Granted it's only November, but we're already googling ‘Where is hot in January?’ to travel to, because, let's face it, it's not exactly everyone's favourite month of the year – sorry to any Capricorns or Aquarius' out there.
With all the festivities over and done with, it can be easy to fall into a slightly miserable slump. Peak winter tends to wreak havoc on the moods of seasonal affective disorder-sufferers (yes – including us), so it’s no wonder everyone looks towards warmer, more tropical destinations in search of some winter sun. And this year, we're planning ahead.
Where is warmest in January?
January is actually one of the best time of years to vacation, especially with the holiday rush subsided and people just coming back to work. So, whether you’re looking to escape to the jungles of Costa Rica, the cultural sites in Egypt of the beaches of Bali, go on a beach holiday in Jamaica or soak up the sun in the Canary Islands our comprehensive guide to the best destinations that are still sunny in January has got you covered. And while you may have to look beyond Europe to find your little paradise in the sun, we can guarantee that these winter sun destinations will certainly be worth the long-haul flight. So, what are you waiting for? better check travel advice and book a flight ASAP.
Scroll down to find out where is hot in January…
1. St. Barth’s
Average temperature in St. Barth's in January: Between 23-29°C.
Just eight square miles wide, stylish Saint Barthélemy (or St. Barth’s as the international jet-set say) may just be the little island in the sun you’re looking for this January. Offering year-round sunshine with some of the most paradisiac beaches in the Caribbean, we think it’s the perfect place to go for winter sun.
Where to stay in St Barth's:We like the Villa Marie Saint Barth, which is a beautifully bohemian family-run hotel by French hotel group Maison’s et Hôtels Sibuet. The hotel overlooks the famous Colombier beach, one of the best beaches on the island, which is only accessible by boat or foot. All suites boast breath-taking views, and plenty of that chic St. Barth’s attitude.
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2. Mexico
Average temperature in Mexico in January: Highs of 32°C.
Forget Cancun, because the Riviera Maya is where it’s at during the winter months in Mexico. With endless hours of sunshine, margaritas all around and authentic Mexican food aplenty, Mexico is certainly ranking high on our travel wish-lists this Christmas.
Where to stay in Mexico:Located on Mexico’s gorgeous Caribbean coast and surrounded by lush Mayan jungle, Hotel Esencia is an exclusive 50-acre private resort that is blessed with warm weather, scorching hot sunny days and balmy nights no matter what time of year. Hailed as one of the hottest (figuratively and literally) beach hotels around, Hotel Esencia is situated between Tulum and Playa del Carmen and is the perfect base for exploring all of Riviera Maya’s cultural sites and cenotes. It also sits right in front of Xpu-Ha, which is one of the best beaches in the whole of Mexico.
This sprawling 620-acre resort enclave in the Riviera Maya is just the place for an idyllic Mexican holiday. Located amidst winding lagoons and overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this beautiful hotel perfectly blends inside and outside space, while honouring Mayan culture and heritage. With plunge pools, butler services, award-winning restaurants and a spa designed around a cenote – we think you’d be hard done to find a more luxurious Mexican getaway than this.
3. Barbados
Average temperature in Barbados in January: Between 23-29°C.
In terms of winter sun destinations, Barbados is certainly on top of everyone’s hit-lists. Winter sun seekers can’t help but fall in love with this island’s beautiful beaches, majestic waterfalls, vibrant coral reels and Caribbean charm. We think it's certainly worth the long-haul flight.
Where to stay in BarbadosCobbers Cove is one of the island’s most-beloved family-owned hotels and with good reason. Surrounded by a coral stone wall, three acres of lush tropical gardens and one-quarter mile of white sand beach, we can’t think of a better beach holiday destination this winter. The hotel recently launched an incredible soft fleet of pool floats which guests can use to paddle out to a known turtle spot for some snorkelling or even scuba diving. Active travellers can also head to nearby surfing hotspot Bathsheba or embark on hiking expeditions across the island, including a 10,000 step hike from Cobbler Cove to Holetown. We simply can’t think of a better way to burn off those Christmas calories.
Save when you book with these booking.com discount codes.
4. Thailand
Average temperature in Thailand in January: Between 23-31°C.
Thailand is one the most popular destinations during the winter months, which is why we think that booking a flight to Thailand is just the tonic to banish the January blues. From exotic Thai food, incredible wildlife, blissful tropical weather and vibing nightlife scene — can you imagine a more idyllic winter holiday than in Thailand?
Where to stay in ThailandAvani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club
Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club is the newest addition to Koh Samui’s bustling hotel scene. Inspired by the freewheeling spirit of 1950s Palm Beach, the hotel combines Miami’s mid-century modern architecture with Thailand’s beautiful tropical landscapes. Picture epic Florida pool parties combined with full-moon beach party fun ala Leo in The Beach. We think it is the perfect winter sun getaway for you and your best girlfriends.
Surrounded by towering coconut trees in the rolling west coast pf Phuket, The Surin is one of the most established hotels on the island. With a postcard-perfect beachfront location on Pansea Beach, this luxe tropical getaway has suites, cottages and plenty of things to do for sun-seeking travellers. The nearby town of Patong’s cool nightlife scene is only a 30-minute drive away. There are also plenty of water sports on offer, as well as a poolside gym. Holiday workouts not your cup of tea? Then the hotel has plenty of très chic spots perfect for sunbathing too. Your glorious tan will surely be the talk of the town during your next post-work drinks.
5. Tenerife
Average temperature in Tenerife in January: Highs of 21°C.
Brit-friendly Tenerife enjoys year-round sunshine and is the warmest of all the Canary Islands in the off-season. We think that Tenerife has plenty to offer and is and with direct flight times at 5 hours (that is technically short-haul isn’t it?) is one of the easiest to reach winter sun destinations on our list. Vacationing in Tenerife in January has plenty of perks. First, you can avoid the usual tourist crowds, who are probably huddled together for warmth back in the UK. Next, there’s plenty of charming towns like Costa Adeje, Playa del Duque, and Puerto de la Cruz which come to life in the off-season too.
Where to stay in TenerifeWyndham Residences Costa Adeje
Just a stone’s throw away from the Siam Park waterpark. Wyndham Residences is great if you’re planning a winter getaway with the fam. The resort offers very reasonably priced self-catered apartments which all have generously sized balconies and mountain views. There’s also plenty of sun decks where you can go subathing and soak up that glorious sunshine.
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This beautiful five-star resort overlooks Costa Adeje’s most beautiful beach. The hotel has 346 rooms and 40 villas, with private pools and round-the-clock butler service. Bahia del Duque is an ideal wellness winter-sun getaway. By day guests can enjoy outdoor massages or visit the hammam, at night they can visit the observatory for some stargazing. It is also home to nine restaurants (including Michelin-starred Nub), and is a great destination for foodies.
6. St. Lucia
Average temperature in St. Lucia in January: Between 22-28°C.
A favourite amongst honeymooners, January is the perfect time to visit the lush Caribbean island that is St. Lucia. December to May is dry season on the island, which also means that it is peak season. However, don’t let that deter you, because this beautiful island in the sun offers plenty for wonder for those willing to carpe diem it and book a long haul flight.
Where to stay in St. LuciaWhen you think of a quintessential St. Lucia getaway, Jade Mountain must be the first resort that comes to mind. Set high above the mountain and overlooking St. Lucia’s breath-taking Pitons World Heritage Site national park. The resort is famous for its open air Infinity Pool Sanctuaries and Jacuzzi Suites, which yes, are as amazing as they sound. Here, there is nothing separating you from mother nature. There’s also plenty of sightseeing, jungle biking, snorkelling and scuba diving to get lost in if you are fully invested in your nature trip. 40% of the food at Jade Mountain is sourced from the resort’s own organic farm, so foodies will have plenty to chew on with cooking classes and (eep!) chocolate workshops too.
7. Maldives
Average temperature in the Maldives in January: Between 25-29°C.
What winter sun destination round-up would be complete without the Maldives? In fact, it seems that every influencer and celeb hops on a seaplane to these beautiful atolls on the Indian Ocean every January. Averaging eight hours of sunshine year-round, December to April is peak season in the Maldives as it’s drier and less windy. Low humidity, plenty of sunshine, overwater villas and white sand beaches? No wonder the Maldives is on everyone’s bucket-list.
Where to stay in the MaldivesInterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
Part of the IHG Hotel Group, you know that a stay at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort will be as easy as it will be luxurious. Enjoy lazy mornings by the pool, relaxing spa treatments or get busy with the resort’s many water sports like snorkelling, scube diving or jet-skiing – there’s something for everyone here.
We love this effortlessly luxe all-inclusive resort in Maldives’ pristine Raa Atoll. Perfect for honeymooners, families, friends and even solo travellers looking for a break from the winter cold, this five-star resort offers the very best that Maldivian luxury has to offer. The resort’s tagline is ‘It’s Freedom Time’, which is perfectly apt as once you step into the white sandy beaches of Cora Cora, you are instantly freed from the January blues.
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8. Dubai
Average temperature in Dubai in January: Around 25°C.
The majestic desert city of Dubai is more than just bling and is an excellent Winter Sun destination for those looking for a glamorous city break. January just so happens to be when the Dubai Shopping Festival runs — perfect for shopaholics looking for a treat. Not to mention, less crowds and milder temperatures means it's also the perfect month to try outdoor activities like dune bashing, sand boarding or jet-skiing.
Where to stay in DubaiCaesars Palace Dubai is an appropriately glamorous beachfront escape in the city’s Bluewaters Island. There’s plenty of opportunity to go sunbathing and soak up the winter sunshine on the beach’s 500m private beach, or at any of the hotel’s fabulous beach clubs. We especially like the Wednesday night salsa classes at the hotel’s Havana Bar.
9. Morocco
Average temperature in Morocco in January: Around 20°C.
Alluring, romantic and brimming with culture, we think Morocco is a fabulous destination for a weekend getaway this winter. Morocco, or ‘the kingdom of light’ will easily make you forget the bleak UK, plus, short-haul flights to Morocco are cheaper than most other destinations on this list, so better get booking now.
Where to stay in MoroccoWe like Riad Elegancia, part of Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts, which sits at the centre of the red city’s buzzing medina. A quick walk from the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna, this charming 11-room boutique hotel is an intimate hideaway and a perfect base for exploring all of Morocco’s cultural sites. Foodies will enjoy the Moroccan cookery classes at La Maison Arabe’s cookery school, which is the riad’s sister property and is home to one of the city’s firs cookery schools.
Book a stay at Caravan Agafay if you’re looking for a winter sun getaway that’s a little less ordinary. Celebrating nomadic Bedouin cultures and communal living, this incredible glamping experience is perfect for travellers looking to get lost in Moroccan culture and history. There is an outdoor cinema, yoga/wellness centre as well as lasers and telescopes perfect for stargazing.
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10. Cape Town
Average temperature in Cape Town in January: Highs of 40°C.
A favourite in many bucket lists, Cape Town is a destination that will take your breath away at any time of year. January is the driest and warmest month of the year with plenty of sunshine to go around, so you can hang out in Boulders Beach or take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. Plus, from November there are a choice of daily direct flights from both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic making it one of the best value long haul winter sun destinations on our list.
Located in the picturesque V&A Waterfront, newly refurbished One&Only Cape Town is the perfect luxury hotel to explore Cape Town’s vibrant cultural scene or enjoy its bustling nightlife. The hotel boasts panoramic views of Table Mountain National Park and has an outdoor infinity pool and sun lounger terrace perfect for catching the rays.
Save when you book with these booking.com discount codes.
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