Where's hot in January?
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With the UK winter in full swing, you’re likely craving longer daylight hours and a little sun on your skin. The good news? You don’t have to wait until summer for sunshine.
Looking for where is hot in January? From the Canary Islands and Madeira to the Caribbean, Mexico and the Maldives, there are plenty of places where you can swap chilly mornings for blue skies and balmy afternoons.
Whether you’re looking for hot January holidays, a quick January winter sun escape or a longer trip somewhere genuinely tropical, there’s January holiday destinations to suit every budget. For where is warm in January, including the best short-haul and long-haul options, read on.
Whether you’re looking for reliable sunshine, scorching hot temperatures or just a mild reprieve from winter, here are some of the most popular destinations for January sun holidays.
Closer to home, the Canary Islands are among the easiest options from the UK. Or try Madeira for a scenic and adventurous dose of winter sun. Going long-haul? Mexico, Barbados, the Maldives and Mauritius offer higher temperatures and a classic tropical beach holiday. See our January weather guide.
| Destination | Flight time | Temperature | Sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenerife, Spain | 4h 30m | 18⁰C | 6 hours |
| Gran Canaria, Spain | 4h 30m | 20⁰C | 7 hours |
| Lanzarote, Spain | 4h 15m | 20⁰C | 7 hours |
| Madeira, Portugal | 4h 0m | 15⁰C | 5 hours |
| Cancun, Mexico | 10h 30m | 28⁰C | 6 hours |
| Barbados | 8h 45m | 28⁰C | 9 hours |
| Maldives | 10h 0m | 30⁰C | 9 hours |
| Mauritius | 12h 0m | 30⁰C | 8 hours |
*Average temperature and sunshine in January
“A warm January holiday isn’t only about the thermometer. If you’re looking for a proper beach break, make sure to check rainfall, sunshine hours and sea temperatures as well as the daily top temperatures. Some destinations may be hot in January, but also experiencing their rainy seasons and a 20⁰C day can feel very different if there’s showers or strong winds.”
Clair Dodd, Travelsupermarket
Travel tips and advice
Short-haul vs long-haul January destinations
When choosing your January holiday destinations, one of the biggest considerations is usually flight times versus the kind of holiday heat you’re looking for. The Canary Islands and Madeira are among the most convenient choices for UK travellers looking for where is hot in January short-haul, but the weather is generally mild rather than scorching. For genuinely hot and tropical temperatures, look further afield to destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, the Maldives and Mauritius.
Top European destinations in January for warm weather
If you’re searching for where is warm in January short-haul, the Canary Islands are the obvious place to start. Madeira is another strong contender, particularly if you prefer sightseeing, hiking and exploring dramatic scenery alongside your winter sun. None of these destinations should be confused with the heat of midsummer Europe, but do they offer some of Europe’s warmest January weather.
Tenerife
Average maximum temperature in January: 18⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in January: 6 hrs
Tenerife is one of the best-known January winter sun destinations among Brits, and for good reason. While temperatures are not boiling in January, they are a warm, welcome relief from the wintery weather across the rest of Europe. Expect daily highs around a comfortable 18⁰C. Yes, it’s likely cardigan weather once the sun dips, but you can still spend days by the pool or brave 20⁰C seas.
If you’re after a more active break, Tenerife has ample pine forests, volcanic peaks and a cliff-strewn coastline to explore, so pack your walking boots or join the keen cyclists on empty mountain roads. November to May is also the best time for whale-watching. Head out on a boat trip to spot migrating humpbacks or resident pilot whales. Many charters make a day of it with local cheeses and wine to enjoy onboard.
Gran Canaria
Average maximum temperature in January: 20⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in January: 7 hrs
As you’d expect, Gran Canaria has very similar weather to its Canary Island neighbour in January. Though due to its slightly more southerly location, its daily top temperatures are a little higher at around 20⁰C on average with seven hours of sunshine and a whopping 11 hours of daylight.
From capital Las Palmas to the sprawling dunes of Maspalomas, January can be a crowd-free time to visit after the Christmas rush has died down. That means no race to claim a poolside lounger or long queues at the breakfast buffet. Again, it’s a great time to be active. With everything from dense forest to rural villages, soaring peaks and cosy coves, it’s not known as the ‘miniature continent’ for nothing. Follow the island’s Wine Route if you want a scenic adventure, dropping in at the top winemakers across the island.
Lanzarote
Average maximum temperature in January: 20⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in January: 7 hrs
When the sun’s in full force, the waves are lapping on the beach and the hotel bar is serving up a mean pina colada, it can feel like summer in Lanzarote in January. Average daily maximums are around 20⁰C, which is sun-cream weather for sure. Dropping to around 13⁰C at night, there’s generally just four days across the month with some rainfall, though expect some light breezes.
And, like other Canary Islands, though January is a popular winter sun time, you’ll find things noticeably less crowded than the summer peak with often better prices too. Away from the beach, visit the Timanfaya (meaning fire mountains) National Park, take a walk through the Cueva de los Verdes lava tunnel, or hike the Caldera Blanca volcanic crater for panoramic views across the island.
Madeira
Average maximum temperature in January: 15⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in January: 5 hrs
Madeira may be a little cooler than the Canaries, but this Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic is still a breath of warm air compared to January across mainland Europe. Maximum temperatures are on average around 15⁰C and though there’s around five hours of sunshine, you’ll get around ten hours of daylight in which to explore. Be aware, there’s around 12 days with some rainfall, so pack your waterproof layers.
With Insta-worthy forested peaks, famous walking trails and drop-dead views at every turn, this is a hiker’s paradise. In the cooler temperatures of January, you’re likely to get further and see more. Madeira isn’t a traditional beach destination (there are some but the coastline is generally rugged rather than sandy). However, if you like the sound of quaint fishing villages and stunning scenery, the island is for you.
Top long-haul destinations in January for hot weather
If it’s sunbathing in toasty temperatures you’re looking for, you’ll need to look beyond Europe for a hot January holiday. January is a top time to visit destinations such as Cancun and Barbados, or for tropical temperatures, warm seas and classic island scenery, you might want to try the Maldives or Mauritius. These are the places to consider.
Cancun
Average maximum temperature in January: 28⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in January: 6 hrs
It’s dry season in Cancun in January and, consequently, a peak time to visit. Running from mid-December to April, this stretch of white-sand beach on the Caribbean coast is at its busiest during this spell of top weather. In January, daily maximums are around 28⁰C with nighttime lows around 18⁰C. That may not be as hot as its August 33⁰C peak, but instead of an average of 13 days and 148mm of rain during the month, you’ll get just six days and 69mm of rain on average.
This makes it ideal beach weather and the resorts that front the sand are well set up with free non-motorised watersports, sun-beds and beach bars. Beyond the resorts, take an excursion to dip in a local cenote. These unique limestone craters are sacred locally and a refreshing break from the sun.
Barbados
Average maximum temperature in January: 28⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in January: 9 hrs
It’s also peak, or dry season, in Barbados in January. Though temperatures are broadly similar to Cancun, you’ll get longer hours of sunshine at around nine per day. The trade-off is a little more chance of rain, with 13 days with some rainfall, but at 63mm of rain across the month, these are showers that pass quickly.
As it’s a peak season on the island, hotels and flights can be at the pricier end, especially during key events such as Barbados Sailing Week later in the month. It’s an exciting time to be around, though, with island races and shore-side celebrations. So, if you’re dreaming of white sands, clear seas and long days under the palms, be sure to book as far ahead as possible.
Maldives
Average maximum temperature in January: 30⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in January: 9 hrs
If your ideal January winter sun escape involves white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and a luxurious resort, the Maldives is an obvious contender. Temperatures are tropical throughout the year, with January falling within the generally drier part of the Maldives' climate. Expect humidity, with just five days with some rain across the month on average. And, the great news is the sea will feel like a warm bath with average maximum sea temperatures around 28⁰C, ideal for swimming, snorkelling or diving.
With many resorts on their own islands, this is truly a relaxation-based break; there’s minimal sightseeing to do. Instead, it’s all about pampering, exploring the spa, eating your way around each specialist restaurant and sipping sundowners while watching the sun set.
Mauritius
Average maximum temperature in January: 30⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in January: 8 hrs
For another tropical beach break, Mauritius is a hot contender. Alongside the heat – which sits at around 30⁰C in January – the obvious appeal of this island nation in the Indian Ocean is its natural beauty. With gorgeous beaches, lagoons and a surprisingly varied landscape of mountains, cane fields and lush forests, there’s a lot to see.
January is part of the island's summer, so expect warmth and humidity, with the possibility of tropical showers. There’s around 17 days with rain on average across the month, with a not inconsiderable 235mm of rainfall. So, pack for tropical showers. But it’s still ideal for days on the beach, boat trips to see rich coral reefs, snorkelling, swimming and more. Or explore the interior’s mountains, waterfalls and forests, hiking to scenic viewpoints.
January weather around the world
January is a tale of two seasons across the world. While winter dominates the Northern Hemisphere, summer is in full swing across much of the South. So, do your research before you book – or simply read our guide below.
January sun: Your questions answered
FAQs
Where in Europe is warm in January?
Experiencing mild, spring-like weather, the Canary Islands are the hottest destination in Europe in January. The average maximum temperatures across the archipelago’s eight main islands is 18⁰C with six hours of sunlight. However, temperatures can be over 20⁰C in the south of islands such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria during the month.
Which short-haul destinations have the best weather in January?
Morocco is one of the best short-haul destinations to visit in January as it’s just over a three-hour flight away. Average maximum daytime temperatures are around 18⁰C in Marrakech, rising to 20⁰C in coastal Agadir – warm enough for a sunny beach break. For something a little warmer, Egypt is around a five-hour flight away, with average daily maximums around 22⁰C.
Where is it summer in January?
It’s summer in January in the Southern Hemisphere, with countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa enjoying the peak of their hot, sunny weather. On average, maximum daily temperatures are around 20⁰C across New Zealand, though you’ll find warmer weather in northern cities such as Auckland, which averages around 23⁰C. Average maximums in South Africa are around 25⁰C.
Which countries are warm enough to swim in the sea in January?
Many tropical and Southern Hemisphere countries have sea temperatures around the mid 20⁰Cs in January, making them ideal for swimming. The waters off Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Maldives enjoy temperatures around a balmy 28⁰C, while Mexico’s Caribbean coast has water temperatures around 26⁰C. Closer to home, Egypt’s coastline has warm waters around 23⁰C.
Where can you find the most reliable winter sun in January?
The most reliable short-haul winter sun in January can be found across the Canary Islands. Average maximum daily highs sit around 18⁰C with around six days with some rainfall. However, if you’re looking for guaranteed heat, you’ll need to head further afield. Dubai offers guaranteed high heat around 24⁰C with just two days of rainfall.
Is January a good time to visit the Caribbean, Thailand or the Canary Islands?
January is a peak time for visiting the Caribbean and Thailand, and a great time to visit the Canary Islands. For the Caribbean and Thailand, this is partly because it’s the dry season. The Canary Islands are a top pick in January for many Brits looking for the nearest warm weather, though its hottest months are July and August.
