Where is hot in January?

Barbados

Average temperature in Barbados in January: 25°C

High temperature in Barbados in January: 29°C

Escape the cold January weather by jetting off to Barbados as soon as Christmas is over. This Caribbean gem is a popular choice for celebs, so you could be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous while you’re strolling along Sandy Lane’s white-sand beaches. And it’s not just about hanging out with A-listers – although we’d be pretty happy with that. You can also check out some of the best coral reefs in the world on a diving or snorkeling trip, dine at top class restaurants, and visit unique attractions like Harrison’s Cave – a giant limestone cave full of icy pools and spiky stalactites. Of course, we won’t blame you if you’d rather just lounge on the perfect white sand beaches instead.

Costa Rica

Average temperature in Costa Rica in January: 27°C

High temperature in Costa Rica in January: 33°C

Costa Rica basks in high temperatures of 33°C in January, so it's the place to be if you love the heat. The Central American country packs in pristine beaches and wildlife-filled rainforests, so you can switch between sunbathing and jungle adventures. January's a really good time for seeing the forest's animals, and you might be lucky enough to spot sloths sleeping in the trees, tiny hummingbirds and colourful toucans. Head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest and you can walk across eight super-high suspended bridges, getting a birds-eye-view of the canopy below. Or channel your inner Tarzan and brave the zip-lines instead.

Mexico – Caribbean Coast

Average temperature in Cancun in January: 23°C

High temperature in Cancun in January: 28°C

January is right in the middle of Mexico’s dry season, and the temperature averages a nice, warm 25°C – so you can enjoy some much-needed beach time, but it's not too hot to get out and about. Stay in the Cancun or Riviera Maya region, and you’ll be within reach of Chichen Itza, the El Rey Ruins and the stunning cenote pools. If you’re a bit of a party animal, don't miss a night out at Cancun’s famous Coco Bongo club, which on a normal night lines up acrobatic performers, entertainers, confetti showers and crazy conga lines. Stay at the RIU Cancun in the hotel zone to be right in the heart of the action.

Lanzarote

Average temperature in Lanzarote in January: 16°C

High temperature in Lanzarote in January: 21°C

You don’t have to head to a long haul destination for your sunny January escape. Pick the Canary Islands, and you’ll be just a four-hour flight away from blue skies and sunshine. Lanzarote temperatures reach highs of 21°C at this time. And you’ll have more than a hundred beaches to choose from, including Playa Flamingo and Playa Blanca. If you’re travelling with little ones in tow, head to Lanzarote’s Aquapark Costa Teguise waterpark to test the eight racing slides, huge pool and splash area for toddlers.

Thailand

Average temperature in Thailand in January: 27°C

High temperature in Thailand in January: 32°C

January is just about the perfect time to visit Thailand. You can swap cold, dark mornings and scraping icy windscreens for sipping cocktails on the beach or whizzing along the coast in a speedboat à la James Bond. Pick Phuket for your stay, and you’ll have 40 kilometres of perfect white-sand coastline at your disposal, including the sleepy Bang Tao Beach and the lively Patong Beach. Centara Kata Resort is an ideal option for families, with three pools, a shuttle straight to the beach, and activities to keep everyone entertained.

Ready to book your January escape?

Stay home. Keep dreaming. Keep discovering.

Just so you know, this was written before the COVID-19 outbreak.

Browse our best January deals or read where's hot in February and where's hot in March for some more holiday inspiration.

Author: Selina Akhtar