January is a lovely time to get away. Christmas is behind us, the days are still short in much of Europe and the thought of a little sunshine starts to sound particularly appealing. Perhaps it's a few days somewhere warm, breakfast outside with the sound of birds in the garden, or a long lunch that doesn't require a coat.
Of course, not every destination needs to be hot and sunny to make a lovely winter escape. Some places are best enjoyed in the softer winter light, with a jumper for the morning and sunglasses for the afternoon. Others offer quite the opposite: warm evenings, sandy beaches and days spent in and out of the sea.
From the coast of South Africa to the quieter side of Mallorca, here are seven destinations to put on your January travel list.
1. Cape Town & the Cape Winelands, South Africa
For long summer days, ocean swims and lunches that turn into afternoons.
January is one of the loveliest months to visit Cape Town. While much of Europe is in the middle of winter, summer is in full swing at the southern tip of Africa. The days are long, the skies are often blue and there's plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors.
Start the morning with a coffee overlooking the ocean, take a walk along the coast or spend the afternoon on one of Cape Town's beautiful beaches. Clifton and Camps Bay are popular for good reason, with their white sand, clear summer skies and mountain views. Later, find a table somewhere along the waterfront for a long lunch as the afternoon light settles over the city.
A little further out, the Cape Winelands offer a different kind of summer escape. In Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, vineyards stretch towards the mountains, wine estates open their terraces for lunch and the days seem to move at their own pace. It's a lovely part of the country for a few nights away, especially if you enjoy good food, beautiful countryside and a glass of wine in the garden.
Planning a trip to Cape Town? Read our guide to Cape Town and the Cape Winelands for more inspiration on where to stay, eat and explore.
January is proper summer, with daytime temperatures often around 25–28°C. Pack your swimwear, sunglasses and something light for the evening.
2. Mozambique
For warm ocean water, white sand and days without much of a plan.
If you're dreaming of a proper beach escape, Mozambique is a beautiful place to consider. Along the Indian Ocean, the coastline is dotted with palm-fringed beaches, small fishing villages and islands surrounded by clear turquoise water.
The Bazaruto Archipelago is particularly special. Just off the coast of Vilanculos, its islands are known for their white sandbanks, beautiful marine life and stretches of beach that feel wonderfully far removed from everyday life. Days here are made for boat trips, snorkelling, fresh seafood and afternoons spent by the water.
There is something rather lovely about the simplicity of it all. A slow breakfast, a swim before lunch and perhaps a boat ride to a quiet sandbank in the afternoon. Not much more needs to be planned.
January is hot, with temperatures around 30–31°C, but it falls within Mozambique's rainy and cyclone season. Expect high humidity and tropical showers, and keep an eye on local weather conditions when planning a trip.
3. Bali, Indonesia
For tropical greenery, slow mornings and a change of scenery.
Bali has a way of making even the simplest parts of the day feel special. Breakfast in a tropical garden, the scent of incense drifting from a nearby temple and the sound of rain falling on the leaves outside. It's a destination with a lovely rhythm of its own.
January falls in Bali's rainy season, so expect regular tropical showers, often arriving quite suddenly and passing again after a while. One moment the sun is shining, the next the rain is drumming on the rooftops and the garden is alive with the sound of raindrops. The landscapes are particularly green at this time of year, the gardens feel lush and the island takes on a quieter atmosphere after the busy festive period.
Spend your mornings exploring little cafés and independent shops, visit a temple or simply settle in somewhere with a pool and a good book. The rain often arrives in showers, so there can still be sunny spells in between. It's a good time for a slower kind of holiday, rather than one built around spending every day on the beach.
Temperatures remain around 30°C throughout January, with warm, humid days and frequent rainfall. If you're happy to be flexible with your plans, Bali can still be a lovely tropical escape.
4. Marrakech, Morocco
For sunny rooftops, beautiful riads and a little winter warmth.
Marrakech is a lovely destination when you want to escape the grey without travelling somewhere tropical. January brings cooler mornings and evenings, but the afternoons can be wonderfully sunny.
The best way to experience the city is to take your time. Wander through the Medina, browse the little shops and galleries, stop for mint tea and enjoy the details of the old buildings and courtyards. When the afternoon sun appears, find a rooftop terrace and settle down for a long lunch overlooking the rooftops of the city.
A riad is particularly lovely at this time of year. Many have sheltered courtyards, beautiful tiled details and quiet corners where you can enjoy a slow breakfast before heading out. Once the sun sets, temperatures drop quite quickly, making a cosy dinner and a warm layer part of the experience.
Expect daytime temperatures around 19°C, with much colder evenings that can fall to around 6°C. It's not beach weather, but a lovely combination of winter sunshine and city exploring.
5. Mallorca, Spain
For quiet villages, winter walks and sunny afternoons on the terrace.
Mallorca is often associated with summer holidays, but the island has a completely different charm in January. The beach clubs are quiet, the roads are less busy and the villages offer a glimpse of a slower, more local side of island life.
Palma is a lovely place to start. Spend the morning wandering through the old town, browse the independent boutiques and stop for coffee in one of the little squares. Beyond the city, the countryside is particularly inviting, with stone villages, olive groves and the dramatic scenery of the Serra de Tramuntana.
On a sunny afternoon, you might find yourself sitting outside for lunch, with a light jumper over your shoulders and sunglasses on your face. Later, take a drive through the countryside or walk along the coast before returning to your hotel.
It's not the Mallorca of long beach days and swimming in the sea. It's a quieter version, best enjoyed by those who appreciate good food, cozy nights, beautiful surroundings and a little space to slow down.
January temperatures are generally around 15°C during the day, with cooler mornings and evenings. Some days are beautifully sunny, while others can be cloudy or rainy. Bring a few layers, but don't leave your sunglasses at home.
6. Malta
For honey-coloured streets, Mediterranean views and a slower pace.
Malta is a lovely option if you're looking for somewhere milder than northern Europe without travelling too far. January isn't quite beach season, but the island has plenty to offer beyond its summer coastline.
Valletta is particularly beautiful to explore on foot. Its narrow streets, honey-coloured limestone buildings and little cafés make it an inviting place to spend a few days. Take your time wandering through the old town, stop for lunch overlooking the harbour and discover some of the island's historic architecture.
Beyond Valletta, there are quieter villages, coastal paths and beautiful views across the Mediterranean. On a sunny afternoon, you might find a little terrace to sit on with a coffee, enjoying the warmth before the evening air turns cooler.
January daytime temperatures average around 16°C. Expect a mixture of sunshine and showers, and temperatures that are pleasant in the middle of the day but cooler once the sun goes down. It's a destination for exploring rather than swimming in January.
7. Alentejo, Portugal
For open landscapes, countryside stays and quiet winter afternoons.
For a different kind of winter escape, head to the Alentejo in southern Portugal. Known for its rolling countryside, traditional villages and beautiful stretches of coastline, this part of the country has a slower rhythm that feels particularly appealing after the busy festive season.
January is winter here too, but it is generally milder than in much of northern Europe. The countryside is greener after the autumn rains, the beaches are wonderfully quiet and there is plenty of room to explore without the summer crowds.
Spend the morning wandering through a little village, take a drive towards the coast or settle into a countryside hotel with a good book. On a sunny afternoon, lunch outside can be lovely, although you'll probably want a jacket nearby. When the weather turns, there's something equally appealing about a long lunch indoors or an evening by the fire.
Expect daytime temperatures around 15–16°C, with cooler nights and the possibility of rain. This is not a destination for guaranteed winter sunshine, but rather for a quieter countryside break and a little change of scenery.
Finding Your January Escape
Whether you're dreaming of a proper summer holiday or simply a few days somewhere with a little more light, January offers plenty of reasons to get away.
Sometimes it's not about travelling somewhere particularly far or warm. It might just be a different view from your breakfast table, a little sunshine on your face or a long afternoon with nowhere else to be.
And if there's a beautiful place to stay involved, even better.