January is that month when most of us already long for an escape from the cold weather and snow. If you’re also looking for a holiday destination where you can relax in the warm sunshine and refresh yourself in the sea, in this article Warm January Holiday Destinations: Best Places for Your Holiday (Even by the Sea) I have some great tips for you that are ideal for a January holiday.
Whether you prefer tropical white-sand beaches, surfing or other adrenaline activities, or simply warm weather, you have many fascinating countries to choose from. Let’s take a look together at 10 great places to go for warmth in January.
Warm January Holiday Destinations: Best Places for Your Holiday (Even by the Sea)
If you don’t want to freeze at home in January, I’ve put together 10 tips for ideal destinations for a warm January holiday.
💡TIP: If you don’t want to go on holiday independently, then go with a tour package. Invia offers countless options.
Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura)
The Canary Islands are a great choice for escaping the cold weather. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura offer pleasant temperatures around 20–25 °C, which is great for beach walks, hiking in volcanic landscapes, and enjoying the local culture. The Canaries are also great for water lovers, thanks to their crystal-clear sea and diverse underwater life.
In the Canaries, I recommend visiting the volcanoes on Tenerife, where you can hike Pico del Teide, or take a walk through the protected nature reserve of La Palma. Water sports enthusiasts will 100% enjoy kitesurfing and windsurfing in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
💡You might also be interested in: Where to go on holiday in Spain
Canary Islands: Best Hotels
You’ll experience absolute luxury at the Secrets Bahía Real Resort & Spa Adults only, but if you’re planning a holiday with the whole family, then check out Sol Fuerteventura Jandia – All Suites.
Egypt
Egypt is already a classic for winter holidays. It has direct access to the sea and plenty of sun. Areas like Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Sharm El Sheikh have temperatures around 22–26 °C in January, which is ideal for lounging on the beach or exploring ancient monuments.
Egypt offers not only beautiful beaches but also many historical sites. I recommend visiting the pyramids in Giza, the temple in Luxor, or the ancient temple in Karnak. For diving enthusiasts, the Red Sea area, such as Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, is ideal, where you can enjoy crystal-clear water and diverse underwater life.
January Holiday in Egypt: Best Hotel Resorts
Egypt has an abundance of hotel resorts, and it’s almost impossible to go wrong.
- Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch Hotel,
- Tree Lounge Pyramids View INN,
- Retac Qunay Dahab Resort & SPA.
Thailand
Thailand is great in January for all lovers of tropical weather. Temperatures range around 28–32 °C, and popular destinations like Phuket, Koh Samui, or Krabi offer beautiful beaches, diverse cuisine, and plenty of activities, from cave trekking to night markets. The sea has a pleasant temperature of around 27 °C.
💡 Read also: Holiday in Bangkok
Tips for the Best Hotels in Koh Samui in January
Planning a winter holiday in Koh Samui? We’ve selected the most interesting hotels worth visiting in January for you:
Sasitara Thai Villas – If traditional Thai architecture appeals to you, these villas are perfect for you. Built from authentic Thai teak wood in Ayudhya style, you’ll find them just a short walk from Choeng Mon Beach.
The Spot – An ideal choice for golf and beach lovers. This hotel is located near the most beautiful places on the island, such as Chaweng and Lamai beaches.
Amaya Resort – For those who want the beach within reach, this resort offers a convenient location. Lamai Beach is just an 18-minute walk from here.
Aforetime Beach House – Want to save money and experience the charm of Thai tradition at the same time? This 63-year-old wooden house directly on Taling Ngam Beach is a great choice for an authentic experience at an affordable price.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a paradise for those who long for sandy beaches and sunshine. In January, temperatures here range around 27–30 °C. Punta Cana is known for its luxury resorts, white-sand beaches, and water sports opportunities, while the Samaná area is ideal for nature and waterfall lovers. The Dominican Republic is also known for its rich culture and friendly inhabitants.
I recommend visiting Los Haitises National Park with its rainforests, caves, and lagoons, or enjoying an adrenaline-pumping experience with ziplining or ATV riding. By the sea, you can go snorkeling, diving, or fishing.
Holiday in the Dominican Republic: Tips for the Best Hotels
- Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino,
- Wyndham Alltra Samana All Inclusive Resort,
- Hacienda Samana Bay Hotel.
Australia
If you’re looking for warmth on the other side of the world, Australia is an ideal choice for a January holiday. In January, Australia is in full summer, and temperatures range between 25–30 °C. You can visit the beaches on the Gold Coast, surf at Bondi Beach in Sydney, or go on a nature trip, such as to the Great Barrier Reef or Kakadu National Park.
Australia is a country where you can experience a lot. In Sydney, visit the famous Opera House, or head to the Blue Mountains National Park. The Great Barrier Reef is a place where you can enjoy snorkeling and diving, and in the south, you can go on a safari and admire wild animals in their natural habitat.
Where to Stay in Australia?
In Sydney, you’ll find luxury hotels, such as the iconic Park Hyatt Sydney with Opera House views, or more affordable options, such as modern boutique hotels and hostels in the Bondi Beach area. If you plan to visit the Great Barrier Reef, consider staying in Port Douglas or on the Whitsundays islands, where you can enjoy beachfront bungalows.
Tips for other hotels:
Seychelles
Seychelles is a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, white sand, and turquoise water. In January, temperatures here range around 27–30 °C, which is absolutely perfect.
Seychelles is also synonymous with paradise beaches, but besides lounging on the beach, you can also enjoy a range of great activities. I recommend visiting nature reserves, such as Vallée de Mai, where you can see endemic plant and animal species. On La Digue island, you can enjoy bike rides or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
Seychelles: Tips for the Best Hotels
- Valmer Resort and Spa,
- Paradise Sun Hotel Seychelles,
- Oasis Hotel Restaurant & Spa.
Oman
Oman is a great destination for those looking for a slightly different holiday experience. Temperatures in January here range around 25–28 °C, which is ideal for relaxing on the beaches, as well as exploring Arab culture and history. You can visit the capital city Muscat, beautiful deserts, ancient forts, or canyons.
If you love nature, you can head to the Wahiba Sands desert for a safari or enjoy hiking in the Hajar Mountains.
Exotic Holiday in Oman: Tips for the Best Resorts
Vietnam
Vietnam is a great choice in January for all lovers of exotic destinations. Temperatures in the southern part of the country, in the Ho Chi Minh City area or on Phu Quoc island, reach 28–30 °C. You can look forward to beautiful beaches, snorkeling, diving, as well as exploring local culture and sights, such as My Son temple or the mud statues in My Tho.
Accommodation Tips in Vietnam
If you’re heading to Hanoi, I recommend staying in the historic Old Quarter, where you’ll find stylish boutique hotels like Sofitel Legend Metropole. In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), it’s worth looking for accommodation in the city center, for example, at the luxurious Hotel des Arts Saigon or in modern apartments.
For beach lovers, resorts on Phu Quoc island, such as Fusion Resort Phu Quoc, offering private villas, are ideal.
Philippines
The Philippines is a fantastic destination for all those who long for a combination of beaches, nature, and culture. With over 7,000 islands, there’s an ideal place for everyone here. In January, the Philippines experiences its dry season, and temperatures range around 27–32 °C.
Among the most popular destinations are Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu. Here you can enjoy beautiful beaches, snorkeling, diving, or simply relax in a tropical paradise.
January Holiday in the Philippines: Tips for the Best Hotels
South Africa
If you’re looking for not only sun but also safari and wild nature, South Africa is the right choice for a January holiday. January in South Africa means summer, and temperatures here range around 25–30 °C. The sea is cooler, with a temperature around 20–22 °C. You can enjoy the beaches in Cape Town, wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park, or take a trip to Table Mountain with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
For nature lovers, a walk in national parks like Tsitsikamma or Addo Elephant Park is ideal, where you can see elephants and other animals in their natural habitat.
South Africa: Hotel Tips
FAQ
Where to go for a warm January holiday?
In January, it’s ideal to head to places like the Canary Islands, Thailand, Seychelles or the Dominican Republic. All these destinations offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful beaches.
Which destination is best for a seaside holiday in January?
If you want to relax by the sea, ideal destinations include Egypt, Thailand, the Philippines, or Australia, where you’ll find warm sea and sunny weather.
What is the best destination for a family holiday in January?
For a family holiday, Thailand is a great choice, where you can enjoy beaches, water activities, and exploring local culture, or the Canary Islands with a wide range of activities for all ages.
Where to go for an exotic holiday in January?
Exotic destinations like Seychelles, Oman, or the Philippines are great for those who want to escape winter and enjoy tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and local culture.
What are the temperatures in the Canary Islands in January?
In the Canary Islands, temperatures in January range around 20–25 °C, which is ideal for beach walks and nature hikes.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
