If the idea of a long, cold January is filling you with dread, why not jet off for some winter sunshine?
After a month of festivities, we can help you avoid those post-Christmas blues with a well deserved break in the best January holiday destinations. Whether that’s basking in the 30⁰C heat in Thailand or skipping the snowy spells with a short hop over to Spain. Here’s our top pick of winter hotspots where you can get the new year off to a toasty start!
January holiday deals in Europe
Wondering where the warmest place in Europe is in January? There’s plenty of options for those wanting to top up their Vitamin D levels. Here are our top picks:
Tenerife
Avg. temperature in Tenerife in January: 19⁰C
High temperature in Tenerife in January: 23⁰C
The Canary Islands are renowned for their year-round sunshine, making them a super popular winter destination for us Brits. The largest of the islands, Tenerife takes the lion’s share of holidaymakers, receiving over two million visitors a year. This comes as no surprise since it offers a spectacular beach scene, family-friendly resorts and some impressive natural landmarks, including the third largest volcano in the world — Mount Teide.
No matter what time of year you visit, there’s plenty to see and do in Tenerife. Starting with its beaches — from basking in the sunshine on the stylish Playa del Duque pristine sands, to exploring the rock pools of Playa de la Arena, to strolling along the volcanic, black sands of Playa de Troya. Take your pick!
If you’re more of a sporty sort than a sunbather, Tenerife is a great place for hiking. Whether that’s aiming high (literally) with a trek up Mount Teide or taking a ramble up Montana Blanca. In total there’s more than 40 protected nature areas covering almost half of the island. And there’s no better time than January to head out and explore while humidity levels are at their lowest, get those hiking boots ready!
If you prefer more of a thrill, how does whizzing down a 28-metre water slide sound?! That’s just one of the thrill-seeking experiences you can look forward to the worlds number one water park — Siam Park. With slides of all shapes and sizes, this place caters to everyone. And it’s open from 10 – 5pm every single day throughout January!
Spain
Avg. temperature in Spain in January: 12⁰C
High temperature in Spain in January: 17⁰C
It may not have tropical temperatures however Spain in January can be surprisingly pleasant. Temperatures sit around the 16⁰C mark, ideal for exploring what the holiday hotspot has to offer, without the influx of tourists that you’ll find in the summer months.
Starting with Costa del Sol, many Brits have a love affair with this Sunshine Coast throughout the summer but it’s also a fantastic place to head to in the winter. After an effortless two-and-a-half hour flight, you could be swapping the UK’s likely snow for some retail therapy in the capital city, Malaga. That’s after you’ve taken a leisurely stroll across one of the spotless beaches and tucked into a terrific line-up of tapas with the locals.
Winter breaks in Spain aren’t all about the southern coast of Costa del Sol though, further north you’ve got Costa Blanca. Benidorm is the leading winter destination here, with temperatures being known to reach up to an enjoyable 17⁰C. While it may not be as lively during the winter months, it’s a great opportunity to experience how the locals live.
Portugal
Avg. temperature in Portugal in January: 13⁰C
High temperature in Portugal in January: 16⁰C
Trade the dark, drizzly view from your office window with some of the best scenery in Europe on a winter getaway to Portugal. Madeira’s ‘Floating Garden’ boasts around seven hours of sunshine a day in January, giving you plenty of time to explore everything this fascinating holiday spot has to offer.
Starting with its capital city, Funchal. Discovered way back in 1424, its cobbled streets are steeped in history, along with a 15th-century cathedral and rustic restaurants. Holidaying here in January means you can rub shoulders with the locals as you tuck into Portuguese cuisine in the old town. Fortunately, many of Madeira‘s seafront bars and restaurants remain open all year round.
Beyond the city, you’ll find a scenic coastline. Although there may not be a large amount of sand to stretch out on, you’ll find a man-made beach in Calheta. Or there’s a volcanic sweep in Ribeira Brava if you fancy something a little different. And, if you make your way down the coast there’s rocky coves and pebbly bays to explore!
January long-haul holidays
For guaranteed sun in January, sometimes you have to head a little further afield. The good news is, we’ve got tons of exotic holiday destinations that you can jet off to. Here’s our top picks:
Egypt
Avg. temperature in Egypt in January: 17⁰C
High temperature in Egypt in January: 22⁰C
Along with its colourful coral reefs and bundles of beautiful beaches, Egypt is soaked in year-round sunshine, making it one of our go-to winter destinations. Particularly in January when temperatures reach a toasty 22⁰C!
Its popular seaside city, Hurghada not only has 20 miles worth of stunning coastline, it has also claimed the prize of being the Red Sea’s number one coral reef spot, making snorkeling here an absolute must. There’s several professional scuba centres open throughout January highlighting the ins and outs on where you can witness the most spectacular fish. Expect to discover wild dolphins in Shaab El Erg, moray eels in Umm Gammar or the World War II Thistlegorm wreck. If you’d rather witness the spectacular marine life without getting into the water, there’s the Hurghada Grand Aquarium too.
Further south you’ll find Marsa Alam. Thanks to its location, this resort receives even sunnier weather and is home to more of Egypt’s unspoilt reefs. Elphinstone Reef and its 70-metre-high coral wall is arguably the best. But that’s not the only sight to visit, outside of the water you’ve got Port Ghalib. This exclusive marina development is jam-packed with restaurants and upmarket shops and can be found just north of the Marsa Alam resort.
Whether you choose a January holiday in Hurghada or Marsa Alam, you’ll have the Sahara Desert on your doorstep at both. That means a safari adventure is an absolute must! Here you can spend the day riding camels, quad bikes and 4×4 trucks whilst experiencing the Bedouin lifestyle. This time of year makes a fantastic time to take part in these activities, while humidity levels are low.
Mexico
Avg. temperature in Mexico in January: 23⁰C
High temperature in Mexico in January: 27⁰C
January fortunately lands right in the middle of Mexico‘s dry season, meaning you can look forward to temperatures of up to a scorching 27⁰C. With weather that hot, there’s no better time for you to hit the Caribbean Coast and its impressive beaches. If you’re thinking about jetting off to Cancun, you’ve got 22 kilometers of white sands at your disposal. As for Riviera Maya, their sugar-white sands are accompanied by one of the world’s biggest reefs so you can try your hand at scuba diving. Of course you’ve got the luxurious Pacific Coast and celebrity hot spot Los Cabos too.
Beyond the beaches, there’s plenty to get stuck into. If you’re staying in Cancun or Riviera Maya, you’re in a prime position to check out the impressive landmarks including the Chichen Itza, the El Rey Ruins and the stunning cenote pools. While over on the Pacific Coast you can take a thrilling zip-line ride through the jungle in Puerto Vallarta or give the water sports a go at Los Muertos beach. That’s if you’re not too busy out on a speedboat in Nuevo Vallarta, spotting humpback whales during their yearly migration! While in Los Cabos you’ve got championship golf courses, five-star spas and a buzzing nightlife.
Speaking of which, Mexico’s party scene will have you up until the early hours. From drinking tequila in the legendary nightclub, Coco Bongo, to getting on your party shoes for a night out with A-listers in Cabo San Lucas. There’s different night scenes, suited to every kind of holidaymaker.
Thailand
Avg. temperature in Thailand in January: 27⁰C
High temperature in Thailand in January: 31⁰C
If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Thailand, January is perfect. Fantastic weather is expected throughout the entire month, so while everyone back in the UK is scraping ice from their windscreens, you can enjoy it in your refreshing cocktails on the beach. All while basking in highs of 31⁰C!
Looking for a place that showcases the Thai island life at its best? Check out Koh Samui. This isle has been a firm favourite among holidaymakers for many years and we can see why. A combination of thick jungle, white beaches and a palm-fringed coastline make up some striking scenery. While its street food stalls and Buddhist temples give you a taste of the culture. You’ve also got Krabi and its distinctive limestone cliffs, placing you perfectly in position to visit the famous Ko Phi Phi National Marine Park.
Alternatively, you could pick Phuket where you’ll have a league of beaches at your disposal. There’s a whopping 40 kilometers worth of sand in total for you to stretch out on, whether that’s the footprint-free Kamala Beach or party central Patong Beach. Wherever you stay during your Thailand holiday, you can look forward to the famous Thai hospitality as the locals welcome you with big smiles to their luxurious resorts.
Forget the post-Christmas blues, our January holidays are all about blue seas, blue skies and brilliant bargains. Find out how much you can SAVE with Holiday Hypermarket.
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