Hot holiday destinations in January

Where is Hot in January?

Find winter sun in 293 warm January destinations while the grey sets in

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January 2027 guide

For January sun, the medium-haul pick is Marsa Alam, Egypt (26°C + 9 hours of sun), or fly long-haul to Cape Town, South Africa for 11 hours of sun a day. January is when wanderlust peaks and daylight at home dips. The Canary Islands offer reliable low-20s°C warmth and quick flights, while Egypt, Dubai and the Caribbean deliver high-20s to around 30°C sunshine. Thailand combines beaches with buzzing cities, and Cape Verde gives steady warmth and value. For more magic, Oman's Salalah hides palm-fringed sands, while Petra's rose-red walls glow under cooler skies - winter sun with stories to tell.

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Planning ahead? See where's hot in October November sun destinations Warm places to visit in December

Hot Countries in January: Where to Go for Winter Sun

If you are looking for the hot countries in January, you are spoilt for choice, because this is peak season for many tropical escapes. The Maldives, Sri Lanka's west and south coasts and Thailand's Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi) often reach 27-31°C with warm seas and long sunny days. Southern Vietnam, much of the Caribbean and Mexico's Caribbean coast usually sit in a similar range during their dry months. In the Southern Hemisphere, Cape Town reaches around 26-28°C in full summer and Perth in Western Australia is typically hot and dry. Closer to the UK, the Canary Islands usually bring 19-21°C of winter sun and Madeira about 17-19°C, ideal for warmth, walking and hiking even if it is not full beach heat. For value, early and mid January can price well just after New Year, then costs often rise again as bookings build towards February half term.

Start the year warm. January sun lifts the mood and the plan.

WhereIsHotOrNot Travel Team

Why trust us on January weather?

Set your January comfort range and find sunshine that fits your flight time and plans. We are:

Built on climate norms: 30 year averages for typical January daytime highs, nights and sea temperatures at each destination.

Transparent: results reflect your filters, not advertisers or sponsored placements.

Human reviewed: a UK based team checks data and wording for each region summary.

800+ destinations: from Canary Islands winter warmth to long haul icons like the Maldives.

Interactive map: scan global hot spots at a glance, then zoom into regions that match your plans.

Smart filters: tune temperature, rainfall, sunshine and flight time to suit your comfort level.

Methodology note: we use fixed climate data rather than live forecasts so you can compare months and regions like for like.

Your January sun questions, answered

The Maldives, Sri Lanka’s west and south coasts, Thailand’s Andaman side and much of the Caribbean often reach 27–31°C. Cape Town sits around 26–28°C in full summer. Dubai and Oman are usually near 24–26°C with blue skies and low rain.

The Canary Islands are the reliable pick at roughly 19–21°C with a mix of sunny beach days and cooler evenings. Madeira often sits around 17–19°C with bright days that suit walkers and sightseers. For more heat within about six hours, Egypt’s Red Sea resorts commonly reach the mid twenties Celsius.

For January sun in Europe, the Canary Islands stand out with typical highs around 19–21°C and some usable beach days. Madeira is usually 17–19°C and is better for hiking and relaxed exploring than full sunbathing. Parts of southern Spain, Portugal and Cyprus can reach the mid teens to low twenties, but conditions are less consistent and cooler spells are more likely.

The Maldives and much of the Indian Ocean are typically 27–29°C. The Caribbean often sits around 26–27°C. The Red Sea is commonly about 22–24°C. The Canaries are usually near 19–20°C, fine for a quick dip rather than long swims.

Bali and much of Indonesia are in their wet season. Thailand’s Andaman coast is dry, while the Gulf side (Koh Samui) can still see showers early in the month. Sri Lanka’s west and south coasts are usually dry. The southwest Indian Ocean cyclone season runs roughly November to April, so Mauritius and the Seychelles can see unsettled spells, although direct impacts are uncommon.

Egypt’s Red Sea resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh) are the classic hot-and-cheap January pick – mid-20s°C, dry and often keenly priced. The Canary Islands offer great-value winter sun just after New Year, before prices build towards February half term. Book flights early, keep dates flexible and consider midweek departures.

Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Palma offer crisp, sunny days around 18–21°C with superb trails. Madeira’s levadas are great near 17–19°C. These conditions are ideal for active trips without heavy heat or humidity.

The Canary Islands top the list for short-haul winter sun, with Egypt’s Red Sea and Cape Verde the favourite mid-haul upgrades. Long haul, Brits head for Dubai, the Caribbean and Thailand for high-20s°C heat. Set your °C on the slider at the top of the page and filter by flight time to see which suits.

Data verified using 30-year climate norms. Last updated: October 2025.

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