’t need to plan your entire trip around Carnival to enjoy it. January is perfect for getting a taste of the festivities, without the intensity and crowds of peak parade season later on.

Major Carnival events in January

Dates and locations can shift slightly year to year, but these are the key Carnival events that typically take place throughout January 2026.

Torch Parade, Oranjestad – January 3

The official kickoff parade to start the year with a bang! The Torch Parade (or Fakkel Parade, or Parada di Flambeu) officially kicks off Aruba’s Carnival season. This parade is held at night throughout Oranjestad. Expect to see people of all ages and backgrounds dancing on the street, on balconies, and sometimes even on rooftops. It’s a great first taste of Carnival if you’ve never seen it before.

Calypso Roadmarch Contest Infantil y Hubenil – January 9

Calypso is one of the main music genres of Aruba’s Carnival, and during this contest kids and teenagers perform calypso-style Carnival songs. It’s fun, family-friendly, and shows how Carnival traditions are passed down to younger generations.

Children & Youth Carnival Queen Election – January 10

During this pageant-style event, children and youth contestants take the stage and are judged on presentation, performance, and cultural expression. Rather than focusing purely on costumes, the evening highlights confidence, stage presence, and an early connection to Carnival heritage.

Carnival Queen Election – January 11

This event is dedicated to the election of the adult Carnival Queen. Expect elaborate costumes, music, and a vibrant atmosphere as the contestants showcase their performance skills and Carnival spirit.

Children and Youth Tumba Festival – January 16

This festival puts Aruba’s youngest performers front and center, celebrating Tumba, one of the island’s signature Carnival genres.

Tumba Festival – January 17

During the Tumba Festival, musicians compete to create the official Carnival song of the year. The winning track becomes the soundtrack you’ll hear throughout parades, jump-ups, and celebrations.

Fantasy Parade – January 18

The Fantasy Parade is filled with elaborate costumes, themed groups, and creative designs. It offers visitors an early look at Carnival’s spectacle, but without the size and crowds of the Grand Parades later in the season.

Soca Monarch pre-finals – January 19 to 21

Soca is another main genre of Aruba’s Carnival, and during these competitions soca artists compete for a spot in the Soca Monarch finals.

Night of the Hit Makers – January 23

A concert-style evening celebrating popular Carnival artists and well-known hits from the season. This event often draws large local audiences and feels more like a big party than a formal competition.

School Parade, Oranjestad – January 30

A fun, family-friendly daytime parade in Oranjestad featuring school groups from across the island. It’s pretty wholesome!

Children’s Carnival Parade, Noord – January 31

Here children take center stage again in scaled-down Carnival costumes, this time in Noord. It’s definitely one of the most charming events of the season!

Aruba Soca Monarch finals – January 31

The grand finale of the Soca Monarch competition, where the season’s top soca performer is crowned. With electrifying performances and a roaring crowd, this event is a highlight for soca fans.

After Seven Jump In – January 31

The After Seven Jump In is a casual Carnival street party where DJs and live bands take over the roads, people dance through the streets, and anyone can join in. It’s more laid-back than the main Carnival parades, but with great energy.

If you’re interested in joining any of these activities, keep an eye on SMAC’s Facebook page for the latest updates on times and locations.

Non-Carnival events and cultural experiences in January

Late-night shopping and street food in Oranjestad

Ban Bek Caya is a montly event in the Oranjestad main street, and it's best described as Oranjestad’s lively late-night shopping evening, usually running from around 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Stores stay open late and often offer special discounts, while food trucks, live music, and pop-up stalls turn the area into an open-air market. Tons of shops set up tables outside, giving the streets a festive, walk-around feel.

It’s a fun and easy way to experience downtown Aruba after dark while supporting local businesses. Follow Ban Bek Caya on Facebook to stay updated on this month's edition.

Music and dance performance at the local library – January 8

The National Library of Aruba is hosting a free cultural performance organized to celebrate 40 years of Aruba’s Status Aparte, the island’s autonomous status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This program brings together music, dance, and singing to reflect on Aruba’s cultural identity, history, and collective journey, offering a meaningful way to open the new year.

If you’re visiting, it’s a cool way to explore something a bit more local and down-to-earth. It’ll be taking place at the library at 6:30 pm.

Dia di Betico – January 25

Dia di Betico is a national holiday honoring Betico Croes, the political leader who played a central role in Aruba’s path toward autonomy. In the 1970s and 1980s, he led the movement that resulted in Aruba gaining its own status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1986.

The day is marked by ceremonies, speeches, and moments of reflection, with a generally quieter atmosphere across the island. Visitors may notice closures or reduced hours, but it’s a meaningful opportunity to witness Aruba’s national identity and history.

If you’d like to experience some of the festivities, each year there’s a celebration hosted at Plaza Betico Croes (next to Cas di Cultura) starting at 5pm.

Betico Croes Memorial 10K Run & 6K Fun Walk – January 25

Held in memory of Betico Croes, this annual run and walk follows a route through his former neighborhood. The 10K starts and finishes at Centro Deportivo Betico Croes in Santa Cruz, taking runners through Kas Ariba, Angochi, Coba Lodo, Urataca, Picaron, Wara Wara, and Macuarima along the way.

The 6K Fun Walk also begins and ends at Centro Deportivo Betico Croes in Santa Cruz, with a shorter loop through Kas Ariba, Urataca, Wara Wara, and Macuarima. Both the run and the walk kick off at 5:30 pm, when the most intense heat of the day has passed.

You can register via IBiSA. Sign up or request more information by calling +297 582 4987 or reaching out via email.

Food and drinks: try some local Aruban snacks in January

With fewer crowds and a calmer pace after the holidays, January is a great time to explore Aruba’s local food scene. Beyond restaurants, you’ll find bakeries, snack trucks, and small neighborhood spots serving classic Aruban bites that locals grew up with. Think savory pastries, fried snacks, and sweet treats that pair perfectly with a beach day or late afternoon stroll.

If you’re curious where to start and you'd like to try something new, this guide to several local Aruban snacks is an easy introduction to the Aruba's everyday food culture.

Conferences and professional events

Aside from being a beautiful island with tons of cultural activities, Aruba is also a popular destination for conferences, including medical events. While these aren’t really tourist attractions, keep in mind that they can influence hotel availability during certain weeks in January. 

Outdoor things to do in Aruba in January

January is a great month to visit if you’re an outdoorsy type. The weather makes it one of the best months for outdoor activities. This is a great time to explore Arikok National Park, where cooler temperatures make hiking desert trails and visiting caves far more comfortable. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant.

Water activities are also at their best. Snorkeling, diving, and boat trips benefit from calm seas and clear visibility, while coastal walks and beach hopping feel effortless in the mild climate.

Crowds and prices in Aruba in January

January is considered a shoulder period between the holiday rush and peak Carnival season. Crowds are noticeably lighter than in December, especially after the first week of the month. Beaches feel calmer, restaurants are easier to book, and popular attractions are less busy.

Prices for flights and accommodations often dip a bit compared to Christmas and New Year, although rates may rise again toward the end of January as Carnival approaches. 

Accommodation availability is generally pretty good throughout the month, but booking early is still recommended if you plan to visit during major event weekends. And if you’re still deciding where to stay, this guide to the best places to stay in Aruba breaks down the main areas and what type of traveler they’re best suited for.

And if you’re planning your budget, it helps to understand how costs can vary depending on where and how you travel. This breakdown of local vs tourist prices in Aruba gives a clearer picture of what to expect for food, transportation, and activities.

Is January a good time to visit Aruba?

Definitely!

January offers a rare balance. You get great weather, fewer crowds than December, and the early energy of Carnival without the intensity of peak season. 

It’s a month where you can fully relax or fully immerse yourself in local culture, depending on your mood.

And if you’re still in the planning phase, this guide to planning your Aruba adventure covers everything from transportation and timing to what to pack and how to get around.

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