Where is hot in January? These 15 destinations are ideal for a winter sun getaway

A hot January holiday can be just what you need after the excitement of Christmas dies down.

As a New Year looms and many head back to work amid frosty temperatures, one can see the appeal of escaping the UK’s average 1°C to 7°C in search of warmer climes.

In many parts of the world, January is a particularly hot month during summer – so you’ve got plenty of destinations to choose from.

Enjoy a high-energy holiday or a bustling capital city? Perhaps you just want to sit on a far-flung beach somewhere blissful and forget about reality for a couple of weeks?

All are options for your January getaway – and, though hardly scorching, there are even destinations to consider in Europe, too.

Without further ado, here’s where to go for hot weather in January…

Where is hot in January?

Antigua and Barbuda

Barbuda is famous for its pink sandy beaches (Picture: Getty Images)

Temperature: 25°C (up to 27°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Eight hours, 35 minutes

January might be the coldest month of the year in Antigua and Barbuda, but the average temperature still clocks it at around 26°C.

If you decide to venture there, 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.

You’ll also find plenty of pristine beaches – including the famous Pink Sand beach in Barbuda, which takes on a delightful rosy hue due to the amount of coral reefs nearby.

You’ll also find the sea is an average temperature of 27°C in January, making it perfect for swimming.

Cape Town, South Africa

You could jet off to South Africa (Picture: Getty Images)

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 win.

Or why not visit a local wildlife reserve for an unforgettable safari experience?

New Zealand

There are many places to visit in New Zealand, including the city of Wellington (Picture: Getty)

Temperature: Up to 25°C
Sunshine hours: Seven hours
Flight time: 23 hours, 30 minutes

January is a good month for a long-haul adventure to New Zealand, as it is generally the Pacific country’s hottest month.

Travellers can typically expect average highs of 25°C on the North Island, and 22°C on the South Island.

After a long period of strict Covid-19 travel restrictions, New Zealand’s borders fully reopened in July 2022 – 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 admire Lake Wakatipu or cruise through Milford Sound.

St Lucia

St Lucia is in the shadow of two volcanic plugs (Picture: Getty Images)

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 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, well known for its snorkelling opportunities. You can also get into nature and explore the Pitons – 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, home to botanic gardens and souvenir shopping in the Old Town.

Goa, India

Go directly to Goa (Picture: Getty Images)

Temperature: 25°C (up to 31°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine to 10 hours
Flight time: Nine hours, 30 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.

Mexico

Cancun – and other parts of Mexico – are also hot in January (Picture: Getty Images)

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 at 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

Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Temperature: 26°C to 28°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 opportunity to try the local cuisine and drink plenty of rum, too.

Cape Verde

Santa Maria Beach is a prime spot for diving (Picture: Getty Images)

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 the US state of Florida, so the city of Miami could make for an interesting place to spend your January escape.

There’s a mix of things to do in Miami – a real blend of sun-seeking and city living.

You could chill on Miami Beach, then head out to explore myriad museums and attractions, such as the Art Deco District of South Beach, with its quirky, fashionable bars and restaurants.

Don’t fancy Florida? Other US states where temperatures can reach the 20s at this time of year include Hawaii, California and Arizona.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket has no shortage of blue seas and white sand (Picture: Getty Images)

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, enjoy a spot of snorkelling, start exploring Phuket’s plentiful sights – such as the brightly-coloured buildings in 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 32°C.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina (Picture: Getty)

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?

Argentina could well be worth considering for your hot January holiday if your answer is yes, 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, plus markets and gardens galore.

Singapore

Sentosa Beach is an idyllic getaway off Singapore’s main island (Picture: Getty Images)

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 South-East 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.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abu Dhabi is a good bet for sunnier skies this January (Picture: Getty Images)

Temperature: 18°C (up to 24°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Six hours, 50 minutes

Dubai is a well-known winter sun spot, 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 cash to splash, that is), iconic attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Emirates Palace, and shopping one of the city’s many malls.

Car fans will also want to spend a day at Ferrari World, which is as it sounds – a massive theme park devoted to all things Ferrari.

Bahamas

Visit the Bahamas for warm weather this January (Picture: Getty)

Temperature: 21°C (up to 25°C)
Sunshine hours: Seven 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 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 fascinating beach full of swimming pigs (seriously).

Where’s hot in January in Europe?

Canary Islands may still get you some sunshine in January, but it might not be bikini weather (Picture: Getty Images)

Naturally, the destinations listed above are far, far away from the UK – but is there any hope of winter sun closer to home in Europe?

Indeed, there are some places in Europe that offer warmer temperatures if you fancy a city break or a beach holiday that doesn’t take more than five hours to jet to.

Portugal has a 15°C average high, while in Malta the average high is 16°C and Cyprus is 17°C.

It can be bit hotter on the Canary Islands, where the average high is 20°C – so a holiday to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura or Lanzarote could be an ideal choice.

Make sure to bring some warm clothes for chillier evenings on a January holiday in these warmer Europe destinations. They’ll come in handy if lady luck isn’t on your side weather-wise, too.

Before you travel…

It’s wise to check the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office website for the latest travel advice for your dream destination.

Check your destination’s government website for their entry requirements and ensure you will meet any remaining testing or vaccination requirements before you buy or fly.

It’s also wise to book comprehensive travel insurance before you go on holiday, to ensure you are covered should you fall ill or your trip is cancelled.

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Usher in the New Year with some much-needed winter sun.