The festive season’s over. You’re back at your desk. The frost’s crept in again, keeping you indoors, wrapped in a blanket or your warmest coat. You’re feeling pale, restless, and just a touch sorry for yourself.
If you’re ready to escape the winter blues, we’ve got just the thing. Read on to discover where’s hot in January…
1. Where’s hot for beaches and wildlife? Sri Lanka, Asia
Sri Lanka is one of those places that has a bit of everything, golden beaches, misty tea country, and big-name wildlife all in easy reach. January is prime time on the south and west coasts, with bright days and calm seas, while the Cultural Triangle stays dry and comfortable for exploring.
Weather: Max. 29–31°C (approx.) | Min. 22–24°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Climb Sigiriya (Lion Rock) early for cooler air and wide-open views.
- Take a sunrise hike up Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada).
- Safari in Yala National Park for elephants, crocodiles and the chance of leopards.
- Wave-chase or snorkel along the southern coast (Mirissa, Tangalle, Hiriketiya).
- Ride a train through tea hills near Nuwara Eliya, then stop for a plantation tour
Where to stay: Our idyllic villas in Sri Lanka are perfectly placed for enjoying the beaches of the southern coast.
Further reading: 10 Best Beaches in Sri Lanka
2. Where’s hot for a dreamy couples’ escape? St. Lucia, Caribbean
St. Lucia is made for two, with rainforests, soft beaches, and those famous Piton peaks that turn every view into a postcard. January sits in the dry season, so you get warm, clear days for hiking and long, lazy beach afternoons.
Weather: Max. 28–29°C (approx.) | Min. 22–23°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Visit Rabot Estate for a tree-to-bar chocolate tour.
- Zip-line through the rainforest or take a slower canopy walk.
- Hike Gros Piton for iconic island views.
- Snorkel Anse Chastanet or Sugar Beach for calm water and reef life.
- Book a sunset cruise from Soufrière Bay.
Where to stay: our magnificent villas in St. Lucia provide you with sensational views, pretty pools and direct beach access for the perfect Caribbean adventure.
Further reading: Top 10 things to do in St Lucia
2. Where’s hot for beach bliss? Barbados, Caribbean
Barbados is winter sun at its easiest: clear blue days, warm sea swims, and evenings made for barefoot dinners by the shore. The beaches are the headline, long, golden, and effortlessly beautiful, but the real magic is the island’s feel-good spirit, from rum shacks and street food to laid-back Bajan hospitality.
Weather: Max. 29°C (approx.) | Min. 23°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Spend Friday night at Oistins Fish Fry for grilled mahi-mahi, music and dancing.
- Tour Mount Gay Distillery (and taste your way through the classics).
- Swim with turtles off the west coast, then snorkel the nearby reefs.
- Wander Bridgetown and old plantation houses for a dash of history.
- Pick a beach: Carlisle Bay for calm water, Bathsheba for drama.
Where to stay: Our beachfront villas in Barbados are the best place to forget all about the winter cold at home.
Further reading: The best reasons to visit Barbados
3. Where’s hot for volcano views? Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Lanzarote is winter sun with edge, black-lava coastlines, cactus gardens, and wide, open beaches framed by volcanic hills. January stays mild and bright, ideal for mixing beach time with rugged outdoor days.
Weather: Max. 21°C (approx.) | Min. 14°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Walk the lava trails in Timanfaya National Park.
- Do a coastal drive to Mirador del Río and the cliff-ringed north.
- Beach-hop Papagayo’s golden bays for easy swim days.
- Explore César Manrique’s island landmarks (Jameos del Agua is a must).
- Taste local malvasía wines in La Geria’s vine-lined volcanic bodegas.
Where to stay: Our holiday homes in Lanzarote are located directly by the seaside. Have a look and treat yourself.
Further reading: Lanzarote travel guide
4. Where’s hot for beaches and mountains? Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is a proper all-rounder: beach mornings, mountain afternoons, and just enough buzz to keep nights lively. Winter stays gently warm on the coast, while Teide’s high trails deliver crisp air and out-of-this-world scenery.
Weather: Max. 19–21°C (approx.) | Min. 14–16°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Ride the cable car up Mount Teide for views above the clouds.
- Spend a day on Playa del Duque or Las Teresitas for easy beach time.
- Go whale-spotting off Costa Adeje.
- Explore La Laguna’s historic streets and tapas spots.
- Take a drive through Anaga Rural Park for rainforest trails and viewpoints.
Where to stay: Our luxurious villas in Tenerife will enhance your stay on this beautiful Canary Island.
Further reading: Quiz – Which Canary Island is right for you?
5. Where’s hot for a bit of everything? Mexico
Mexico in January is warm, sunny, and wonderfully varied, white sand, blue seas, jungle ruins, and towns that stay lively long after dark. Riviera Maya delivers easy winter-sun, with low humidity and perfect sea temperatures.
Weather: Max. 27°C (approx.) | Min. 21–22°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Swim in cenotes near Tulum for a cool-off between beach days.
- Explore Mayan ruins at Tulum, Cobá or Chichén Itzá.
- Take a boat to Isla Mujeres or Cozumel for snorkelling and reef stops.
- Eat your way through coastal taco spots and late-night street stalls.
- Spend a day in Valladolid for a quieter, colourful slice of Yucatán life.
Where to stay: Take a look at our villas around Cancun and Tulum, which provide somewhere to rest your head on the fabled Riviera Maya.
Further reading: Riviera Maya Travel Guide
6. Where’s hot for beaches with a slice of culture? Jamaica, Caribbean
Jamaica brings the winter sun, with incredible beaches, food, music and a magical energy. January is one of the coolest months (still hot), with plenty of sunshine and great conditions for exploring.
Weather: Max. 28–29°C (approx.) | Min. 21–23°C (approx.)
What to do:
- Raft down the Martha Brae River through quiet jungle scenery.
- Hike or drive into the Blue Mountains for cooler air and big views.
- Visit the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston.
- Spend a beach day in Negril, then stay for the sunset.
- Try jerk chicken fresh off the grill at a roadside cookshop.
Where to stay: Take a look at our stunning Villas in Jamaica that have awesome pools, direct beach access and sumptuous views.
Further reading: Jamaica Travel Guide
So there you have it, that’s where it’s hot in January! Ready to leave the cold weather behind and start the new year with an incredible holiday? Check out our full portfolio of luxury villas on Oliver’s Travels. If you’re unsure about which destination you want to choose, feel free to contact our free concierge service and an agent will be happy to advise.
