Where to go in January for sun? In January, the three safest destinations for sunshine are Thailand, Costa Rica and the French Caribbean (Guadeloupe, Martinique). All three are in the middle of their dry season, with pleasant warmth and a warm sea.
January is one of the best months of the year for the tropics of the northern hemisphere: mainland Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and Central America. By contrast, the southern Indian Ocean (Réunion, Mauritius) and Indonesia are in the heart of their wet season. Here are 12 destinations, with the official climate normals for each and what can disappoint.
Where to go in January: key facts
- Sun and heat: Thailand, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Maldives, Mexico
- Culture and cities: Cuba, Sri Lanka (Cultural Triangle), Oman, Bangkok and Chiang Mai
- Low budget: southern Vietnam, Sri Lanka, northern Thailand (after mid-January)
- Mild and easy: Canary Islands; Guadeloupe and Martinique
- Best avoided: Bali, Seychelles, Réunion, Mauritius
Comparison: the climate of 12 destinations in January
| Destination | Average high (January) | Average rain (January) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand (Bangkok) | 32.7 °C (91 °F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | First trip, beaches |
| Costa Rica (Liberia) | 33.4 °C (92 °F) | 1 mm (0.04 in) | Nature, wildlife, Pacific coast |
| Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) | 29.1 °C (84 °F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | French Caribbean, beach |
| Martinique (Fort-de-France) | 27.7 °C (82 °F) | 113.9 mm (4.5 in) | French Caribbean, hiking |
| Mexico (Yucatán) (Cancún) | 28.5 °C (83 °F) | 56.4 mm (2.2 in) | Beach, Maya sites |
| Cuba (Havana) | 26.5 °C (80 °F) | 56.4 mm (2.2 in) | Culture, beaches |
| Sri Lanka (west and south coast) (Colombo) | 31.4 °C (89 °F) | 79.6 mm (3.1 in) | Culture, beaches |
| Maldives (Malé) | 30.6 °C (87 °F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | Beach, diving, honeymoon |
| Tanzania (Kilimanjaro Airport) | 33.1 °C (92 °F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | Safari, Zanzibar |
| Vietnam (south) (Ho Chi Minh City) | 32.0 °C (90 °F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | Mekong Delta, islands |
| Oman (Muscat) | 25.1 °C (77 °F) | 14.3 mm (0.6 in) | Desert, culture |
| Canary Islands (Tenerife) (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) | 21.5 °C (71 °F) | 28.8 mm (1.1 in) | Mild weather |
These figures are averages over several decades: any given year can be drier or wetter. Rainfall totals do not tell the whole story: 150 mm (5.9 in) falling in short late-afternoon showers is less of a nuisance than continuous drizzle.
Where to go in January on a budget
This second table ranks the destinations from cheapest to most expensive, with a rough low-budget cost on the ground per person per day, excluding flights. Flight prices are not shown: they vary too much with the booking date and your departure airport.
| Destination | Low-budget cost on the ground (per person per day, excluding flights, roughly) |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka (west and south coast) | $40 to $65 |
| Thailand (Bangkok) | $40 to $65 |
| Vietnam (south) | $40 to $55 |
| Mexico (Yucatán) | $45 to $80 |
| Cuba (Havana) | $55 to $90 |
| Canary Islands (Tenerife) | $65 to $100 |
| Costa Rica (Liberia) | $65 to $100 |
| Oman (Muscat) | $80 to $135 |
| Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) | $80 to $125 |
| Martinique (Fort-de-France) | $80 to $125 |
| Maldives (Malé) | $90 to $170 |
| Tanzania (Kilimanjaro Airport) | $170 to $280 |
Thailand (Bangkok)
January is often cited as the most pleasant month in Thailand: the dry season is well established, the heat is less oppressive than in April, and the sea is calm on the Andaman side. Bangkok, the north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) and the islands of Phuket, Krabi or Ko Lanta combine easily.
Caveat: nights are cool in the northern mountains. It is high season: the most popular accommodation must be booked in advance, especially early in the month.
In January in Bangkok: 32.7 °C (91 °F) average high and 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Thailand)?
Costa Rica
In January, the dry season is well established in Costa Rica, especially on the northern Pacific coast (1 mm, 0.04 in, of rain on average in Liberia). It is a good month for volcanoes, cloud forests and the beaches of Guanacaste.
Caveat: the Caribbean coast can stay wet. Winds can be strong in the northwest of the country. Prices stay high throughout the high season.
In January in Liberia: 33.4 °C (92 °F) average high and 1 mm (0.04 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Costa Rica)?
Guadeloupe
January is in the middle of Lent season (carême) in the Caribbean: trade winds, moderate heat and falling rainfall. It is also the start of carnival, with parades on Sundays. Guadeloupe is a French overseas region, so the euro is the local currency.
Caveat: 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain on average in Pointe-à-Pitre: it still rains, usually in brief showers. Mountainous Basse-Terre stays far wetter than Grande-Terre.
In January in Pointe-à-Pitre: 29.1 °C (84 °F) average high and 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Guadeloupe)?
Martinique
In January Martinique offers the same advantages as its neighbour: dry season, trade winds, warm sea. The beaches of the south (Sainte-Anne, Les Salines) are the sunniest, while the north (Mount Pelée) is good for hiking. Dry season, southern beaches and hiking on Mount Pelée: our Martinique travel guide helps you split time between the two.
Caveat: Fort-de-France still receives 113.9 mm (4.5 in) of rain in January on average. The north of the island is much wetter than the south. Sargassum seaweed can reach some beaches on the Atlantic coast.
In January in Fort-de-France: 27.7 °C (82 °F) average high and 113.9 mm (4.5 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Martinique)?
Mexico (Yucatán)
January is dry and warm without excess on the Yucatán Peninsula (28.5 °C (83 °F) average high in Cancún). Conditions are good for swimming, cenotes and archaeological sites. Swimming, cenotes and archaeological sites in January: the climate in Cancún month by month confirms the appeal of winter.
Caveat: northerly gusts (the « nortes ») can cool the air and stir up the sea for a few days. Crowds remain heavy until early January.
In January in Cancún: 28.5 °C (83 °F) average high and 56.4 mm (2.2 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Mexico)?
Cuba
Warning: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 September 2026) advises against all but essential travel to Cuba, citing repeated national grid collapses, shortages of fuel, electricity and water, fuel rationing and suspended flights. Read the FCDO’s Cuba travel advice and your own government’s travel advice before booking anything. Climate-wise, January is in the middle of the dry season in Cuba: Havana, Trinidad, Viñales and the beaches of Varadero can be visited in good conditions, with pleasant temperatures.
Caveat: evenings can be cool during cold fronts. Conditions on the ground (energy, supplies, flights) can change quickly, so check the official advice again shortly before you leave.
In January in Havana: 26.5 °C (80 °F) average high and 56.4 mm (2.2 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Cuba)?
Sri Lanka (west and south coast)
January is a good time for the west and south coast of Sri Lanka (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa): the southwest monsoon is far off and rainfall drops sharply compared with November. The Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy) can also be visited. Falling rain on the coast, Cultural Triangle accessible: planning a trip to Kandy in January fits well into a circuit.
Caveat: the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) is then in its wet season. The central highlands can be cool and misty in the morning.
In January in Colombo: 31.4 °C (89 °F) average high and 79.6 mm (3.1 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Sri Lanka (west and south coast))?
Maldives
In the Maldives, January is part of the dry season: rain falls back clearly (87 mm, 3.4 in, in Malé, against more than 200 mm, 7.9 in, in November and December), the sea is calm and underwater visibility is generally good.
Caveat: this is the most expensive period. Resort rates are very high until mid-January.
In January in Malé: 30.6 °C (87 °F) average high and 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Maldives)?
Tanzania
January is a dry spell between the short and long rains in northern Tanzania. It is also the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti, a sought-after time for safaris. Zanzibar combines well.
Caveat: it is hot (33 °C (91 °F) average high at Kilimanjaro Airport). A few showers are still possible. The best-placed lodges are booked long in advance.
In January in Kilimanjaro Airport: 33.1 °C (92 °F) average high and 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Tanzania)?
Vietnam (south)
In southern Vietnam, January is in the middle of the dry season: only 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain in Ho Chi Minh City. It is a good month for the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc Island.
Caveat: the north is cool and often grey (20 °C (68 °F) average high in Hanoi), and the centre has only just emerged from the rainy season. Tet (Lunar New Year) falls in late January in some years: transport and accommodation are then packed, and many shops close.
In January in Ho Chi Minh City: 32.0 °C (90 °F) average high and 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Vietnam)?
Oman
January is one of the most pleasant months in Oman: around 25 °C (77 °F) in Muscat, clear days and cool nights in the desert. A good time for the forts of Nizwa, the wadis and a night in the dunes. Cool desert nights and the forts of Nizwa: planning a trip to Oman in January lets you see everything without oppressive heat.
Caveat: the sea is cooler than in autumn. Nights can be cold at altitude (Jebel Akhdar) and in the desert: pack a fleece.
In January in Muscat: 25.1 °C (77 °F) average high and 14.3 mm (0.6 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Oman)?
Canary Islands (Tenerife)
The Canary Islands remain the most accessible mild escape in January, with an average high of about 21 °C (70 °F) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and little rain. Ideal for hiking, especially around Mount Teide or in the Anaga mountains.
Caveat: January is one of the coolest months of the year in the Canaries. Swimming is still possible but bracing. The summit of Mount Teide can be snowy and some trails closed.
In January in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 21.5 °C (71 °F) average high and 28.8 mm (1.1 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Canary Islands (Tenerife))?
Preparing for a January trip
The first week of January is still part of the festive period: prices stay high until the end of the holidays. From mid-January, fares often drop while the weather stays just as favourable in most northern tropical destinations. It is one of the best weather-for-price ratios of the year.
Before booking, check the official travel advice of your own government (for example travel.state.gov in the US or GOV.UK in the UK) for entry requirements and health, and check your airline’s document requirements.
Destinations to avoid in January
- Bali: January is the wettest month of the year (345 mm (13.6 in) in Denpasar).
- The Seychelles: 427 mm (16.8 in) of rain on average in Victoria, the peak of the wet season.
- Réunion and Mauritius: in the middle of the southern summer, hot and humid (270 mm (10.6 in) in Saint-Denis, 131 mm (5.2 in) in Port Louis), within the cyclone season, which according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026) usually runs from November to May in Mauritius.
- The east coast of Sri Lanka: in its wet season, unlike the west coast.
Toutes nos destinations idéales en janvier (62)
Liste établie automatiquement d’après nos calendriers « quand partir » : destinations notées ✓ idéal pour ce mois. Température max. moyenne indicative ; détail et sources sur chaque guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find sun in January?
Thailand, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico, Cuba, the Maldives and southern Vietnam are in the dry season in January. Closer to Europe, the Canary Islands have an average high of about 21 °C (70 °F).
Where can I go in January for a short, easy trip?
The Canary Islands are the closest option for European travellers, with an average high of about 21 °C (70 °F) and little rain. The French Caribbean (Guadeloupe, Martinique) is in its dry season but is a longer trip.
Where can I go in January on a low budget?
From mid-January, prices often drop for flights and hotels after the Christmas holidays. Southern Vietnam, Sri Lanka and northern Thailand have moderate costs on the ground, at roughly $40 to $65 per person per day (excluding flights).
Can I go to Mauritius or Réunion in January?
Yes, but it is the hot, humid season, with a risk of cyclones. If your dates are flexible, favour the drier period from May to November.
Is Cuba a good choice in January?
The weather is ideal, in the dry season, but the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 September 2026) advises against all but essential travel to Cuba because of grid collapses, shortages and flight suspensions. Check the latest official advice before booking.
Our sources
- Official climate normals: Thai Meteorological Department, 1991-2020 normals (Bangkok); Costa Rica’s Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (Liberia); Météo-France, 1991-2020 normals (Le Raizet); Météo-France, 1991-2020 normals (Fort-de-France); Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, 1991-2020 normals (Cancún); World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 1991-2020 normals (Havana, Casa Blanca); WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Colombo); WMO, 1991-2020 normals (Malé); WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Kilimanjaro Airport); IBST (Vietnam), standard QCVN 02:2022/BXD (Tan Son Nhat); WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Muscat airport); AEMET via l’WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
- For destinations that already have a guide on our site, figures taken from our « when to go » pages, which cover all 12 months
- Indicative budgets: practical fact sheets in our country guides, linked from each destination, converted at the European Central Bank reference rate of 23 October 2026
- Warnings for Cuba and cyclone season in Mauritius: UK FCDO foreign travel advice (GOV.UK, updated 25 September 2026 and 19 October 2026)
- How we select and verify destinations: see our page Our methodology
Updated November 2026.