It’s fair to say that January can be a bleak affair in much of the Northern Hemisphere. And so you’d be forgiven for wanting to fly south for winter (those migratory birds have the right idea). Whether your New Year’s resolution is to see more of the world, or you simply want to shake off the post-Christmas blues, we’ve got you covered with our guide to where’s hot in January…
- West Coast of Malaysia (27°C)
- Argentina (29°C)
- Barbados (29°C)
- The Canary Islands (19°C)
- Egypt (19°C)
- Cambodia (26°C)
- India (26°C)
- Brazil (29°C)
- New Zealand (22°C)
- Kenya (25°C)
West Coast of Malaysia
What better way to begin your year than strolling along a postcard-worthy beach? The idyllic island of Langkawi, in the Malaysian archipelago of the same name, is home to some stunning stretches of sand plus plenty of lush landscapes inland to explore. More broadly, the entire west coast of Malaysia is at its best at this time of year. Switch chilly January days for tropical temperatures of between 24-32°C, and lazy duvet days for guided canopy walks, wildlife spotting and birdwatching in the jungle, rounded off with some R&R on the beach.
It’s worth noting that the east coast should be avoided at this time of year, as rainfall is at its heaviest.
Argentina
Sitting in the southern hemisphere, Argentina’s seasons are the opposite to ours making it a worthy addition to the list for where’s hot in January. While we’re battling through winter in the west, the Argentinians are savouring summer’s warmth, particularly in the northern regions which enjoy a subtropical climate and high temperatures at this time of the year. January is the warmest month in Buenos Aires (temperatures range from 19°C to 29°C, with an average of around 24°C) and it can sometimes get quite humid. In Patagonia, the climate is semi-arid and there can be strong winds between December and February. This variation is part of Argentina’s appeal, as a holiday here can take you from the charismatic capital of Buenos Aires and the legendary Patagonia to the awe-inspiring Iguacu Falls.
Image by Dmitry Pichugin
Barbados
Next, we have the Caribbean island of Barbados, which has a lot to offer for a relatively small island. There are two contrasting coastlines, however the climate is generally the same across the island. The dry season here runs from December to April, when temperatures average around 30°C and there is less rainfall, making January the perfect time to visit for some well-deserved winter sun. Paddleboarding in pristine waters, biking along palm-fringed beachfronts and diving around sunken shipwrecks are just a few of the things you can do during a January escape. The sun-drenched island is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, as well as tropical coral reefs and a wide array of marine life from parrotfish to manta rays. During January, you’ll also get to experience the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series, which involves three days of open-water sailing around the island.
Image by Scott Slattery
The Canary Islands, Spain
Renowned for being the sunshine centre of Europe, with average January temperatures between 17-21°C, the Canaries are an excellent option closer to home (less than 100 miles off the coast of Morocco). Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are the most well-known of the eight Spanish islands, and for good reason, as all three boast both black and golden-sand beaches backed by dramatic volcanic landscapes. The smaller islands are equally enticing and less trodden, if you’re after some peace and quiet for your sun-soaked escape. For an active adventure, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of La Gomera is excellent for hiking, while Graciosa (the last of the islands to join the archipelago in 2018), has barely any paved roads, making it ideal for mountain bikers. Whichever island you set your sights on, you can expect outdoor pursuits aplenty, some superb places to stay and minimal time difference, making the Canary Islands the perfect jet-lag free January hot holiday.
Image by Paz Ruiz Bueso et Giovanni Ziviello
Egypt
Another destination slightly closer to home is Egypt, and given that temperatures in the summer often exceed 40°C here, the beginning of the year is an optimal time to visit. January is technically winter here, however by British standards it’s very mild, and temperatures rarely fall below 9°C (and reach highs of around 22°C). In general, the south of the country has a climate similar to the Sahara, while the north is influenced by the Mediterranean. The country is heaving with ancient sites and archaeological wonders and the best way to uncover them is on a cruise aboard our elegant boat, the Steam Ship Sudan. Head up to the teak deck, find a lounger in the sun and watch the banks of the Nile drift by with an iced hibiscus tea in hand. Heaven.
Image by Boby
Cambodia
January is one of the best times of the year to visit Cambodia. The dry season is in full swing across most of the country and average temperatures hover around a lovely 26°C, making this an ideal time of year for exploring. Spend your time discovering mythical temples in Angkor, the lush rice fields surrounding Siem Reap and the fabulous floating villages on the Mekong’s caramel-coloured waters (fun fact: it’s not just the houses that float; schools, markets, churches and even pagodas are built on rafts meaning they can be moved as needed).
Image by Putu Sayoga
India
Visit India in January and you’ll see the country at its very best. You’ll avoid the stifling heat of the monsoon season, which kicks in around June (and makes outdoor exploring considerably less enjoyable), and instead enjoy dry days with average temperatures of around 26°C. Spend your days visiting spectacular royal palaces (don’t miss the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur which has a pink sandstone facade adorned with 953 small windows); spotting resident bird species (check out this guide to our five favourite birds in India) and mooching around multicoloured markets which offer a dizzying array of locally produced goods. And if you’re craving some laid-back beach days? Head to Goa for warm waters, golden sand and chilled-out fishing villages.
Image by Jérôme Galland
Brazil
Much like Argentina, Brazil is in the height of its summer in January, thanks to its position in the southern hemisphere. While the temperatures inevitably vary in such a large country, you can expect average temperatures of around 29°C at this time of year. Whether you’re after natural wonders like the Iguacu Falls or Sugarloaf Mountain; wildlife encounters in the Pantanal or the Amazon; or city sights in Rio or Sao Paolo, Brazil knows how to show travellers a good time. And that’s before we even mention the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema…
Image by Luchino
New Zealand
The southern hemisphere is the gift that keeps on giving at this time of year, with New Zealand next on our list of where’s hot in January. Temperatures sit around a slightly cooler 22°C, but you won’t be hearing any complaints from us. From the North Island to the South Island, the natural beauty here is truly staggering. Think: dramatic volcanoes, snow-capped mountains and dense green forests, with sprawling cities and small villages dotted sparsely between them. Add in the country’s fascinating Maori culture, and the mammoth journey to get here will feel like a small price to pay.
Kenya
Straddling the northern and southern hemispheres, Kenya is another country that shines in January. The climate is still dry (the rainy season doesn’t kick in until March), the skies are a brilliant blue and average temperatures sit at around 25°C. Head to the savannah and you can enjoy perfect safari conditions, with the dry landscape making wildlife easier to spot, particularly around the relatively limited waterholes that animals flock to in search of a drink. January is also the best time to see flamingos at Lake Nakuru, which sits at an impressive 5,800ft above sea level, or to witness zebra foals taking their first wobbly steps in the Masai Mara. For the ultimate January hot holiday, combine savannah and sea on a trip to the Kenyan coast around Malindi or Lamu – the perfect place to round off your trip.
Image by Laetitia Ferreira
Written by Emily Dundas
