Holidays in January: 8 places for sun, snow or city
January is one of the quietest months to travel once the Christmas holidays are over. Here are eight ideas – from winter sun to a proper winter – with typical temperatures to compare with Copenhagen.
Find your own match in January
We've already picked January. Wayoop asks about your budget, travel time and wishes and finds up to three destinations that suit you.
8 destinations in January
01Photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR) · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Gran Canaria, Spain
Typical in January: 22° by day · 15° at night
The Maspalomas dunes and a long south coast with winter sun. One of the most reliable bets for warmth in January close to Europe.
About 3,800 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
02Photo: Jörg Schmalenberger (= JOEXX) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Madeira, Portugal
Typical in January: 19° by day · 14° at night
Mild and green, with walks along the levadas. Rain is possible, especially in the mountains, so pack a rain jacket.
About 3,400 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
03Photo: Mandyy88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Malta
Typical in January: 16° by day · 12° at night
Not beach weather, but pleasant for a city break among historic towns, fortresses and coastal roads.
About 2,200 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
04Photo: YoTuT from United States · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Marrakech, Morocco
Typical in January: 21° by day · 6° at night
Sunny days in the souks and gardens, but cold nights. Choose a riad with heating.
About 3,100 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
05Photo: Gfilip · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Typical in January: 24° by day · 15° at night
The comfortable winter season: warm enough for the beach, without the summer heat.
About 4,800 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
06Photo: ADwarf · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Phuket, Thailand
Typical in January: 30° by day · 24° at night
Dry season on Thailand's west coast and warm sea. A long trip – best for two weeks or more.
About 9,000 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
07Photo: Der Berzerker from Washington, DC, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Cape Town, South Africa
Typical in January: 26° by day · 17° at night
South African summer with mountains, beaches and vineyards. The sea at Cape Town is cold, though.
About 10,000 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
08Photo: Jacek Rużyczka · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Rovaniemi, Finland
Typical in January: -6° by day · -12° at night
Snow, short days and a chance of northern lights on the Arctic Circle. Only for those who want a real winter.
About 1,400 km from Copenhagen as the crow flies
Temperatures in January – overview
| Place | Day | Night | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket, Thailand | 30° | 24° | 9,000 km |
| Cape Town, South Africa | 26° | 17° | 10,000 km |
| Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 24° | 15° | 4,800 km |
| Gran Canaria, Spain | 22° | 15° | 3,800 km |
| Marrakech, Morocco | 21° | 6° | 3,100 km |
| Madeira, Portugal | 19° | 14° | 3,400 km |
| Malta | 16° | 12° | 2,200 km |
| Rovaniemi, Finland | -6° | -12° | 1,400 km |
| Copenhagen (for comparison) | 5° | 1° | – |
Temperatures: average daily high and low in January 2020–2024, calculated from Open-Meteo.com historical weather data (ERA5, CC BY 4.0). Figures describe the area around each place and can differ a few degrees from the local weather station. Distances are as the crow flies. Open-Meteo.com
Holidays in January: good to know
The weeks just after New Year are often quieter than the Christmas holidays. The winter break in weeks 7 and 8 fills the popular sun trips, so book early if you travel then.
These ideas are general seasonal tips. Weather, opening times and prices vary from year to year, so check before you book.
More ideas: Where should I travel in January? →Find your own match in January
We've already picked January. Wayoop asks about your budget, travel time and wishes and finds up to three destinations that suit you.