19 Warm Places to Visit in January 2027

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Every January, without fail, I start hunting for sunshine. The holidays are over, the house feels quiet, and all I can think about is escaping somewhere warm.

So where is warm in January?

The Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Southeast Asia, and Southern Hemisphere destinations like South Africa and Zanzibar, where January is summer.

In most of the warm places on my January list, you can expect highs in the upper 70s to upper 80s °F (about 26 to 32°C).

I’ve been traveling for 15 years and have visited more than 65 countries, so these picks come from experience. I’ve ranked my favorites below with January temperatures, who each trip is best for, where I’d stay, and the current U.S. travel advisory level, because warm weather means nothing if you don’t feel safe when you get there.

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1. Maldives

January weather: average highs around 86°F (30°C)
Best for: honeymoons, couples, and overwater villa dreams
Passport needed: Yes
U.S. travel advisory: Level 2, exercise increased caution
Flight time: about 20 hours from New York with one connection, usually through Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul

January is peak season in the Maldives, and for good reason. It’s the dry season, the water is calm and clear, and the temperature sits around 86°F (30°C) almost every day.

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Spend your days snorkeling the house reef, diving with manta rays, whale sharks, and green sea turtles, or doing absolutely nothing on your villa deck.

If you want a little culture, take a day in Malé to see the Hukuru Miskiy, a 17th-century coral stone mosque.

Book early, because January rates and seaplane seats go fast.

Popular tour: Full-Day Maldives Adventure

Where to Stay in the Maldives

One&Only Reethi Rah in the North Malé Atoll is one of the largest luxury resorts in the Maldives. The island has 3.7 miles of coastline split into 12 beaches, so every villa gets space and privacy, and the water villas have huge decks with hammocks over the lagoon.
Price level: $$$$

You can arrive by seaplane in about 20 minutes, but the 45-minute ride on the resort’s yacht is an experience you should have at least once.

2. Phuket, Thailand

January weather: average highs around 89°F (32°C)
Best for: beach lovers, foodies, and island hoppers
Passport needed: Yes
U.S. travel advisory: Level 1, exercise normal precautions
Flight time: about 22 hours from New York with one or two connections

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, and January is the heart of its dry season, with sunny days and calm seas on the Andaman side.

The best hotels line the west coast along Kamala, Karon, and Kata beaches, while Surin, Layan, and Rawai feel quieter.

Use Phuket as your base for day trips. Cruise the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, visit Phi Phi Island where “The Beach” was filmed, or snorkel the Similan Islands.

Then come back for dinner in Phuket Town, where the food alone is worth the flight.

Where to Stay in Phuket

Amanpuri sits in a coconut grove on the west coast and is the definition of quiet luxury.
Price level: $$$$

Its open pavilions and reflecting pools feel a world away from Patong’s nightlife, and the name means “place of peace” in Sanskrit.

Have cocktails at the Beach Terrace, then move to the Sunset Terrace and watch the sky turn pink and purple over the Andaman Sea.

3. Zanzibar, Tanzania

January weather: average highs around 89°F (32°C)
Best for: culture lovers, beach time, and safari add-ons
Passport needed: Yes
U.S. travel advisory: Level 2, exercise increased caution
Flight time: about 18 hours from New York with one connection

January falls in Zanzibar’s short dry season, which means hot, sunny days and clear water off the white sand beaches.

It’s also an easy add-on if you’re doing a safari on mainland Tanzania.

Start in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with carved doors, winding alleys, and markets full of spices.

Take a spice tour, snorkel or dive the reefs, watch the sunset in Nungwi, and visit Jozani Forest to see the rare red colobus monkey.

Popular tour: Stone Town, Prison Island, and Spice Tour

Where to Stay in Zanzibar

Baraza Resort & Spa sits on Bwejuu Beach on the southeast coast and blends Swahili architecture with modern luxury.
Price level: $$$$

The villas have private plunge pools and terraces facing the Indian Ocean.

The restaurants serve Zanzibari dishes and fresh seafood, and the Frangipani Spa is where you’ll want to spend an afternoon after a long day in Stone Town.

4. Cape Town and Stellenbosch, South Africa

January weather: average highs around 79°F (26°C) in Cape Town and about 84°F (29°C) in Stellenbosch
Best for: wine lovers, foodies, and city plus beach trips
Passport needed: Yes
U.S. travel advisory: Level 2, exercise increased caution
Flight time: about 15 hours nonstop from Newark or Atlanta on seasonal flights

January is summer in South Africa, and the Western Cape is at its best.

Spend a few days in Cape Town for Table Mountain, the beaches at Camps Bay and Clifton, and the restaurants, then drive about an hour to Stellenbosch for wine country.

Stellenbosch has world-class wine farms, Cape Dutch architecture, and hiking in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

Read my guide to the best wine farms in Stellenbosch, and before you go, read is Cape Town safe for my tips on getting around.

Popular tour: Chocolate, Cheese, Olive, and Wine Tour from Stellenbosch

Where to Stay in Stellenbosch

Boschendal Estate sits in the valley between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, with mountain views, vineyards, and one of the oldest wine farms in the country.
Price level: $$$

Stay in one of the cottages, eat farm-to-table meals, and spend your afternoons tasting wine on the lawn.

5. Costa Rica

January weather: average highs around 90°F (32°C) on the Pacific coast
Best for: surfers, wellness travelers, and wildlife lovers
Passport needed: Yes
U.S. travel advisory: Level 2, exercise increased caution
Flight time: about 5.5 hours nonstop from New York to Liberia or San José

Costa Rica holds a special place in my heart.

January is the dry season on the Pacific side, so you get sunny beach days and jungle hikes without getting caught in afternoon downpours.

Zipline and soak in the hot springs near Arenal Volcano, hike Manuel Antonio National Park, or head to the Osa Peninsula for some of the richest wildlife on the planet.

My favorite base is Santa Teresa, where you can surf in the morning and watch the sunset from the beach every night. Read is Costa Rica safe before you go.

Where to Stay in Costa Rica

Nantipa in Santa Teresa is my favorite hotel in Costa Rica. The bungalows, suites, and villas open right onto the beach, the design blends into the coastline, and the whole place is built around slowing down.
Price level: $$$$

For more options, see my guide to the best luxury hotels in Santa Teresa.

6. Barbados

January weather: average highs around 84°F (29°C)
Best for: foodies, rum lovers, and Caribbean culture
Passport needed: Yes
U.S. travel advisory: Level 1, exercise normal precautions
Flight time: about 4.5 hours nonstop from New York

Barbados is the island for travelers who want more than a beach chair.

In January you get dry, sunny weather and trade winds, plus fishing boat tours, snorkeling over shipwrecks, and historic churches to explore.

Come hungry. Go to the Friday night fish fry at Oistins, try flying fish and cou-cou, and do a rum tasting.

The island has some of the oldest rum distilleries in the world.

Where to Stay in Barbados

Sandals Barbados on the south coast near St. Lawrence Gap is an easy all-inclusive choice for couples, with ocean-view suites, swim-up rooms, and butler service.
Price level: $$$

The Gap is close by when you want to leave the resort for dinner and live music.

7. Aruba

January weather: average highs around 86°F (30°C)
Best for: couples and travelers who want guaranteed sunshine
Passport needed: Yes
U.S. travel advisory: Level 1, exercise normal precautions
Flight time: about 4.5 hours nonstop from New York

Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt and gets very little rain, which makes it one of the most reliable warm places to visit in January.

The trade winds keep the heat comfortable, and the water on Eagle Beach and Palm Beach is calm and clear.

Snorkel at Mangel Halto, explore Arikok National Park, and spend an afternoon in Oranjestad for shopping and Dutch Caribbean food. Direct flights from many U.S. cities make it an easy long weekend.

Where to Stay in Aruba

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba sits on Palm Beach with oceanfront suites, an adults-only pool, one of the largest spas on the island, and a Club Level lounge.
Price level: $$$$

It’s the pick if you want full luxury service with restaurants and nightlife steps away. If you want something quieter, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort on Eagle Beach is adults-only and a favorite with couples.

8. Belize

January weather: average highs around 81°F (27°C) on the coast
Best for: adventure, snorkeling, and couples
Passport needed: Yes
U.S. travel advisory: Level 2, exercise increased caution
Flight time: about 2.5 hours nonstop from Houston, Dallas, or Miami

Belize gives you the Caribbean and the jungle in one trip.

It’s home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, more than 200 islands, and Mayan ruins inland, and English is the official language.

January is the start of the dry season, so it’s a good time for snorkeling, cave tubing, and exploring the ruins at Xunantunich and Caracol.

Split your time between the islands and the Cayo District. My guide on where to stay in Belize breaks down the best areas.

Where to Stay in Belize

Hotel Ka’ana in San Ignacio is a boutique hotel in the Cayo District with suites and private villas, close to the Mayan ruins and jungle adventures.
Price level: $$$

Pair it with a few nights on Ambergris Caye for beach time.

9. Mexico City, Mexico

January weather: average highs around 72°F (22°C), with cool nights in the 40s °F
Best for: foodies, art lovers, and city breaks
Passport needed: Yes
U.S. travel advisory: Level 2, exercise increased caution
Flight time: about 5 hours nonstop from New York

Mexico City isn’t a beach destination, but January brings sunny, dry days around 72°F (22°C).

Pack a jacket for the evenings, because nights can drop into the 40s °F (around 6°C).

Visit the pyramids at Teotihuacan, tour the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán, walk Chapultepec Park, and eat your way through Roma and Condesa.

Read my guide on Mexico travel safety before you go.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

The St. Regis Mexico City sits on Paseo de la Reforma with floor-to-ceiling windows over the city skyline.
Price level: $$$

Butler service, a central location, and an excellent bar make it an easy luxury base.

Also consider: Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City, also on Paseo de la Reforma, built around a leafy courtyard that feels like a hideaway from the city.

10. Sri Lanka

January weather: average highs around 86°F (30°C) on the south coast
Best for: culture, beaches, and slow travel
Passport needed: Yes
U.S. travel advisory: Level 2, exercise increased caution
Flight time: about 22 hours from New York with one connection

January is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts, with dry, sunny weather and calm seas.

Combine the beaches with the cultural triangle inland.

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, go on a wildlife safari, and eat as much rice and curry as you can.

The country is easy to explore with a private driver.

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka

Amangalla sits inside Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a building that was once the New Oriental Hotel.
Price level: $$$$

The colonial architecture, spa, and pool make it one of the best luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, and the fort’s streets are right outside the door.

11. The Philippines

January weather: average highs around 86°F (30°C)
Best for: island hoppers, divers, and beach lovers
Passport needed: Yes
U.S. travel advisory: Level 2, exercise increased caution
Flight time: about 17 hours nonstop from New York to Manila, plus a domestic flight to the islands

With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is made for January island hopping.

The dry season is starting, and destinations like Palawan, Boracay, and Siargao are at their best.

Explore the lagoons of El Nido and Coron, see the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and spend a day in Manila’s Intramuros for history and food that blends Spanish, Chinese, and Malay influences.

Popular tour: Siargao Island Hopping Tour

Where to Stay in the Philippines

Amanpulo sits on its own private island in the Sulu Sea.
Price level: $$$$

Casitas and villas come with private pools, and you can snorkel, dive, paddleboard, or just stay on the beach all day.

12. Equatorial Guinea

January weather: average highs around 88°F (31°C)
Best for: experienced travelers looking for off-the-radar Africa
Passport needed: Yes, plus a visa arranged in advance
U.S. travel advisory: Level 2, exercise increased caution
Flight time: about 20 hours from New York with connections, often through Madrid or Addis Ababa

Equatorial Guinea sits on Africa’s Atlantic coast between Cameroon and Gabon, with the capital, Malabo, on Bioko Island.

January is the dry season, and the country blends African tropics with Spanish colonial architecture.

Hike Bioko’s volcanic landscape, visit Arena Blanca beach, where butterflies gather in the dry season, and head to Ureca, where sea turtles nest.

Tourism here is still small, so plan with a local guide and arrange your visa early.

Where to Stay in Equatorial Guinea

Sofitel Malabo Sipopo Le Golf is in Sipopo, outside Malabo, with ocean and garden views, a pool, a spa, and a golf course.
Price level: $$$

Luxury options are limited in the country, and this is the standout.

13. Vieques, Puerto Rico

January weather: average highs around 83°F (28°C)
Best for: quiet beaches and travelers who want no passport
Passport needed: No (for U.S. citizens)
U.S. travel advisory: U.S. territory
Flight time: about 4 hours nonstop from New York to San Juan, then a short flight or ferry

If you’re craving sun and peace after the holidays, Vieques is that quiet Caribbean escape you didn’t know you needed. It’s one of my favorite islands to visit in January.

The weather is warm, the beaches are never crowded, and you never leave U.S. territory.

Vieques sits about eight miles off mainland Puerto Rico. There are no high-rise resorts or cruise ship crowds, just wild beaches and family-run restaurants.

Swim in Mosquito Bay, one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world, spend a day at Playa Caracas, snorkel at Playa La Chiva, and eat fresh seafood and mofongo in Esperanza.

Where to Stay in Vieques

Lejos Eco Lodge sits in the hills with ocean views, and the owners greeted us like family the minute we pulled up.
Price level: $$

There were mango trees all over the property.

One morning I picked one straight from the tree, and it was the best mango I’ve ever had.

It isn’t fancy, and it doesn’t need to be. Breakfast outside every morning, coquí frogs singing at night, and a million stars overhead. It felt like staying at a friend’s home in paradise.

14. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

January weather: average highs around 84°F (29°C)
Best for: snorkelers, hikers, and no-passport trips
Passport needed: No (for U.S. citizens)
U.S. travel advisory: U.S. territory
Flight time: about 4 hours nonstop from New York to St. Thomas, then a 20-minute ferry

More than half of St. John is protected as Virgin Islands National Park, so the island stays green and uncrowded. January brings dry, sunny weather and calm water.

Snorkel at Trunk Bay, hike the Reef Bay Trail to petroglyphs and a waterfall, and visit the ruins of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation to learn the island’s history. End the day at a beach bar in Cruz Bay.

Popular tour: Champagne Sunset Sail

Where to Stay in St. John

Lovango Resort + Beach Club sits on Lovango Cay, a short boat ride from St. John, with treehouse-style villas and a beach club. It’s a great base for a quiet, upscale trip.
Price level: $$$$

15. Big Island, Hawaii

January weather: average highs around 81°F (27°C) on the Kona side
Best for: adventure, volcanoes, and beaches
Passport needed: No (for U.S. citizens)
U.S. travel advisory: U.S. state
Flight time: about 5.5 hours nonstop from the West Coast, or about 11 hours from New York with a connection

The Big Island is the warmest and most varied of the Hawaiian Islands. You can see an active volcano, swim at green and black sand beaches, and hike through rainforest to a waterfall, all in one trip.

Base yourself on the Kohala Coast for the sunniest weather, then take a day to drive to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Popular tour: Big Island in One Day: Volcanoes and Waterfalls Tour

Where to Stay on the Big Island

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection sits on the Kohala Coast with secluded beaches, coral reefs, and ancient fishponds.
Price level: $$$$

Have dinner at CanoeHouse and spend your afternoons on the Great Lawn by the pools.

Also consider: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Kona Coast, known for its oceanfront pools and the King’s Pond, a swimmable lagoon filled with tropical fish.

16. Maui, Hawaii

January weather: average highs around 80°F (27°C)
Best for: whale watching, beach days, and couples
Passport needed: No (for U.S. citizens)
U.S. travel advisory: U.S. state
Flight time: about 5.5 hours nonstop from the West Coast, or about 11 hours from New York with a connection

January is the heart of humpback whale season in Maui, and you can often spot them right from shore.

I want to spend my days on the beach, while my husband wants to hike rainforests and volcanic landscapes, and Maui gives us both.

Drive the Road to Hāna, watch the sunrise at Haleakalā, and snorkel with sea turtles.

Learn about Hawaiian culture at the Bailey House Museum.

Where to Stay in Maui

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea sits on Wailea Beach with ocean-view lanais, an adults-only infinity pool, and a spa that makes it hard to leave the property.
Price level: $$$$

Also consider: Montage Kapalua Bay on West Maui, with residence-style suites, an oceanfront pool, and some of the best snorkeling on the island.

17. Oahu, Hawaii

January weather: average highs around 80°F (27°C)
Best for: foodies, families, and easy logistics
Passport needed: No (for U.S. citizens)
U.S. travel advisory: U.S. state
Flight time: about 11 hours nonstop from New York, or about 5.5 hours from the West Coast

Oahu is the easiest Hawaiian island to reach, and there’s more to it than Waikiki Beach, though Waikiki is still my favorite spot for people-watching.

Hike Diamond Head, snorkel Hanauma Bay, and visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

And y’all know I love me some food. Eat poke, laulau, and shave ice, and check out the North Shore in January to watch the big-wave surfers.

Where to Stay on Oahu

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina sits on the quieter west coast with ocean-view lanais, a spa inspired by Hawaiian healing traditions, and calm lagoons that are perfect for swimming.
Price level: $$$$

Also consider: Halekulani in Waikiki, a classic luxury hotel right on the beach, if you want to be close to restaurants and nightlife.

18. Palm Springs, California

January weather: average highs around 71°F (22°C)
Best for: long weekends, pool days, and girls’ trips
Passport needed: No
U.S. travel advisory: U.S. state
Flight time: about 6 hours from New York, nonstop in season or with one connection

If you want warm weather without a long flight or a passport, Palm Springs is it.

January days are sunny and dry, perfect for lounging by the pool, hiking in the desert, and touring midcentury modern homes.

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mount San Jacinto, hike Indian Canyons, and plan a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park.

Nights get cool, so pack a layer.

Where to Stay in Palm Springs

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage sits on a bluff in the Santa Rosa Mountains above the Coachella Valley, about 20 minutes from downtown Palm Springs.
Price level: $$$

Book dinner at The Edge, the steakhouse on the bluff, for views across the whole valley.

For a playful stay in town, The Parker Palm Springs is great for a girls’ trip.

19. Palm Beach, Florida

January weather: average highs around 75°F (24°C)
Best for: long weekends, couples, and easy no-passport trips
Passport needed: No
U.S. travel advisory: U.S. state
Flight time: about 3 hours nonstop from New York

When you want sunshine without a long flight, Palm Beach is one of the easiest warm places to visit in January. Days are sunny and dry with highs in the mid-70s °F, which is perfect for long lunches outside, beach walks, and pool days. The ocean is cooler this time of year, so plan on the pool more than the waves.

Shop and people-watch on Worth Avenue, visit the Norton Museum of Art, and ride the Lake Trail along the Intracoastal. In the evening, cross the bridge to West Palm Beach for dinner and drinks on Clematis Street and Rosemary Square.

Where to Stay in Palm Beach

Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach sits right on the beach with oceanfront rooms, a spa, and a relaxed, residential feel compared to the bigger resorts on the island. It’s a quiet, polished base for a long weekend.
Price level: $$$$

How to Stay Safe on a January Getaway

Warm weather is only half the plan. Before you book, check the U.S. State Department advisory for your destination, enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and save your hotel and embassy contact information on your phone.

Choose hotels in well-reviewed areas, use registered taxis or rideshare at night, keep your passport in the hotel safe, and don’t flash jewelry on the street.

January is peak season in most of these places, so pickpockets work the crowds too.

For destination-specific tips, read my guides on Cape Town safety and Costa Rica safety, and grab my Comprehensive Travel Safety Guide before your trip.

What to Pack for a Warm January Trip

These are the essentials I pack for every warm-weather trip in January:

• High SPF sunscreen: Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
• Wide-brimmed sun hat: Shield your face, neck, and shoulders from direct sunlight with a stylish wide-brimmed hat.
• UV-protective sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun’s glare and UV rays with a pair of quality sunglasses.
• Cover-ups: Lightweight and breathable cover-ups like maxi dresses, sarongs, or kaftans provide extra protection from the sun and are perfect for walking to and from the beach.
• Rashguard: Ideal for water activities, a rashguard offers sun protection and minimizes skin irritation.
• Beach bag: Choose a spacious beach bag to carry all your essentials, including sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, and beach toys for the kids.
• Waterproof phone pouch: Keep your phone protected from sand and water with a waterproof pouch.
• Reusable water bottles: Stay hydrated throughout the day by carrying reusable water bottles to the beach.

FAQ: Warm Places to Visit in January

Ready to Trade Winter for Sunshine?

If you’re dreaming of sunshine in the middle of winter, take this as your sign to book the trip. January is one of my favorite months to travel. The holiday crowds are gone, the weather in the tropics is at its best, and nothing beats stepping off a plane into 85-degree weather.

Before you go, get travel insurance. I’ve filed a claim that ran into the thousands, so I never travel without it.

Planning ahead for other months? These guides will help:

• Warm Places to Visit in November
• Warm Places to Visit in December
• Warm Places to Visit in October
• Best Luxury Hotels in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Which of these warm places is on your list for January? Tell me in the comments.

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