A winter sun holiday is just the ticket after the buzz of Christmas dies down and gives way to the dreariness of January in the UK.
But in the southern hemisphere, January is one of the hottest months of summer – meaning there are plenty of destinations where you can escape subzero temperatures for warmer climes.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend break in a vibrant city, or two weeks on a white sand beach, there’s somewhere for every type of traveller.
And while they may not be scorching, parts of Europe offer decent weather if you don’t want to fly more than five hours.
January holiday escapes
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Where’s hot in January for short-haul holidays?
Malta
Temperature: 16°C (up to 18°C)
Sunshine hours: 11 hours
Flight time: Three hours, 20 minutes
January is the perfect time to visit Malta, when mild temperatures and sunshine make for a refreshing winter escape.
With sparkling azure waters and picture-perfect swim spots, the island’s coastal beauty could even give the Maldives a run for its money.
The Maltese archipelago is also home to inlets brimming with colourful marine life, and the crystal-clear ocean provides excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling.
You can also take a short ferry to Gozo, Malta’s smaller, charming sister island. Here, you’ll find stunning red sands, ancient temples, and a quiet atmosphere that offers a welcome escape from the busier mainland.
Madeira, Portugal
Temperature: 19°C (up to 23°C)
Sunshine hours: Seven hours
Flight time: Three hours, 50 minutes
If you’re dreaming of unspoiled paradise, look no further than Madeira, Portugal, a subtropical island perfect for year-round sun.
Our reporter Jessica Hamilton recently spent five days there and described it as a more authentic and less crowded alternative to the Canaries.
Spend your days basking on volcanic beaches or exploring the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz, which are carved out by lava flows. Adventure seekers can hike along the dramatic Levada trails or take in panoramic views from Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs.
When evening falls, the capital, Funchal, comes alive with cosy restaurants, wine bars, and bustling markets such as Mercado dos Lavradores. Be sure to try the island’s famous Madeira wine or bolo do caco.
With January temperatures averaging a pleasant 19°C, Madeira is as close to tropical as you can get in Europe.
Tunisia
Temperature: 15 °C (up to 18°C)
Sunshine hours: 11 hours
Flight time: Two hours, 50 minutes
Tunisia basks in January sunshine with average highs of around 18°C, perfect for exploring or relaxing by the Mediterranean.
The sea might be a bit cooler at this time, but there’s still plenty of warmth and sun-filled days to enjoy.
Tunisia is home to a mix of historic cities and stunning coastal escapes.
Visit the capital, Tunis, where the ancient Medina and the Bardo Museum await, or relax in the picturesque town of Sidi Bou Said with its iconic blue and white architecture.
Looking for something unique? Venture to Djerba, an island known for its palm-fringed beaches, whitewashed villages, and lively markets – a true blend of culture and coastal beauty.
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Tunisia but must have a valid passport, so you can visit Tunisia without a visa for up to 90 days.
Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
Temperature: 22°C (up to 24°C)
Sunshine hours: 13 hours
Flight time: Five hours, 20 minutes
You can expect nothing but glorious sunshine if you’re heading to the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh this January. With average highs of 24°C, it’s the perfect winter sun escape.
The Red Sea is beautifully warm for swimming and snorkelling, with water temperatures around 22°C – ideal for exploring the coral reefs teeming with marine life.
This Egyptian resort is famous for its coral reefs, including the spectacular underwater landscapes of Ras Mohammed National Park and Tiran Island.
Beyond the beaches, enjoy adventures like stargazing in the Sinai Desert, quad-biking through dunes, or hiking Mount Sinai for an unforgettable sunrise.
From exploring markets and unwinding at a spa to sipping cocktails by the sea, Sharm has the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Temperature: 22°C (up to 24°C)
Sunshine hours: 13 hours
Flight time: Three hours, 40 minutes
January is a great time to visit Marrakech, as the weather is mild and perfect for exploring this vibrant city.
Stroll through the bustling medina and soak up the sights and sounds of the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, or wander through the beautiful Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
If you’re craving something more relaxing, take a trip to Oualidia, where you can spot pink flamingos strolling by the lagoon or enjoy fresh oysters from the local farms.
And don’t miss the chance to explore the Saadian Tombs or relax in one of Marrakech’s luxurious riads for a taste of authentic Moroccan hospitality.
Our reporter Gergana Krasteva travelled to Marrakesh last January to explore its booming sober tourism scene. You can read all about that here.
Cape Verde
Temperature: 23°C (up to 25°C)
Sunshine hours: Six hours
Flight time: Six hours
Like a few destinations on this list, January is Cape Verde’s coldest month.
But you’d never guess. The archipelago, off the coast of West Africa, experiences temperatures in the mid-20s at this time of year, meaning it’s still one of the hottest January destinations in the world.
Cape Verde is an ideal beach break destination, with the island of Sal – and its Santa Maria Beach – offering plenty of opportunities for learning to snorkel or go diving. Kitesurfing is another activity to try, on Sal or Boa Vista, which have the perfect conditions.
Sal town Santa Maria is also a picturesque spot to visit beyond the beach, as it is home to pretty, pastel-coloured buildings and some of the archipelago’s best bars and restaurants.
And it’s never been easier to get there. EasyJet has just announced new direct flights from Bristol.
Where is hot in January for long-haul holidays?
Ready for a winter getaway with real heat?
If you’re up for the long haul, these sunny destinations promise endless warmth and plenty of sunshine to escape the chill.
Antigua and Barbuda
Temperature: 23°C (up to 28°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Eight hours, 30 minutes
January might be the coldest month of the year in Antigua and Barbuda, but the average temperature still hovers around 26°C.
This means it’s idyllic weather for relaxing on its famous beaches like Dickenson Bay and the pink sands of Princess Diana Beach,which takes on a delightful rosy hue due to the number of coral reefs nearby.
If you decide to take a break from the sea, you can explore the UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard and enjoy breathtaking views from Shirley Heights.
You’ll find more than your fair share of luxe all-inclusive hotels (such as the Antigua Sandals resort), ideal for a relaxing holiday to kick off the year.
Cape Town, South Africa
Temperature: 27°C (up to 29°C)
Sunshine hours: 11 hours
Flight time: 11 hours 35 minutes
January is summer in South Africa – making it an ideal time to visit the vibrant city of Cape Town.
The city has more than its fair share of sights. Chill out on Boulders Beach and meet its penguin colony, or take a trip to the world-famous Table Mountain – the cable car service will allow you to experience breathtaking views of the city from its 3,500-high summit.
If you want to get away from the crowds, head out to the coast where the British overseas territory of Tristan da Cunha, the world’s most remote populated island, awaits.
Or you can indulge yourself in some excellent (and affordable) wine in the Cape Winelands.
You’ll find an abundance of vineyards, including the world-famous Cavalli Estate, as well as Gabrielskloof and Hazendal, all of which are open to the public for visits.
St Lucia
Temperature: 26°C (up to 29°C)
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: Eight hours, 30 minutes
The stunning Caribbean island of St Lucia enjoys great weather all year round.
Even in January, which is technically one of its coldest months, the temperature clocks in at a dreamy average of 26°C.
Great beaches are a given, such as Anse Chastenet Beach, which is well known for its snorkelling opportunities. You can also get into nature and explore the Pitons – two volcanic mountains that overlook the island – either on foot or by boat and swim in the surrounding waterfalls.
Don’t forget to stop by Soufrière, the island’s original capital, home to botanic gardens and souvenir shopping in the Old Town.
Goa, India
Temperature: 26°C (up to 31°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine to 10 hours
Flight time: Nine hours, 5 minutes
Hot weather can be found all over India in January, but the western state of Goa offers a great mix of laid-back beaches and tourist hotspots.
On top of sunbathing and watersports galore – from water skiing to scuba diving – you can also visit historical temples and sites including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, housing the mummy of 16th Century Missionary St Francis Xavier.
You could also try a local dolphin safari, where you’ll head out into the Arabian Sea on an early morning tour for a chance to see some of our aquatic friends up close.
Cancun, Mexico
Temperature: Up to 28°C (Cancun)
Sunshine hours: Six to eight hours
Flight time: 10 hours, 30 minutes
Mexico pops up in a fair few of our ‘Where is hot?’ travel guides over the winter months, for good reason.
Tourist hotspot Cancun will be busy this month, but offers temperatures in the 20s and an average maximum of 28°C – plus the water will be warm in January at 26°C.
It’s a similar story for resorts Playa del Carmen and Tulum, while temperatures in Acapulco can average 26°C and can climb as high as 31°C, according to Holiday Weather.
All ideal for beach holidays, but what if you prefer a culture-packed city break? The heat in Mexico City and Oaxaca also averages daily highs in the lower to mid-20s, so you won’t miss out on the sun.
Barbados
Temperature: 26°C to 29°C
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Eight hours, 30 minutes
With highs of up to 28°C, a sea temperature of 27°C and lots of warm evenings, January is an ideal month to visit Barbados.
The Caribbean nation is often a bucket list-type destination, thanks to its jaw-dropping beaches and stunning hotels all around the island.
Bridgetown is Barbados’ capital, where many travellers will fly into – and it is home to a range of museums, historic buildings, colonial architecture, shops, and the Mount Gay Visitors’ Centre distillery.
During a visit to the country, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to try the local cuisine and drink plenty of rum, too.
Phuket, Thailand
Temperature: 27°C (up to 33°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: 14 hours, 30 minutes
If you love soaking up the heat on a sunny beach, head to Phuket in Thailand– as you’ll have over 30 to choose from.
Top up your tan, enjoy a spot of snorkelling, start exploring Phuket’s plentiful sights – such as the brightly-coloured buildings in the capital Phuket Town – or take a trip to Koh Tapu, aka the ‘James Bond Island’ where The Man With The Golden Gun was filmed.
When the sun goes down, don’t forget to pay a visit to one of the night markets, or check out Bangla Road, a nightlife hub known for music, neon lights, bars, and restaurants.
In terms of the temperature, Phuket is a total win-win – as the typical low is 22°C, average 27°C, and high is 33°C.
Singapore
Temperature: 26°C (up to 30°C)
Sunshine hours: Six hours
Flight time: 13 hours
Singapore is known for balmy weather, with temperatures potentially pushing into the 30s in January.
And in addition to the warm weather, you won’t get stuck for things to do, as there are plenty of sights to see in the Southeast Asian city-state.
Among them are the famous Gardens by the Bay, taking a peek at the Marina Bay Sands, gazing up at the epic Cloud Forest, or stopping at the Raffles Hotel for a gin-infused Singapore Sling cocktail.
Beyond the mainland, you could day trip to Sentosa – an island resort with a 2km-long sheltered beach, which is home to the Universal Studios Singapore theme park.
Bahamas
Temperature: 21°C (up to 25°C)
Sunshine hours: 11 hours
Flight time: Nine hours, 50 minutes
If you head to the Bahamas this January, dip straight in the sea – as the water temps this month are a gorgeous 25°C.
You can expect average highs of the same on a visit to the country’s many islands – perhaps even a few degrees higher in some parts – along with plenty of sunshine and 6 pm sunsets, says Thomas Cook.
But where in the Bahamas to go? There’s the capital, Nassau, and the famous Paradise Island (home to a huge Atlantis hotel).
Fancy something a bit different? Find your way to the Exuma district, where you’ll discover a fascinating beach full of swimming pigs (seriously).
Before you travel…
Now that you know where to soak up the sun, make sure to check the luggage rules, snag those travel deals, and pack the essentials for a stress-free getaway.
It’s also wise to check the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office website for the latest travel advice for your dream destination.
