Want to know where is hot in January? Here are 15 warm places to visit in January where the sun is shining and the temperatures are nice.
The northern hemisphere is dark and cold in the month of January, and many Europeans, as well as Americans and Canadians, are longing for warmer temperatures and sunshine.
These 15 places have a minimum temperature of 20 degrees (68°F) with plenty of sunshine and little to no rain during the month of January.
Barbados
Barbados has an average of 9 hours of daily sunshine in the month of January, and it’s also less humid than the summer months. The average temperature is around 29 degrees, and with the fresh winds coming in from the sea it’s an ideal place for vacation.
If you’re American or Canadian, there are likely direct flights to Barbados from an airport nearby.
Average temperature: 27 °C.
Koh Lipe
Thailand, in general, is a good idea in January for sun and warm temperatures with little to no rain. Although Phuket and Krabi have their busiest periods this time of the year, there’s somewhat of a hidden gem further south, which is known as Koh Lipe.
Koh Lipe is a small island with beautiful paradise beaches, a more relaxed vibe, and fewer tourists.
Average temperature: 30 °C.
Country: Thailand
Gran Canaria
If you’re from Europe and prefer to stay within the European Union, the warmest place to go is the south of Gran Canaria, which is one of the Canary Islands.
Although geographically, they are located outside the African west coast, they belong to Spain. Some other Canary Islands that you can visit in January for sunshine are Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote.
With that said, the sunniest part is around Puerto Rico on Gran Canaria with average temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius, which makes it the hottest place in Europe in January.
Average temperature: 25 °C.
Country: Spain
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is yet another nice place to visit in the Caribbean during January, and with easy access for Americans and Canadians, it makes it a popular destination for sunshine.
The beaches of the Dominican Republic are beautiful, and with an average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius, there’s not much to complain about.
Average temperature: 29 °C.
Cape Town
If you prefer a city-trip but still want sunshine and warmer temperatures, then Cape Town is the ideal city of choice. It’s the hottest time of the year, and the summer is in full effect in the Southern Hemisphere.
A trip to Cape Town can also be combined with a safari in nearby national parks.
Average temperature: 30 °C.
Country: South Africa
Kerala
Kerala is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India, and it’s highly beloved by Indians from all over the country. Internationally it hasn’t got the same attention just yet, but it’s truly a lovely destination.
Kerala is known as God’s own country, and its especially known for its backwater canals where you can go on a houseboat. Kerala is also home to tigers, elephants, and various other exotic wild animals.
And yes, there are plenty of beaches for sunbathing and relaxing as well.
Average temperature: 27 °C.
Country: India
Tulum
Mexico is another destination where it’s hot in January, and I prefer Tulum because of its proximity to cenotes, nature, ancient Mayan ruins as well as the relaxed vibes.
The beaches around Tulum are stunning as well and offer those iconic postcard views with white sand and crystal clear water in turquoise color.
Average temperature: 27°C.
Country: Mexico
The Gold Coast in Australia
If you’re from the land down under, you’re already aware of the beauty of the Australian Gold Coast, but foreigners often tend to forget about this part of the world due to the large distance to Europe and the Americas.
But those who make it here in January can enjoy excellent weather conditions and nice temperatures.
Average temperature: 27-29 °C.
Maldives
If you prefer a luxurious getaway or honeymoon, there is no better destination to travel to in January. The Maldives sees the least rain in this period, and with average temperatures of 28 degrees, and plenty of sunshine, you can enjoy the best of the best in the Maldives.
Most luxury resorts come with a hefty price tag per night though, and if you’re a budget traveler, you might want to check out the local islands instead.
Average temperature: 28°C.
Puerto Rico
If you’re an American and don’t want to leave the U.S borders for a winter vacation in January, then you should go to Puerto Rico. The island boasts some of the most amazing beaches, and Old San Juan is filled with colonial architecture and charming streets.
Basically every major city in the U.S offers flights to Puerto Rico, and they are often quite cheap as well.
Average temperature: 28 °C.
Panama
Central America has plenty of good destinations to escape the cold and darkness in the northern hemisphere.
Panama is not an exception, and one of the best places to go for a vacation is the San Bias Islands, which has some amazing beaches, nice accommodation and marine life which is teeming with life.
Average temperature: 28 °C.
Koh Rong
Koh Rong used to be a hidden gem in Cambodia, but in recent years, tourism has caught up. Luckily it remains beautiful, and the beaches are still some of the best in all of Southeast Asia with turquoise water and fine white sand.
The neighboring island of Koh Rong Samloem is also a good option, which is typically a bit quieter than the main island.
Average temperature: 25-30 °C
Country: Cambodia
Dubai
Dubai is one of the most popular winter getaways, and for a good reason. The average temperature isn’t too hot, but definitely not too cold at around 26 degrees Celcius. The sun is shining daily as well, and there are lots of fun things to do in Dubai.
In addition to beaches and sunshine, visitors can also go up and get an epic view from the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, or if you have enough money, you could stay in the most luxurious hotel in the world, Burj Al-Arab, the only 7-star hotel in the world.
Average temperature: 26 °C
Country: United Arab Emirates
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an island outside of Tanzania, and it’s known for its paradise beaches and crystal clear water. In recent years, a mix of hotels and resorts has been built on the island to cater to all kinds of tourists, no matter the budget.
January is one of the best times of the year to visit Zanzibar with little to no rain and nice temperatures across the whole month.
Average temperature: 25-30 °C
Country: Tanzania
The Gambia
Last but not least, the Gambia, a hidden gem on the African west coast with temperatures of around 30 degrees Celcius and plenty of sunshine hours.
Visitors to the Gambia can combine their beach vacation with wildlife spotting or just explore and get to know more about the Gambian culture, which has some of the friendliest people in the world.
Average temperature: 30°C
Frequently asked questions about warm places in January
In addition to knowing where is hot in January, these are my answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about warm places in January.
Where can I go for sun in January?
Almost any destination in the southern hemisphere is a good idea to go for sun in January. Some of the best countries for a winter vacation are Thailand, Dominican Republic, The Gambia, Dubai (UAE), Maldives, Panama, Cambodia, and Barbados just to mention a few.
Which countries are hot in January?
| Australia | The Gambia |
| Brazil | Philippines |
| Thailand | Malaysia |
| Tanzania | Dominican Republic |
| United Arab Emirates | Vietnam |
| Mexico | Kenya |
Where in America is hot in January?
Puerto Rico and Hawaii are hot in America in January with average temperatures between 23-29 degrees Celcius. Miami and Florida are also considered warm during this period.
Where is the warmest place in Europe in January?
The Canary Islands is the warmest place in Europe in January.
Is Cyprus hot in January?
January is typically the coldest month in Cyprus but compared to other European countries during this time of the year, it can still be considered hot in Cyprus with average temperatures of 15 degrees Celcius on average.
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