Where Is Hot in January? 9 Winter Sun Destinations Worth Booking from the UK

Gloomy days, chilly streets, and the same old grey skies every day. You have to expect the same atmosphere daily if you spend the entire winter season in the UK. The truth is, this gets tiring and draining sooner than you think. You no longer want to stay in the same atmosphere because of the dreary vibe all around, which is completely justified. Fed up with the daily winter chill of the UK, people resort to booking winter sun holiday packages to escape the weather and gloom back home. There are so many ideal destinations around the world that offer some brilliant sun warmth in the month of January, ranging from the Maldives and Australia to the tropical havens like Vietnam and Thailand.

Wondering where you should go for your next anticipated winter getaway from the UK? If your idea of a perfect January holiday is to bask in abundant sunshine while lying on a luxury sun-lounger and sipping on your favourite fruit cocktail, this write-up is especially for you. Read till the concluding remarks to gain important insights on where you should ideally go for your winter sun vacations from the UK, which country offers what, and what kind of conditions you will be met with in each of these destinations.

 

Why Book a Winter Sun Holiday in January?

Though it is totally the traveller’s ultimate choice what kind of vacation they want to enjoy in the month of January, beach holidays, or in broader terms, tropical holidays are the most popular and sought-after by the UK travellers in this month. People from across the world head to these tropical havens to enjoy the weather that offers a much relaxing atmosphere than the chilly conditions back home. Moreover, another benefit of booking a winter sun holiday in this particular month is that in major tropical countries, the month of January lies in the dry season, and thus you can enjoy to the fullest without worrying about volatile climate conditions. And if you plan a little later, in the second half of the month, the holiday rush of the Christmas and New Year’s break is also gone, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a rather laid-back experience with fewer crowds and optimum conditions.

This means you get better value for money than the peak festive season in December. This is to say that you don’t have to compromise your winter sun vacation because of the Christmas prices – January is also perfect for a holiday experience of such nature. However, make sure that you book your all-inclusive holiday packages well in advance because honestly, the prices do climb up a little as the dates come close. While you still do not have to pay the Christmas peak prices, delaying your booking could cost you more than the advantage you gain from early-bird reservation. And you will also have a wider choice in flights, hotels, and rooms this way.

Every destination on this list has been chosen based on January temperatures, rainfall, flight availability from UK airports, and overall value for money. A place may look perfect on paper but if the weather is unreliable or the flights are limited and overpriced, it simply isn’t worth recommending. Let’s start the actually important discussion.

The Most Worthwhile Short-Haul Sun Destinations

Not a fan of jet lag? Totally makes sense. For your January winter sun holidays, you can also head to some of the best destinations that are not very far off from the UK. These short-haul breaks are as worthwhile as any other destination around the world is, and you can actually have a great time, whether you decide to travel alone or with your loved ones. Some of the finest are:

1. Canary Islands (Tenerife / Lanzarote / Gran Canaria)

These beautiful islands, with the most popular ones being Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, are an unbeatable choice for your January winter sun getaway from the UK. A short-haul trip, this holiday will offer you everything you need to relish a rewarding and fulfilling winter vacation experience. These islands are located off the northwest coast of Africa and enjoy mild and spring-like conditions throughout the year, so forget the dreary UK atmosphere for a few days when you set off to this beautiful region. Besides, the temperatures of these islands sit roughly between 20°C and 22°C in the month of January, opposed to the bone-chilling 1°C to 7°C range of the United Kingdom.

That means plenty of sunshine for lounging by the pool or exploring, and the flight from the UK takes only around four hours, so there is hardly any jet lag to worry about. Each island has its own personality, too. When we talk about Tenerife, the common perception is that is an all-rounder destination, with some of the best resorts like Playa de las Américas and the towering Mount Teide for those who want some adventure. Meanwhile, Lanzarote is more popular for the striking volcanic landscapes that characterize its entire territory, most notably within Timanfaya National Park. And Gran Canaria is a more preferable choice if you would want a balance between beach and city life. For families, couples, and first-time winter sun travellers, the Canaries remain a dependable choice from the UK because of the shorter flight and optimum climate conditions.

2. Madeira

Madeira was titled as the “Best Winter Sun Destination in Europe” in 2020 by Word Travel. This breathtaking Portuguese archipelago offers you the chance to enjoy a mild and pleasant weather. Which means, neither is the place too cold nor too hot, and hence just the perfect atmosphere to relish an actually soothing winter sun trip. It is called the "Floating Garden of the Atlantic" because of its geographical view. When you are approaching it by the sea or looking down from one of its famous mountain peaks, the island looks like as if a massive garden is floating on the water - this is where it derives this title from. Madeira is one of another ideal short-haul holidays for UK travellers, thanks to the brief 4 hour flight and the amazing offerings that it has in store for you after landing.

What makes Madeira truly worthwhile is its brilliant, lush green scenery. You can take a walk along the famous levada trails, enjoy the breathtaking views from the Cabo Girão skywalk, or ride the cable car up to Monte in Funchal. The capital itself is a charming place to spend your days, wherein the most attractive things include the cobbled streets and the local markets. You can look for the best spot to try the island’s famous Madeira wine and fresh seafood, which is a fun activity in itself. Besides, the beaches here are mostly pebbly and the sea is rather cool in January, which makes the island more suitable for walkers, couples, and relaxed explorers than for classic beach lovers.

You can also plan a day trip to the nearby island of Porto Santo if you are looking for golden sand during your Madeira holidays. Last but not least, remember to pack one light jacket in your bag for this trip. This is because the weather can be a little changeable, so you might need layered clothes for the evenings or the higher parts of the island.

3. Morocco (Marrakech / Agadir)

However, if you are the kind of travel enthusiast who would also like their holiday experience to be characterised by cultural exploration in addition to the sun, Morocco is also a destination worth considering. This is a country that delivers on both fronts with its rich historical heritage and warm winter weather. In January, Marrakech enjoys comfortable daytime temperatures of around 18°C to 20°C, while the coastal city of Agadir is slightly warmer at about 20°C to 21°C. It is also not at a very long distance from the UK as you need only three to four hours to reach the country through a direct flight. Other than this, if we walk about the major Moroccan cities, Marrakech and Agadir take the spotlight for most of the tourist appeal of this country.
In Marrakech, travellers love to visit the centuries-old medina which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa square, recognised by UNESCO for its living cultural traditions. Besides, you can also add to the list places like Majorelle Garden and the grand Bahia Palace, and you have a city that rewards every hour of exploration. Agadir, on the other hand, is the pick for a relaxed seaside break, with a wide sandy bay and a lively promenade.

If we compare Morocco with the Canary Islands, the former wins in terms of richer cultural experiences. However, the Canary Islands have the edge for unforgettable beach time and warmer evenings. About the evenings in Marrakech, they can turn a bit chilly sometimes. So, it is a good idea to pack a few extra layers just in case. For the best of both worlds, stay in a traditional riad in Marrakech and book an all-inclusive resort in Agadir for a few beach days. All of this will become super easy if you book all-inclusive Morocco holiday packages with a credible tour operator from the UK. Always pick the package that includes accommodation in one of the beautiful Moroccan riads if you want a truly immersive experience in this country.

4. Egypt

The next short haul destination on our list for your winter sun holidays as a UK traveller is Egypt. Although not a conventional vacation spot for most westerners, this country still offers very suitable and sought-after weather conditions in the month of January. This month is also the dry season on the Red Sea coast, so the average daytime temperatures in Egypt are around 21°C to 23°C with almost no rain. You can reach Egypt from the United Kingdom through an easy flight of around 5 hours. The flight duration is a little longer than what you would need to get to the Canaries or Morocco but it can still be categorised in the short haul destinations. Egypt is essentially famous as a holiday destination for the fact that it offers better value for money than various lavish European holiday spots, and the magnitude of historical exploration you get in Egypt is hard to get anywhere else.

Another plus point of opting for Egypt winter sun holidays is that you can get a stay at a premium all inclusive resort like Mercure Hurghada Hotel or Jaz Aquamarine Resort in a much more affordable price than what you would pay for one of their European counterparts. You can also find some of the best diving spots in the world at the Red Sea, where people also love to try their hand at snorkelling. Ras Mohammed National Park near Sharm El Sheikh and Giftun Island near Hurghada are the standout names when it comes to water sports opportunities in Egypt. Other than this, you can also head to Luxor for a culturally immersive day trip, where Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple are two of the most popular attractions. Also, do not forget to pay a visit to Cairo’s Pyramids of Giza, which are literally a major part of the core Egyptian identity.

Last but not least, choosing between the two resort towns comes down to the kind of holiday you want. Sharm El Sheikh is the livelier option, with its promenades, bars, and buzzing nightlife, while Hurghada is more relaxed and family-friendly, with long stretches of resort beaches that travellers of the regions as well as international tourists love to visit. Keep in mind that evenings can turn a little cool at around 12°C to 15°C, and the sea sits at roughly 21°C to 22°C, so pack a light jacket and enjoy the heated pools at your resort. All of this can be sorted if you just book the right Egypt holiday package for your journey.

5. Cape Verde

And Cape Verde is the safest bets for January if you want guaranteed sunshine on your winter trip. This is because Cape Verde offers sunny weather throughout the month of January, located off the coast of West Africa. In addition, the daytime temperatures (24°C to 26°C) offer you the chance to lay back on a sun lounger and take in as much sunlight as you want – it is also one of the cheapest and most easy-going destinations for foreign tourists. It is the ideal first step into mid-haul territory as a flight from the UK to Cape Verde is about six hours long. For a beach lover, the islands of Boa Vista and Sal are the real stars, both incredibly popular for their golden sand beach areas. You can also visit Santa Maria on Sal which is a star destination in the country for most UK travellers.

The promenade, the lively atmosphere, the soothing seaside atmosphere, everything at this place complements each aspect for the travellers to enjoy a flawless winter sun getaway. Moreover, the all inclusive resorts of Cape Verde are another big draw as this country is known for offering the best value for money for European tourists. That said, you must keep in mind that the islands of Cape Verde become a little breezy during the beginning of the year, which means you may feel a gentle wind along the coast. Still, those same trade winds make Cape Verde a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. For a laid-back, sun-soaked break, it is hard to go wrong with this one.

6. Dubai

Truth be told, no matter what kind of a traveller you are, and no matter which time of year you choose to visit this city, it will charm you the same way. The city is the ultimate embodiment of infrastructural excellence and modern urban development in the contemporary world, offering travellers a getaway where everything is present within the same country. From lavish resorts to thrilling theme parks and from world-class shopping malls to modern tourist attractions, there is nothing you can’t find in Dubai. A four to five day trip in January will honestly do if you want to experience all the major attractions of Dubai. Most of the city’s appeal stems from the loud and vibrant energy that has been its essential identity for as long as one can remember.

When it comes to weather, January is arguably the best month to be in Dubai. Daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 24°C which means you can spend your days outdoors without the scorching heat that makes summer visits so draining. While this city is almost flawless, the summer heat is something people try to avoid strategically. But since you are already considering Dubai for your winter escape, this won’t be an issue for you. This is the perfect time to explore the Dubai Marina promenade on foot or spend a lazy afternoon on the sand at JBR or Kite Beach. You can also take advantage of the month of January to enjoy a desert safari at sunset, which sometimes gets uncomfortable in the peak summer months. Another bonus is the Dubai Shopping Festival which usually runs through the month and brings extra discounts and live entertainment to the city.

One of another favourable points for choosing a Dubai getaway in January is that the flight from the UK takes only around seven hours, so you can step off the plane and into proper winter sun almost straight away. Jet lag is rarely a problem for those visiting from the United Kingdom.

7. The Maldives

Then there is the Maldives with its overwater villas and unbeatable tropical scenery. One of the finest South Asian holiday hotspots, it is at its absolute best in January, when the dry season is in full swing and the skies stay mostly clear throughout the month. The sea is warm enough to swim in all day long as the temperature stays around 29-30°C. Also, the visibility is perfect for snorkelling and diving among coral reefs, manta rays and colourful marine life. All in all, this is exactly the kind of sunshine you picture when you are standing at a bus stop in the January rain back home. Say adios to the gloomy rains of the UK back home and get a taste of the unrivaled beachside accommodation properties in Maldives with an all-inclusive Maldives holiday package.

Whether you are a honeymooner looking for privacy or a couple chasing a once-in-a-lifetime escape, there is a resort island to suit you in the Maldives. Spa retreats, sunset cruises and private dining on the sand are all part of the experience. When you have so much to enjoy in the destination country, travellers rarely care about the long-haul flight. But you should plan the logistics of this holiday well in advance with a credible travel agency. Because for a long-haul trip, it is very important to ensure all the arrangements are in safe hands before you set off for the journey. And booking early is also beneficial for Maldives holidays in January because it is a peak month with heavy tourist influx, with every family and couple wanting the best hotel, the finest flight connections, and so on. Securing a spot at your favourite villa is only possible through early reservation.

8. Mauritius

If your idea of winter sun is nothing less than proper tropical heat, Mauritius is a destination that will not disappoint you. January is the height of summer on this Indian Ocean Island, and you can enjoy average temperatures of around 29°C to 31°C to relish some calming winter sun. Some of the common activities that you will see January tourists indulged in include swimming, snorkelling, and lounging on the sand etc. Other than this, the beaches are the main magnetic point of Mauritius, whether it is the powdery shores of Belle Mare and Trou aux Biches or the beautiful mountain backdrop of Le Morne. Beyond the coast, you can also visit the Seven Coloured Earths at Chamarel and walk through the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden for something a little different.

That said, you should know what you are signing up for when booking Mauritius holiday packages for this month. January falls in the wetter, more humid part of the year, so expect short tropical showers now and then, and the cyclone season officially runs until around April. Most of the time during the month of January, you will just fleetingly experience the showers. However, it is a good reason to pick a resort with plenty to do. The flight from the UK takes roughly 12 hours, so you should book your all inclusive Mauritius holiday package early and choose a credible agency to handle the logistics. An all-inclusive travel package will cover all your needs during this holiday, which is something really beneficial for a long-haul holiday experience.

9. Australia

And finally, if you want to go all out, Australia is the one. January is the middle of summer there, so while the UK is freezing, you will be enjoying proper beach weather, which is something UK travellers find very fascinating. Australia, with all its vastness, is uniquely attractive for winter sun holidays because it is located far away from the rest of the world in Oceania, bragging its sunny beaches while the rest of the world experiences soul-draining winter months. Sydney sits at around 26°C, the Gold Coast is a little warmer at about 29°C, and you can spend your days at Bondi Beach, take a walk around the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, or hop on a ferry to Manly. Everything about Australia during January is extraordinary. You just can’t get enough of it.

Honestly, though, it is not the easiest holiday to plan if you are travelling from the United Kingdom. The flight takes around 22 to 24 hours with a stop on the way, so jet lag is a real thing here. You must mentally prepare yourself for the tiredness that would come from flying alone. It is also school holiday season in Australia, which means popular spots get busy and prices go up. So in the middle of such circumstances, booking your Australia trip in advance is a necessity to get better rates on everything. And the sun is strong too, so do not forget the sunscreen. Up north, January is the wet season and therefore you must expect heavy rain and humid weather in areas like Queensland.

Still, if you have a bit more time and budget, a tour of Australia in the month of January is totally worth it. A gentle advice here would be that if you have set your heart on Australia for next January, make it a two or three week trip rather than a quick one. Also, book your Australia holiday package well ahead with a trusted agency, so that the logistical side of the trip turns out fine, as it is an extensive journey.

Final Word

Conclusively, the aforementioned 9 destinations are some of the best options for your January winter sun trip. These countries offer great experiences, though the vibe of each differs from the others in numerous ways. The decision of which destination is the “best” one ultimately comes down to the person who is going to travel, but it is worth researching which spots are offering the best of the particular thing that you want on your journey. Hopefully, this article was useful for you if you were stuck on the decision of which place you should choose for your next January getaway from the United Kingdom. Having a hard time finding an authentic travel agency for your trip? Don’ worry, for Virikson Holidays has got you covered. Book your winter sun holidays with Virikson Holidays to enjoy the best of every destination you visit.

At Virikson Holidays, the expert agents know that planning a winter getaway can feel overwhelming. That is why the team helps you pick the right destination, the right hotel, and the right package according to your budget and travel style. Get in touch today and start planning your January escape.

FAQs

Is it a good idea to book winter sun holidays with a travel agency?
Yes, it honestly is. A good travel agency takes care of flights, hotels and transfers for you, so you don't have to spend hours comparing prices. It also helps if something goes wrong before or during your trip. Plus, agencies often have better deals on all inclusive packages especially for January when everyone is booking.

Which winter sun destination is best for culture enthusiasts?
Morocco is a great pick if you love culture. Marrakech has attractions like its centuries-old medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa square and beautiful palaces, and the weather is pleasant in January. Egypt is another strong choice with the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. Both are quite affordable too so you don't need a huge budget.

Which are the best short-haul winter sun trips from the United Kingdom?
The Canary Islands are the safest bet, with around 20°C to 22°C and a flight of only four hours. Madeira is great for walkers and scenery, while Morocco gives you culture along with the sun. Egypt is also worth a look if you want warm weather and good value, and the flight is just five hours.

Are there special holiday packages for families who want to book winter sun holidays?
Yes, there are. Many travel agencies offer family packages with kid-friendly resorts, connecting rooms and all inclusive meals, so you don't have to worry about costs every day. Places like the Canary Islands, Egypt and Cape Verde are popular with families.