Where to go on Holiday for January Sun

January can feel like the gloomiest month of the year. The excitement of Christmas is becoming a distant memory. New Year parties are over. The weather in the UK is at best dreary, at worst disruptive. And to top it all, the media keeps reminding us of “January Blues”.

This is a perfect time to get away from it all and take a holiday. Give yourself something special to look forward to. But where is hot in January? We take a look here.

Barbados

Average daily high: 29°C

Hours of sunshine: 9 hours

Average flight time from the UK:  8.5 hours

Time difference: -4 hours

Barbados is a beach-lover’s paradise.

With exotic beaches on the west coast, and a rugged shoreline on the east, there is something for everyone on this island. Warm sea temperatures in January are perfect for a variety of water sports from snorkelling and scuba diving, to surfing and sailing. With its luxury resorts, excellent restaurants and lively social vibe, Barbados is a very popular destination. January is a great time to visit, as prices are lowered after the Christmas period.

Dubai

Average daily high: 24°C

Hours of sunshine: 8 hours

Average flight time from the UK: 7 hours

Time difference: +4 hours

For those who want to visit Dubai, January is the ideal month. Summer months are scorching here, regularly reaching 40°C or above, so the temperatures in January are far more tolerable. A relatively new holiday destination, Dubai is like nowhere else on the planet. With its 5-star resorts, glitzy hotels, designer shopping centres and fine dining restaurants, this place oozes style and luxury.

Goa

Average daily high: 31°C

Hours of sunshine: 11 hours

Average flight time from the UK: 9.5 hours

Time difference: +5.5 hours

January is the coolest month in Goa, although daytime temperatures can still reach highs of 31°C. There is little chance of rain at this time of year, and the sea is luxuriously warm, perfect for a dip in the Arabian Sea while relaxing on the white-sand beaches. Located on the southwest coast of India, Goa has a rich culture to explore. From spice plantations to colonial architecture, spectacular sunsets to delicious food, this dream holiday destination will not disappoint.

Tanzania

Average daily high: 29°C

Hours of sunshine: 8 hours

Average flight time from the UK: 12 hours

Time difference: +3 hours

Arguably the best safari destination in the world, Tanzania is ideal for your January holiday. January and February are a short dry season between rainy months. The Serengeti National Park sees the largest mammal migration in the world and has the world’s largest concentrations of wildebeest and gazelle. You might also see zebras, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, hippopotamuses, rhinoceros, lions and giraffes. January is calving season for zebra, wildebeest and antelope. Enjoy a safari trip, then head to Zanzibar for time on the beach.