As you head into early January, you realize that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas has passed, and you’ve seen in the New Year. The weather outside is cold and miserable, and the first hint of spring is months away. All you want to do is to escape the winter cold and enjoy some winter sun.
The great news is you don’t need to break the bank to make this dream a reality. There are plenty of amazing destinations you can visit, full of sunshine, culture, and exciting things to see and do. In this article, we’ll look at 10 of the top warm places to visit in January.
The island of San Andrés is an excellent destination to visit in January. Officially part of Colombia but much closer to Nicaragua, the island showcases an intriguing mix of Creole, English, and Latin American influences. San Andrés Island is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches and warm Caribbean Sea waters. It’s in the water where you’ll find most of the island’s top attractions, including plenty of amazing diving opportunities on the local reefs. Some exceptional day trips are available to the nearby and spectacular Johnny Caye and Cayo Acuario.
The weather in January is warm and sunny for the most part. While there are still some showers during the month, these tend to be fairly short, with the sun returning before long. Temperatures are comfortably in the 80s, meaning you can discard your winter wardrobe for your stay.
Temp high: 84°F / 29°C
Temp low: 77°F / 25°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s less established islands and our pick for a warm destination in January. This spectacular island is located in Krabi Province, just a short boat ride from the mainland. The island is less developed and commercialized than other Thai islands, making it the ideal place to escape. The island is known for its palm-fringed beaches, jungle, and limestone outcrops that characterize the Krabi area. Popular activities on the island include diving and snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing on the numerous beaches. For the more active, there are opportunities to hike to waterfalls or through the jungle as part of an ecotour.
January is the perfect time to visit Koh Lanta. The wet season has passed, and January is the driest month of the year. The days are typically hot and sunny, with temperatures regularly hitting 90°F.
Temp high: 90°F / 32°C
Temp low: 75°F / 24°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 7
Often overshadowed by Tahiti and French Polynesia, the Cook Islands are an equally spectacular Pacific destination. They’re also considerably more affordable than their better-known and established neighbors. The country comprises 15 islands, which occupy a remote location in the South Pacific Ocean. The largest and best-known island is Rarotonga, home to the capital, Avarua, and the international airport. People travel to the islands to experience the wonderful beaches, warm seas, and spectacular diving. There’s also the unbelievable Pacific sunsets, which must be seen to be believed. Some of the lagoons in the area are sensational, with Muri Lagoon and Aitutaki Lagoon the pick of the bunch.
Visiting the Cook Islands in January means you’ll enjoy the hottest month of the year. Daily temperatures are regularly above 80°F, and humidity is high. January falls during the wet season, but rainfall tends to be short, heavy showers. Therefore, it won’t be long before you’re back on the beach.
Temp high: 86°F / 30°C
Temp low: 76°F / 24°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 6
The once sleepy, small fishing village of Tulum is now a major attraction and resort in Mexico. It’s not hard to see why it’s become so popular with amazing beaches, the nearby Mayan ruins by the beach, and an incredible climate. The area also boasts excellent snorkeling, diving opportunities, and spectacular cenotes. Development of the area has been done tastefully and is low-rise, contrasting favorably with nearby resorts such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen. If you’re looking for an exotic destination with the comforts of home, this could be the place you’re looking for.
January falls within Tulum’s peak season, from December to April. This period coincides with the dry season with its long, warm days, meaning there’s no shortage of hours to spend relaxing on the beach or exploring the area. Rainfall is close to non-existent, and temperatures hover close to 90°F.
Temp high: 88°F / 31°C
Temp low: 76°F / 24°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 7
There are no winter blues in Sydney during January. This sensational city is sizzling at this time of the year, making it the perfect January escape. If you’re pursuing great beaches, you’ll find them at Bondi, Manly, and Coogee Beach. You’ll also find a whole host of other attractions in the city. The two biggest attractions are the world-famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, but there’s plenty more. There’s also an amazing culinary and shopping scene in Sydney and vibrant nightlife. It all makes Sydney a compelling city and beach destination in January.
Temperatures in Sydney during January are close to 80°F most days and can often be much higher. While there is some rainfall during the month, it’s often well-received and typically doesn’t last for long.
Temp high: 79°F / 26°C
Temp low: 66°F / 19°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
Next up on our list is the fascinating Malaysian island of Penang. The island is off Malaysia’s west coast, a couple of hours south of the Thai border. It’s an eclectic island that offers a great combination of fine history and culture, good beaches, and amazing scenery. It’s a destination for visitors who want to relax, experience a different culture, and see some fascinating sights. The island was heavily influenced by the British during the colonial period, meaning you’ll find no shortage of colonial-era buildings during your visit. You’ll also find no shortage of excellent places to eat, from street vendors to upmarket restaurants.
January is an excellent time to visit Penang. While the island experiences rainfall throughout the year, January is the second driest month. With temperatures hitting close to 90°F most days, you’ll want to combine sightseeing with plenty of time at the pool or beach.
Temp high: 90°F / 32°C
Temp low: 75°F / 24°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
The exquisite San Blas Islands in Panama are an archipelago of 365 islands and islets off the north coast of Panama. Comparable with the Maldives for both their size and beauty, they offer pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. While they share the aesthetics of the Maldives, they’re considerably less developed, with most resorts offering rustic accommodation. This is a destination where you can escape from everything and return to nature. The area is home to some amazing reefs and sea life, making snorkeling and diving the most popular activity.
The weather in Panama and the San Blas Islands during January is exceptional. Rainfall is very light, and temperatures are a balmy 90°F most days. It makes this a perfect tropical destination to escape the wind, rain, and cold at home.
Temp high: 90°F / 32°C
Temp low: 75°F / 24°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 7
The beautiful island of Aruba is another Caribbean destination on our list. Officially a constituent country of the Netherlands, the island retains a great deal of autonomy and self-identity. It’s the 6th most popular Caribbean destination, and it’s easy to see why. The island offers excellent beaches and fine water sports, including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and windsurfing. Aruba also has a unique landscape with its flat, arid interior contrasting with the lush mountainous interiors of most other Caribbean Islands.
Aruba’s proximity to the Equator and exceptional climate mean there’s no bad time to visit this paradise island. January is as good a month as any, with very limited rainfall, plenty of hours of sunshine each day, and temperatures in the mid-80s.
Temp high: 86°F / 30°C
Temp low: 75°F / 24°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico offers an exceptional winter sun escape. Situated some 1000 miles to the east of Miami, it benefits from an exceptional year-round climate. Boasting the same excellent beaches you’ll find elsewhere in the Caribbean with the same warm turquoise Caribbean waters, it’s a home from home for many Americans. The island measures 100 miles in length and 35 miles in width, meaning there’s plenty of exploring to be had and things to see. Chief among these things to see is the spectacular El Yunque National Forest. A dip in the Coamo Thermal Hot Springs is also a popular excursion for many visitors.
Puerto Rico’s weather in January is ideal. While it’s the coolest month of the year, daily average temperatures remain in the high 70s, and the days are bright and dry. The sea remains warm enough to swim in, and there’s plenty to see and do throughout the island.
Temp high: 83°F / 28°C
Temp low: 70°F / 21°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
Jamaica is one of the Caribbean’s most famous destinations and remains popular for those seeking winter sun. This beautiful island offers a great combination of beaches, majestic natural beauty, and a vibrant music scene. Influenced by the island’s favorite son, Bob Marley, you’ll find a reggae beat in most places you visit in Jamaica. You’ll also find some amazing natural sights, including the Blue Hole, Martha Brae River, and Dunn’s River Falls. Add in the exceptional beaches, such as those at Montego Bay, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a great January getaway.
January is a good time to visit Jamaica. While it’s the coolest time of the year, it’s also the driest. Even though January is the coolest month, daily temperatures are typically in the high 70s or 80s, meaning it’s beach weather with plenty of sunshine to enjoy.
Temp high: 84°F / 29°C
Temp low: 73°F / 23°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 9
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