Travel · 8 min read

Where Is It Warm in January? 26 Winter Sun Destinations Compared

By Emma Clarke · November 1, 2026

January is the coldest month of the year across most of the northern hemisphere: the average high is 4°C (39°F) in New York and 8°C (46°F) in London. It is also the month when many people book a break in the sun after the holidays. We compared 26 winter sun destinations on their average January temperatures and sea temperatures.

Photo: El Arco, Cabo San Lucas, by Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

How warm is it in January? The comparison

January averages per destination: the daily high and low for 2015-2024, and the sea surface temperature for January 2024 and 2025. New York and London are at the bottom for comparison.

Source: ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (air) and Open-Meteo Marine (sea). Model averages for a grid cell, not official station records; for small islands and coastal cities the values can be a degree or two below what a local weather station measures.

A monthly average hides the day-to-day swings, so always check the 14-day forecast shortly before you travel.

The hottest places: Costa Rica, Thailand and Brazil

In January the Guanacaste coast of Costa Rica is the warmest destination in our list, with an average high of 32°C (90°F). The dry season is now well under way, with very little rain and a Pacific of about 29°C (84°F). Phuket averages 30°C (86°F), and January is one of the best months on Thailand's Andaman coast: dry, sunny and with a calm sea of 29°C (84°F).

Rio de Janeiro is at the height of summer, with highs of 31°C (88°F) and a sea of about 26°C (79°F), but also frequent thunderstorms. Bali averages 29°C (84°F), but January is the middle of its wet season and usually one of the wettest months of the year.

The Caribbean in January: the heart of the dry season

January is one of the most popular months for the Caribbean, as it falls in the drier winter season. Aruba averages 28°C (82°F), Barbados 28°C (82°F), Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) and San Juan 28°C (82°F). The trade winds keep the heat pleasant, and the sea stays around 27 to 28°C (81 to 82°F). Punta Cana is a little cooler at 27°C (81°F), and the further north you go, the cooler it gets: Nassau averages 25°C (77°F), with a sea of 24°C (75°F).

Mexico: Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and Cancún

Mexico is warm and dry in January, especially on the Pacific side. Puerto Vallarta averages 26°C (79°F) and Cabo San Lucas 26°C (79°F), with hardly any rain. Note that the sea at Cabo cools to about 22°C (72°F) in January, a few degrees below the Caribbean. January is also in the middle of the whale watching season, as humpback whales spend the winter in the waters around Baja California. Cancún averages 26°C (79°F) with a sea of 27°C (81°F); it is warm, but a norte, a cold front from the north, can bring a few windy, cooler days.

Warm weather in the US in January

January is the coolest month in Florida. Miami averages 24°C (75°F) with a sea of about 24°C (75°F), and Key West 23°C (73°F), both pleasant but not always beach-hot. Orlando reaches 21°C (70°F) during the day, with nights of about 11°C (52°F). Honolulu is the most reliably warm place in the US, with an average high of 25°C (77°F) and a sea of 25°C (77°F).

In the Southwest, Phoenix averages 18°C (64°F) with plenty of sunshine but cold nights around 6°C (43°F), and San Diego 18°C (64°F). They are good for golf, hiking and sightseeing, but not for swimming.

Winter sun from the UK and Europe in January

For travelers from the UK, January is the coolest month in most of the winter sun destinations close to Europe. Dubai averages 24°C (75°F), with a sea of about 23°C (73°F), and Cape Verde (Sal) 25°C (77°F), almost without rain. The south of Tenerife reaches 21°C (70°F) and Hurghada 21°C (70°F): fine for the beach on sunny, sheltered days, but evenings can be cool. Marrakech is sunny at 20°C (68°F), but the nights drop to about 5°C (41°F).

Peak summer in Sydney and Cape Town

January is the warmest month in Sydney, with an average high of 27°C (81°F) and a sea of 23°C (73°F); it is also the school summer holiday in Australia, so beaches are busy. Cape Town is at its best, with highs of 26°C (79°F) and very little rain, but the Atlantic stays cold at about 14°C (57°F), and the summer southeaster can blow hard. Want to plan further ahead? Read where it is warm in February.

Frequently asked questions

Where is it warm in January in the US?
In Hawaii and South Florida. Honolulu averages 25°C (77°F) in January and Miami 24°C (75°F). Key West is similar to Miami. Phoenix and San Diego are sunny but milder, around 18°C (64°F) during the day.

Where is it hot in January?
On Costa Rica's Pacific coast (32°C, 90°F), in Rio de Janeiro (31°C, 88°F), in Phuket (30°C, 86°F) and in the southern Caribbean, at about 28°C (82°F). Bali is just as warm, but January is in its wet season.

Where is it warm in January close to Europe?
In the Canary Islands and on Egypt's Red Sea coast, at about 21°C (70°F). Dubai (24°C, 75°F) and Cape Verde (25°C, 77°F) are warmer, but a longer flight.

Is January a good time for the Caribbean?
Yes. January falls in the drier winter season, outside the hurricane season, with warm days, steady trade winds and a sea of about 27 to 28°C (81 to 82°F). It is also high season, so prices are higher.

Check the weather in Dubai or search another place on the locations page.