Hotels
Where is hot in January? 8 sunny destinations and where to stay
January can feel like the darkest month, but the sun is shining somewhere. These are the places where it is hot in January, from Cape Verde and Gran Canaria to Mauritius and Miami.
Once the decorations are packed away and January stretches ahead with dark mornings and a lighter bank balance, the urge to escape is strong. And this is exactly when many warm destinations are at their best: the dry season is under way in Asia and the Caribbean, and the Canaries and Cape Verde are as sunny as ever.
We have gathered eight places where it is hot in January, with one hotel in each. Some are a short flight away, others are on the far side of the equator, where January is the height of summer.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
How to choose a January sun destination
January is low season in many places once the festive rush is over, so the weeks after New Year can be good value. Think about how much time you have, and whether you want a beach, culture or a bit of both.
Short haul and reliable sun: Gran Canaria and Cape Verde
Warmth and culture: Abu Dhabi and Egypt
Tropical dry season: Sri Lanka and Krabi
Summer in the southern hemisphere: Mauritius
City and beach: Miami
Sunshine without a long flight: Gran Canaria and Cape Verde
Lopesan Costa Meloneras
Palms, pools and the Atlantic in the south of Gran Canaria.
Gran Canaria: Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa
In the south of Gran Canaria the sun shines almost every day in January, and the dunes of Maspalomas are close by. This is the place for a short flight, warm days and very little planning.
Lopesan Costa Meloneras is a few minutes from the Maspalomas lighthouse, with six outdoor pools and four pool bars. Guests are particularly happy with the pools, and there are plenty of them.
Book your stay: See rooms at Lopesan Costa Meloneras
Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
Pool and white sand beach near Santa Maria on Sal.
Cape Verde: Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
Cape Verde lies off the coast of West Africa and has reliable sunshine through the winter. The island of Sal is known for long white beaches and steady winds that make it popular with surfers and kitesurfers.
Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort is on the beach, a few minutes from the pier in Santa Maria. Breakfast is included, and guests praise the helpful staff.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
Warmth and culture: Abu Dhabi and Egypt
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
The pool area with pavilions and palm trees.
Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
January is one of the most comfortable months in the United Arab Emirates, with warm days and mild evenings. Abu Dhabi has beaches, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the vast Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Emirates Palace is one of the best-known hotels in the Gulf, a palace by the Corniche with two outdoor pools and its own beach. Read more in our United Arab Emirates travel guide.
Book your stay: See rooms at Emirates Palace
Old Cataract, Aswan
The Nile, feluccas and the pool seen from the hotel.
Egypt: Old Cataract, Aswan
In Egypt winter is the best time to see the temples, with warm, dry days and cool evenings. Aswan lies furthest south on the Nile, with sailing boats on the river and islands in the current.
The Old Cataract is a historic hotel on the cliffs above the Nile, often linked with Agatha Christie and Death on the Nile. Elephantine Island is just offshore, and there are two restaurants and a pool overlooking the river.
Book your stay: See rooms at the Old Cataract
Tropical dry season: Sri Lanka and Krabi
Sri Lanka: Cape Weligama
On Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts the dry season runs from December to April, and January brings warm seas, palm-lined beaches and a lush interior of tea and elephants.
Cape Weligama is a Relais & Châteaux resort on a headland above the ocean, near Turtle Bay beach. Every room has a balcony or terrace, and the resort has no fewer than thirteen outdoor pools.
Book your stay: See rooms at Cape Weligama
Banyan Tree Krabi
Sunset over the Andaman Sea.
Krabi: Banyan Tree Krabi
Krabi is on Thailand’s west coast, where the weather is best in winter. The limestone cliffs rising straight out of the sea make it one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
Banyan Tree Krabi is on Tubkaek beach, with a spa and views over the Andaman Sea. Guests praise the staff, and the sunsets are a good reason to stay in for the evening.
Book your stay: See rooms at Banyan Tree Krabi
Summer and the city: Mauritius and Miami
One&Only Le Saint Géran
A pool in a tropical garden on the east coast of Mauritius.
Mauritius: One&Only Le Saint Géran
In Mauritius January is summer, with warm seas and humid tropical heat. Showers come and go, but rarely last long. Read more in our Mauritius guide.
One&Only Le Saint Géran sits on a peninsula at Belle Mare on the east coast. Breakfast is included, and every room has a deep bathtub and a balcony or terrace.
Book your stay: See rooms at One&Only Le Saint Géran
Faena Miami Beach
The Atlantic and the beach right outside the window.
Miami: Faena Miami Beach
Miami is at its best in winter, with dry, warm weather, Art Deco streets and a beach that runs the length of the city. It is a city break and a beach holiday in one.
Faena Miami Beach is on Collins Avenue, with two restaurants, two bars and the beach right below. Guests are especially happy with the staff.
Book your stay: See rooms at Faena Miami Beach
When should you book January sun?
The weeks after New Year are often among the cheapest times to visit warm destinations. If you plan to travel over the February half-term, though, book early, as flights and hotels fill up fast.
Travel in the week after New Year for lower prices
Check rainy and hurricane seasons for your destination
Check entry requirements and visas in good time
Planning further ahead? See our guide to where is hot in December.
Frequently asked questions about where is hot in January
Where is hot in January in Europe?
The Canary Islands are the warmest part of Europe in January, with sunshine and mild weather. Gran Canaria and Tenerife are around four hours from the UK. Madeira is mild too, but gets more cloud and rain. Just beyond Europe, Cape Verde offers more reliable warmth.
Where is hot in January with a short flight?
The Canaries are the easiest choice, at around four hours from the UK. Cape Verde is a little further south and warmer. Abu Dhabi and Egypt give you sunshine and heat with a slightly longer flight and only a small time difference.
Where is tropical in January?
Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the Caribbean are all tropical in January. Sri Lanka’s south coast and Thailand’s west coast are in their dry season, while Mauritius has summer heat and some showers. Miami has dry, warm winter weather.
Where is cheap to go in January?
The week after New Year is often one of the best-value times in many warm destinations, as the festive rush is over. The Canaries, Egypt and Thailand often have good prices in January. Compare several dates for both flights and hotels.
When should you book a January holiday?
For trips straight after New Year you can often book in the autumn. If you want to travel over the February half-term, book early, as demand is high. Popular hotels in the Canaries and Thailand fill quickly in peak season.