Posted By
Planmytour Team
July 24, 2024
With the new year already rung in, and winter chill still setting in deep into your bones, it's time to seek the topmost holiday destinations that are hot in January. As Christmas markets come to a close and folks slowly get back to routines, January can be a hard time for holidaymakers still in the mood for travelling, wondering if there are any cheap hot holidays in January. Fortunately, there are a ton of fantastic warm places January serves up worldwide, helping Brits beat those winter blues.
So, where's hot in January for warm weather? Lots of places, from temple-scattered landscapes in Southeast Asia to white-sand beaches in the Caribbean! You can also take your pick of the topmost hot countries in February for an extended getaway, with family, as a couple, or on a solo adventure.
Egypt, Red Sea Riviera, Marsa Alam
Portugal, Madeira, Sao Vicente
Portugal, Lisbon, Lisboa (Lisbon)
Are you wondering where is hot in January in Europe? The better question is, where's hot in January in the world? This way, you don't limit yourself to just one region, enjoying broader options. So, run through the carefully-compiled list below of the best warm places to visit in January from UK, making your winter sun holidays unforgettable.
The second largest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is fantastically hot in January and surprisingly less-trodden. As such, it's the resounding answer to those wondering where's warm in January for quiet beach escapes with unhindered winter sun. Boasting over 144 kilometres of gold-hued sandy coastline, Fuerteventura is a paradise for water lovers and kitesurfing enthusiasts. The buzzing Sotavento Beach is best for water sports, the remote Playa de Cofete is ideal for romantic breaks, and Caleta de Fuste Beach is perfect for families.
But Fuerteventura offers more than just beaches to make your January hot holidays worth every penny. The breathtakingly beautiful Jandia Natural Park is a haven for hikers and nature fans, while the Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura Zoo is excellent for wildlife enthusiasts. Attractions like the 18th-century defensive tower El Castillo and Casa Winter tick off the historical and cultural aspects of Fuerteventura holidays.
Average January Temperature in Fuerteventura : 18°C
Average Daily Sunshine Hours : 6 Hours
Average Rainfall : Very Low - 10 to 18 mm
Average Flight Time to Fuerteventura : 4 Hours and 10 Minutes Non-Stop from London
Where's hot in January for unspoilt desert adventures? Look no further than the pyramid-strewn enchanting country of Egypt. But is Egypt hot in January? Yes! While it may not be the hottest place worldwide, Egypt is still warmer than most places in the winter, with average daytime highs of around 19°C - perfect to head to Hurghada for scuba diving in the Red Sea! Linking the Middle East with northeast Africa, Egypt boasts a rich history that dates back to the time of the Pharaohs.
Invariably, Egypt is among the best places hot in January for ancient sites, with millennia-old monuments sitting pretty along the fertile Nile River Valley. Holidays in Egypt also offer colourful souks, beaches (yes, in Egypt!), and cultural festivals, like the Winter Festival in Cairo's Zed Park, featuring an ice rink, parades, musical performances, plays, a Ferris Wheel, and more.
Average January Temperature in Egypt : 8°C to 24°C, Depending on the region
Average Daily Sunshine Hours : 8 to 11 Hours
Average Rainfall : Nil - 0 mm
Average Flight Time to Egypt : 4 Hours and 50 Minutes Non-Stop from London
Where's hot in January for warm weather and a subtropical climate? Also, where is hot in January short-haul from the UK? Madeira, Portugal fits the bill perfectly. With average highs of around 19°C during the day interspersed with pleasant rains, it's the ideal winter sun destination for discerning travellers. Outdoor enthusiasts can participate in the Funchal Marathon held every January in Funchal, while nature lovers will enjoy embarking on scenic trails or conquering Cape Girão - Europe's highest cliff skywalk!
Don't miss the São Vicente Caves, formed by a volcanic eruption over 890,000 years ago! Sampling the local cuisine is another must on holidays to Madeira, pairing delicious Bacalhau (salted cod) or Francesinha (meat sandwich) with the world-renowned Madeira wine. So, while Portugal might not be among the countries hot in January by the extreme, it is still a wonderfully warm place to spend your winter.
Average January Temperature in Madeira : 18°C
Average Daily Sunshine Hours : 5 Hours
Average Rainfall : 92 mm
Average Flight Time to Madeira : 3 Hours 50 Minutes Non-Stop from London
Where is it hot in January for a nature-centric escape? Among the greenest of the Caribbean Islands, St. Lucia is the idyllic getaway. As much as 80 per cent of the island is pure rainforest, making St. Lucia one of the best destinations for nature lovers. It offers the best weather in January, right before February kicks off the wet season, offering a spectacular blast of winter sunshine amid breathtaking surroundings.
Those wondering what places are hot in January for adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures will fall in love with St. Lucia, boasting hikes to the great Piton Mountain - among the tallest in the Caribbean. You can also take an aerial tram tour on your long haul holidays to St. Lucia, basking in breathtaking sights of the endemic flora and fauna from a bird's eye view. Pigeon Island National Park, Marigot Bay, and Soufrière Drive in Volcano are other unmissable highlights.
Average January Temperature in St. Lucia : 24°C to 28°C
Average Daily Sunshine Hours : 8 Hours
Average Rainfall : 29 to 60 mm
Average Flight Time to St. Lucia : 8 Hours and 45 Minutes Non-Stop from London
Unsurprisingly, another Caribbean Island nation makes the list of the best places hot in January for cheap holidays, boasting a flourishing topography of reef-lined beaches, flourishing rainforests, and impressive mountains. Jamaica is also among the hottest places in January for a getaway, with daytime temperatures easily hitting 31°C quite often. Unwind on white-sand beaches with a refreshing cocktail in hand while Bob Marley tracks play on in the background.
Away from the beaches, waterfront hotels, and lush mountains is a world of gastronomy waiting to be explored. Jamaican food is fantastic, to say the least, the region being the birthplace of one of the most celebrated cuisines worldwide. So, on your holidays to Jamaica, one of the best warm places to visit in January from UK, tuck into popular delights like Ackee and Codfish, Jerk Chicken, Fried Breadfruit, and Jamaican Beef Patty, perfectly accompanied by Red Stripe Beer or Jamaican Rum.
Average January Temperature in Jamaica : 27°C to 31°C
Average Daily Sunshine Hours : 7 to 9 Hours
Average Rainfall : 7 mm
Average Flight Time to Jamaica : 12 Hours and 25+ Minutes Non-Stop from London
Where's hot in January for all-out beach escapes? Hawaii's Maui comes first, boasting a smashing coastline teeming with shimmering waters, soft sands, and lush palm trees. Maui is also the answer to where is hot in Jan other than the quintessential USA holidays, offering fabulous attractions like surfing at the Ho’okipa Beach Park, whale-watching at Maui Nui Basin, and a day out at Ka'anapali Beach.
Additionally, Maui is the ideal hot destination January offers avid hikers. Located within the Haleakalā National Park, the 6-kilometre-long Pipiwai Trail is among the most scenic hiking routes to embark on, leading to the stunning Waimoku Falls and Makahiku Falls. You can also amble trails across the tranquil 4,000-acre Iao Valley State Park, home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Maui, including the 1,200-foot Iao Needle. Don't forget to shop for souvenirs at the Maui Swap Meet!
Average January Temperature in Maui : 21°C
Average Daily Sunshine Hours : 7 Hours
Average Rainfall : 73 mm
Average Flight Time to Maui : 19 Hours and 28+ Minutes with Stop-Overs from London
An enchanting volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are among the most beautiful hot places to go in January to beat the winter blues. The hottest place in January for holiday amid fantastic weather, it boasts clear skies in the mornings, humid afternoons, and sharp, short showers in the evening. It’s the perfect time to spot sea turtles beginning to nest on pristine beaches, birds performing captivating courtship rituals, and penguins in large numbers bustling about.
Since it's hot in January in the Galapagos Islands, panoramic stretches like Playa El Garrapatero offer unmatched beach holidays, with over 3 kilometres of soft golden sands. Scuba diving in Darwin Island and snorkelling around Kicker Rock are must-dos on your holidays to the Galapagos Islands. For a hit of history, visit the 65-foot-tall Wall of Tears, purportedly the cause of thousands of deaths while it was being built.
Average January Temperature in the Galapagos Islands : 29°C
Average Daily Sunshine Hours : 5 Hours
Average Rainfall : 50 mm
Average Flight Time to the Galapagos Islands : 23 Hours and 15 Minutes Non-Stop from London
Wondering where's warm in January for a classic island escape? Flaunting Caribbean-esque features, the spectacular Country of Aruba is teeming with swaying palm trees on white-sand shores with warm turquoise waters. Since it's part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, you'll find that Aruba holidays have ample Dutch influence, such as the De Olde Mollen - a renowned, classic Dutch windmill on the panoramic Palm Beach. The 17-foot-deep Conchi Natural Pool is another must-see, located within the breathtaking Arikok National Park.
Beautiful beaches like Arashi Beach, Eagle Beach, and Baby Beach with calm waters and powdery soft sands make Aruba one of the best hot destinations in January for family holidays. Affordable accommodations and free attractions like the Alto Vista Chapel and Donkey Sanctuary rank Aruba among the topmost cheap hot holidays in January for budget travellers.
Average January Temperature in Aruba : 30°C
Average Daily Sunshine Hours : 8 Hours
Average Rainfall : 48 mm
Average Flight Time to Aruba : 12 Hours and 55+ Minutes with One-Stop from London
Your search for hot countries in January ends with the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, beating every possible contender on the list by a long mile. Tenerife weather in January is quite perfect, as it's the end of the rainy season, welcoming warmth and humidity that make outdoor explorations and beach visits a breeze. With a subtropical climate, Tenerife’s Playa de las Américas is the best spot for pristine beaches, surfing, shopping, dining, and a wild, untamed nightlife.
One of the largest volcanos worldwide, Mount Teide is also among the best sunny places in January for picturesque hikes. You can also kayak or go on whale-watching boat trips during your holidays to Tenerife, with waters at La Gomera teeming with pilot whales and adorable dolphins. Families and couples alike will love the renowned Thai-themed Siam Park, boasting over 15 water-based attractions.
Average January Temperature in Tenerife : 20°C
Average Daily Sunshine Hours : 6 Hours
Average Rainfall : 41 mm
Average Flight Time to Tenerife : 4 Hours and 25 Minutes Non-Stop from London
If you were wondering where is hot in January for beautiful environmental contrasts, Chile ticks all the boxes. Ranked among the most stunning warm countries in January, Chile all inclusive holidays offer a plethora of attractions catering to diverse tastes, from the arid Atacama Desert and the panoramic hiking routes of the Elqui Valley to the striking blue waterfalls of Lake District.
Marked by balmy mornings and warm, pleasant evenings, Chile boasts the best hot holidays in January to delve into its varied topography. Patagonia is great for wildlife, glaciers, and national parks, while Chiloé Island is a cultural paradise featuring houses standing on stilts in water, vibrant markets, and colourful wooden churches. Don't miss the mind-numbing lunar landscape at the Valley of the Moon within the Los Flamencos National Reserve, strewn with distinctive rock formations, rugged mountains, and gorgeous dunes.
Average January Temperature in Chile : 24°C
Average Daily Sunshine Hours : 11 Hours
Average Rainfall : 3 to 43 mm, Depending on the region
Average Flight Time to Chile : 14 Hours and 35 Minutes Non-Stop from London
The topmost holiday destinations that are hot in January tend to be long-haul places from the UK, such as Aruba, Maui, or the Galapagos Islands. However, each winter destination is worth the journey, offering balmy mornings, sun-soaked beaches, and some much-needed winter sun to beat those cold blues away.
There are plenty of amazing warm holiday destinations in January short haul from the UK, too, like Tenerife in the Canary Islands and Madeira, Portugal, offering ample sunshine, clear skies, and a strong dose of Vitamin D. You will also find several cheap hot holidays in January, including Chile, Jamaica, and Egypt, ensuring the trip does not take a toll on your wallet.
So, take enough to find the best hot January holiday for your tastes, embarking on your most memorable winter sun getaway yet. Pretty soon you'll be wondering where is hot in February!
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