Recently updated on July 6th, 2023 at 02:08 pm
Sun-baked days and balmy nights are no mere fantasy at these warm places to visit in January.
After the highs of the Christmas season, it can be easy to feel blue. There are no more presents to tempt you from under the tree. No more sparkling baubles to brighten your home. And the heft of one too many servings of Christmas dinner might weigh you down.
Instead of shuffling your way back to the office, why not seek some fun under the sun? We’ve curated a list of where to travel in January that’ll have you walking on sunshine in no time. Think beach breaks, exotic adventures and even a slice of ancient history.
Tenerife, Spain
Temperature: Highs of 68°F/20°C
Season: Winter
Tenerife, one of the best warm places to visit in January, is for two different kinds of travellers. Those looking for an island break and those looking for an incredible adventure. If you’re the first kind of person, you will delight in the island’s sandy beaches, plethora of chic bars and range of boutique shopping. However, if you’re looking to explore beyond the resort towns, Tenerife has many natural wonders and hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. You can enjoy sunset hikes up Teide, one of the Canary Islands’ thirty-three volcanoes. Get your sea-legs on and go whale and dolphin watching out on the island’s clear waters. You can even hunt down the many gorgeous natural pools that dot the landscape.
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Monuriki, Fiji
Temperature: Highs of 86°F/30°C
Season: Wet season
If you want to know, 1.) what absolute bliss feels like, and 2.) where to go in January for winter sun, look no further than Fiji.
In January, Fiji is in the throes of its wet season, so it is typical for short bursts of rain to be followed by glorious stretches of sunshine. For this reason, Fiji is a lot less busy, making it so much easier to enjoy its spectacular offering of seaside relaxation. One of our favourite spots to enjoy Fiji at its best is the uninhabited island of Monuriki. This tiny island gem is also known as ‘Tom Hanks Island’ because Cast Away (2000) was filmed here. Though it may be small, this island is home to postcard-perfect beaches, with sand so white and water so crystal clear you won’t believe your eyes. It’s the ideal place to take a dip, sunbathe, explore, and let your stress simply melt away.
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Lima, Peru
Temperature: Highs of 79°F/26°C
Season: Summer
Lima is not only one of the top warm places to visit in January; it is also one of the most exciting places to visit. Ever. Of course, one can’t talk about Lima without mentioning the nearby Macchu Pichu. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the remains of a crumbling Incan citadel that rests high in the Andes Mountains. It is such a breathtaking, well-preserved historical site that it has been called one of the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Visitors to this ancient site in January will enjoy thinner crowds and warm weather. But that’s not all there is to Lima! Back in the modern city, travellers can enjoy the sunshine in the bright yellow Plaza Mayor. As the centre of the city, the plaza hosts some of the most spectacular buildings in the city, like the intricate Cathedral of Lima.
Explore the wild side of Peru with Trafalgar on the Highlights of Peru tour.
Martinique, Caribbean
Temperature: Highs of 84°F/29°C
Season: Dry season
If you’re wondering where to travel in January that balances luxe living with island life, Martinique is the destination for you. Martinique represents the best of the Caribbean. Picture white sand beaches and azure waters, backdropped by lush rainforest with calling birds and a volcano in the distance. It’s perfect for sunseekers who want both adventure and relaxation in spades. To add a sophisticated touch to the sun-kissed island life, Martinique also offers a range of high-end shopping and dining options in its capital, Fort de France.
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Serengeti, Tanzania
Temperature: Highs of 81°F/27°C
Season: Green season
Still deciding on what warm place to visit in January? Why not take the trip of a lifetime to the Serengeti in Tanzania. At the beginning of its green season, the Serengeti experiences its warmest weather, making January the ideal time to visit this ecological wonderland. The best places to explore are the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Region. Here, the plains are lush, painted in hues of brilliant green, punctuated by herds of native animals grazing and calving. Keep your eyes peeled for young wildebeest; thousands are born each day at this time of year. You’ve never seen anything like this before, and you likely never will again.
Discover the wilds of the Serengeti with Trafalgar on the African Safari Adventure tour.
Kilauea, Hawaii
Temperature: Highs of 77°F/25°C
Season: Winter
Hawaii is known for its surf beaches, jungle blanketed mountains and world-class seafood. But if you’re sick of typical Island getaways, we recommend a trip inland where you will find the mighty Kilauea. This impressive shield volcano is the most active in the world. That means you’re sure to see some red-hot action on your visit. One of the best ways to clap eyes on the spewing lava is by helicopter. Tours over the dark, molten lava fields are the definition of unforgettable. If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, there are plenty of hikes and viewpoints through the dormant parts of the volcano. The landscape here has been carved by previous volcanic flows and is packed with hazy steam vents..
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Temperature: Highs of 89°F/32°C
Season: Dry season
Still stuck on where to go in January for winter sun? We recommend taking a city break to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The weather this time of year is pleasantly mild, making it easy to enjoy the unique delights of this action-packed city. Ho Chi Minh is full of chaotic shopping markets, energetic nightlife, and delicious food with a distinct local flair. For a trip that captures the heart of Vietnam, be on the lookout for temples, ornate pagodas and local history museums. Of course, a visit to Vietnam isn’t complete without a trip to the Mekong Delta and its famous rice paddies. Located only a six-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh, the delta is flush with bright green rice plants that float in a patchwork atop the calm waters.
See spectacular Vietnam with Trafalgar on the Highlights of Vietnam tour.
Which incredible warm weather destination will you visit in January? Let us know in the comments below! Or, if you’re still looking for inspiration, head to our website to discover more sunny destinations when you travel with Trafalgar!