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The best destinations for a vacation in January

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Ewelina Winiarczyk

Ewelina Winiarczyk

27 December 2025

Vacation in January

January is the time when many people are fed up with the cold, short days, and gray everyday life. The winter weather can effectively sap your energy, which is why the question increasingly arises: where to go on vacation in January to change the climate, improve your well-being, and truly relax? It is the perfect time for a winter vacation, both exotic and closer to Europe. During the winter season, many destinations offer ideal conditions, pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and often lower prices.

Where is it warmest in January?

If your goal is a warm winter vacation, January is undoubtedly the best month. This is when many parts of the world experience a dry season, and the sun shines almost every day.

The tropics - a guarantee of high temperatures

In tropical regions, the average air temperature ranges from 26 to even 32°C. Importantly, the water temperature in the oceans and seas remains ideal for swimming and water sports. The weather in January in the tropics is stable, and the rainy season in many countries falls in other months.
This is where you will find places that are exceptionally warm in January, with average air temperatures remaining high even at night. For many people, this is the best time to spend their holidays in a tropical paradise.

Countries ideal for a January vacation

Canary Islands - sun and spring in the middle of winter

The Canary Islands have been one of the most popular destinations for January vacations for years. They are located in the Atlantic Ocean, offering a mild climate and average winter temperatures of 20-23°C.
Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are ideal places for active recreation - trekking, cycling, walking in the fresh air and relaxing on sandy beaches. In January, it is not hot here, but the sunny weather is conducive to sunbathing, and the air temperature allows for comfortable sightseeing. An additional advantage is fewer tourists and a calmer atmosphere.

Cape Verde Islands - African exoticism in winter

The Cape Verde Islands are an option for those seeking sunshine without extreme heat. The average temperature here is around 24-26°C. January delights with perfect weather – dry, sunny, and predictable.
It is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts - the wind and waves create perfect conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. At the same time, you will find quiet beaches, crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches, and local cuisine based on fresh fruit and seafood. It is an excellent choice for a winter vacation away from the crowds.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi - luxurious warm countries in winter

If you are looking for a place where high temperatures combine with comfort and modernity, Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be a bull's eye. In January, the average air temperature is around 24-26°C, which means ideal conditions for sunbathing and sightseeing.

Golden beaches, azure waters, spectacular architecture, and desert safaris make this a destination for an unforgettable vacation. It is also a great choice for a winter getaway, when Europe is cold and here the sun shines almost every day.
When choosing this destination, it is worth checking out the offer of Two Continents, which offers ready-made and proven travel packages.

Where to go on vacation in January

Where to go in January close to Poland?

Not everyone wants to opt for long-distance air travel in winter. For those who prefer shorter flight times but still dream of sunshine and pleasant temperatures, there are many attractive alternatives.

Southern Europe is an excellent choice, offering a mild climate and favorable conditions for relaxation even in winter. Spain, especially Andalusia, delights with average air temperatures reaching 17-20°C, which is perfect for walking, sightseeing, and enjoying the local cuisine.
Cyprus, on the other hand, is an ideal place for those who value active recreation and discovering the rich history and culture of the island. Malta, meanwhile, is perfect as a destination for a winter vacation without crowds, offering a peaceful atmosphere, picturesque landscapes, and numerous attractions. Although the water temperature is not always conducive to swimming, a sunny winter vacation in these regions allows you to effectively escape the gray Polish winter and recharge your batteries.

Cheap all-inclusive vacations in January

January is one of the best months for last-minute vacations. After the Christmas peak, the winter tourist season slows down significantly, which means lower prices.
Egypt, Tunisia, and Turkey offer great cheap all-inclusive vacations in January. The average air temperature there is around 20-23°C, and hotels provide comfortable conditions even in winter. This is the perfect solution if you want to plan a winter vacation without a large budget.

Holidays in January with warm seas or oceans

If you dream of swimming in warm seas and truly summery weather, January is the perfect time to choose an exotic holiday. This is when many distant destinations offer excellent weather conditions, conducive to both relaxing on the beach and spending time actively.
Thailand delights with its turquoise waters, paradise beaches, and rich underwater world with colorful coral reefs that attract snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Zanzibar, known as the Caribbean island of Africa, captivates not only with its beautiful white beaches and azure ocean, but also with its unique culture, aromatic cuisine, and fascinating history.
The Dominican Republic, on the other hand, is synonymous with complete relaxation – wide, sandy beaches, warm sea, swaying palm trees and a carefree holiday atmosphere make it easy to forget about everyday responsibilities.

In each of these places, the average air and water temperature remains high and pleasant, guaranteeing a comfortable stay and a truly holiday atmosphere.

Where to spend your winter vacation in the tropics?

The tropics are much more than just sandy beaches and blissful relaxation in the sun. They also offer a unique opportunity to see wild animals in their natural habitat, dive in crystal clear waters full of colorful fish, and explore lush jungles and impressive national parks.
Exotic landscapes, natural diversity, and cultural richness make a trip to tropical countries an unforgettable adventure.
Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, and Kenya are destinations that perfectly combine active leisure with moments of relaxation—from safaris and trekking, to visiting tea plantations and volcanoes, to relaxing by the ocean.

An additional advantage of traveling outside the peak season is the smaller number of tourists, which allows you to discover the charms of nature in a more peaceful atmosphere, get to know the local culture better, and fully enjoy authentic contact with nature.

Questions and answers

1. Which countries are ideal for a vacation in January?

The ideal countries for a vacation in January are primarily Thailand, the Dominican Republic, Zanzibar, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates, where temperatures are pleasant, the sun shines almost every day, and the tourist season is conducive to relaxation. The Canary Islands and Cape Verde are also good choices, offering a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and shorter travel times. January is the perfect time for an exotic vacation or a sunny winter getaway away from the European winter.

2. Can you find cheap all-inclusive vacations in January?

Yes, you can find cheap all-inclusive vacations in January, especially if you take advantage of last-minute deals after the holidays, when prices drop significantly. The best deals can be found in Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, and the Canary Islands, where the winter season is conducive to attractive promotions.

3. Which places are best for a city break in January?

Cities with a mild climate, such as Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon, or Athens, are best for a city break in January, where you can sightsee without the heat and crowds. It is the perfect time for short trips, as accommodation prices are lower in winter and tourist attractions are more accessible.

4. How to plan a January vacation for a family with children?

When planning a January vacation for a family with children, it is worth choosing destinations with pleasant temperatures, safe beaches, and attractions for the youngest, such as the Canary Islands, Egypt, or Dubai. It is worth booking an all-inclusive trip or family resorts with amenities so that children have something to do and parents can relax. It is also a good idea to check flight conditions and travel times in advance to ensure that the entire trip is comfortable for the youngest.

5. Which destinations are safe for tourists in January?

Safe destinations in January include the Canary Islands, Malta, Cyprus, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, as well as popular resorts in Egypt and Turkey, where tourist traffic is well organized. It is worth choosing places with a stable political situation and good tourist infrastructure so that your winter vacation goes smoothly.