If you’re sun-seeking this January, you’re certainly not the only one.
The benefits of escaping the UK’s average 1°C to 7°C are obvious – and after the excitement of Christmas dies down, how lovely to have a hot, sunny holiday to look forward to.
Whether you like a high-energy holiday, a bustling capital city, a quick break to kick off the New Year, or a far-flung destination known for blissful beaches, you’ve got plenty of options for heading to warmer climes this month.
So, where in the world should you jet off to for hot weather in January?
Where is hot in January?
Antigua and Barbuda
Temperature: 25°C (up to 27°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Eight hours, 35 minutes
While January might be the coldest month of the year in Antigua and Barbuda, the average temperature still clocks it at around 26°C – making it a good deal warmer than UK shores.
If you decide to venture there, you’ll find more than your fair share of luxe all-inclusive hotels (like this Antigua Sandals resort) and pristine beaches – including the famous Pink Sand beach in Barbuda, where the sand really is a rosy hue due to the amount of coral reefs nearby.
You’ll also find the sea is an average temperature of 27°C at that time of year, making it perfect for swimming.
Cape Town, South Africa
Temperature: 25°C (up to 30°C)
Sunshine hours: 10 hours
Flight time: 11 hours 30 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 3,500ft high summit.
Exploring further afield by car, you could also head to the Cape Winelands for (you guessed it) excellent wine – or visit a local wildlife reserve for an unforgettable safari experience.
New Zealand
Temperature: Up to 25°C
Sunshine hours: Seven hours
Flight time: 23 hours, 30 minutes
If you’ve always fancied a long-haul adventure in New Zealand, January is the time to go, as it’s generally the Pacific country’s hottest month – offering average highs of 25°C on the North Island and 22°C on the South Island.
After several years of strict Covid-19 travel restrictions, NZ’s borders are now fully open – meaning you can visit the capital Wellington, see the views from Auckland’s Sky Tower or explore Queenstown.
Natural beauty is New Zealand’s star attraction, so you could take advantage of the pleasant temperatures to take in Lake Wakatipu or cruise through the Milford Sound.
St Lucia
Temperature: 26°C (up to 29°C)
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: Eight hours, 50 minutes
The stunning Caribbean island of St Lucia enjoys great weather all round – even in January, which is technically one of its coldest months at a dreamy average of 26°C.
As well as great beaches – among them Anse Chastenet Beach, known for its snorkelling – you can explore the Pitons, the two volcanic mountains which 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, with its botanic gardens and souvenir shopping in the Old Town.
Goa, India
Temperature: 25°C (up to 31°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine to 10 hours
Flight time: Nine hours, 30 minutes
On top of sunbathing and indulging in everything 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.
Also for your wish list? 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.
Bahamas
Temperature: 21°C (up to 25°C)
Sunshine hours: Seven hours
Flight time: Nine hours, 50 minutes
Head to the Bahamas this January and 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 6pm 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 beach full of swimming pigs (seriously).
Cape Verde
Temperature: 23°C (up to 25°C)
Sunshine hours: Six hours
Flight time: Eight hours
Like a few destinations on this list, January is Cape Verde’s coldest month.
You’d never guess, as the nation, off the coast of West Africa, experiences temperatures in the mid 20s at this time of year, making it one of the month’s hottest destinations around 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 its home to pretty, pastel-coloured buildings and some of the archipelago’s best bars and restaurants.
Miami, Florida
Temperature: 20°C (up to 23°C)
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: Nine hours, 50 minutes
It’s often hot in Miami, Florida, so this U.S. city could make for a perfect winter getaway.
A great choice, especially for those who want to combine sun-seeking with a dash of city living, by chilling on Miami Beach and then heading out to explore a myriad of museums and attractions.
A must is a visit to the Art Deco district of South Beach, with its quirky, fashionable bars and restaurants.
Phuket, Thailand
Temperature: 27°C (up to 32°C)
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: 14 hours, 30 minutes
If you’ve 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, or enjoy a spot of snorkelling, or start exploring Phuket’s plentiful sights – such as the capital, Phuket Town, with its brightly-coloured buildings, or take a trip to Koh Tapu, aka ‘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.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temperature: 25°C (up to 29°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: 17 hours
Aren’t put off by a long-haul flight? Can you handle a bit of jet lag?
If the answer is yes, then Argentina could be worth considering for your hot January holiday, as the South American county experiences averages of 25°C and highs of nearly 30°C.
Buenos Aires is the cosmopolitan capital, known for its 19th century square Plaza de Mayo, fascinating and ornate Recoleta Mausoleum, theatre Teatro Colón and colourful La Boca neighbourhood.
There’s a never-ending list of things to do, including museums devoted to history, Latin American art and Argentina’s famous former First Lady Eva Perón, markets and gardens galore.
Singapore
Temperature: 26°C (up to 30°C)
Sunshine hours: Six hours
Flight time: 13 hours
Singapore isn’t short of balmy temperatures in January, which could potentially push into the 30s.
Sights on the South-East Asian country’s mainland include the Marina Bay sands, Botanic Gardens, and the world-famous Raffles Hotel, aka the birthplace of the gin-infused Singapore Sling cocktail.
Beyond the mainland, you could take a trip to Sentosa, an island resort with a 2km-long sheltered beach – which is also home to the Universal Studios Singapore theme park.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Temperature: 18°C (up to 24°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Six hours, 50 minutes
Dubai is a well-known winter sun base, but Abu Dhabi – the capital of the UAE – also has plenty to offer.
January might be its coldest month, but with temperatures often in the low 20s range it’s still a popular time to visit.
Enjoy beautiful beaches, luxury hotels (if you’ve got the spare cash to splash, that is), iconic attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Emirates Palace, and bargain hunting at one of the city’s many shopping malls.
For warm January weather in Europe…
OK, so Europe may not be the warmest place to jet away to in January, but there are still some parts of the continent that will get you warmer temperatures than the UK if you fancy a city break.
They include:
Portugal – 15°C average
Malta – 16°C average
Cyprus – 17°C average
Canary Islands – 20°C average.
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