While much of the Northern Hemisphere spends January scraping ice off windshields, layering sweaters, and dreaming of spring, a handful of destinations are basking in sunshine, warm breezes, and beach-day energy. If you’re craving turquoise water, golden light, and days that feel like a completely different season, January is one of the best months of the year to travel.
Across the Caribbean, Central America, the Pacific, and even parts of the U.S., January is dry season! This means clear skies, warm temperatures, and fewer crowds compared to spring break. Whether you’re hoping to relax on a sun-drenched beach, chase adventure in the jungle, or simply find a place where you can leave your coat behind, this guide breaks down the 10 best places to travel in January for warm weather.
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Exuma, Bahamas
If you’re dreaming of water so blue you’d swear someone added a filter, Exuma is the January escape you’ve been searching for. This chain of 365 cays in the Bahamas delivers a quiet, luxurious, postcard-worthy winter getaway that feels worlds away from the cold.
January is one of Exuma’s best months: it’s sunny, warm, breezy, and incredibly comfortable thanks to low humidity.
Why Exuma Is Perfect in January
- Mid-70s to low-80s temperatures
- Clear, calm ocean conditions
- Very little rainfall
- Lightweight crowds and relaxed energy
What You Can’t Miss
- The swimming pigs of Big Major Cay
- Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto
- Visiting Exuma’s glowing sandbars
- Swimming with sea turtles at Hoopers Bay
We did this 007 tour in January and it was amazing! I can’t recommend it enough. Exuma is a warm, luxurious escape that feels tailor-made for starting the year off right. If you’d like to know more about our Exuma trip, read it all here.
Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos is famous for its ultra-clear turquoise water, powdery white sand, and calm, warm sea conditions in January. If you’re looking for the kind of beach where you close your eyes and genuinely forget winter exists, Grace Bay Beach might ruin all future beaches for you.
Why It’s Stunning in January
- Daytime temperatures in the low-80s
- Low humidity and light breezes
- Crystal-clear snorkeling visibility
- Prime whale-watching month
Don’t Miss
- Snorkeling at Bight Reef
- Snorkel at Grace Bay
- Whale watching around Salt Cay
- Luxury boat days to Half Moon Bay
Where To Stay
Turks & Caicos is warm, tranquil, and incredibly beautiful! Stay at Beaches for a family-friendly all-inclusive experience or rent a condo at the gorgeous Grace Bay! You can’t go wrong.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the world’s best destinations for balancing adventure and relaxation! January is prime time to experience it. The country is in full dry season, giving you the perfect blend of sunshine, wildlife sightings, warm weather, and lush landscapes.
January Weather
- Upper-70s to mid-80s depending on region
- Dry, sunny skies
- Warm coastal breezes
- Perfect ocean conditions
Top Experiences
- Soak in hot springs near La Fortuna
- Hike around Arenal Volcano
- Zipline through Monteverde’s cloud forest
- Go on a wildlife tour
Costa Rica is everything you want in a warm January escape: beaches, jungle adventure, wellness, luxury, and nature. We thoroughly enjoyed our week here as a family. I still dream about the resort that we stayed in. The Springs was located in Arenal and had every activity imaginable readily available. If you want to read more about our time in Costa Rica, check it out here.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the perfect blend of warm weather, beaches, culture, outdoor adventure, and city convenience. January brings mild breezes, bright sunshine, warm ocean temperatures, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets of the year. Plus, winter surf season transforms Oʻahu’s North Shore into a world-famous arena for massive waves.
Why Honolulu Shines in January
- Upper-70s to mid-80s temperatures
- Consistently sunny beach weather
- Excellent snorkeling and swimming
- Peak surf-watching season on the North Shore
Must-Do Activities
- Hike Diamond Head for panoramic Honolulu views
- Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
- Book a guided full day adventure with a local
- Do a doors off helicopter tour
Honolulu is warm, vibrant, and full of energy! We love staying in the Ko’olina Beach area. It’s close enough to groceries stores and restaurants without the Waikiki crowds. Read all the details about my Oahu recommendations here.
Key West, Florida
If you want warm weather without leaving the country, Key West is one of the most reliable January escapes. The island delivers tropical breezes, bright sunshine, pastel architecture, delicious seafood, and a culture that feels refreshingly carefree.
January Weather
- Mid-70s with sunshine most days
- Dry, breezy, non-humid
- Perfect outdoor conditions
Top Things to Do
- Snorkel at Fort Zachary Taylor
- Visit Dry Tortugas National Park
- Take a sunset sail
- Explore Duval Street + Old Town
It’s warm, fun, walkable, and full of character.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo’s desert-meets-coast landscape is nothing short of magical in January. Warm days, low humidity, and calm ocean conditions make it one of Mexico’s best winter destinations.
Why Cabo Is Ideal
- Sunny 75–80° days
- Dramatically low humidity
- Constant sunshine
- Peak whale-watching season
What to Do
- Boat to Land’s End and The Arch
- Relax on Lover’s Beach
- Snorkel at Chileno Bay
- Enjoy oceanfront dining at the marina
Cabo blends luxury, adventure, and warm weather in all the right ways.
Aruba
Aruba is practically engineered for perfect weather. Located outside the hurricane belt, the island enjoys consistent sunshine, warm water, and refreshing trade winds, especially in January.
Why January Works
- Mid-80s temperatures
- Almost no rain
- Zero humidity extremes
- Light, comfortable winds
Must-Do Activities
- Enjoy Baby Beach
- Explore Arikok National Park
- Snorkel at Mangel Halto
- Take a sunset catamaran cruise
Aruba’s reliability makes it the ideal warm-weather getaway.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Riviera Maya stretches along Mexico’s Caribbean coast with turquoise water, cenotes, Mayan ruins, eco-parks, and endless white-sand beaches. January is peak dry season, offering some of the best weather all year.
January Weather
- Low-to-mid 80s with sunshine
- Comfortable evenings
- Low humidity
Highlights
- Explore the Tulum Ruins
- Swim in Gran Cenote or Dos Ojos
- Visit eco-parks like Xcaret or Xel-Ha
- Relax along Playa del Carmen or Akumal
A beautiful balance of culture, beaches, and adventure.
Palm Springs, California
If “warm” to you means more desert sunshine than tropical humidity, Palm Springs delivers. With crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and guaranteed sunshine, January is one of the best months to explore the area.
January Weather
- Pleasant highs in the low-70s
- Cool mornings—great for hiking
- Clear, sunny skies
What to Do
- Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Visit Joshua Tree National Park
- Explore mid-century architecture
- Lounge at a retro pool resort
Palm Springs is warm in a refreshing, scenic, California-desert way and not a beach way.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
A passport-free tropical escape? Yes, please. St. Thomas is warm, inviting, and picture-perfect in January thanks to its calm seas, bright skies, and breezy Caribbean temperatures.
January Weather
- Low-80s and sunny
- Warm, swimmable ocean water
- Gentle breezes
Top Things to Do
- Swim at Magens Bay
- Ferry to St. John for quieter beaches
- Charter a boat for island hopping
- Snorkel vibrant reefs along the coast
St. Thomas is easy, warm, and beautiful. It’s truly an effortless winter escape.
How to Choose the Best Warm January Destination
Choosing the right warm winter destination depends on what type of experience you’re seeking:
For Iconic Caribbean Beaches
- Turks & Caicos
- Exuma
- Aruba
For Adventure + Warm Weather
- Costa Rica
- Riviera Maya
- Cabo
For Passport-Free Ease
- Key West
- St. Thomas
For Warmth Without Tropics
- Palm Springs
This list gives you options whether you want luxury, adventure, beaches, wellness, or a simple sunshine reset.
What to Pack for a Warm January Getaway
Even in tropical destinations, January can bring breezy evenings or cooler late nights.
Clothing
- Light dresses and breathable outfits
- Shorts, tanks, and loose cotton shirts
- Swimsuits (plural!)
- A light sweater for evenings
Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sunglasses + hat
- Flip-flops and comfortable walking shoes
- Dry bag for boat days
- Portable charger
- Optional snorkel set
Adventure Gear (if needed)
- Water shoes for cenotes
- Bug spray for jungle areas
- Quick-dry hiking clothes (Costa Rica, Riviera Maya)
Final Thoughts: Start the Year With Sunshine
January doesn’t have to feel cold, gloomy, or like a countdown to spring. Whether you’re dreaming of white-sand beaches in the Bahamas, jungle adventures in Costa Rica, Hawaiian breezes in Honolulu, or desert sunshine in Palm Springs, the world is full of warm, welcoming destinations ready to help you escape winter.
From the glowing turquoise waters of Exuma and Turks & Caicos, to the cultural richness of Riviera Maya, to the adventure-filled landscapes of Costa Rica, these warm destinations offer sunshine, relaxation, and unforgettable travel moments at a time when most people are still recovering from the holidays.
If you’re ready to warm up your January, let these destinations inspire your first trip of the year—and give your future self something sunny to look forward to.
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