January is one of the coldest months across Europe, which is exactly why so many travellers head elsewhere in search of warmth. After the rush of the festive season, prices drop, crowds thin out and many destinations enter the low season – but there are some special places – both short-haul and long-haul – that shift into their best weather of the year.
From mild European islands with winter sun to tropical coastlines with blue skies, there’s more choice than you’d expect if you’re chasing where is hot in January.
Is January a good time of year to travel?
January is an excellent time to travel. Many long-haul regions – such as the Caribbean and Southeast Asia – experience their most reliable weather of the year, with clear skies and more comfortable heat.
While in Europe, prices typically drop after the holidays, making flights and hotels more affordable. While is it cold across the continent, some European winter sun destinations like the Canary Islands, Sicily or Madeira stay pleasantly mild. The days are shorter in the Northern Hemisphere, and some resorts and restaurants operate limited services, but overall January offers ideal conditions for relaxed, good-value travel.
Where is hot in January in Europe?
Southern Europe doesn’t exactly have tropical heat in January – the middle of winter – but several regions stay warm enough for outdoor exploring, long lunches in the winter sunshine and eveniing coastal walks.
Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands are Europe’s most dependable warm-weather escape in January. The islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are all popular with stable subtropical conditions. January is a good time for hiking, walks by the beaches and outdoor dining. Depending on the island, you’ll experience landscapes from lush forest to volcanic peaks to desert plains.
Average temperature in January: 17–21°C / 63–70°F
Hours of daily sunshine: 6–7
Flying time from UK: 4.5 hours
Flying time from NYC: 6.5–7 hours (to Tenerife)
Madeira, Portugal
Known as the island of eternal spring, Portugal’s Madeira experiences a super mild winter. Go expecting sunshine and ideal January temps for exploring the island’s many levada walking trails, which are open year-round and wind across the mountainous landscape. While this is a destination for nature lovers, there’s plenty to see and do in the island capital, Funchal.
Average temperature in January: 16–20°C / 61–68°F
Hours of daily sunshine: 5–6
Flying time from UK: 3.5–4 hours
Flying time from NYC: 6.5 hours (via Lisbon)
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Cyprus
Cyprus is one of Europe’s warmest destinations in mid-winter, and while it’s not ideal swimming weather – daytime temperatures feel like springtime. Try the western coast around Paphos and the southern coastline near Limassol for bright, sunny days suitable for coastal walks and lunch outdoors.
Average temperature in January: 15–19°C / 59–66°F
Hours of daily sunshine: 6
Flying time from UK: 4.5–5 hours
Flying time from NYC: 10–12 hours (via connections)
Southern Spain
It’s no surprise that sun-baked southern Spain enjoys one of mainland Europe’s mildest winters. While January still brings crisp mornings, it warms up enough by the afternoon to enjoy a cold caña and tapas in the winter sunshine, or for a pleasant walk along one of the Costa del Sol’s beautiful sandy beaches.
Average temperature in January: 14–18°C / 57–64°F
Hours of daily sunshine: 5–6
Flying time from UK: 2.5–3 hours
Flying time from NYC: 7–9 hours (via Madrid)
Sicily
Just a short hop from mainland Italy, the island of Sicily throws up mild, sunny days in January. Winter is still perfect for exploring ancient towns, Greek temples and coastal landscapes – and you won’t be fighting the summer crowds. From either Palermo or Catania, you can easily explore Mount Etna, Taormina and the baroque towns of the Val di Noto.
Average temperature in January: 12–17 °C / 54–63 °F
Hours of daily sunshine: 5–6
Flying time from UK: 3 hours
Flying time from NYC: 10–11 hours (via connections)
Malta
In Malta, Valletta’s museums and the island’s prehistoric temples are much quieter in winter, and Gozo offers bright days perfect for walking trails. It’s not beach weather, sure, but outdoor exploring and sightseeing is comfortable.
Average temperature in January: 14–17°C / 57–63°F
Hours of daily sunshine: 5–6
Flying time from UK: 3–3.5 hours
Flying time from NYC: 10–12 hours (via connections)
Bonus: Morocco
Just one hop further into North African and you’ll find Morocco’s southern Atlantic coast stays pleasantly warm in January. It’s fairly easy to fly into Agadir, a classic winter-sun resort town. Or transfer to the southern coast from Marrakech, which is cooler but still great for sightseeing. From Agadir, you could cruise along the sunny coastline to Taghazout, a town that draws surfers with consistent swells and a more bohemian feel.
Average temperature in January: 19–23 °C / 66–73 °F
Hours of daily sunshine: 7–8
Flying time from UK: 3.5–4 hours
Flying time from NYC: 6.5–7 hours (via connections)
READ NEXT: The best countries to visit to beat the January blues
Where can I go for proper warm weather in January?
If you want real heat in January – think sunbathing temperatures, warm seas and sunny summer days – you’ll need to hop beyond Europe or North America, and head south. January is peak season or summer across much of the Southern Hemisphere and the tropics, bringing stable dry weather and temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s (80-90°F). Where is hot in January? Read on for genuine warm places…
Caribbean
If you’re considering any Caribbean islands, then January is a great choice. It’s one of the most reliable months, with low rainfall and steady sunshine. Islands like Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia and Jamaica offer 27–30°C (80–84°F) days.
Costa Rica
The Pacific side of Costa Rica is at its best in January – it’s hot and sunny and the wildlife are at their prime. Sea temperatures stay warm enough for long swims and snorkelling. And inland, cloud forests and volcano trails are comfortably warm without the heavy rains and humidity of other seasons.
Mexico
Winter does hit parts of Mexico in January, so choose wisely. The southern part and coastal areas like Cancún, Tulum and the Riviera Maya enjoy dry, hot days with warm evenings. Spend days by the beach or swimming in ceynotes and seeking out Mayan ruins.
South Africa
January is mid-summer in South Africa, and it’s a brilliant time to combine beach days and safari adventures. Cruise the Garden Route, or go hiking up Table Mountain in Cape Town. As for that bucket-list safari, Kruger National Park and other reserves are hot and mostly dry – you’ll be entering the wet season, but there’s the bonus of baby animals too. By the coast, sea temperatures are ideal for swimming. Overall, it’s one of the best months to explore South Africa’s varied landscapes.
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines)
Rather than the four seasons – summer, autumn, winter, spring – that you might know and love, Southeast Asia has two seasons – the wet and the dry. And January is one of the most reliable months for Southeast Asia’s classic beach destinations. The Andaman coast of Thailand, central and southern Vietnam and many Philippine islands enjoy stable heat, low rainfall and clear seas. It’s an ideal month for island-hopping and reef trips. But take note – not all Southeast Asia beach destinations are rain-free. Do your research!
READ NEXT: The warmest places to visit in January
Australia & New Zealand
January is peak summer across Australia and New Zealand, bringing long, gorgeous days and reliably warm temperatures. Australia delivers true heat. Think beach weather in Sydney, dry sunshine in Western Australia, and tropical heat along the Great Barrier Reef. New Zealand is milder but still summery. Expect warm seas off the North Island and ideal hiking conditions throughout the country.
Tips for choosing your January destination
- Decide your heat level. If you’re happy with gentle European warmth – think 15–20°C (59–68°F) – then places like Madeira, Cyprus, and the Canary Islands work well. But if you want true beach heat, look to the Caribbean, Southeast Asia or Southern Hemisphere.
- Consider flight time and jet lag. Short-haul destinations offer quicker escapes but rarely deliver full tropical temperatures. For long-haul options, factor in overnight flights and time-zone shifts
- Check seasonal patterns. January is peak dry season in places like Thailand, Costa Rica and the Maldives. But some regions may still catch monsoon tails, trade winds or cool ocean currents.
- Look at sea temperatures (if beach time matters). A warm day doesn’t always mean warm water. Southern Europe’s seas are too cool for most swimmers in January, but the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asia are warm.
- Factor in seasonal wildlife draws. January is an excellent month for nature travel. It’s great for a safari in Africa and turtles will be hatching in parts of the Indian Ocean.
That’s our guide to where is hot in January across the globe – where will you go? Leave us a comment…