Where Is Hot in January? 15 Sunny Destinations to Beat the Winter Blues
The best hot destinations in January for UK, US and Australian travellers, with average temperatures, value tips and when prices drop after New Year.
Key takeaways
- January after New Year is one of the best-value months for winter sun, as Christmas peak prices fall.
- Closest warmth from the UK: the Canary Islands at around 20–22°C.
- Hot and dry: Dubai, Oman, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean and Mexico.
- Southern-hemisphere summer: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America.
In this guide
- January sun at a glance
- Short-haul sun from the UK
- Medium-haul
- Long-haul
- Southern-hemisphere summer
- For US travellers
- Money-saving tips for January
- Which January destination is right for you?
- January events to plan around (and enjoy)
- Booking strategy for January sun
- What to expect from the weather
- The bottom line
January is when many people need sunshine most. The good news is that once the New Year rush is over, prices often fall, making it one of the best months for a winter-sun break. Here are the best hot destinations in January.
Temperatures are approximate average daytime highs and can vary.
January sun at a glance
| Destination | Avg high (°C / °F) | Best for | Good from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Islands | 20–22 / 68–72 | Short-haul sun | UK |
| Cape Verde | 25 / 77 | Beaches, all inclusive | UK |
| Egypt (Red Sea) | 21–23 / 70–73 | Diving, value | UK |
| Dubai | 23–24 / 73–75 | Luxury, shopping | UK, AU |
| Oman | 25 / 77 | Culture, desert | UK |
| Caribbean | 28–29 / 82–84 | Beaches | UK, US |
| Mexico (Cancún) | 27–28 / 81–82 | All inclusive | US, UK |
| Florida Keys | 24–25 / 75–77 | Beaches, road trips | US |
| Thailand | 31–32 / 88–90 | Beaches, value | UK, AU |
| Sri Lanka | 30–31 / 86–88 | Beaches, culture | UK, AU |
| Maldives | 30 / 86 | Luxury islands | UK, AU |
| Vietnam (south) | 32 / 90 | Food, culture | AU, UK |
| Australia (Sydney) | 26 / 79 | Summer city and beach | UK, US |
| South Africa (Cape Town) | 27 / 81 | Summer, wine, nature | UK |
| Brazil (Rio) | 30 / 86 | Beaches, culture | US |
Short-haul sun from the UK
Canary Islands
Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura offer the closest reliable warmth. The south of each island is usually sunniest. See where to stay in Tenerife.
Egypt
Red Sea resorts offer sunshine and excellent diving at good prices. Evenings can be cool.
Medium-haul
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman
January is ideal for exploring the Gulf: warm days, cooler nights. See where to stay in Dubai.
Cape Verde
Year-round sunshine and all-inclusive resorts make it a UK favourite.
Long-haul
Caribbean and Mexico
Dry season is in full swing. Late January often brings better prices than the holiday weeks.
Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka
January is peak dry season on Thailand's Andaman coast and in Sri Lanka's south-west. Southern Vietnam is hot and dry.
Maldives
Calm seas and sunshine; prices fall after the New Year peak.
Southern-hemisphere summer
January is summer in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and much of South America. For UK and US travellers, it is an exciting time to visit Sydney, Melbourne (during the Australian Open), Cape Town or Rio. Remember that it is also peak season for Australians, with school holidays in full swing.
See where to stay in Sydney and where to stay in Melbourne.
For US travellers
Florida, Arizona's desert, Southern California and Hawaii are domestic options. Mexico, Costa Rica and the Caribbean are short flights from many US cities.
Money-saving tips for January
- Avoid the first week of January, when holiday prices linger.
- Look for January sales from tour operators and hotels.
- Book refundable and watch for price drops.
- Travel midweek for cheaper flights and hotels.
- Consider all inclusive at isolated resorts. See is all inclusive worth it?
Which January destination is right for you?
| If you want... | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Short flight, no jet lag (from UK) | Canary Islands | 4-ish hours, reliable sun |
| Guaranteed heat under 6 hours (from UK) | Egypt or Cape Verde | Warm and dry |
| City + beach in one trip | Dubai | Glamour and sunshine |
| Cheapest long-haul sun | Thailand, Vietnam or Sri Lanka | Low daily costs |
| Luxury and romance | Maldives or Caribbean | Peak dry season |
| Summer festival atmosphere | Sydney or Melbourne | Southern-hemisphere summer events |
| Short trip from the US | Florida, Mexico, Puerto Rico | Short flights, many hotels |
January events to plan around (and enjoy)
- Australian Open in Melbourne, with hotel prices rising during the tournament. See where to stay in Melbourne.
- Dubai Shopping Festival, typically from mid-December to January.
- Sydney Festival with arts and performances across the city.
- Chinese New Year sometimes falls in late January, affecting prices and availability in Southeast Asia.
- CES in Las Vegas in early January pushes up hotel prices. See where to stay in Las Vegas.
Booking strategy for January sun
- Book the first week of January early if you must travel then; prices are still at holiday levels.
- Wait for January sales if you are flexible about later dates.
- Choose refundable rates so you can rebook if a sale beats your price. See hotel price drops.
- Check heated pools in the Canaries and North Africa.
- Pack layers for cool evenings in desert and island destinations.
What to expect from the weather
January is reliably dry in the Gulf, the Caribbean, Mexico's Yucatán, Thailand's Andaman coast and Sri Lanka's south-west. In the Canaries, expect warm sunny days and occasional cloud. Bali, northern Australia and Fiji are in their wet seasons, with heavy downpours and higher humidity, though travel is still possible.
The bottom line
For short-haul sun from the UK, choose the Canaries or Egypt. For heat, choose the Gulf, Southeast Asia or the Caribbean. For a different kind of summer, head south to Australia or South Africa. January is one of the best-value months for sunshine after the first week.
Frequently asked questions
Where is hot in January for a cheap holiday?
After the first week of January, the Canary Islands, Egypt and Cape Verde often have good-value deals. Long-haul, Thailand and Mexico can offer value outside holiday weeks.
Where is hot in Europe in January?
Only the Canary Islands and, to a lesser extent, Madeira are reliably warm. Southern Spain and Cyprus can have pleasant sunny days but are cooler, often around 15–18°C.
Is January a good time to visit the Caribbean?
Yes. January is dry season in most of the Caribbean, with sunny, warm weather. Prices are high in early January but often ease later in the month.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
