Where is it warmest in January?
Of our beach destinations, Goa (India) is the warmest in January with around 33°C. High season with dry weather. Palolem Beach in the south is quieter.
Photo: Johny Goerend / UnsplashWhere to go in January?
January is ideal for escaping the grey German winter. Distant destinations like Thailand and the Caribbean tempt with dream weather, while ski resorts in the Alps are in high season. Those who are flexible often find cheap flights after New Year.
Where to go on holiday in January?
In January, Phuket (Thailand, approx. 31°C), Zanzibar (Tanzania, approx. 32°C) and Cape Verde (Cape Verde, approx. 24°C) are particularly good destinations for sun and beach. Bangkok and Dubai are suitable for a city trip, winter sports enthusiasts head to St. Anton am Arlberg. After New Year, prices drop significantly.
Where is it warm enough for a beach holiday in January?
In January, you can expect beach weather in Phuket (31°C), Zanzibar (32°C), Cape Verde (24°C), Cancun (28°C) and Goa (33°C). The table shows temperature, flight price from Germany, and daily budget per destination.
| # | Travel destination | Country | Temperature | Flight from | Budget/day | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phuket | Thailand | 31°C | from €450 | €35/day | Best travel time, hardly any rain. Patong Beach for parties, Kata Beach for families. |
| 2 | Zanzibar | Tanzania | 32°C | from €500 | €50/day | Tropical paradise with spice tours and turquoise waters. Explore Stone Town. |
| 3 | Cape Verde | Cape Verde | 24°C | from €350 | €55/day | Sal and Boa Vista for beaches, Santiago for culture. Year-round destination. |
| 4 | Cancun | Mexico | 28°C | from €500 | €60/day | Caribbean turquoise and Mayan ruins. Tulum and cenotes as day trips. |
| 5 | Goa | India | 33°C | from €400 | €25/day | High season with dry weather. Palolem Beach in the south is quieter. |
1
Phuket
Thailand
Temp.
31°C
Flight from
from €450
Budget
€35/day
Best travel time, hardly any rain. Patong Beach for parties, Kata Beach for families.
2
Zanzibar
Tanzania
Temp.
32°C
Flight from
from €500
Budget
€50/day
Tropical paradise with spice tours and turquoise waters. Explore Stone Town.
3
Cape Verde
Cape Verde
Temp.
24°C
Flight from
from €350
Budget
€55/day
Sal and Boa Vista for beaches, Santiago for culture. Year-round destination.
4
Cancun
Mexico
Temp.
28°C
Flight from
from €500
Budget
€60/day
Caribbean turquoise and Mayan ruins. Tulum and cenotes as day trips.
5
Goa
India
Temp.
33°C
Flight from
from €400
Budget
€25/day
High season with dry weather. Palolem Beach in the south is quieter.
Which cities are worth a short trip in January?
For a city trip in January, we recommend Bangkok (Thailand), Dubai (UAE), Marrakech (Morocco) and Lisbon (Portugal).
Bangkok
32°CThailand
Temples, street food and floating markets. Perfect weather without the rainy season.
Dubai
24°CUAE
Shopping festival in January with huge discounts. Pleasant temperatures.
Marrakech
18°CMorocco
Souks, riads and desert excursions in mild winter weather.
Lisbon
14°CPortugal
Mild winters, few tourists. Ideal time for city exploration and Pastel de Nata.
What hidden gems are there for January?
Away from the well-known destinations, Oman, Colombia and Sao Tome are worth it in January — with less hustle and bustle and the right season.
Oman
Oman
Deserts, wadis and oriental flair without the hustle and bustle of Dubai. Muscat is beautiful and the Wahiba Sands are impressive.
Colombia
Colombia
Cartagena on the Caribbean coast offers colonial charm, salsa and beaches. January is the dry season and ideal for travel.
Sao Tome
Sao Tome and Principe
Untouched tropical island in the Gulf of Guinea. Rainforest, chocolate and deserted beaches.
Which travel guides are suitable for January?
Our free travel guides to the most popular destinations in January — with insider tips, attractions & practical information.
What events and holidays are there in January?
In January, New Year worldwide (1 January), Dubai Shopping Festival (entire January) and Harbin Ice Festival, China (from early January) are on the calendar, among others.
New Year worldwide (1 January)
Dubai Shopping Festival (entire January)
Harbin Ice Festival, China (from early January)
Santos Carnival, Cape Verde
Three Kings / Epiphany (6 January)
Are flights cheap in January?
After New Year, prices drop significantly. From the second week of January, long-haul flights are often 20-30% cheaper than over Christmas. Early bookings for summer holidays are worthwhile now.
Good chances of cheap flights
Where can you go skiing in January?
Snow-sure ski resorts in January are St. Anton am Arlberg (Austria), Zermatt (Switzerland) and Val Thorens (France).
St. Anton am Arlberg
Austria
Snow-sure and legendary après-ski. 300km of slopes for all skill levels.
Zermatt
Switzerland
Matterhorn panorama and snow reliability until April. Premium ski resort.
Val Thorens
France
Highest ski resort in Europe (2,300m) with guaranteed snow.
Frequently asked questions about travelling in January
Where to go in January on a small budget?
The cheapest option is Goa (India) at about €25/day; flights are from €400. High season with dry weather. Palolem Beach in the south is quieter.
Are flights expensive in January?
After New Year, prices drop significantly. From the second week of January, long-haul flights are often 20-30% cheaper than over Christmas. Early bookings for summer holidays are worthwhile now.
Which cities are worth visiting in January?
For a city trip in January, we recommend Bangkok (32°C), Dubai (24°C), Marrakech (18°C) and Lisbon (14°C). Temples, street food and floating markets. Perfect weather without the rainy season.
What's happening in January?
Highlights in January include New Year worldwide (1 January), Dubai Shopping Festival (entire January), Harbin Ice Festival, China (from early January) and Santos Carnival, Cape Verde.
Where can you go skiing in January?
Good ski resorts in January are St. Anton am Arlberg (Austria), Zermatt (Switzerland) and Val Thorens (France). Snow-sure and legendary après-ski. 300km of slopes for all skill levels.
How do I best plan my January holiday?
With our free tools, you can plan your travel time, budget, and route for your January holiday — and compare offers afterwards.
