)
Best holiday destinations in January
The Christmas decorations have been put back in the loft for another year. And January is the perfect time to grab a big dose of sunshine. Crowds are fewer, destinations are quieter, so if you’re looking for relaxation after such a busy period, our winter sun holidays will help you recharge.
)
Lanzarote, Spain
For some winter sun without a long-haul flight, the Canary Islands are basking in the sunshine in January, with temperatures over 20C. Along with sunshine and sea breezes, discover the unique volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote this month, which could have been transported from the surface of the moon. Or make the most of the golden sand and al fresco restaurants in resorts such as Playa Blanca in the south, as well as the island’s largest beach, not far from Puerto Calero.
)
Cyprus
While northern Europe is shivering, Cyprus is enjoying gentle sunshine and a much pleasanter climate to explore during January. While you’ll need a jacket for the evenings, especially in the cooler heights of the Troodos Mountains, temperatures of around 18C are much pleasanter to explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological sites at Paphos and the history of Larnaca compared to the soaring summer temperatures. Europe’s last divided capital, Nicosia, is always fascinating too.
)
Spain
You might not be sunbathing in Spain in January, but there’s enjoyably mild weather even in the middle of winter all along the Costa Blanca down to Andalucia and the Costa del Sol for an escape from the UK winter. Or discover some of the jewels of Spain, from Valencia’s mix of contemporary architecture and its historic old town to Granada, home to the incomparable Alhambra palace, plus the area’s Roman ports and whitewashed hilltop villages.
)
Norway
If you’re still embracing winter, trade grey rainy days for a winter wonderland in Norway where you can explore by rail and sea to make the most of the snowy landscape as you travel from Oslo to Bergen and onwards to the fjords. Soak up art and Viking history in the capital, discover colourful harbourfront towns and dramatic scenery, then set off to the far wild north to the Honningsvag North Cape to see the northern lights.
)
Sri Lanka
Teardrop-shaped Sri Lanka may be small, but this Indian Ocean isle has so much to offer. Blessed with unspoiled beaches, its diverse landscapes range from lush jungles to sprawling tea plantations, plus the chance to spot whales, track leopards, and explore sites like Adam’s Peak – a mountain pilgrimage destination said to have the sacred footprint of Buddha. With warm, dry weather across the south and west coasts, plus the Cultural Triangle and Kandy, January is perfect for seeing the country’s highlights.
)
Kerala
Down towards the southern tip of India, the mix of golden beaches, tea plantations, unusual history and the picturesque backwaters make Kerala one of the most enticing corners of the country to visit. And with dry, sunny weather and balmy evenings, January is the ideal month to go. Don’t miss the chance to discover the cultures which shaped Kochi, from Dutch and Portuguese colonists to Jewish and Chinese communities, explore the hills, sleep on a houseboat and relax at the coast.
)
Mexico
Ancient civilisations come alive at Mexico’s fascinating Aztec and Mayan ruins, and January is the ideal month to explore these for yourself, with warm, dry weather across the country and fewer people than the busier months either side. You’ll find the historic sites dotted all over the country, whether hidden deep in the jungle, perched on the Caribbean coast, basking in the sun on the high plains around Mexico City or near the colourful charm of Oaxaca’s colonial centre.
)
Thailand
Thailand, the ‘Land of Smiles,’ has it all; welcoming and friendly people, powder-soft sandy beaches, national parks laced with waterfalls, and buzzy cities full of ancient temples – and January’s dry, comparatively cool temperatures in the high 20Cs make it an ideal time to explore. From Chiang Mai in the north to Bangkok and Thailand’s tropical islands, such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui, plus a chance to see elephants or cruise on the River Kwai, one holiday is never enough.
)
Saint Lucia, Caribbean
On the dramatic Caribbean island of St Lucia, the volcanic peaks of the Pitons rise up in the west, while the rainforest interior bursts with colourful wildlife, and gentle turquoise waters tickle the palm-fringed beaches. It really is paradise, especially in January when the sun shines and rainy days are all but non-existent. Discover the thermal baths and volcanoes of Soufriere, cruise the coast and let all your cares dissolve in the deep blue Caribbean as you relax on the beach.
)
Maldives
Picture the powder soft white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean, framed with swaying palms and lined with impossibly clear turquoise water and what you’re seeing is the idyllic islands of the Maldives. January brings some of the best weather to this little corner of paradise, with almost no rain, temperatures in the high 20Cs and a sea temperature that’s similarly warm. Check in to a luxurious over-water villa, snorkel and dive more than 3,000 coral reefs or simply relax.
)
Antigua, Caribbean
Get your fix of Caribbean sunshine in Antigua this month. Think pristine white sands, top snorkelling spots – such as Dickenson Bay and Half Moon Bay – games of cricket and colourful carnivals, and you’ve got a small taster of this charming island. The sun is shining, the water is clear enough that you can see the fish without a mask, and temperatures are delightfully warm in the high 20Cs. Time to sit back, and enjoy island life...
)
Australia
An ancient landscape with over 50,000 years of indigenous culture, jaw-dropping coastlines and laidback charm, there is nowhere quite like Australia. From coastal cities and baking ochre-covered outback to the vast Great Barrier Reef, January is a fantastic time to explore Australia. While the tropical north can be humid, it’s warm and dry in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth; a wonderful time to see Australia’s highlights or plan a road trip along the Great Ocean Road and through the Hunter Valley vineyards.
)
New Zealand
With summer in full swing in New Zealand, January is a glorious time to explore the country’s spectacular scenery, including the famous Milford Sound. There's also a chance to learn about Māori culture, wildlife to watch out for, world-class wines to sample and even the chance to walk to a glacier. In December, the weather is perfect for discovering the highlights of New Zealand’s islands, as you travel from the top of the South Island to the bottom of the North Island.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Discover a holiday created with you in mind. We take care of all the finer details, so you can sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that you’re getting the high quality and personalised service you’d expect from Saga, every time.
70 years’ experience
Experienced travellers have been enjoying great value Saga holidays for over 70 years.
Peace of mind
You’re in safe hands with Saga. We’re an ABTA member and your holiday is ATOL protected.
Great value
We’re constantly monitoring prices and negotiating the best deals with our travel partners.