From tropical islands to short-haul sunshine, here are the best sunny destinations in January to consider right now,
What better way to banish the blues than with a sunshine-filled break where sunny weather, swimming pools and decidedly holiday-ish vibes are all waiting for you!
Of course, it’s not just about the weather (but it is a HUGE factor for sure!) but it’s about covetable culture, relaxing vibes and delicious food too!
It’s time to seek out your suntan lotion, search for your swimsuit and sunnies and hop on a plane to bluer skies and warmer climates.
We have picked out the best sunny destinations in January so you don’t have to, simply add good vibes, lose some layers and you have got yourself a healthy dose of Vitamin D for the first month of the year.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
With an average daily temperature of 23°C, Tenerife is one of the most popular islands of the Canaries archipelago, making it one of the best sunny destinations in January.
Ideal for beach days and dining al fresco, you can fully expect eight hours of sunshine throughout the winter months.
If you are on a health mission this January, why not combine some winter sun with some outdoor pursuits and check out some of the island’s fantastic hiking trails.
Wander through the Parque Nacional Las Cañadas del Teide and Anaga Mountains, the sweeping volcanic landscapes and rolling verdant mountains that disappear into the sea, dazzles at every turn.
There’s also lots of high octane things that you can enjoy in Tenerife, from Go Karting to Paragliding, you won’t be short of thrill-a-minute things to do!
The Maldives
Without doubt, there’s no bad time to go to the Maldives, but if you are looking for one of the best sunny destinations in January, the Maldives tick every single box for dreamy holiday vibes and more.
These perfect little islands are ideal for couples, families, solo travellers.
For blissed-out beachy nirvana, the Maldives are pretty hard to beat and make for a fantastic escape during the cold and rainy winter months in the UK.
If you love diving, the Maldives is ideal as there’s some incredible aquatic adventures to be had. But, if you prefer to stay landside, then there’s no shortage of stunning islands to choose from.
St Lucia
For sunny destinations in January, look no further than the Caribbean where you will have your pick of stunning islands to choose from.
If you are looking for sunbathing weather, St Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s hottest islands serving up average temperatures of 28℃.
Despite 80% of St Lucia being filled with rainforest, January is one of the driest months, and is an ideal time to enjoy a cheeky blast of sunshine and relax on the beach.Â
However, if you fancy a little bit more action, why not don your walking boots and hike St Lucia’s renowned Piton Mountains where you will be rewarded with some of the most incredible views.
If you prefer to take things a little bit more easily, why not take a ride on the rainforest aerial tram – an open-air gondola that glides quietly through the tops of the trees at the ecological park?
Hurghada, Egypt
Egypt’s year-round balmy climate makes it a strong contender for the best sunny destinations in January with highs of 22C in January and an average seven hours of sunshine per day makes Hurghada the perfect place to go for some winter sun.
Hurghada remains a hotspot for tourists and suits all – from couples seeking adventure, family-friendly resorts, water sports enthusiasts seeking underwater treasures.
Despite its reputation for beaches and fantastic resorts, there’s so much more to this Egyptian city than meets the eye.
There’s lots of things to see and do including sand sculpture parks, museums and golfing in the desert.
Thailand
For almost guaranteed sunshine, the beautiful country of Thailand is a great bet!
Perennially one of the most popular sunny destinations in January, travellers can opt from vibrant cities or white-sand islands nestled by crystal-clear waters.
Bangkok in January will be relatively dry and will reach temperatures of 22C.
Here you will find a city of extremes with the duality of the city being represented in a compelling juxtaposition via beautiful temples and awe-inspiring skyscrapers, Michelin-starred restaurants and stalls selling street food.
Why not start your Thai journey with a few days in Bangkok where you can explore its sprawling metropolis before you head off for even more South East Asian adventures to Koh Samui, Krabi and Phuket.
The dry season runs from November to April, and during this time temperatures tend to hover around thirty degrees, although the sea breeze tends to take away some of the edge.
Confused about which island to visit, choosing between which Thai island hotspot isn’t easy as they all serve up beautiful beaches, covetable culture and delicious food, but you can rest assured you will find the ideal island for you!
Marrakech, Morocco
Full of mesmerising culture, Morocco is a fantastic choice for sunny destinations in January.
It enjoys an average winter temperature of around 20 C and seven sunshine hours in colourful and evocative Marrakech which is located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
From exploring the sights and smells of Marrakech’s Medina to visiting some of the best waterfalls in the country, Marrakech offers sensational souks, mesmerising museums and some of the best restaurants in the country.
The city has also (justifiably) earned the prestige of being Africa’s first Capital of Culture thanks to a new collection of intriguing museums opening offering collections including jewellery, desert gardens and more.
Make sure you carve out time to visit Medersa Ben Youssef, one of the world’s most compelling architectural marvels and Marrakech’s most important monument.
It has recently been brought back to life after a carefully considered renovation over a period of five years.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
With an average daily temperature of 23°C, Tenerife is one of the most popular islands of the Canaries archipelago, making it one of the best sunny destinations in January.
Ideal for beach days and dining al fresco, you can fully expect eight hours of sunshine throughout the winter months.
If you are on a health mission this January, why not combine some winter sun with some outdoor pursuits and check out some of the island’s fantastic hiking trails .
Take a wander through the Parque Nacional Las Cañadas del Teide and Anaga Mountains, the sweeping volcanic landscapes and rolling verdant mountains that disappear into the sea, dazzles at every turn.
There’s also lots of high octane things that you can enjoy in Tenerife, from Go Karting to Paragliding, you won’t be short of thrill-a-minute things to do!
The Maldives
Without doubt, there’s no bad time to go to the Maldives, but if you are looking for one of the best sunny destinations in January, the Maldives tick every single box for dreamy holiday vibes and more.
These perfect little islands are ideal for couples, families, solo travellers.
For blissed-out beachy nirvana, the Maldives are pretty hard to beat and make for a fantastic escape during the cold and rainy winter months in the UK.
If you love diving, the Maldives is ideal as there’s some incredible aquatic adventures to be had.
But, if you prefer to stay landside, then there’s no shortage of stunning islands to choose from.
St Lucia
For sunny destinations in January, look no further than the Caribbean where you will have your pick of stunning islands to choose from.
If you are looking for sunbathing weather, St Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s hottest islands serving up average temperatures of 28℃.
Despite 80% of St Lucia being filled with rainforest, January is one of the driest months, and is an ideal time to enjoy a cheeky blast of sunshine and relax on the beach.Â
However, if you fancy a little bit more action, why not don your walking boots and hike St Lucia’s renowned Piton Mountains where you will be rewarded with some of the most incredible views.
If you prefer to take things a little bit more easily, why not take a ride on the rainforest aerial tram – an open-air gondola that glides quietly through the tops of the trees at the ecological park?
Hurghada, Egypt
Egypt’s year-round balmy climate makes it a strong contender for the best sunny destinations in January.
With highs of 22C in January and an average seven hours of sunshine per day makes Hurghada the perfect place to go for some winter sun.
Hurghada remains a hotspot for tourists and suits all – from couples seeking adventure, family-friendly resorts, water sports enthusiasts seeking underwater treasures.
Despite its reputation for beaches and fantastic resorts, there’s so much more to this Egyptian city than meets the eye.
There’s lots of things to see and do including sand sculpture parks, museums and golfing in the desert.
Thailand
For almost guaranteed sunshine, the beautiful country of Thailand is a great bet!
Perennially one of the most popular sunny destinations in January, travellers can opt from vibrant cities or white-sand islands nestled by crystal-clear waters.
Bangkok in January will be relatively dry and will reach temperatures of 22C.
Here you will find a city of extremes with the duality of the city being represented in a compelling juxtaposition via beautiful temples and awe-inspiring skyscrapers, Michelin-starred restaurants and stalls selling street food.
Why not start your Thai journey with a few days in Bangkok where you can explore its sprawling metropolis before you head off for even more South East Asian adventures to Koh Samui, Krabi and Phuket.
The dry season runs from November to April, and during this time temperatures tend to hover around thirty degrees, although the sea breeze tends to take away some of the edge.
Confused about which island to visit, choosing between which Thai island hotspot isn’t easy as they all serve up beautiful beaches, covetable culture and delicious food, but you can rest assured you will find the ideal island for you!
Marrakech, Morocco
Full of mesmerising culture, Morocco is a fantastic choice for sunny destinations in January as it enjoys an average winter temperature of around 20 C and seven sunshine hours in colourful and evocative Marrakech which is located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
From exploring the sights and smells of Marrakech’s Medina to visiting some of the best waterfalls in the country, Marrakech offers sensational souks, mesmerising museums and some of the best restaurants in the country.
The city has also (justifiably) earned the prestige of being Africa’s first Capital of Culture thanks to a new collection of intriguing museums opening offering collections including jewellery, desert gardens and more.
Make sure you carve out time to visit Medersa Ben Youssef, one of the world’s most compelling architectural marvels and Marrakech’s most important monument.
It has recently been brought back to life after a carefully considered renovation over a period of five years.
