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Where's hot in January?

Bye-bye, winter blues! Get a serotonin boost in these sun-soaked destinations.
Let’s face it, after the bells have chimed on New Year’s Day and the Christmas decs are back in the loft, the January blues tend to creep in. The best way to beat them? Escape the UK, of course. We’ve picked out the best destinations where you can top up your vitamin D levels, work off that turkey dinner, and get some heat in your bones. From Barbados to Costa Rica, here are our top picks…

Barbados

Escape the January weather by flying off to Barbados in the new year. 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 snorkelling trip, dine at top-class restaurants, and visit hotspots like Harrison’s Cave – a giant limestone cave full of icy pools and spiky stalactites.

Average January temperature: 26°C
Average January rainfall: 18m
Average January sunshine: 9 hours

Find out more about our All Inclusive holidays to Barbados.

Palm-fringed beach at Bottom Bay, Barbados.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica basks in temperatures that reach up to 33°C in January, so it's the place to be if you’re a bit of a sun worshipper. This Central American country packs in both beaches and rainforests, so you can switch between sunbathing and heading out on jungle adventures as you please. January's a great time for seeing the forest's wildlife, and if you’re lucky, you might even 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 for a birds-eye-view of the canopy below. Or channel your inner Tarzan and brave the zip-lines instead.

Average January temperature: 27°C
Average January rainfall: 0mm
Average January sunshine: 7 hours

Take a look at our Costa Rica tours.

Fortuna waterfall, Arenal, Costa Rica

Mexico

January is right in the middle of Mexico’s dry season, and the temperature averages at 23°C. It means you can still soak up plenty of sunshine, but it's not too hot to get out and about. Stay in Cancun or Riviera Maya and you’ll be within reach of Chichen Itza, the El Rey Ruins and the cenote pools. If you like to party, don't miss a night out at Cancun’s famous Coco Bongo club, which lines up acrobatic performers, entertainers, confetti showers and conga lines. And, if you like things lively day and night, stay at the Riu Cancun in the hotel zone and you’ll be right in the heart of the action.

Average January temperature: 23°C
Average January rainfall: 21mm
Average January sunshine: 6 hours

Check out our Mexico holiday deals.

Chichen Itza Mayan Temple in Mexico.

Lanzarote

You don’t have to head too far from home for your sunny January escape. Pick the Canary Islands, and you’ll be around a four-hour flight away from blue skies and sunshine. Temperatures in Lanzarote reach highs of 21°C at the beginning of the year. And you’ll have more than one hundred beaches to choose from – Playa Flamingo and Playa Blanca are some of the island’s best-known spots. If you prefer things a little quieter, head to Playa Orzola on the island’s north coast. Travelling with little ones in tow? Head to Aquapark Costa Teguise to test the eight racing slides, huge pool and splash area for toddlers.

Average January temperature: 18°C
Average January rainfall: 1mm
Average January sunshine: 7 hours

View our All Inclusive holidays to Lanzarote.

A secluded bay surrounded by volcanic rock in Lanzarote.

Thailand

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 white sand at your disposal, including sleepy Bang Tao Beach and lively Patong Beach. Kata Beach is an ideal option for families, with bars, international restaurants and a beach that’s edged by shallow waters.

Average January temperature: 27°C
Average January rainfall: 29mm
Average January sunshine: 9 hours

Check out our Thailand holiday deals.

A long-tail boat in the sea in Thailand.

Maldives

Palm-fringed sandbanks, turquoise lagoons and luxury overwater villas – the Maldives is the ultimate tropical escape. January is prime time to visit, too, with sunny skies and just the right amount of heat to make every beach day blissful. Calm seas make it easy to hop between atolls – that’s tropical islands to me and you – for a taste of everything this dreamy destination has up its sleeve. Where to stay? The adults-only TUI BLUE Olhuveli Romance turns the getaway dial up to max with private plunge pools, al fresco dining under the stars and a coral reef just steps from your villa.

Average January temperature: 28°C
High temperature in January: 31°C
Average January rainfall: 63mm
Average January sunshine: 9 hours

Check out our top deals for holidays to the Maldives.
An aerial view of over-water bungalows in the Maldives.

Jamaica

In Jamaica, relaxing is easy. Listen to Bob Marley tracks as you kick back on the sand, dotted with beach bars. Away from the coast, you’ll find hidden waterfalls and wow-worthy mountain scenery. For an All Inclusive Caribbean getaway, the Royalton Negril is a great option. This beachfront hotel has a splash pool for little ones and a state-of-the-art spa for grown-ups. Plus, if you want to go exploring, Negril is only a 15-minute drive away.

Average January temperature: 26°C
Average January rainfall: 7mm
Average January sunshine: 7 hours

Check out our All Inclusive holidays to Jamaica.

Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica.

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Reasons to book with TUI

Price-Match Promise.
Hotels, flights, transfers and more all packed up.
Trusted by families, loved by kids.
Book and pay, your way.
Start local. Go global.
24/7 support
Life's memories, made on holiday.
Ready to book your January escape?

For more, browse our January holiday deals or if you’re planning a trip a little later in the year, check out where’s hot in April.

Take a peek at our best winter holiday deals, read about our best long-haul destinations or check out our top tips for long-haul flights.

Pssst. Head to the 
Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Alice Baker, Karl Taylor and Conor Braniff.


Last updated: 15.10.2025