Where to Go in January
Escape the post-Christmas blues with winter sun, ski slopes, or exotic adventures
January is one of the best months to travel. The holiday crowds have dispersed, prices drop after the festive peak, and you have the perfect excuse to escape grey British skies. Whether you want guaranteed sunshine, pristine ski slopes, or an adventure further afield, January delivers exceptional value and experiences.
Winter Sun Escapes
January is prime time for escaping to warmer climates. With British temperatures hovering around 5-8C and limited daylight, these destinations offer the sunshine fix you need.
Canary Islands (4 hours)
The Canaries are the closest guaranteed winter sun from the UK. January temperatures average 20-22C with around 7 hours of daily sunshine and minimal rain.
- Tenerife - The most developed island. Mount Teide offers hiking, while the south coast (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos) has the best weather. Siam Park is world-class for water fun.
- Lanzarote - Volcanic landscapes make this unique. Timanfaya National Park is unmissable. Quieter than Tenerife with excellent beaches at Papagayo.
- Gran Canaria - The mini-continent with diverse landscapes. Las Palmas offers culture, while Maspalomas has stunning dunes and beaches.
- Fuerteventura - The windiest island, perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Corralejo has beautiful beaches and dunes.
Microclimate Tip
The south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are noticeably warmer and drier than the north. Always check which side of the island your accommodation is on.
Caribbean Paradise (8-10 hours)
January falls in the Caribbean dry season, with temperatures around 27-30C and lower humidity than summer months. This is peak season, but early January often has post-holiday deals.
- Barbados - British-friendly with excellent infrastructure. The west coast has calm Caribbean waters, while the south coast offers more affordable options with gentle waves.
- Jamaica - Vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and excellent all-inclusive resorts. Montego Bay and Negril are most popular.
- Dominican Republic - Best value in the Caribbean. Punta Cana has endless beaches and mega-resorts. Puerto Plata on the north coast is quieter.
- St Lucia - Dramatic Pitons, lush rainforests, and romantic atmosphere. More upmarket than some Caribbean options.
- Antigua - 365 beaches means you could visit a different one every day. Relaxed vibe with excellent sailing.
Money-Saving Tip
Look for charter flights to the Caribbean in January - airlines add extra capacity and prices can be surprisingly competitive.
Thailand & Southeast Asia (11-12 hours)
January is peak season in Thailand with temperatures of 28-32C and virtually no rain on the west coast. The beaches are at their best and the sea is calm and clear.
- Phuket - Thailand gateway with stunning beaches, good nightlife, and easy island hopping. Patong is busy; Kata and Karon are calmer.
- Krabi - Dramatic limestone cliffs, Railay Beach accessible only by boat, and gateway to the Phi Phi Islands.
- Koh Samui - Palm-fringed beaches on the Gulf coast. More relaxed than Phuket with excellent spa resorts.
- Chiang Mai - Escape the beach for temples, street food, and mountain trekking in the cultural north.
- Bangkok - Combine beach time with a few nights experiencing the incredible temples, markets, and food scene.
Weather Warning
The east coast of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) has different weather patterns. January can still see some rain there, while the west coast (Phuket, Krabi) is reliably dry.
Ski Destinations
January offers excellent skiing conditions before the February half-term rush. Snow cover is typically good and slopes are quieter than peak season.
French Alps (2 hours)
- Les Trois Vallees - The world largest ski area. Courchevel for luxury, Meribel for charm, Val Thorens for guaranteed snow.
- Chamonix - Dramatic scenery beneath Mont Blanc. Expert terrain but also family-friendly areas.
- La Plagne - Excellent for families with purpose-built villages and reliable snow at altitude.
- Les Arcs - Modern resort connected to La Plagne via the Vanoise Express. Great intermediate terrain.
Austrian Alps (2 hours)
Often better value than France with traditional village atmosphere and excellent apres-ski.
- St Anton - Legendary for experts and party atmosphere. Part of the huge Ski Arlberg area.
- Mayrhofen - Excellent all-rounder in the Zillertal valley. Good for intermediates and families.
- Kitzbuhel - Picture-postcard town with challenging terrain including the famous Hahnenkamm.
- Lech - Upmarket resort with excellent snow record and beautiful village.
Money-Saving Tip
January is ideal for skiing - slopes are quiet, accommodation is cheaper, and conditions are often better than the busy February period.
City Breaks
January city breaks offer cultural experiences without summer crowds. Museums are peaceful, queues are short, and you will experience cities like locals do.
- Rome (2.5 hours) - 12C average, minimal crowds at Vatican and Colosseum, excellent food season with winter truffles.
- Barcelona (2 hours) - 14C average, La Rambla without crowds, Gaudi masterpieces minus the queues.
- Lisbon (2.5 hours) - 15C average, vibrant food scene, historic trams, pasteis de nata pilgrimage.
- Marrakech (3.5 hours) - 18C average, souks without summer heat, perfect for exploring.
- Budapest (2.5 hours) - Cold but magical thermal baths, Christmas markets may still run early January.
Adventure Destinations
January opens up incredible adventure opportunities around the world.
- Costa Rica (10 hours) - Dry season perfection. Zip-lining, wildlife, volcanoes, and beaches on both coasts.
- South Africa (11 hours) - Summer means excellent safari conditions. Cape Town wine country is at its best.
- New Zealand (24 hours) - Peak summer for hiking, stunning landscapes, and adventure sports.
- Maldives (10 hours) - Best diving and snorkelling conditions with calm, clear waters.
- Iceland (3 hours) - Northern Lights season combined with ice caves and winter landscapes.
Iceland Tip
Iceland in January has limited daylight (5-6 hours) but offers the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights and visiting ice caves that only form in winter.
Family-Friendly Picks
Traveling with children in January? These destinations offer the best combination of weather, activities, and family facilities.
- Tenerife - Siam Park, Loro Parque, whale watching, and guaranteed sun. Excellent family resort infrastructure.
- Dubai (7 hours) - Perfect 25C weather, water parks, desert safaris, indoor ski slopes, and child-friendly luxury.
- Florida (9 hours) - Theme parks without summer heat or crowds. Disney and Universal are quieter in January.
- Lapland (3 hours) - Huskies, reindeer, snowmobiles, and lingering Christmas magic. Day trips or short breaks work well.
- Lanzarote - Volcanoes, camel rides, and beautiful beaches. More unique than Tenerife, equally sunny.
Family Tip
Dubai offers incredible deals for families in January with many hotels offering free child places and kids eat free promotions.
Weather Comparison
Average January temperatures and conditions to help you choose:
- Canary Islands - 20-22C, 7 hours sunshine, occasional showers
- Caribbean - 27-30C, 8-9 hours sunshine, dry season
- Thailand - 28-32C, 9 hours sunshine, dry season (west coast)
- Dubai - 24-25C, 8 hours sunshine, virtually no rain
- Morocco - 18-20C, 7 hours sunshine, mild evenings
- French Alps - -5 to 5C, excellent snow conditions
Budget Guide
Approximate costs for a week holiday (flights and accommodation for two adults):
- Canary Islands - 600-1200 GBP per person
- Thailand - 800-1500 GBP per person (excellent value despite distance)
- Caribbean - 1500-3000 GBP per person
- Skiing (France/Austria) - 1000-2000 GBP per person (including lift pass)
- City breaks - 400-800 GBP per person
- Dubai - 800-1500 GBP per person
Money-Saving Tip
Early January (after the 6th) typically offers the best deals as demand drops sharply after the New Year holiday period. Avoid the first week which is still peak pricing.
Planning a trip?
TravelOS helps families plan trips together. Join the waitlist to be first to try it.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.