As January arrives, the UK faces cold mornings, grey skies, and short days. This is a great time to escape the cold and enjoy the sunshine elsewhere. Across the world, there are many warm destinations where you can spend your days on the beach, explore new cultures, or simply relax under clear blue skies.
Best sunny holidays in January
📍 Destination | 🌡️ Temp (Jan.) | ✈️ Fly Time (from London) | 🌟 Must-Sees |
Nairobi, Kenya | 25–28 °C | ~8 h 30 m | Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum |
Colombo, Sri Lanka | 27–30 °C | ~10 h 45 m | Galle Fort, Gangaramaya Temple, Mount Lavinia Beach |
Bangkok, Thailand | 26–32 °C | ~11 h 30 m | Grand Palace, Floating Markets, Wat Arun |
Singapore | 26–31 °C | ~13 h | Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa Island |
Bridgetown, Barbados | 28–30 °C | ~8 h 45 m | Carlisle Bay, Harrison’s Cave, St. Nicholas Abbey |
Galapagos, Ecuador | 25–28 °C | ~14–15 h (1 stop) | Charles Darwin Research Station, Tortuga Bay, Snorkelling with sea turtles |
Melbourne, Australia | 20–26 °C | ~22 h (1 stop) | Great Ocean Road, Federation Square, Royal Botanic Gardens |
Nadi, Fiji | 27–31 °C | ~23 h (1–2 stops) | Denarau Island, Sabeto Hot Springs, Coral Coast |
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Where to go in January for sun outside Europe
While Europe remains cool in January, many destinations further afield offer warm weather, beautiful beaches, and lively culture. From the warm coasts of Africa to the islands of the Pacific, here are some of the best places to escape the cold this month.
1. Nairobi, Kenya
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
25–28 °C (avg) | ~15 mm (low) | ~80 % sun chance | ~60 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Nairobi National Park: See wildlife just minutes from the city.
- Giraffe Centre: Get up close with Rothschild giraffes.
- Karen Blixen Museum: Discover the story behind Out of Africa.
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2. Colombo, Sri Lanka
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
27–30 °C (avg) | ~60 mm | ~75 % sun chance | ~70 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Galle Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ocean views.
- Gangaramaya Temple: A mix of modern and traditional Sri Lankan culture.
- Mount Lavinia Beach: Ideal for swimming and sunsets.
🏨 Discover the Best Hotels in Colombo
3. Bangkok, Thailand
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
26–32 °C (avg) | ~10 mm | ~85 % sun chance | ~65 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Grand Palace: The city’s most iconic landmark.
- Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn beside the Chao Phraya River.
- Chatuchak Market: One of the largest weekend markets in the world.
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4. Singapore
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
26–31 °C (avg) | ~180 mm | ~65 % sun chance | ~80 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Gardens by the Bay: Iconic supertrees and light shows.
- Marina Bay Sands: Famous for its rooftop pool and skyline views.
- Sentosa Island: A fun resort island for families.
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5. Bridgetown, Barbados
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
28–30 °C (avg) | ~45 mm | ~80 % sun chance | ~70 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Carlisle Bay: Calm waters ideal for swimming.
- Harrison’s Cave: Impressive natural limestone caverns.
- St. Nicholas Abbey: Historic plantation and rum distillery.
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6. Galapagos, Ecuador
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
25–28 °C (avg) | ~50 mm | ~75 % sun chance | ~70 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Tortuga Bay: Stunning white-sand beach.
- Charles Darwin Research Station: Learn about conservation efforts.
- Snorkelling: Swim with sea turtles and colourful fish.
🏨 Discover Top Galapagos Hotel Picks
7. Melbourne, Australia
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
20–26 °C (avg) | ~40 mm | ~70 % sun chance | ~60 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Great Ocean Road: One of the world’s most scenic drives.
- Federation Square: The heart of the city’s culture.
- Royal Botanic Gardens: Peaceful gardens perfect for a picnic.
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8. Nadi, Fiji
🌡️ Temperature | 🌧️ Rain | ☀️ Sun | 💧 Humidity |
27–31 °C (avg) | ~250 mm | ~70 % sun chance | ~80 % (avg) |
❤️ Highlights:
- Coral Coast: Beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
- Denarau Island: Luxury resorts and water sports.
- Sabeto Hot Springs: Natural thermal mud pools.
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FAQs
1. Where is best to visit in January for sun?
Thailand, Barbados, and Dubai are top choices with warm temperatures, sunshine, and plenty to do.
2. Where is hot in January but cheap?
Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Kenya offer great weather and affordable prices for hotels and food.
3. Where's the warmest place to travel in January?
The hottest spots include Bangkok, Fiji, and the Galapagos Islands, with temperatures over 30 °C.
4. Which country is best to visit in January?
Australia and Thailand are ideal in January, offering sunshine, beaches, and festivals.
5. Where to go on holiday in January?
For beaches, try Barbados or Sri Lanka. For adventure, Kenya and the Galapagos are excellent choices.
6. Where can I find tropical weather in January?
The Maldives, Fiji, and the Caribbean all offer warm seas, palm trees, and relaxing sunshine.