Travelling during January is a great way to cure those New Year blues – especially if you’re heading somewhere sunny. It also gives you an excellent opportunity to explore some of the world’s most popular destinations out of season. So, where is hot in January? Let’s dive in and see.
The Southern Hemisphere has plenty of incredible destinations that stay warm throughout the year. Some locations, such as Australia and South Africa, are experiencing their summer in January. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of destinations a little closer to the UK that you can visit for some winter sun.
| Destination | Avg. temp | Avg. hours of sun |
|---|---|---|
| Fiji | 26°C | 6 |
| Rio de Janeiro | 27°C | 7 |
| Kuala Lumpur | 28°C | 6 |
| Cancun | 30°C | 6 |
| Melbourne | 22°C | 8 |
| Barbados | 26°C | 9 |
| Cape Verde | 25°C | 8 |
| Egypt | 18°C | 8 |
| The Canary Islands | 18°C | 6 |
| Benidorm | 14°C | 7 |
Where’s hot in January: long-haul
For guaranteed sunshine and temperatures creeping into the 30s, you’ll need to hop on a long-haul flight. Luckily, these hot destinations are enticing enough to make you forget all about the journey there.
1. Fiji
- Average January temperature: 26°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 6
Fiji is a lush, tropical paradise with a drier season during the summer and a humid, rainy season in winter. While you will likely encounter some showers if you visit Fiji in January, you’ll still enjoy temperatures of up to 30°C, making it one of the hottest destinations to visit in January on our list.
It’s an incredible destination for an off-season holiday with the kids, with family-friendly attractions like Big Bula Water Park and Kula Wild Adventure Park guaranteeing some wet and wild days out. Nature lovers will also feel right at home as Fiji has no shortage of beautiful beaches. Spend your days splashing around in the surf or sunbathing on pristine white sands.
A visit to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and its stunning orchid collection is another must. The natural pools at Colo-I-Suva Forest Park are a beautiful addition to the list of incredible places to swim among the islands. There are so many ways to explore Fiji that it should sit at the top of your bucket list of warm destinations in January for years to come.
2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Average January temperature: 27°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 7
If you’re looking for a hot destination in January that doubles up as one of the world’s most vibrant cities, look no further than Rio de Janeiro. During January, it basks in glorious temperatures of around 24°C to 31°C, with warm evenings that are perfect for dining al-fresco.
Rio itself is the quintessential Brazilian city. An oasis of culture, colour, fun and of course, football. Soak up the summer vibes on Ipanema or Copacabana Beach and join in a game of beach volleyball or football. Enjoy more outdoors on a jungle trail hike up to Mirante Dona Marta or to the Corcovado Christ the Redeemer statue.
Want to soak up some culture? Visit Rio’s Municipal Theatre and admire the beautiful architecture or discover the colourful street art at the Escadaria Selaron to see a different side of Rio. There’s plenty to see and do which is exactly why I love going there to stay warm in January.
Find flights to Rio de Janeiro
3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Average January temperature: 28°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 6
The capital of Malaysia enjoys hot weather all year round and January is no exception. Temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January sit at around 32°C, with lows of 24°C. Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic place to visit if you love exploring thriving and electric cities on your travels. It’s the perfect urban getaway with its skyscrapers, bustling markets, fantastic food and lively neighbourhoods.
Take in the views from the Petronas Twin Towers or hit Suria KLCC Mall if you fancy a shopping spree. Want to enjoy some street food on your trip? Stop off at the Jalan Alor Street Market for the best choice of local vendors. This outdoor food court is the perfect place to try unique dishes, so why not enjoy the heat of both the sun and the food sampling some spicy Malaysian cuisine? Ultimately, planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur is perfect if you want to feel hot in January.
4. Cancun, Mexico
- Average January temperature: 30°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 6
Dreaming of a Caribbean escape in 2024? Cancun on Mexico’s east coast couldn’t be more ideal. January is one of the country’s driest months, making it a great time to soak up some rays on the white sand beaches of Cancun. The resort is a particularly great pick for those after R&R, attracting everyone from families to couples.
Cancun’s Hotel Zone (also called Boulevard Kukulkan) is a popular place to base yourself. The sandy strip is brimming with all-inclusive hotels and beach clubs, with options to suit all budgets. For a little Mexican culture, head downtown where you’ll find authentic eateries and vibrant markets.
The Yucatan Peninsula’s average sea temperatures in January are a balmy 25°C, making snorkelling excursions and boat trips essential. You’ll also be within day-tripping distance of numerous ancient Mayan relics including El Meco and Tulum. What’s not to like about a balmy Cancun getaway in January?
5. Melbourne, Australia
- Average January temperature: 22°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 8
If you’re wondering where is hot in January in Australia, the short answer is: just about everywhere. However, if you’re looking for a city break with a bit of everything, whether that be sun, sea, nature and a small smattering of culture, look no further than Melbourne.
With average daily temperatures climbing as high as 27°C, Melbourne is an ideal destination to escape from the cold of winter. It’s famed as a wine region in Australia, meaning visitors can enjoy a trip to one of the many vineyards such as the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula. The city is also nestled within the stunning bay of Port Phillip where you’ll find plenty of fantastic stretches of beach to bask in the warm Australian sunshine.
While it’s certainly quite a distance for those travelling on a shorter trip, it’s tough to argue with Melbourne as a hot January holiday destination.
6. Barbados, Caribbean
- Average January temperature: 26°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 9
As one of the many jewels in the crown that is the Caribbean Sea, Barbados is an obvious pick for some winter sun. With average temperatures during the day of around 26°C throughout January, it’s the perfect destination for scuba, sun and sunbathing on stunning sandy beaches.
During your visit to Barbados, you’ll be able to explore beautiful stretches of coastline such as Dover Beach. Or try an incredible caving experience at Harrison’s Cave Eco-Park Adventure for a bit more adrenaline. There is also always the tried and tested option of laying back and enjoying fruity cocktails on the beach. A dreamy option for warmer weather this January.
Where is hot in January: short-haul
Craving some vitamin D but don’t want to travel too far? There are plenty of hot destinations, from beach havens to cultural meccas, to visit in January within under 5 – 6 hours from the UK. Here are my favourites.
7. Cape Verde
- Average January temperature: 25°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 8
Looking for hot places in January that offer options for serious relaxation? The islands of Cape Verde, just off the coast of South Africa, offer warm temperatures, breathtaking scenery and salty sea air that’s bound to clear your head. Taking a dip at Calhau Beach while basking in views of Monte Verde is just as idyllic as it sounds. A self-proclaimed nature lover? You’ll find rugged landscapes and stunning salt flats on the islands of Sal and Maio.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, January in Cape Verde is hot. Temperatures usually sit between 25-26°C, with very little rainfall likely to ruin your holiday. If you get bored of sitting on the beach and fancy turning up the heat a bit more, why not take a tour to Pico do Fogo? As well as being the largest volcano in the island group, it’s slopes are also home to some fantastic coffee plantations. Make sure you try the local blend if they stop by to visit!
8. Egypt
- Average January temperature: 18°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 8
About 5 hours from England, Egypt has a fascinating culture and a wealth of historical attractions that visitors can explore. It also enjoys plenty of sunshine in January and throughout the winter. Temperatures tend to sit at around 14°C to 22°C, making it more bearable than the scorching summer months. The climate in Egypt is generally quite dry, although rainfall is more common in coastal areas like Alexandria or Mersa Matruh during January.
Take advantage of the sunny yet pleasant weather to explore beautiful outdoor attractions like Ras Mohammed National Park. You can also enjoy swimming and sunbathing at stunning beach spots like the Giftun Islands beaches or Sharm El Luli on the Red Sea coast.
History buffs will go wild for Egypt’s incredible monuments such as the pyramids at Giza and the Valley of the Kings. The possibilities are endless when exploring Egypt.
Where is hot in January in Europe
For a last-minute escape somewhere hot in January, Europe is a viable option. Several destinations are blessed with warm temperatures throughout the month – and they won’t take you very long to reach if you just fancy a long weekend in the sun.
9. The Canary Islands, Spain
- Average January temperature: 18°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 6
If you’re based in the UK and don’t want to travel too far to find somewhere hot in January, the islands of eternal spring are the best option. The Canary Islands are made up of multiple small isles, with some of the most popular being Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Palma and Lanzarote.
In January, temperatures in the Canary Islands sit at around 15°C to 21°C and all the islands have plenty of fun to offer. Those who want to make the most of the warm weather can enjoy a day out at Tenerife’s Siam Water Park. Tenerife is also home to some beautiful natural attractions. Add Parque Rural de Anaga, Palmetum Santa Cruz botanical gardens as well and the imposing Mount Teide to your agenda.
Meanwhile, if you’re based in Fuerteventura, take a Corralejo dune buggy tour or visit the stunning El Cotillo lagoon. Struggling to decide which of these amazing islands to go to? Let us help you figure out which Canary Island to visit on your warm winter break this January.
Find flights to the Canary Islands
10. Benidorm, Spain
- Average January temperature: 14°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 7
Those looking for hot places in January that aren’t too far away should consider Benidorm on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Benidorm’s reputation as a home-away-from-home for retired Brits has slowly started to fade in recent years. Nowadays, the beautiful old town and popular beach spots like Calpe attract people during the off-season with their warm weather and quiet streets.
Benidorm is a fantastic location for luxury breaks throughout the year. In January, though, your chances of scoring a seriously good deal on some of Europe’s highest-rated hotels significantly increase. Incredible resort hotels such as The Asia Gardens or Meliá Villaitana are located in what feels like their own worlds outside the busy streets of the city.
While temperatures are a mild 14°C on average, they don’t call this part of the world the ‘coast of sunshine’ for nothing. You can guarantee it will be much warmer than home, making it a viable option for somewhere hot in January.
Where’s hot and cheap in January?
For a budget trip from the UK somewhere balmy, you can’t go wrong with the Canary Islands or Cape Verde. January is firmly within the off-season for both destinations, meaning there are usually some brilliant deals to be found. And with average temperatures sitting at 18°C and 25°C respectively, you’re guaranteed to feel a lot warmer than you do back home. Need some more inspiration? Check out KAYAK Explore to find cheap flights for your preferred dates.
Explore more destinations this year
Want to discover more winter travel options? Check out where is hot in December and where is hot in February. If warm weather isn’t your thing, the 10 best places to visit in January is the list for you.
Looking for more specific recommendations? Check out the Best Time to Travel tool.
