If you’re looking to swap the winter chill for tropical humidity, January is one of the best times to travel. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the height of summer, and in the tropics, it marks the beginning of the “dry season”—meaning long days of sunshine and very little rain. From Caribbean island-hopping to Southeast Asian adventures, here are the best hot places to travel in January 2026.
1. The Hottest International Destinations
If your goal is “true heat” (85°F+), you’ll need to look toward Southeast Asia or the Indian Ocean.
- Phuket, Thailand (Avg High: 91°F / 33°C): January is the sunniest month on Thailand’s west coast. The Andaman Sea is crystal clear and perfectly calm, making it the peak season for island hopping to the Phi Phi Islands.
- The Maldives (Avg High: 86°F / 30°C): This is arguably the best month to visit the Maldives. It is the heart of the dry season, offering “glass-like” seas and nearly 9 hours of daily sunshine—perfect for overwater villa living.
- The Gambia (Avg High: 90°F / 32°C): For travelers in Europe, this West African gem is a fantastic short-haul “hot” option. It offers 32°C heat and almost zero rainfall in January.
- Barbados (Avg High: 84°F / 29°C): The Caribbean is at its most reliable in January. Barbados offers a steady tropical breeze that keeps the 29°C heat feeling comfortable rather than stifling.
2. Best Warm Escapes in the USA (No Passport Required)
You don’t have to leave the country to find beach weather. While the rest of the US is freezing, these pockets stay balmy.
- Miami, Florida (Avg High: 76°F / 24°C): Miami is the warmest spot in the continental US in January. It’s perfect for exploring the Art Deco district or the Everglades without the summer humidity.
- The Florida Keys (Avg High: 75°F / 24°C): Key West in January is widely considered the “sweet spot”—ideal for snorkeling and sunset cruises at Mallory Square.
- Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (Avg High: 81°F / 27°C): The Big Island’s western coast is famous for its consistent sunshine. January is also the peak of whale watching season in Hawaii.
- Puerto Rico (Avg High: 83°F / 28°C): A tropical Caribbean escape with no passport required for US citizens. Head to Condado or Isla Verde for the best urban beaches.
3. Top “Summer” Destinations (Southern Hemisphere)
Since January is mid-summer south of the equator, these destinations are currently experiencing their hottest days of the year.
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Avg High: 86°F / 30°C): The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are at their most vibrant in January. Expect an “electric” atmosphere as locals prep for the upcoming Carnival.
- Sydney, Australia (Avg High: 81°F / 27°C): January is the hottest month in Sydney. It’s the perfect time for the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk and outdoor festivals.
- Cape Town, South Africa (Avg High: 81°F / 27°C): Experience a Mediterranean-style summer. January is exceptionally dry with up to 11 hours of daily sunshine, perfect for visiting Table Mountain or the Winelands.
January Weather Comparison: Quick Glance
| Destination | Avg. High Temp | Sunshine Hours | Rainfall |
| Phuket, Thailand | 91°F (33°C) | 9 Hours | Very Low |
| Punta Cana, DR | 82°F (28°C) | 8 Hours | Low |
| Dubai, UAE | 75°F (24°C) | 8 Hours | Low |
| Cartagena, Colombia | 87°F (31°C) | 8 Hours | Very Low |
| Bali, Indonesia | 86°F (30°C) | 6 Hours | High (Wet Season) |
3 Pro-Tips for January Travel
The Canary Islands Shortcut: If you are in Europe and want a shorter flight, Tenerife and Lanzarote offer “spring-like” weather (70°F / 21°C) all through January.
Watch out for “Wet Seasons”: While much of the tropics are dry in January, some places like Bali and parts of Northern Australia are in their monsoon season. You’ll get heat, but you’ll also get heavy daily downpours.
Book the “Post-Holiday Dip”: Travel prices often spike for New Year’s but drop significantly during the second and third weeks of January. This is the best time to find “cheap” warm weather deals.