25 Cheap destinations for 2024 with great weather in January
January of 2024 looks like it will be booming for the travel industry after a few really bad years, so booking early is almost certainly going to save you money. The good news is there are many great destinations with warm weather all around the world, so you’ll have more choices than you probably dreamed of. The list below shows all of the best vacation choices in different areas and all of them have warm weather and most are on beaches.
It’s worth noting that the first week in January is one of the busiest weeks of the year for travel due to the holidays celebrated around the world, so it will be much more expensive than the rest of the month. In other words, if you can start your trip on January 9 or later, you’ll save a lot of money.
If you are mostly interested in beaches, scuba diving, and other water sports you should start with our list of the cheapest Caribbean islands to see which ones are in your price range.
Go later in January if possible
Pretty much everywhere on earth that has warm weather in January has its peak season for hotel rates from Christmas through the first week in January. If you are joining that crowd you have a lot of great options, though very few of them will come cheap. The good news is that by the second week of January, hotel rates and airfares have come down again to “high season” rates rather than “peak season” rates. If you can wait, it will save you quite a bit.
By the way, we have a separate list of cheap beaches to spend Christmas and New Year’s around the world if that’s what you are mainly after.
This article was updated as of September, 2023.
New video showing most of the places mentioned below
I’ve started a Youtube channel and one of my first videos is based on this article. Please give it a watch as it shows most of the places listed with hotel prices and much more.
Important global holidays in 2024
- January 1 – New Year’s Day (public holiday in most of the world)
- January 6 – Epiphany (minor holiday in many Christian countries)
- January 15 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day in USA (most banks and offices closed)
- January 26 – Republic Day in India (major national public holiday)
The Americas
Obviously the first week of January is peak season for most Latin American and Caribbean destinations, so book early to lock in the best deals. After that January will remain high season through that same region, but plenty of bargains are out there if you look around.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean in January is a bit of a paradox here because it’s the busiest month of the year, and prices are relatively high, but there are still many cheap options available if you know where to look. The cities below are better if you are in the mood for a but of culture, but for those mainly looking to relax in the sun, you can’t beat the Caribbean in January.
The new trend is towards all-inclusive hotels, but you may not realize that they are mainly concentrated in only a few places. Specifically, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica are where you’ll find most of them, although many even cheaper ones are on the Mexican coast in Cancun and just to its south. For most people, an all-inclusive resort will end up saving a lot of money, as long as you aren’t so interested in exploring the whole island.
Where to find the cheapest all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean
The best deals in the Caribbean are at all-inclusive resorts, and that is even more true if you are someone who likes to have at least a few alcoholic beverages each day along with some great meals. Here’s a video explaining exactly where to find the best resorts that are also very cheap.
- 13 Cheapest Caribbean all-inclusive destinations
- 32 Caribbean destinations from cheapest to most expensive
- Best budget Caribbean destinations for different kinds of holidays: All-inclusive, cultural, nightlife, super-cheap, weekend trips, and more
Cancun, Mexico
- January avg high: 82°F/28°C
- January avg low: 69°F/21°C
- January avg precip: 5.4″/13.5cm
There’s at least a small chance that it will rain a bit during January in Cancun, but keep in mind that the showers tend to be over in 30 to 60 minutes and that they often take place overnight. Aside from that, it’s pretty much perfect in this huge resort area this time of year, and value is still good. Room rates are highest in the first week of the month, so you’ll save by arriving after that.
It’s worth noting that “Cancun” is a huge area with plenty to offer. The actual hotel zone in Cancun is mostly high-rise hotels overlooking beaches, while if you go about an hour south you’ll arrive in Playa del Carmen, which is a lovely and tourist-friendly town with smaller hotels and excellent choices for dining, nightlife, and shopping. Just a short ferry ride from Playa you’ll be in Cozumel, which is a small island that is also worth considering.
>>>New: Guide to choosing where to stay in the greater Cancun area
- 3-star hotels from: US$51 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$87 per night for two people
- All-inclusive hotels from: US$219 per night for two people
>>>Check current Cancun resort and package deals
Montego Bay, Jamaica
- January avg high: 84°F/29°C
- January avg low: 72°F/22°C
- January avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm
While all of the Caribbean will be expensive and nearly sold out for the first week of January (so book as early as possible if that’s when you want to go), Montego Bay still remains reasonably priced for the rest of the high season that goes into April. The weather this time of year is pretty much perfect, and there are plenty of water sports and other activities to keep you entertained during the day if you aren’t more interested in just relaxing.
Montego Bay is also home to one of the Caribbean’s largest and busiest airports so flights here are usually direct and often cheap compared to some of the smaller islands. You won’t find the super-low all-inclusive prices here that you can find in the Dominican Republic (see below), but still there are some all-inclusive options that are good value and high quality. Interestingly enough, two of our 11 Best luxurious all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are on Jamaica, and one is in Montego Bay itself, with overwater bungalows!
By the way, if you’d prefer to stay along a wonderful beach lined with small hotels, restaurants, and bars, then head to nearby Negril instead of Montego Bay or Ocho Rios.
- 3-star hotels from: US$87 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$104 per night for two people
- All-inclusive hotels from: US$277 per night for two people
>>>Check current Montego Bay resort and package deals
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- January avg high: 82°F/28°C
- January avg low: 69°F/21°C
- January avg precip: 0.7″/1.8cm
The far eastern edge of the Dominican Republic is where you’ll find the collection of beach towns that are referred to as Punta Cana. Unlike most Caribbean islands, the Dominican Republic has many huge beach hotels that have up to 1,000 rooms or more. This grand scale may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it allows these resorts to offer the best rates in the Caribbean for all-inclusive resorts and large full-service resorts in general.
The first week in January will be booked early but after that it’s normal room rates, which are great bargains compared to the rest of the Caribbean. The all-inclusive resorts here start at a bit over US$200 per night for two people, including room, meals, and unlimited drinks. The better places obviously charge more, but there are plenty of good resorts that receive solid reviews near the lower end of the scale. Punta Cana is honestly the best place in the Caribbean for all-inclusive resorts because there are around 80 to choose from. In fact, Punta Cana also ranks at the top of the list of the best family destinations in the Caribbean.
- 3-star hotels from: US$52 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$91 per night for two people
- All-inclusive hotels from: US$242 per night for two people
>>>Check current Punta Cana resort and package deals
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- January avg high: 84°F/29°C
- January avg low: 62°F/17°C
- January avg precip: 1.3″/3.3cm
While those Caribbean destinations are ideal for those in the eastern half of the US and Canada, they aren’t easy for those in the west to reach at all. The good news is that Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful option that is even better in some ways. The January days are warm and dry and the evenings are cooler than you get in the Caribbean.
Puerto Vallarta is also notable because it’s an actual historic city with an interesting traditional center, rather than just a purpose-built row of beach hotels like in Cancun. If you are in California you might also consider Los Cabos, although Puerto Vallarta is more interesting and usually cheaper as well.
- 3-star hotels from: US$42 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$153 per night for two people
>>>Check current Puerto Vallarta resort and package deals
Mexico City, Mexico
- January avg high: 70°F/21°C
- January avg low: 42°F/6°C
- January avg precip: 0.4″/1.0cm
While it’s true that Mexico City – mostly due to its elevation – isn’t warm enough in January for a proper tropical escape, it can make an excellent cultural city break this time of year. Evenings will be cool for sure, but the days will be pleasant with almost no threat of rain.
Mexico City can make for a great trip all by itself, with fascinating sights, great shopping, and excellent nightlife, but it’s also close to ruins and many other interesting sights that can make for good day trips. Flights from almost anywhere will be fairly cheap this time of year, at least compared to Europe or most of the Caribbean. And in case you aren’t familiar with Mexico City as a tourist city, it’s FAR nicer and safer than you probably imagine, and far more interesting as well. English isn’t widely spoken outside of hotels and tour companies, so if you don’t speak Spanish it’s wise to at least pack a menu translation app.
- 3-star hotels from: US$63 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$84 per night for two people
>>>Mexico City prices
>>>Check current Mexico City hotel and package deals
Ambergris Caye, Belize
- January avg high: 75°F/24°C
- January avg low: 70°F/21°C
- January avg precip: 4.5″/11.3cm
Currently San Pedro (the main city on Ambergris Caye) is the only city in Belize that we cover, and it’s also the most expensive resort area in the country. In other words, if you are really looking for great value in wonderful weather you should consider other parts of Belize instead or in addition to San Pedro.
Caye Caulker is a similar and smaller island even a bit closer to Belize City, and prices there are lower for hotels and for food. There’s also Dangriga and the Placencia Peninsula which are both great choices for sunny holidays. Dangriga has interesting culture while Placencia has the better beaches. Even San Pedro is fairly cheap by most standards, and the round-the-clock warm weather is enchanting even when it rains a bit.
- 3-star hotels from: US$131 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$329 per night for two people
>>>Ambergris Caye prices
>>>Check current San Pedro/Ambergris hotel and package deals
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- January avg high: 92°F/33°C
- January avg low: 69°F/21°C
- January avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm
Costa Rica is the adventure tourism capital of Latin America, and if you want to zip-line and go rafting or surfing you are probably better off going somewhere near San Jose, which is the capital. But if you want a modern resort on a lovely beach with perfect warm weather in January you should head to the Guanacaste area and fly into nearby Liberia Airport. This area is a collection of former fishing villages that now have a variety of traditional beach hotels and modern chain resorts in all price ranges.
January is part of the high season so the resort hotels aren’t cheap, but at least there are a few good all-inclusive resorts that are good value. You can see by the price quotes below that 3-star hotels are MUCH cheaper in this area, so that is something to take into account. The cheaper hotels will have much more of a local feel, while the 4-star beach resort hotels are mostly chains and offer a high level of luxury for the price.
- 3-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$311 (all inclusive) per night for two people
>>>Guanacaste prices
>>>Check current Tamarindo hotel and package deals
Cartagena, Colombia
- January avg high: 85°F/29°C
- January avg low: 75°F/24°C
- January avg precip: 0.2″/0.5cm
January marks the best weather month of the year in Cartagena and most of Colombia, as days will be uniformly sunny and warm, but rarely too hot, and nights are pleasant as well. With almost no rainfall in the forecast you can confidently leave the umbrella at home and work on your tan as long as you like.
Of course the first week of January is still the peak season for hotels and flights, and the rest of the month is in high season, so hotel deals might be challenging to find. On the other hand, it’ll still be far cheaper than almost anywhere else in the Caribbean, so if you can’t afford Cartagena you should stay home.
- 3-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$109 per night for two people
>>>Cartagena prices
>>>Check current Cartagena hotel and package deals
Lima, Peru
- January avg high: 79°F/26°C
- January avg low: 68°F/20°C
- January avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm
January is definitely part of the high season in Lima, but it’s still quite affordable by international standards. The weather will be pretty much perfect with warm days, mild evenings and pretty much no chance of rain all month. Many middle and upper class people from around South America will be in Lima on their vacations, so it’s an interesting mix of people for an outsider.
The historic city center is quite interesting, but many will choose to stay in the trendy Miraflores district along the beach instead. There’s more restaurants and tourist infrastructure there, yet it’s a short ride into the center for sightseeing. By the way, the rainy season in Cusco goes on in January, so the trails can sometimes be cut off, although many people go anyway.
- 3-star hotels from: US$49 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$86 per night for two people
>>>Lima prices
>>>Check current Lima hotel and package deals
Santiago, Chile
- January avg high: 86°F/30°C
- January avg low: 55°F/13°C
- January avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm
January is part of the peak season in Santiago as the ideal weather draws people from all over South America who have vacation time. It’s a huge city with much to offer, and prices even during the peak season are quite reasonable by international standards.
Many people include Santiago on a trip combining many different South American countries, but those who don’t want to jet around quite that much will find that Chile itself is loaded with great sights. There’s the colonial town of Valparaiso and great adventure activities in the foothills of the Andes. Book well in advance to get the best deals.
- 3-star hotels from: US$61 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$105 per night for two people
>>>Santiago prices
>>>Check current Santiago hotel and package deals
Buenos Aires, Argentina
- January avg high: 87°F/31°C
- January avg low: 69°F/21°C
- January avg precip: 4.7″/11.8cm
Being completely honest, January isn’t an ideal month to visit Buenos Aires, as it will be quite warm, day and night, and also quite crowded. There’s also the threat of rain on any given day, but we are including it here because it’s still a fantastic place to visit and the warm weather isn’t a problem for many.
Another thing to note about Buenos Aires compared to most other South American cities is that BA is more about culture, food, and other indoor pursuits. It’s a great place for just strolling in the shopping districts when it’s not too hot, but even when it’s raining or too muggy outside you’ll have an endless list of interesting things to see and do, all quite cheap for what you get.
It’s important to mention the currency situation in Argentina because it’s unlike almost anywhere else on earth. Long story short, if you bring in crisp, new US dollars or Euros you can exchange them on the “blue rate” and get about twice as many Argentine pesos as you would if you used the ATMs when you arrive. In other words, research Argentina blue rate or blue dollar and this place is literally half the price it otherwise would be, and it’s already fairly cheap.
- 3-star hotels from: US$61 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$68 per night for two people
>>>Buenos Aires prices
>>>Check current Buenos Aires hotel and package deals
Bariloche, Argentina
- January avg high: 71°F/22°C
- January avg low: 44°F/7°C
- January avg precip: 1.0″/2.5cm
Obviously January is the height of summer in South America, so most cities are going to be very warm and also crowded. Bariloche is a mountain resort town in southern Argentina where you can expect it to be mild and crowded, so it can be a nice break from the hot coastal cities.
This place used to be a German settlement, so it still has an abundance of small chocolate shops and some architecture to carry on that theme. These days this is a busy winter resort and a busy summer resort, with a wide variety of water activities available. Even in high season, prices here should be at least a bit below those in Buenos Aires, so it will feel like a bargain for most foreign visitors.
You might also consider including Mendoza on your trip, which is the main wine region of Argentina, and also good value.
- 3-star hotels from: US$83 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$119 per night for two people
>>>Bariloche prices
>>>Check current Bariloche hotel and package deals
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- January avg high: 90°F/32°C
- January avg low: 73°F/23°C
- January avg precip: 5.1″/12.8cm
January is the middle of the wet season in Rio de Janeiro, but this is the typical tropical rain pattern that almost always amounts to a 30-minute downpour a few times a week, and sunny skies before and after that. This is a very busy time of the year for Rio, behind only Carnival the following month for crowds and hotel rates, but it’s still relatively cheap and it’s an amazing place to visit at any price.
Hotels along the famous beaches will be quite expensive in January so finding a bargain will be tough, but if you are willing to stay 2 or 3 blocks inland you can find nice places for a fraction of the price. Book well in advance to get the best deals since in busy season like this prices generally just keep going up as the dates approach.
- 3-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$94 per night for two people
>>>Rio de Janeiro prices
>>>Check current Rio de Janeiro hotel and package deals
Europe
Needless to say, there are no destinations in the main part of Europe that could qualify as having great weather in January, but there is still one place worth mentioning…
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- January avg high: 69°F/21°C
- January avg low: 59°F/15°C
- January avg precip: 1.3″/3.3cm
It might be a stretch to call January in Tenerife as having “great” weather, but it’s still pretty damn good even if it’s too chilly to go swimming. Tenerife, in case you aren’t aware, is the largest Canary Island that also has the best infrastructure for English-speaking travelers, and its temperate location just off the coast of Africa gives it mild and pleasant weather all year round.
This island has many hundreds of hotels and holiday rentals, and it’s very popular with the British as well as others from northern European countries. January is part of the high season in Tenerife for hotel prices, but it’s still inexpensive by European or global standards. The area in the southwest corner of the island is where you’ll find most hotels and beach resorts that cater to an English-speaking crowd.
- 3-star hotels from: US$74 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$93 per night for two people
Africa
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
- January average high: 71°F/22°C
- January average low: 55°F/13°C
- January avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm
Budget-minded Europeans should be aware of Sharm el-Sheikh, which is on the southern Red Sea coast in Egypt. This is a proper beach resort with a wide range of affordable hotels alongside posh places that are popular with conventions and conference crowds.
While the weather in January is going to be too cold to enjoy a swim in the ocean, it’s obviously far warmer than you’ll find anywhere in Europe or even Turkey this time of year. As of a few years ago Sharm was unbelievably cheap because some people were worried about unrest, but those days are over and things are back to normal. It’s still cheap by almost any standard, but not insanely cheap like it was in 2021.
- 3-star hotels from: US$34 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$54 per night for two people
>>>Sharm el-Sheikh prices
>>>Check current Sharm el-Sheikh hotel and package deals
Cape Town, South Africa
- January avg high: 79°F/26°C
- January avg low: 60°F/16°C
- January avg precip: 0.6″/1.5cm
January is peak season in Cape Town so finding hotel deals will be challenging, but still it’s quite reasonably priced compared to Europe, North America, or Australia. The weather is pretty much perfect in January with warm days, mild nights, and virtually no rain at all.
The tricky part of an affordable holiday in South Africa will always be the airfare. Being so far from almost everywhere it’s tough to find a good price. The good news is that the country is filled with great sights, including safaris, of course, and history, so a 2-week trip can still be affordable all things considered.
- 3-star hotels from: US$52 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$98 per night for two people
>>>Cape Town prices
>>>Check current Cape Town hotel and package deals
Asia
The peak season for all of Southeast Asia starts around Christmas and goes through February, so you won’t be alone and prices are at their yearly peak. The good news is that things are still far cheaper than pretty much anywhere else in the world.
>>>18 Best Asia destinations in January
Goa, India
- January avg high: 89°F/32°C
- January avg low: 67°F/19°C
- January avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm
Goa is incredibly popular around the Christmas holidays and through January so hotels will be more expensive this time of year than any other. That said, it’s still incredibly cheap compared to any other sunshine destination in the world as long as you know your way around. This is a large area and package hotels in some beach cities will actually show fairly expensive prices this time of year, but independent hotels not far away will still be very cheap.
Prices in Goa, as well as the rest of India, have been rising steadily in the past few years. It’s more important than ever to choose your resort and area wisely. In Calungute and Baga it might feel like prices are only a bit cheaper than in, say, Spain, but if you go to Anjuna or Vagator and find a family-run hotel and eat in local restaurants you’ll be spending a fraction of that. If you are in the mood to tour around, Mumbai has great weather during January, and Delhi has warm days but cool evenings this time of year.
- 3-star hotels from: US$43 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people
>>>Goa prices
>>>Check prices on India hotels and resorts
Bangkok, Thailand
- January avg high: 90°F/32°C
- January avg low: 70°F/21°C
- January avg precip: 0.4″/1.0cm
January can be very crowded in Bangkok so this is really the only time of year you should seriously think about booking a hotel well in advance. Things lighten up a bit as the month goes on, but around the New Years week it can be brutal. The weather is perfect with spectacular sunny days and mild evenings. It will still be humid in the evenings, but not as bad as other times of the year.
If you are shopping online for hotels in Bangkok you’ll find that most of them seem quite expensive, at least this time of year. It’s worth knowing that many hotels in this city don’t take online reservations and most of the cheaper ones do accept reservations by email. Meals will be very cheap, especially if you don’t mind eating the wonderful (and safe) street food available on almost every block.
- 3-star hotels from: US$33 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$54 per night for two people
>>>Bangkok prices
>>>Check Bangkok and Thailand hotel prices
Siem Reap, Cambodia
- January avg high: 90°F/32°C
- January avg low: 68°F/20°C
- January avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm
You visit Siem Reap to visit the amazing temple complex of Angkor Wat just to its north, and this is the best time of the year for that, even though it’s also the most crowded. Most other times of the year it’s so hot and humid during the day that you have to break your temple visit up with an afternoon break, but in January you can actually go straight through most of the time.
There are many really expensive hotels in Siem Reap since this attraction brings in almost as many 5-star travelers as it does backpackers, but there are still plenty of cheap guesthouses and even hostels. The price average for a day in Siem Reap is actually quite a bit lower than what is shown here, and it’s only inflated this much because admission to Angkor Wat is quite high if you only go for the one-day option.
- 3-star hotels from: US$28 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$37 per night for two people
>>>Siem Reap prices
>>>Check Siem Reap and Cambodia hotel deals
Phuket, Thailand
- January avg high: 89°F/32°C
- January avg low: 74°F/23°C
- January avg precip: 1.2″/3.0cm
As the most expensive part of Thailand, Phuket barely qualifies as cheap if you are detemined to stay in one of the many beach resorts in the posh towns. The prices we list on this site are for Phuket Town, which is inland and much cheaper than even the cheapest beach cities.
January has excellent weather and is incredibly popular in Phuket for Europeans in particular. If you are flying all that way to sit on a beach then you are probably going to want to spend a bit more on a proper beach hotel rather than trying to save money by commuting to the beach from Phuket Town each morning. Book early for the best prices since they usually just keep rising as the dates approach. Another nice thing is Phuket has its own huge international airport so you can fly in from the Middle East instead of having to change planes in Bangkok.
- 3-star hotels from: US$36 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$57 per night for two people
>>>Phuket prices
>>>Check for the best Phuket resort deals
Boracay Island, Philippines
- January average high: 82°F/28°C
- January average low: 73°F/24°C
- January avg precip: 3.7″/0.3cm
January is nearly perfect in Boracay, so it’s also part of the high season for hotels. Increasing numbers of visitors are discovering what all the fuss is about here, as Boracay Island combines affordable prices, excellent beaches, and a throw-back atmosphere that is far more pleasant than most other busy beaches in Southeast Asia.
As a long and thin island just off of a larger island, nearly every hotel on Boracay is within a very short walk of the beach. For that reason there are virtually no super-cheap places but value is fantastic for mid-range and up visitors. Food and drinks are very reasonably priced here, as are things like massages and diving trips. Boracay Island was closed to visitors for 6 months in 2018 and now the infrastructure and environment are in better shape than they’ve been in in years.
- 3-star hotels from: US$57 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$84 per night for two people
>>>Boracay prices
>>>Check Boracay resort deals
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- January avg high: 89°F/32°C
- January avg low: 70°F/21°C
- January avg precip: 0.6″/1.5cm
Saigon (as it’s locally known) is certainly not a beach city, but it’s a very popular part of the SE Asia backpacker circuit that really heats up this time of the year. There are beach cities like Nha Trang along Vietnam’s east coast, and a few islands to the south and over in nearby Cambodia as well. HCMC is quite cheap by almost any standards and it’s a great stop to mix in between beach destinations if you are in the region.
The weather in January is perhaps the best of the whole year, as the evenings are reasonably cool and it’s less humid that other times. This is also an emerging party city, unlike others in Vietnam, so it works on many levels for the budget tourist or backpacker.
- 3-star hotels from: US$52 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people
>>>Ho Chi Minh City prices
>>>Check current Ho Chi Minh City hotel deals
Chiang Mai, Thailand
- January avg high: 84°F/29°C
- January avg low: 57°F/14°C
- January avg precip: 0.3″/0.8cm
If you have more than a week or two off around this time of year you’d be hard pressed to find a better travel value than Chiang Mai. The weather is perfect, with warm sunny days and mild nights that aren’t annoyingly muggy like they are in Bangkok and Saigon. It’s the high season for hotels for sure, but since hotels are so incredibly cheap here that still puts them well below the price of a dorm bed in almost any European city.
While Chiang Mai itself may not be as charming as you might expect, considering it’s a historic former capital filled with temples, the best part is that this is a fantastic part of Thailand for trekking and other outdoor activities. Come to Chiang Mai and then shop around for multi-day trips to nearby forests and temples, which are also very cheap, even in January.
- 3-star hotels from: US$24 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$39 per night for two people
>>>Chiang Mai prices
>>>Check Chiang Mai and Thailand tour prices
Luang Prabang, Laos
- January avg high: 82°F/28°C
- January avg low: 58°F/14°C
- January avg precip: 0.5″/1.3cm
Another city with perfect weather in January, Luang Prabang is the biggest tourist city in Laos, and it can get quite crowded this time of year, for good reason. Again you have the warm and dry days with evenings that are pleasant rather than steamy as they are down south.
In the past few years Luang Prabang has gotten many more upscale hotels so it might look like the city isn’t friendly for budget travelers, but there are still many cheaper guesthouses left, although most aren’t bookable online. If you just show up in town there’s a good chance you can find a cheap room, but arrive early in the day if possible. If you are coming on the slow boat you will have plenty of competition for the cheaper beds.
- 3-star hotels from: US$37 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$55 per night for two people
>>>Luang Prabang prices
>>>Check Luang Prabang hotel and resort deals
Middle East
January is cool and even a bit rainy in most of the Middle East. An exception is Dubai (below) and Abu Dhabi, which both have perfect sunny weather. However, Abu Dhabi doesn’t make this list because it’s not really cheap enough for the cut.
Dubai, UAE
- January avg high: 75°F/24°C
- January avg low: 58°F/14°C
- January avg precip: 0.6″/1.5cm
January is peak season in Dubai not because it’s so warm but because Europe is so cold this month. As you can see by the temperatures above, you are going to want to pack a light jacket or sweater for the evenings, even if you can leave the umbrella at home. You should be able to get in a bit of beach time this month, although most people sit at hotel pools between meals and visits to the many shopping malls.
Even though Dubai is busy in January, it’s still a good bargain because there are so many hotels and apartment rentals here. The huge airport is also very busy this time of year, though airfares are quite reasonable from Europe and other nearby areas where people are looking for a winter break.
- 3-star hotels from: US$53 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people
Hi Roger,
Since November I have been in Australia and New Zealand. I may have an opportunity to continue to travel to mid February before heading back to America.
Where would you recommend in the Southern Hemisphere (needs to be inexpensive since NZ/Australia expensive?
Thanks for any advice you can provide. PS: I am solo female traveler if that makes a difference on your recommendations.
Nancy,
If it needs to be in the Southern Hemisphere then your choices are limited, but if it just needs to be warm you have far more choices. In the Southern Hemisphere the cheapest and easiest worthwhile places are in Indonesia. If you are in Australia you must know that Bali is the main stop, and it’s just a bit below the equator. There is a lot to like about the island, but it’s also overcrowded in most of the popular places. Kuta Beach is the most popular and crowded place, and it’s possible to stay there cheaply. You might start there and see how you like it.
If you want a place in Bali that is nicer, more beautiful, and far less crowded (not to mention a bit cheaper) you could go to Lovina along the northern coast. It’s also worth stopping in Ubud on your way for a few days, even though it’s also crowded. You could also go to Lombok or the small Gili islands nearby by ferry.
If you just want a warm place you could go elsewhere in southeast Asia. Thailand is the easiest, but Vietnam and Cambodia are cheaper. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Roger you were so accurate in describing Thailand as a good place to spend a month or more. When you compare price ,safety and the variety of sites that are worth visiting. I originally went for two weeks. When I arrived home I repacked and spent two months. I’d like to take another extended vacation and I would like see and meet local folks who show similar trust and hospitality. Usually a common language being a great divide. Is there anywhere in the world you can travel about where English isn’t their primary language but are hospitable and willing to help bridge the language gap in such a hassle free way.
Mike,
I’m always happy to hear that readers think I’m providing useful information. Your question in an interesting one. There are many countries where locals are very friendly and it’s easy to get by on English. Since you asked this question below an article that discusses cheap destinations with great weather in January, I’ll assume you want a place that’s affordable and warm then.
Honestly, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam are all fairly similar in that regard, although the infrastructure and conveniences are a bit more primitive. They are all a bit cheaper, however.
Malaysia is also similar to Thailand, unsurprisingly, and in many ways it’s easier because English is widely spoken and much of the country is even more modern than Thailand. After spending many years traveling around Asia, Kuala Lumpur is my favorite big city, and I also highly recommend Georgetown on the island of Penang and Malacca down south.
Another one to consider is the Philippines. Manila is not a city that you want to spend more than a couple days in, but there are dozens of other good places to visit and linger. Boracay Island is really wonderful and has kind of an old-school feeling. There are no really cheap hotels there, and not many apartments, so it might not be a great place to stay for weeks on end if you can’t afford at least US$60 per night for a hotel. English is also widely spoken in the Philippines, so it couldn’t be easier.
In the Americas, Belize could fit what you are looking for. English is one of the official languages (it used to be called British Honduras), and it’s very laid back and easy going.
Puerto Rico is another that could work. Most people speak Spanish, but in the San Juan area there are also many Americans who speak flawless English so it’s very easy to get along. Apartments in and near San Juan can be great value considering how nice the place is.
Let me know if any of these sound interesting and I’ll be happy to expand on the info if you like. -Roger
I’ve spent time in Goa, Pacific side of Costa Rica, Cambodia, Phuket and Bangkok. I wouldn’t spend time in Bangkok again on vacation. The Angkor Wat temples are amazing, Costa Rica I found most family friendly.
Is Mauritius a safe and or inexpensive place to go these days?
Elizabeth,
I’ve yet to make it to Mauritius myself, but some friends of mine have been there and I believe it is relatively safe. Be careful of unofficial taxis and that sort of thing, of course.
As for the costs, it appears to be one of those islands that has a very wide range of prices. The place is known for many luxurious resorts that cost as much as they do in Phuket or even Hawaii, but they also have many cheap hotels that start around US$30 per night. I’m sure food and drink are similar in that if you want something more than typical food eaten by locals, it will be pricey. Best of luck with your research. -Roger
Hi Roger, Do you have any thoughts on Sri Lanka for early January? Also is there much to Goa outside of the beach? Thx
Stuart,
Sri Lanka in January is ideal, as the temperatures are reasonable and there is very little rain (in most of the country).
Goa, for better or worse, is mainly a place where people go to relax on or near the beach. There are very few really interesting attractions in the state, and only tiny numbers of foreign visitors even try. On one hand, it’s quite an interesting culture with the Portuguese connection. It’s one of the only places in India where you see pictures of Jesus Christ all over, and where beef is on most menus (even though cows do wander the main roads like in the rest of India). And it really is a beautiful place. It’s also very calm, unlike most of the rest of India. And there are the famous beach parties and DJs, mainly in the Vagator and Anjuna areas.
Still, if you are looking for varied scenery and nature it’s probably better to go to Sri Lanka. Goa is a place where most visitors sit on the beach, often with a drink in their hand. Good luck with whatever you decide. -Roger
Hi roger, I need some advice please. I am traveling for a week in late January to early February with a 3 month old baby. I want some place warm enough to be comfortable for a baby to travel around outside with me but not necessarily beach weather. I live on a beach so I prefer to visit other types of destinations. I have been to a lot of the major European countries and cities. I really liked Scotland but was not prepared for the chill from Edinburgh up to the highlands. Somewhere warmer in the UK would be awesome. I have loved most places I’ve been to in France, excluding the southern portions like Nice, Montpellier, and Ames, etc. along that route to Spain. I like to have lots of good food, culture and beauty. My favorite places so far have been Barcelona for the food, Paris just because it was my dream destination as a kid, gruissan for the quiet beauty and non touristy vibe, Scotland for the uncommon green, scotch and friendly people and Ireland for the people and great beer, Wales near herefordshire for those reasons as well. I would be interested in both staying in one place for a week and road tripping a country or area. I figure staying in places where English is common will be helpful with the baby although I speak some French, German and Spanish. Also being near a hospital for emergencies. I have cheap tickets to Europe so while Asia may be a bit cheaper, the tickets are cheapest when traveling to large destinations in Europe or anywhere Ryanair and those airlines fly for cheap. Also it can’t be in the Americas because that’s where I live and the flight has to be transcontinental. Any suggestions?? Thanks!
Shannon,
This is a tricky one. I’ll provide some comments in the order that the topics came up.
The warmest part of the UK, at least in the winter, is Cornwall. It’s the southwest tip of the island. But it’s still pretty chilly that time of year, and not easy to visit without a car. Brighton is a beach town just south of London, and you could visit there without a car, but again, it’ll be chilly with short days that time of year.
Based on everything else you’ve mentioned, I’d recommend southern Spain or Portugal. That time of the year it’s way too chilly to sunbathe in those places, but at least it’s warm enough that you don’t have to bundle up. English is fairly common along the southern coast of both countries. The best area would probably be the Costa del Sol in Spain, which is just a bit west of Malaga. There is a town called Torremolinos that could be a good base, or the more upscale town of Marbella a bit more west.
From there you could enjoy the local food and culture, and perhaps take a train to Madrid and Toledo for some sightseeing.
In Portugal you could base yourself in the Algarve region around Faro, or even in Lisbon, which has some of the best weather in Europe that time of year. Let me know if you have more questions and I’ll be happy to try to answer them. -Roger
Hi roger,
i am currently looking to find a good destination for 3 weeks (mid january to 7th of febuary). i am departing from montreal and have a budget of 3000 CAD (2250 USD). i have tought about Peru and south africa. We are 2 guys that like outdoors activities, hiking and beaches. What would be your suggestions ^
thank you
Dan P,
I think both of your ideas are really good. The beaches of Peru are not particularly nice as far as sand and services, but at least they do have some beaches. You could spend a week or more in the Cusco area, which is really fun on its own, as well as the staging area for all Machu Picchu visits. Late January is part of the rainy season there, but since you won’t be in a hurry you could work around it. In other words, any given day might be rainy, though in 3 weeks you might only get a few of those. Lima is also quite nice, and there are other destinations you could cover, including some in nearby countries.
I’ve yet to make it to South Africa myself, but that might be even a better choice. People I know rave about it, and it’s got a great combination of outdoor activities and beaches and so forth. Value there is really good lately as well, so your money would go a long way.
You might also consider Costa Rica and/or Panama, which both could fit your wish list nicely with good weather and value. You could even consider Argentina, which also offers what you seek. You’ve got plenty of great options. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger
I hope you can help .
My boyfriend has placed a deposit on a holiday to Marbella in Jan .I’m concerned the weather won’t be hot enough.He can only manage a 2 hour flight from the Uk .
Should we go ahead with the booking or can you suggest elsewhere? Thank you .
Julia,
Unfortunately, the Costa del Sol is much too cool for sunbathing from November through April. In January the average high is 17C/62F and the average low is 7C/45F. So it’ll be warmer than here in the UK, but the beaches will be cold and windy. Your closest place with sort of warm weather in January is the Canary Islands. The southwest corner of Tenerife will have daytime temperatures around 21C or a bit above most days. It’s a 3 to 4 hour flight. Best of luck with this. -Roger
Hi Roger,
I loved your article and suggestions! I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the Pacific side of Mexico including Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo. It’s been a while since I’ve been to PV, but found it affordable with good temps. Just haven’t been to the other places yet. I’d like to take my kids for a few days & just enjoy sand & sun. Travel would be from Chicago. Thanks in advance!
Rosa,
Puerto Vallarta is one of my favorite destinations in Mexico, and you’ve reminded me that I should mention it more often. And fortunately, it seems to have avoided the problems that Acapulco and some other resorts have had. So I highly recommend it and I agree that it’s good value with a great climate. I haven’t been to Mazatlan is decades, and you don’t really hear much about it lately. I get the impression that it isn’t aging as well as PV and the area around there. And I’ve not been to Manzanillo, but I hear good things and it could be another great choice.
The Caribbean resorts are much larger than the Pacific ones, which is why I mention them more often. But I’m a big fan of PV and I really should write more about it. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hi Roger, Ive been reading all your reviews and you really seem to know how to help people.
Im looking for a month long destination, somewhere warm and not busy with too many tourists. I do like to see some people though, coco beach in costa rica is what I like, but the beach is not great. Can you suggest something along those lines?
Rita,
Without knowing your starting point it’s a bit challenging to come up with suggestions. But since you mentioned Costa Rica I’ll assume you are in the US or Canada. For a one-month rental in January that is warm enough for beach-going, Florida is unreliable so you’ll have to go more south.
My first thought is to consider Puerto Rico. I’m most familiar with the San Juan area, which is probably busier than you would prefer, but there are many other smaller beach towns all over the island that might work. One of the many great things about Puerto Rico is that the accommodation market there is mostly holiday homes and condos, which are rented out weekly, monthly, or longer. There are some areas with many hotels, but even in those it’s not like Cancun or something, where everyone is there for only a few days. The beaches along the north coast near San Juan are fantastic, by the way.
Another good thing is that since it’s officially part of the US, it’s all well organized and rental cars are cheap. They also have good chain supermarkets and restaurants, along with some local ones, so it’s easy and convenient for visitors staying a week or more.
You might also consider something near Playa del Carmen or Cozumel, speaking of Mexico, as those areas also have many rentals and are popular enough to have all the services. Of course there are other islands in the Caribbean that could work, though most of them are more challenging for first-time renters or quite expensive.
Let me know if this helps at all, and I’ll provide more information if you need it. -Roger
Hi Roger,
First of all, congratulations with your great job and second, as a Peruvian myself, let me tell you (or remind you, in case you already know) of two wonderful backpackers’jewels in the Pacific coast: Máncora in the north coast of Perú, near Piura, and Montañita in Ecuador, not far from Guayaquil. Both awesome backpacking surfing paradises with street parties, lots going on and much cheaper prices than Lima for instance. I know many backpackers who has just remained months there, so it’s not a bad idea to include them in your list. Up to you. Good luck with the good work.
Raf,
Thank you for the suggestions. Those places sound really nice, and I’d actually not yet heard of either of them. They both sound more like backpacker destinations and I hope more people hear about them. The list above is more for mainstream tourists who are looking for a place to fly to in January. Your suggestions are probably best suited to people on longer trips who are looking to get out of the famous hot spots. I appreciate the comments. -Roger
Hi!
I’m looking to meet my sister somewhere warm(ish) and affordable in January 2017 for a few weeks – she’s flying from London and I’m flying from Australia. We were thinking maybe northern Africa, but the Canary Islands have come up a few times too. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks 🙂
Penny,
Morocco is the only reliably safe country in northern Africa, but it’s still fairly cool (18C/65F highs) there in January. It’s a very interesting and affordable country, with plenty to see, though it’s not really a good place to hang out or meet up. In other words, if you want to explore Fez, Marrakech, or the Atlas Mountains, go to Morocco. But if you want to go to a warm and affordable beach for a family visit, the only good option in that region in January is the Canary Islands.
Specifically, go to Tenerife, which is the largest and most English-friendly of the Canaries. January average highs are 20C/69F, and the beaches in the southwest corner of the island can be even a bit warmer. I spent almost a month in Tenerife earlier this year and I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it’s cheap, easy, relaxed, friendly, and there are good accommodation options in all price ranges. On the other hand, there isn’t much to see aside from the dormant volcano, and it feels quite generic. In other words, if you are just looking for a nice place to go and you don’t care too much about top-notch sightseeing, Tenerife is perfect.
You could also go to India, with Goa being the obvious choice for English speakers. It’s obviously much closer to you and still not too far from London. If that sounds more interesting, let me know and I’ll give you some more information. -Roger