Where is it warm in January? The best places for winter sunshine in 2026

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As the festive cheer fades, many people in Britain are bracing for the bleak depths of winter. Still, for those looking to escape the January doldrums, the New Year presents a prime opportunity to get a dose winter sun,

While the Northern Hemisphere is shivering, the southern half of the globe is at the height of its heat. such as destination melbourne And Dubai Offering attractive options, from vibrant city breaks to luxurious beach holidays.

further afield, Buenos Aires Promises South American Warmth, and Ho Chi Minh City offers unique Southeast Asian charm. Closer to home, perennial favorites like barbados And Tenerife remains ideal for a relaxing, sun-filled holiday.

Half the world is enjoying high 20C as we hide in sub-zero, so we’ve narrowed down some of the best destinations for hot January travel.

Where is it warm in January?

1. Buenos Aires, Argentina

January is almost the middle of summer in Buenos Aires ,Getty Images/iStockphoto,

Average temperature in January: 25c
Hours of sunshine per day: 9

Known as the ‘Paris of South America’, Buenos Aires It is an eclectic capital that still contains vestiges of its country’s often complex history. Architecturally, it is much more similar european Compared to the South American city, a characteristic that is seen in buildings such as the Teatro Opera or the Beaux-Arts Kirchner Cultural Centre.

However, culturally, Buenos Aires is the center of vibrant, energetic argentina Life style. By day, the streets of districts such as Palermo, Almagro and San Telmo are buzzing with the chaotic activity of curious tourists, local football fans and alfresco café terraces, while at night an equally frenetic nightlife is visible through the proliferation of Latin music blaring from bar speakers and intense tango shows.

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2. Barbados

Barbados is in the middle of its dry season during January. ,getty images,

Average temperature in January: 26c
Hours of sunshine per day: 9

this beautiful Caribbean island have long-term relationships with UKMaking it a perennially popular destination among Britons from winter to the height of summer. Expect high temperatures around 29°C, bone-white sand and turquoise waters opposite the grand resorts.

The most luxurious resorts are located on the west coast of the Platinum Coast, while the parts of the east coast around the town of Bathsheba are the most famous surf areas on the island. To the south, Carlisle Bay contains several shipwrecks that have become famous scuba diving spots.

There are also a handful of inland areas worth exploring If you want to make the most of your visit here. Find a piece of history at the Mount Gay Rum Distillery, or head to the capital Bridgetown, a thriving town of rum shacks and shopping streets. High-end Holetown is where you’ll find the best international cuisine and luxury brands, while Oistins, a small fishing town to the south, hosts a weekly ‘Fish Fry’ event featuring hours of music and partying with local vendors and food stalls.

3.Tenerife, Spain

Teneriffe is located off the coast of Morocco ,getty images,

Average temperature in January: 19c
Hours of sunshine per day: 6

The warmest place in Europe offers just the right amount of sun in winter, the weather here allows staying on the beach all day, while rarely getting too hot – the average high will be around 20C. For fly-and-flop vacations head to southern coastal areas like Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas, where dozens of Resorts Cater to a variety of vacations with activities like watersports, snorkelling and scuba diving.

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Alternatively, to explore nature at its best, choose somewhere closer to the island’s capital Santa Cruz. The north coast has several attractive black beaches, as well as the impressive artificial beach at Teresitas, while Mount Teide National Park is a land of rugged red terrain and beautiful hiking trails that includes Spain’s highest peak.

Read more: The best beaches in tenerife

4. Dubai, UAE

Dubai's first skyscraper was built in 1979 — Dubai’s first skyscraper was built in 1979 ,getty images,

Average temperature in January: 20c
Hours of sunshine per day: 8

The UAE’s most famous city has become a glittering desert metropolis since its oil reserves were discovered in 1966. It now includes a variety of modern scenes – from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to the giant Dubai Impressive built-up areas such as malls or marinas – and extensive heritage districts such as Dubai creek and The historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, with a series of beautiful bazaars,

Maximum temperatures in January will be around 24C, meaning beach areas such as Jumeirah, JBR or Kite Beach can be enjoyed during the day without experiencing the scorching temperatures of summer. The surrounding desert is also worth exploring, with activities such as dune bugging and camping in traditional Bedouin campsites popular with tourists.

5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon ,getty images,

Average temperature in January: 27c
Hours of sunshine per day: 8

Vietnamese The second city is located at the southern end of the country, about 1,000 miles south of the capital, Hanoi. The economic heart of the country, the sprawling metropolis is known for its vibrant, often hectic lifestyle – a city that combines the best of Vietnam’s past and present.

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Whether you travel on a scooter or sample Vietnamese cuisine at a street food market, the buzz of activity – and potentially traffic – is palpable throughout the city. The Chinese Quarter and District 1 – where many of the main sights such as the Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral are located – are testament to the influence of its Asian neighbors and the colonial French period, Dong Khoi Street is the city’s main thoroughfare and Bui Vien is a popular area for tourists and backpackers. Attractions include the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Cao Dai Great Temple and the Cold War-era Cu Chi Tunnels; It’s best to explore over a few days, as high temperatures can reach 32C.

6. Melbourne, Australia

Many of Melbourne's top sights are concentrated in the Central Business District — Many of Melbourne’s top sights are concentrated in the Central Business District ,Getty Images/iStockphoto,

Average temperature in January: 21c
Hours of sunshine per day: 10

AustraliaBritons may take longer to reach this second-largest city, but the combination of excellent January weather – you can expect temperatures of around 27 degrees – and a mix of sports venues, restaurants, nightlife and art galleries, makes this southern city a must-see. melbourne Home to some of Australia’s main attractions, including the city’s cricket ground, the National Gallery and the region-dedicated Melbourne Museum. The Australian Open is also held here every January.

Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne has a somewhat European atmosphere, reflected in areas such as its Central Business District and St Kilda’s beaches, with the Royal Botanic Gardens also providing a dose of UK-related history. It’s packed with other subtle highlights, from a series of hidden bars and dining venues to amazing outdoor and indoor art and impressive architectural highlights, such as the towering skyscrapers that define its skyline and landmark buildings like Flinders Street Station.

Uk January Places Sunshine warm winter