Where Is Hot in January? Best Winter Sun Destinations
January in the UK can be cold, dark and miserable. But if you’re looking for some winter sunshine, there are plenty of places where you can escape the cold.
From a short-haul break in the Canary Islands to a Caribbean cruise, January has plenty of options.
Here are some of the best places to consider for a January holiday.
Where is hot in January?
| Destination | Typical January temperature | Flight time from UK |
|---|---|---|
| Canary Islands | 18–22°C | 4–5 hours |
| Cape Verde | 22–25°C | Around 6 hours |
| Dubai | 20–25°C | Around 7 hours |
| Caribbean | 25–29°C | 8–10 hours |
| Mexico | 25–30°C | 10–11 hours |
| Maldives | 25–30°C | 10–11 hours |
| Thailand | 27–32°C | 11–13 hours |
| Cape Town | 25–29°C | 11–12 hours |
Temperatures are typical averages and can vary.
Canary Islands
If you want winter sunshine without a long-haul flight, the Canary Islands are one of the easiest choices.
Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are all popular in January.
Expect temperatures around 18–22°C, with plenty of opportunities for sunshine.
They’re particularly good for:
- All-inclusive holidays
- Families
- Couples
- Short breaks
- Beach holidays
They also offer a huge choice of hotels and departure airports from across the UK.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a great option if you want something warmer than the Canaries without travelling as far as the Caribbean.
January temperatures are generally around 22–25°C, with Sal and Boa Vista particularly popular for beach holidays.
It’s a good choice if your ideal holiday involves an all-inclusive resort, a beach and plenty of sunshine.
Dubai
Dubai is another popular January destination, with temperatures generally around 20–25°C.
It’s ideal if you want more than just a beach holiday.
You can combine sunshine with:
- Beaches and pools
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Desert excursions
- City sightseeing
January is also one of the more comfortable times of year to visit Dubai before temperatures rise later in the year.
Mexico
If you’re looking for proper heat, Mexico is worth considering.
Cancun and the Riviera Maya can see temperatures around 25–30°C in January, making it a popular winter sun destination.
There are plenty of large all-inclusive resorts, making Mexico particularly popular with couples and families.
You can also combine your beach holiday with visits to Mayan ruins, cenotes and other attractions.
The Caribbean
January is a fantastic time to visit the Caribbean.
Destinations such as Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua and the Dominican Republic typically enjoy temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s.
For a traditional winter sun holiday, the Caribbean is difficult to beat.
And you don’t have to stay in one resort…
Why not cruise the Caribbean?
January is also a great time to take a Caribbean cruise.
A cruise lets you visit several destinations during one holiday rather than spending the whole trip in one resort.
Depending on the itinerary, you could visit places such as:
- Barbados
- St Lucia
- St Kitts
- Antigua
- Jamaica
- Grand Cayman
- Cozumel
- The Bahamas
There are also plenty of fly-cruise packages, where your holiday can include flights, hotel stays, transfers and the cruise itself.
For us, a January Caribbean cruise is one of the best ways to escape the UK winter.
Other Great January Cruises
The Caribbean isn’t the only option.
Arabian Gulf Cruises
January is a popular time for cruises around the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
You could combine a cruise with time in Dubai before or after sailing, with itineraries potentially visiting destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat.
It’s a great option if you want sunshine, sightseeing and a cruise in one holiday.
Australia & New Zealand
January is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, making it an excellent time for an Australia or New Zealand cruise.
These are much longer-haul holidays, but they can combine spectacular scenery, cities and multiple destinations in one trip.
South Africa
January is also summer in South Africa.
A cruise combined with a stay in Cape Town or a wider South African holiday can make for an incredible start to the year.
The Maldives
For a luxury January escape, the Maldives is hard to ignore.
Temperatures are generally around 25–30°C, and January falls within one of the more popular periods to visit.
Think private islands, beautiful beaches, clear water and luxury resorts.
It’s particularly popular for:
- Honeymoons
- Couples
- Special occasions
- Luxury holidays
Thailand
Thailand is another excellent choice if you want hot weather in January.
With temperatures often around 27–32°C, it’s considerably warmer than the UK.
Thailand also gives you plenty of choice between relaxing on the beach and exploring the country.
Popular areas include Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui, alongside city stays in Bangkok.
So, Where Should You Go in January?
It depends on what you’re looking for.
Hottest: Thailand, Mexico, Caribbean and Maldives
Shortest flight: Canary Islands
Good-value winter sun: Canary Islands and Cape Verde
All-inclusive: Cape Verde, Mexico, Caribbean and Canaries
Best for cruising: Caribbean and Arabian Gulf
Romantic escape: Maldives, Caribbean or Dubai
Luxury: Maldives, Caribbean or Dubai
Family-friendly: Canaries, Mexico and Caribbean
Let Tom & Maria Travel Find Your January Holiday
Whether you’re looking for a week in the sun, an all-inclusive escape or a Caribbean cruise, we can help you find the right holiday.
As independent travel agents, we can search a wide range of options and help you compare the choices based on your dates, budget, preferred airport and the type of holiday you want.
Thinking about escaping the January weather?
Get in touch with Tom & Maria Travel and let us help you find your winter sun.
Call or Message Us on WhatsApp
📞+44 7356 013977
✉️hello@tomandmariatravel.co.uk
Temperatures are approximate averages and can vary. Prices and availability are subject to change.
