Where's hot in January?

If you’re keen to get away in January to escape from the cold and enjoy some sunshine, why not take a look through our recommendations for a winter holiday? You'll need to fly for at least six hours, but there are some fantastic destinations waiting for you when you get off the plane.

*Average temperature and sunshine in January

Average temperature in January - 22C

Average hours of sunlight in January - 6 hrs

With four main and three lesser-known islands to choose from, there’s plenty of variety in this Spanish archipelago. Four hours flying time south of the UK, you'll find everything from party resorts and a huge volcano on Tenerife, to some of the best windsurfing on Fuerteventura and family resorts on Lanzarote. Plus, who can forget the enormous sand dunes on Gran Canaria.

With secluded coves and dense rainforest, towering mountains and sweeping sand dunes, the Canary Islands are a stunning mix of natural beauty. It’s this diversity, combined with some super-low prices that make these islands so popular with Brits year after year.

Whether you seek luxury high-end accommodation in five-star resorts with golf courses and spas, or simple self-catering accommodation on a budget, the islands cover all bases. What’s more, January holidays can usually be found at excellent prices, with frequent flights from the UK.

That’s not to say you have to compromise on the weather, either. Being so close to Africa, the Canaries enjoy year-round warm weather, and January is no exception. Expect temperatures in the high teens and low-20s.

Average temperature in January - 28C

Average hours of sunlight in January - 10 hrs

Despite a 10-hour flight time from the UK, Cancun is well worth the effort to guarantee a great atmosphere and a fantastic tan even in the depths of January. Temperatures at this time of year hover in the mid-20S, sometimes even touching the 30s.

Reasonably-priced packages, reliable weather, an action-packed nightlife and access to some of Mexico’s greatest ancient ruins have propelled Cancun to the top of the pack for Brits seeking affordable long-haul winter sun. January is a particularly good time to visit Cancun as prices are dropping after the peak Christmas period.

If you’d like a change of scene from Cancun’s beaches, try swimming in one of the region’s cenotes – natural swimming holes sunken into the ground with mineral-rich waters.

Average temperature in January - 23C

Average hours of sunlight in January - 7 hrs

Situated 500km off the coast of West Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde is an eclectic mix of African and Portuguese cultural influences. Although Cape Verde is not a mainstream tourist mecca, unlike the Canary or Balearic Islands, it does still attract large numbers of visitors to the stunning beaches of Sal and Boa Vista.

For active thrill-seekers, a holiday to Cape Verde could involve hiking on hillsides layered with frozen lava, incredible surfing and windsurfing, and excellent deep sea fishing.

A hub of diversity, the waters around Cape Verde are teeming with incredible marine life. Sharks, whales, sea turtles and dolphins take turns migrating to or feeding around the islands throughout the year.

According to TravelSupermarket price data, January is the cheapest time to visit the Cape Verde islands, so expect plenty of bargains in the new year. With an average temperature of 23°C, the weather is just right for a warm winter sun escape too.

Average temperature in January - 26C

Average hours of sunlight in January - 8 hrs

With a flight time of around nine to 10 hours from the UK, the islands of the Caribbean Sea offer winter sun heaven and a real chance to rest and relax.

From the Bahamas in the north of the Caribbean region to Barbados in the south, we compare a huge range of package holiday deals to suit the budgets of travellers who are desperate to soak up some winter rays.

The best prices tend to be found in the Spanish Caribbean destinations of the Dominican Republic and Cuba, both of which have excellent all-inclusive resorts and usually enjoy fantastic weather in January.

Many people seek out the Caribbean for its sugar-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, but each island is home to its own unique culture too – so a bit of prior research is essential to make the most out of your January Caribbean escape.

Although temperatures can vary from island to island in January, you’re pretty much guaranteed sunny days in the mid-20s. So start the year in style with an exotic break to the Caribbean!

Average temperature in January - 19C

Average hours of sunlight in January - 8 hrs

If you're trying to find out where is hot in January, you might find the arid desert climate of Dubai to be the perfect choice, with guaranteed hot and sunny weather all year round.

In fact, it's almost too hot in the summer months, with temperatures regularly reaching 40°C and above. So, November to March is a much more pleasurable time to visit, when temperatures are more tolerable for sun-seekers.

Temperatures hover around the early-20s in January. Coupled with an average of eight hours of sunshine a day and very little rain, it’s one of the most pleasant, and popular, times of year to visit Dubai.

A gleaming skyline of high-tech skyscrapers backing on to a vast, sweeping desert, Dubai is an intoxicating mixture of natural and manmade. Thrillseeking visitors should try a 4X4 desert safari which takes you on a tour of the awe-inspiring dunes – you can also stop at local Arabian settlements and even try your hand at sandboarding!

Meanwhile, if you’re after nothing more than an exotic break somewhere warm, Dubai’s many beaches should do just the trick.

Average temperature in January - 22C

Average hours of sunlight in January - 7 hrs

If you're looking for somewhere hot this January for a holiday, Florida is a brilliant choice. How can you resist Walt Disney World and the Orlando theme parks, plus stunning beaches such as St Petersburg and Clearwater?

With temperatures reaching around 22°C and average January rainfall of 57mm compared to 196mm in July, it's a safe bet for British holidaymakers desperate for some vitamin D. Besides the theme parks, the “Sunshine State” is a prime location for shopping and dining.

The Mall at Millenia and The Florida Mall are hotspots for top brands and boutiques, while Downtown Orlando is packed with excellent places to eat and drink.

There’s no doubt that Orlando, with its epic theme parks and remarkable entertainment options, is geared towards families. But outside of the school holidays, and in wider Florida, there are some real bargains to be had for couples seeking reliable weather and plenty of things to do.