Where's Hot in January?
It’s fair to say that January can be a bleak affair in much of the Northern Hemisphere, so you’d be forgiven for wanting to fly south for winter (those migratory birds have the right idea). Whether your New Year’s resolution is to see more of the world or you simply want to shake off the post-Christmas blues, we’ve got you covered with our guide to where’s hot in January…
- West Coast of Malaysia (27°C)
- Argentina (29°C)
- Guadeloupe (25°C)
- The Canary Islands (19°C)
- Egypt (19°C)
- Thailand (27°C)
- India (26°C)
- Brazil (29°C)
- New Zealand (22°C)
- Kenya (25°C)
West Coast of Malaysia
Average January temperature: 27°C
Average daily sunshine hours: nine hours
Flight time from the UK: 16 hours and 40 minutes
What better way to begin your year than strolling along a postcard-worthy beach? The idyllic island of Langkawi, set in the Malaysian archipelago of the same name, is home to some pretty stunning stretches of sand, plus plenty of lush landscapes further inland.
More broadly, the entire west coast of Malaysia is a great choice for those seeking hot places in January. Swap England’s chilly temperatures for a tropical 24-32°C and lazy duvet days for guided canopy walks, wildlife spotting and birdwatching in the jungle, rounded off with some R&R on the beach.
It’s worth noting that the East Coast should be avoided at this time of year, as rainfall is at its heaviest.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Malaysia.
Argentina
Average January temperature: 29°C
Average daily sunshine hours: nine hours
Flight time from the UK: 15 hours and 40 minutes (to Buenos Aires)
Sitting pretty in the southern hemisphere, Argentina’s seasons run completely opposite to ours, making it a worthy addition to our list of where’s hot in January. While we’re battling through winter in the west, the Argentinians are savouring summer’s warmth, particularly in the northern regions, which enjoy a subtropical climate and high temperatures at this time of year.
January is the warmest month in Buenos Aires, with highs of around 29°C, and it can sometimes become quite humid. In Patagonia, the climate is semi-arid and there can be strong winds between December and February. This variation is part of the appeal of Argentina holidays, as they can take you from the charismatic capital of Buenos Aires and the legendary Patagonia to the awe-inspiring Iguacu Falls.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Argentina.
Image by Dmitry Pichugin
Guadeloupe
Average January temperature: 27°C
Average daily sunshine hours: seven hours
Flight time from the UK: 11 and a half hours
Next, we have the underrated Caribbean gem of Guadeloupe, whose main butterfly-shaped islands, Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, boast average January temperatures of 27°C – quite the contrast to England’s rainy days. And, with the super El Nino weather pattern still swirling its way across the globe, Guadeloupe is likely to experience a pretty sun-soaked start to 2027 – just ask our co-founder, Tom Barber.
If you’re after some winter warmth and R&R, head to the sandy shores of Grande-Terre, where lounging on the beach and snorkelling along colourful coral reefs are the order of the day. If you’d rather a more adventurous holiday with slightly cooler temperatures, set up shop in Basse-Terre instead, where botanical gardens, lush mountain valleys and a rumbling volcano offer plenty of opportunities to hike and bike to your heart’s content.
Not quite enough to entice you? January also marks the beginning of Guadeloupe Carnival, during which neon-clad locals fill the streets with colourful parades, thumping rhythm and electric energy. A golden tan and an immersion into Caribbean culture – now that’s a dreamy January hot holiday.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Guadeloupe.
Image by Adobe Stock
The Canary Islands, Spain
Average January temperature: 19°C
Average daily sunshine hours: six hours
Flight time from the UK: four and a half hours (to Tenerife)
Renowned for being the sunshine centre of Europe, with average January temperatures between 17-21°C, the Canaries are an excellent option closer to home. Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are the most well-known of the eight Spanish islands, and for good reason: all three boast both black and golden-sand beaches backed by dramatic volcanic landscapes.
The smaller islands are equally enticing and less trodden, if you’re after some peace and quiet for your sun-soaked escape. For an active adventure, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of La Gomera is excellent for hiking, while Graciosa (the last of the islands to join the archipelago in 2018), has barely any paved roads, making it ideal for mountain bikers. Whichever island you set your sights on, you can expect outdoor pursuits aplenty, some superb places to stay and minimal time difference, making the Canary Islands the perfect jet-lag-free January jaunt.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Spain.
Image by Paz Ruiz Bueso et Giovanni Ziviello
Egypt
Average January temperature: 19°C
Average daily sunshine hours: eight hours
Flight time from the UK: four hours and 50 minutes (to Cairo)
Another destination slightly closer to home is Egypt, and given that summer temperatures often exceed 40°C here, the beginning of the year is an optimal time to visit. January is technically Egypt’s winter, but by British standards it’s very mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 9°C (and reaching highs of around 22°C). In general, the south of the country has a climate similar to the Sahara, while the north is influenced by the Mediterranean.
This captivating country is jam-packed with ancient sites and archaeological wonders, and the best way to uncover them is on a cruise aboard our elegant paddle steamer, the Steam Ship Sudan. Head up to the teak deck, find a lounger in the sun and watch the banks of the Nile drift by with an iced hibiscus tea in hand. Heaven.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Egypt.
Image by Boby
Thailand
Average January temperature: 27°C
Average daily sunshine hours: nine hours
Flight time from the UK: 11 hours and 45 minutes (to Bangkok)
January is one of the best times of the year to visit Thailand. The dry season is in full swing across most of the country and average temperatures hover around a lovely 27°C, making this an ideal time for exploring.
Slather on some SPF and spend your time sampling your way through Bangkok’s street food scene, discovering mythical temples in northern Chiang Mai or sunning yourself on the postcard-perfect islands of Phuket and Krabi. For the ultimate Thailand adventure, hop between the three, sampling culture, cuisine and scenery all under the glow of the Southeast-Asian sun.
Find out more about our tailor-made Thailand tours.
Image by Tai Bui/Unsplash
India
Average January temperature: 26°C
Average daily sunshine hours: seven hours
Flight time from the UK: eight hours and 40 minutes (to New Delhi)
Visit India in January to see the country at its very best. By taking a wintry trip, you’ll avoid the stifling heat of monsoon season, which kicks in around June – and makes outdoor exploring considerably less enjoyable – and instead enjoy dry days with average temperatures of around 26°C.
According to our India specialist, Frances, every state has its own distinct character, offering something for everyone. Spend your days visiting spectacular royal palaces (don’t miss the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, whose pink sandstone facade is adorned with almost 1,000 small windows), spotting resident bird species (check out this handy guide to our five favourite birds in India) and mooching around multicoloured markets which offer an array of locally produced goods. And if you’re craving some laid-back beach days? Head to Goa for warm waters, golden sand and chilled-out fishing villages.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to India.
Image by Jérôme Galland
Brazil
Average January temperature: 29°C
Average daily sunshine hours: seven hours
Flight time from the UK: 11 hours and 40 minutes (to Rio de Janeiro)
Much like Argentina, Brazil is at the height of summer in January, thanks to its position in the southern hemisphere. While the temperatures inevitably vary in such a large country, you can expect average temperatures of around 29°C at this time of year.
Whether you’re after natural wonders like the Iguacu Falls or Sugarloaf Mountain, wildlife encounters in the Pantanal or the Amazon or city sights in Rio or Sao Paolo, Brazil knows how to show travellers a good time. And that’s before we even mention the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Cue the music…
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Brazil.
Image by Luchino
New Zealand
Average January temperature: 22°C
Average daily sunshine hours: eight hours
Flight time from the UK: 23 hours and 40 minutes (to Auckland)
Okay, it’s official: the southern hemisphere is the gift that keeps on giving at this time of year. New Zealand is up next on our list of where’s hot in January, and while its temperatures sit around a slightly cooler 22°C, you won’t be hearing any complaints from us.
From the North Island to the South Island, the natural beauty here is truly staggering – think dramatic volcanoes, snow-capped mountains and dense green forests, with sprawling cities and small villages dotted sparsely between them. Add in the country’s fascinating Maori culture, and the mammoth journey to get here will feel like a small price to pay.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to New Zealand.
Kenya
Average January temperature: 25°C
Average daily sunshine hours: nine hours
Flight time from the UK: eight hours and 55 minutes (to Nairobi)
Straddling the northern and southern hemispheres, Kenya is another country that shines in January. The climate is still dry (the rainy season doesn’t kick in until March), the skies are a brilliant blue and average temperatures sit at around 25°C. Head to the savannah for perfect safari conditions – the dry landscape makes wildlife easier to spot, particularly around the relatively limited waterholes, where animals flock in search of a drink.
January is also the best time to see flamingos at Lake Nakuru, which sits at an impressive 5,800ft above sea level, or to witness zebra foals taking their first wobbly steps in the Maasai Mara. For the ultimate January hot holiday, combine savannah and sea on a trip to the Kenyan coast around Malindi or Lamu – the perfect place to round off your trip.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Kenya.
Image by Laetitia Ferreira
For more winter sun hot spots, check out our guide on where to go this winter.
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