Ah January, a month of paradoxes. Feeling blue, yet excited for the New Year ahead. Resolutions, intentions, trends. Stop this, start that. January tends to be when we’re planning and booking our trips for the upcoming year, not embarking on one. But why not? There are some amazing pros to travelling in January with many airlines and travel companies dropping seasonal deals, and many popular destinations tend to be quieter than typical peak months.
We’ve done the hard work for you and searched the globe for the cheapest destinations to visit in January with the best chance for ideal weather. So whether you are after a short break, a new cultural experience or starting the year on the other side of the globe, here are our top places to book in January.
1. Mexico
The cost of Mexico is everything the British winter is not. On both the Atlantic and Pacific costs, the weather is wonderful in January. Places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum offer something for everyone; from yoga under the trees, parties on the beach or sleepy hacienda towns. Mexico generally tends to be affordable, and January is part of the dry season .
- Temperature in January: 23°C high; 8°C low
- Season: dry
- Travel time from UK: 11 hours 10 minutes
- Time difference: GMT -6
2. Thailand
- Temperature in January: 32°C high; 22°C low
- Season: dry
- Travel time from UK: 12 hours
- Time difference: GMT +7
January is an ideal time to visit Thailand, right in the middle of the dry season, temperatures are pleasant and comfortable. Head to destinations like Phuket or Koh Lanta, where you can enjoy beaches with calm surf, lavish spas and world-renowned dive sites.
3. Portugal
- Temperature in January: 14°C high; 6°C low
- Season: winter
- Travel time from UK: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Time difference: GMT +0
Whilst the Algarve region in Portugal tends to have mild weather in January, it is quieter than the summer months and prices lower than usual. Portugal offers affordable accommodation and an amazing food scene.
4. Morocco
- Temperature in January: 30°C high; 24°C low
- Season: winter
- Travel time from UK: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Time difference: GMT -1
Similar to Portugal, January offers a unique perspective on Morocco. It’s the heart of winter, and while the temperatures may be cooler, yet comfortable, it is a great time to embark on desert tours or experience local cultural festivals. January is also a great choice for Morocco as it is considered the low tourist season, so there will be fewer crowds and more budget-friendly.
5. Philippines
- Temperature in January: 17°C high; 9°C low
- Season: dry
- Travel time from UK: 15 hours 45 minutes
- Time difference: GMT +8
Head to destinations like Boracay or Palawan for warm weather, beautiful beaches and clear seas. Whilst January is a peak travel season for the Philippines, it is generally a good-value destination, and high-quality accommodation doesn’t cost as much as it might in some other places. The island of Palawan offers the same stunningly beautiful scenery as other popular Southeast Asian destinations with just a fraction of the crowds. Coron is an excellent base for diving adventures , as World War II-era Japanese shipwrecks aren’t far away, whilst El Nidos white-sand beaches and karst islands and rock formations are truly spectacular.