Where's Hot In January?

Tenerife

Average temperature: 19°C

Flight time: 4.5 hours

With a flight time of just over four hours and temperatures hitting up to 25°C even in the middle of winter, Tenerife is a winning choice for a sun-filled January getaway! Plus, as the average winter temperature typically sticks around the 17-20°C mark, it's the perfect time to visit if you’ve got little tots in tow or you’re not a fan of extreme heat (we get you).

Winter holidays are a great opportunity to discover Tenerife’s adventurous side – you can do more than just enjoy the beach here, trust us. Get stuck into volcano tours and hiking in Teide National Park or hit the water for a whale watching boat trip. Your chances of seeing Humpback whales are at their best between November to May!

Hurghada, Egypt

Average temperature: 21°C

Flight time: 5.5 hours

Hurghada is the gem of the Red Sea coast. Whether you go for the epic watersports, five-star resorts or stunning 40km stretch of turquoise coastline, it’s got all the holiday essentials covered and buckets of sunshine to spare!

Scuba diving is the top activity here. One dip beneath the waves to see the wonderland of coral reefs and you’ll quickly understand why it draws scuba divers from all over the world! Don't have a scuba licence? No worries. You can still explore the beautiful reefs on a snorkel tour.

Hurghada also has heaps of hip bars and clubs as well as traditional Egyptian entertainment for night owls, and the bazaars are great for picking up gifts and souvenirs.

Florida, USA

Average temperature: 23°C

Flight time: 9 hours

Dubbed ‘The Sunshine State’, Florida is an easy choice for winter sun. With a ton of sandy beaches, warm seas and waterparks, it’s easy to see why!

If you’re dreaming of a total R&R break to begin the year (who isn’t?), make a beeline for one of the state’s spas or golf courses. Or for something a little more exhilarating, jet-skiing, parasailing and windsurfing are just the start of the watersports on offer.

And of course, a Florida holiday wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of the famous theme parks – Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are a must visit any time of year!

Grenada

Average temperature: 27°C

Flight time: 10-11 hours

January is a fab time of year to experience a holiday in Grenada; while the summer months can be hit by humidity and storms, the more mild months show Grenada for the Caribbean paradise it truly is!

The island is much less commercialised than some of its neighbours, making it perfect for those seeking tropical bliss – think long, white-sand beaches, pretty towns and miles of untouched land filled by forests, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries. Yes please.

Activity seekers can go hiking in the hills or explore the world under the sea – you’ll find dive sites suitable for beginners and experts alike.

Cape Town, South Africa

Average temperature: 26°C

Flight time: 11.5 hours

Cape Town is one of the most exciting cities in South Africa, and it has plenty of sunshine to go around in winter.

Unmissable highlights include eating, shopping and people-watching at the Victoria & Albert Waterfront; taking in the postcard-worthy views from the top of Table Mountain; and touring the fabulous wineries around nearby Stellenbosch (sampling encouraged, of course).

Dine out on expertly cooked steaks and world-class wine and prepare for a pleasant surprise when the bill comes – South Africa has an added bonus of being amazingly cheap. Win!

Thailand

Average temperature: 30°C

Flight time: 12 hours

The best things about a holiday in Thailand? It has something for everyone! Visitors craving quality relaxation can take their pick of dream-worthy beaches and luxury spas on the island of Koh Samui, while culture vultures will enjoy delving into the temples of Chiang Mai.

There’s no shortage of options for those after a good night out, either. Hit up the lively bars on Bangkok’s Khao San Road or head to Phuket for all-night beach parties beneath the stars!

Note that the east coast islands are prone to rain in January, so play it safe by staying west in Phuket and Krabi. Tan lines pending…