Christmas is over, your NYE hangover has cleared, and now it’s time for you to get some much-needed winter sun. The good news is our hot picks for January are a mix of short and long-haul locations, so you can skip the jet lag and still get your sunshine fix.
We’re talking about classic destinations like the Canaries and Egypt – both under six hours from home. Add on an hour and you could be in Cape Verde, or commit to a tropical trip to Mexico or Costa Rica. We’re also throwing a lil spanner in the works with our January plot twist – Miami. This might not be an obvious pick for a winter break, but it’s actually pretty toasty at this time of the year.
Here’s your guide to the best places that are hot in January. Or if you’ve already made up your mind, get it booked on our deals page.
The Canary Islands
Hottest pick – Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is always a go-to for winter sun, and it makes sense. It’s one of the most sheltered Canary Islands, and with temperatures sitting in the low 20s in January, it’s a great shout for getting your sunshine fix without flying too far from home. This time of year’s technically the low season, too, so the popular pick will be nowhere near as busy as during the summer months. If you still like your resorts to feel buzzy, Playa del Ingles is lively all year round. Stay here for beaches, bars and nightclubs, plus easy access to other towns around the coastline by bus or ferry.
For a more authentic vibe, Puerto Mogan always delivers in the aesthetics department. This centuries-old port is pure insta material, from its colourful North African architecture to the cute waterways that weave between the buildings. It’s easy to see why this pretty pick gets crowded in the high season, so make the most of it and fill your feed without the crowds.
Egypt
Hottest pick – Hurghada
Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera is a strong contender for sun worshippers. The thermometer doesn’t dip below 20°C, and it’s that dry, desert kinda heat, too, so you’ll feel a world away from the soggy UK. January’s a great time to be in Hurghada – it’s a huge name in the diving scene thanks to its coral reefs packed with marine life, and it’s all extra active during this month. Grab your goggles and keep your eyes peeled for turtles, clownfish, moray eels and even dolphins. If you prefer to stick to the shore, Hurghada meets the beachy brief, with over 40 kilometres of sand stretching along the coastline.
Fancy a culture fix? Make the most of the cooler temps and check out El Dahar, the old town. Weave your way through the souks and bazaars, strolling past colourful spice stalls and handmade crafts. And if you’re here at the beginning of the month, you’ll catch the local Christian community’s Christmas celebrations – we’re talking festivals with big parades, traditional music and lots of dancing.
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Mexico
Hottest pick – Cancun
If you’re keen to put a bit more distance between you and home, this one’s all yours. Unlike the UK, Mexico’s Caribbean Coast is very much in its dry era in January. You can expect clear skies, low humidity, and a lovely 23°C daily average – and 19 kilometres of tropical beaches to soak it all up from. But there’s more to the coast than sunbathing here, like surfing, scuba diving to underwater sculptures, or going for a swim in cenote pools.
When you’re not living your best beach life, the weather’s also perfect for getting to know the rest of Cancun. The downtown area’s where you’ll find local markets and cantinas, then you’ve got the Hotel Zone that covers your bars, restaurants and clubs. And if it’s history you’re after, you’ll be within daytripping distance of Mayan ruins in Tulum and Chichen Itza.
Cape Verde
January might be Cape Verde’s coolest month… but it’s still firmly in the mid-20s, and there’s no rain in sight. It’s a great pick for a sunny change of scenery without the long flight time – it only takes about six hours from the UK. You couldn’t feel further away, though, with everything from dreamy beaches and desert safaris to hiking and island hopping on offer.
The archipelago’s made up of 10 islands, but Sal and Boa Vista are the big names. The first is small with a big personality – it’s all lively beachfronts and picture-perfect towns with a lot of energy. The latter’s all about embracing the beach bum lifestyle, with 55 kilometres of sand under its belt, and a world-class reputation for surfing – especially in January.
Costa Rica
January is Costa Rica’s time to shine. You’ll see the country in all its glory – it’s the hottest and driest month, with temperatures hovering around 30°C and the rainy season finished. Everything’s still looking nice and green, though, so all the jungle and wildlife will be absolutely thriving. Set off on a hike to get a closer look at the monkeys, parrots and tree frogs, or see it all from above zip-lining through the rainforest canopy. You’ll be in your element if you’re a thrill-seeker – go white-water rafting down rivers, bathe in hot springs next to active volcanoes, or head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest for hanging bridges and a sky tram.
If you like to keep things low-key, Costa Rica’s got two dreamy coastlines – one on the Pacific Coast, and the other on the Caribbean side. Both are lined with unreal beaches, plus plenty of pretty towns to check out. Playa Matapolo’s a popular pick as it’s near all of Coco Beach’s bars and nightlife, whereas things in El Jobo are more laidback – you’ll probably see more animals than people.
Plot twist…
Miami, USA
Miami’s known as a Spring Break destination, but going in the winter has a long list of perks. The temperature’s still a toasty 25°C in January, and it feels a lot less humid than it does during the peak months – no frizzy hair here. Days on Miami Beach are definitely on, and the iconic spot will be a lot more peaceful minus the crowds. The same goes for the Art Deco Historic Centre, which is normally packed with selfie sticks during the summer. Fewer people = better pics for your feed. You will have to share a bit of the beach, though, as snowbirds flock to Miami for their share of winter sun, too.
Got your eye on one of January’s hot picks? Check out our holidays to narrow down your perfect pick.
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Author: Daisy Colley
Last updated: 19/07/2024
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