Winter is definitely upon us here in the UK and temperatures have dropped suddenly in the last few weeks. While this weather has put us firmly in the Christmas spirit, calling for cosy nights curled up on the sofa with a hot chocolate in hand, we know that come January we’ll be battling post-Christmas blues and once again dreaming of sunnier escapes. If you fall into the same camp, we’ve got you covered with a round-up of where’s hot in January…
1
Cuba
Immerse yourself in the laid back atmosphere of Cuba, a country combining Caribbean and Latin American cultural influences. January is the height of the dry season, making it a good time to visit, with temperatures hovering between 20°C and 26°C. Some variations can be seen depending on the region, with warmer climates on the east coast and more rainfall in the north, however in the main cities the climate is generally tropical. A holiday to Cuba is like travelling back in time, with its colonial architecture and charming cracked facades in Havana Vieja (The Old Town). Havana’s restaurants, bars and art galleries are now flourishing and the music in Cuba is particularly noteworthy, with jazz, rumba and salsa drifting from most doorways.
2
Argentina
At 2,300 miles long, Argentina is home to a variety of landscapes and a range of different climates. The altitude also varies a lot, from -330ft to over 21,300ft, which has an influence on the weather in each region. Due to its location in the southern hemisphere, Argentina’s seasons are the opposite to ours, making it a worthy addition to the list for where’s hot in January. The northern regions of the country are the warmest, enjoying a subtropical climate and high temperatures in summer. January is the warmest month in Buenos Aires (temperatures range from 19°C to 29°C, with an average of around 24°C) and it can sometimes get quite humid. In Patagonia, the climate is semi-arid and there can be strong winds between December and February. This variation is part of Argentina’s appeal, as a holiday here can take you from the charismatic capital of Buenos Aires and the legendary Patagonia to the awe-inspiring Iguaçu Falls.
3
Barbados
Next, we have the Caribbean island of Barbados, which has a lot to offer for a relatively small island. There are two contrasting coastlines, however the climate is generally the same across the island. The dry season here runs from December to April, when temperatures average around 30°C and there is less rainfall, making January the perfect time to visit for some well-deserved winter sun. Paddleboarding in crystal-clear waters, biking along palm-fringed beachfronts and diving around fascinating shipwrecks are just a few of things you can do during your tropical escape. The sun-drenched island is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, as well as breath-taking coral reefs and a wide array of marine life. During January, you’ll also get to experience the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series, which involves three days of open-water sailing around the island.
4
The Canary Islands
Renowned for being the sunshine centre of Europe, with an average annual temperature of 22°C, the Canaries are an excellent option closer to home (less than 100 miles off the coast of Morocco). Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are the most well-known of the eight Spanish islands, and for good reason, as all three boast golden-sand beaches backed by lush forest 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 paradise for mountain-bikers. There are plenty of outdoor pursuits on offer and some superb places to stay, however it’s worth being aware that Spain currently requires travellers to be fully vaccinated before entering the country.
5
Egypt
Another destination slightly closer to home is Egypt and given that temperatures in the summer often exceed 40°C here, the beginning of the year is an optimal time to visit. January is technically winter time, however by British standards it’s very mild, and temperatures rarely fall below 9°C. In general, the south of the country has a climate similar to the Sahara, while the north is influenced by the Mediterranean. The country is heaving with ancient wonders, historic sites and archaeological discoveries; a cruise on our elegant boat, the iconic 'Steam Ship Sudan' is an excellent way to uncover them all.
6
Myanmar
Myanmar is a fascinating country, characterised by ancient temples, golden pagodas and royal palaces. October to May is the dry season in Myanmar, with temperatures across the country ranging from 24°C to 32°C and a hot, dry climate. River levels remain suitable for boat travel, so you’ll be able to drift down the Irrawaddy river at sunset aboard a traditional wooden boat. There are also a number of festivals taking place in January, including the Naga New Year celebration in Lahe village and the Kachin State Day, both featuring traditional costumes, feasts and dancing. Head to Ngapali to relax on a white-sand beach that stretches 15 miles along the Bay of Bengal, and climb 760ft up Mandalay Hill for panoramic views of the city’s sprawl. Bagan is another must-visit, with more than 3,000 temples spanning over 16 miles, which can be toured by bicycle. While it’s not possible to travel to Myanmar currently, January is a prime time to visit, so it’s worth keeping in mind and here's hoping for 2023.
At the time of writing, these destinations were open for UK visitors, however given that travel is ever-changing at the moment, make sure to check travel restrictions before booking (this is something that our travel experts can help with).
Written by Luisa Watts