Sunny Holiday Destinations in January and February
January and February are the bleakest months on the British calendar: short days, grey skies, and temperatures that rarely climb above 6°C. The good news is that dozens of destinations within a few hours of the UK are basking in reliable sunshine during exactly this window. Whether you want to lie on a white-sand beach or explore a warm city, the options are broader than most people realise.
Where to Go for Guaranteed Winter Sun
The winter sun season runs October to March, which means January and February sit right at its heart. Destinations within 23.5 degrees north or south of the equator tend to offer the most consistent warmth, with daytime highs typically ranging between 20°C and 28°C at short-haul spots and 26°C to 30°C sea temperatures at tropical long-haul destinations.
The Canary Islands
Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura all deliver daytime air temperatures of 20–24°C in January and February, with low rainfall and consistent Atlantic breezes. These islands are classed as short-haul, meaning flights of up to approximately 5 hours from the UK. Return economy fares typically fall in the £80–£250 range, excluding luggage, making them one of the most cost-effective winter sun choices available.
All-inclusive resorts on the islands start at around £80–£150 per person per night at the budget tier, based on two adults sharing. Mid-range properties with included meals, drinks, and activities sit between £150 and £300 per person per night.
Cape Verde
This Atlantic archipelago sits roughly 570 km off the coast of West Africa and offers reliable sunshine and dry weather throughout the winter months. Daytime temperatures hover around 24–26°C, and the islands are calm and quiet compared with the Canaries. Sal and Boa Vista are the most popular islands for beach holidays, with flat, windy terrain ideal for water sports. Flight times from the UK are around six hours, placing Cape Verde in the long-haul bracket, with return fares generally in the £400–£900 economy range.
The Maldives
January sits inside the dry season in the Maldives, making it one of the best months of the year to visit. Sea temperatures sit between 26°C and 30°C year-round, and underwater visibility reaches 15–30 metres, which is exceptional for snorkelling and diving. Luxury overwater villas dominate the market here, with costs ranging from £300 to £700 per person per night at the top end. Mid-range resort options exist and fall closer to £150–£300 per person per night.
Flights from the UK take roughly 10–11 hours, and a stay of 10–14 nights is the typical trip length for a long-haul beach holiday.
Thailand
The islands of Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, and Phuket are warm and mostly dry in January and February, with air temperatures averaging 28–32°C. The Andaman Sea coast, including Phuket and Krabi, sees its best conditions during this period. Sea temperatures sit at 26–29°C, with strong visibility for snorkelling and diving. Budget city-break hotels in Bangkok cost £40–£90 per room per night, while beach resort accommodation scales considerably higher.
Return flights from the UK run approximately 11–12 hours and typically cost £400–£900 in economy.
The Caribbean
January and February are widely regarded as the Caribbean's peak season. Barbados, St Lucia, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic all experience low humidity, minimal rainfall, and air temperatures of 26–30°C during this period. Sea temperatures remain in the 26–30°C range throughout, making beach and water conditions excellent. All-inclusive resorts are especially popular in the Caribbean; luxury-tier properties charge £300–£700 per person per night, while mid-range options sit between £150 and £300.
Return economy flights from the UK take 8–10 hours and fall within the £400–£900 bracket.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Booking 3–6 months ahead is the standard recommendation for peak-season travel in January and February. Because these months coincide with the height of the European winter escape, demand for flights and resorts is strong. Booking in September or October for a January departure gives you access to better availability and more competitive pricing.
Last-minute deals do appear, but the selection of rooms and flights becomes narrow. School holiday periods in late January add additional pressure on pricing at popular family resorts.
Short-Haul vs Long-Haul - What Suits You?
Short-haul destinations, those reachable in up to approximately 5 hours from the UK, include the Canary Islands, Morocco, and southern Spain. They suit shorter breaks of 7–10 nights and are significantly cheaper to reach. Long-haul destinations, those requiring more than approximately 5 hours of flying, include the Maldives, the Caribbean, Thailand, and Cape Verde. These suit longer stays of 10–14 nights and typically require a larger budget overall.
Morocco deserves a mention for city-break travellers. Marrakech reaches daytime highs of around 20°C in January, with clear skies and a rich cultural offering. Mid-range hotels cost £90–£200 per room per night, and return short-haul flights often fall well within the £80–£250 budget range.
Practical Things to Sort Before You Go
Visa requirements vary by destination. UK citizens can visit the majority of the featured destinations here without a visa or on a visa-on-arrival basis, but entry rules can change. Always verify current requirements through official government sources before booking.
Always check the latest UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice before committing to any trip. The FCDO publishes destination-specific guidance on safety, health requirements, and local conditions, and this information is updated regularly.
Travel insurance that covers medical expenses, cancellation, and disruption is essential, particularly for long-haul trips. Buying it at the point of booking rather than just before departure means you are covered if you need to cancel in the intervening months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Sunniest Destinations in January and February?
The Canary Islands, Cape Verde, the Maldives, Thailand, and the Caribbean consistently rank among the sunniest places to visit in January and February. Short-haul options like Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer daytime air temperatures of 20–24°C, while tropical long-haul destinations such as the Maldives and Barbados deliver air and sea temperatures between 26°C and 30°C.
How Far in Advance Should I Book a Winter Sun Holiday?
Booking 3–6 months ahead is recommended for January and February travel. Demand peaks during the British winter, so reserving flights and accommodation in September or October gives you the best choice of resorts and the most competitive fares.
What Is the Cheapest Sunny Destination in January from the UK?
The Canary Islands are typically the most affordable option, with return economy flights ranging from £80 to £250 and budget all-inclusive resorts starting at £80–£150 per person per night based on two adults sharing. Lanzarote and Gran Canaria often offer the keenest prices in January.
Is the Maldives Worth Visiting in January and February?
January falls within the Maldives' dry season, making it one of the best times to visit. Sea temperatures sit at 26–30°C year-round, and underwater visibility reaches 15–30 metres. Resort costs range from around £150 per person per night at mid-range properties to £700 at the luxury end, so it suits a range of budgets as long as flight costs are factored in.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Popular January and February Sun Destinations?
UK citizens can visit the majority of popular winter sun destinations without a visa or on a visa-on-arrival basis, including Thailand, the Canary Islands, the Maldives, and many Caribbean islands. Entry requirements do change, so always verify the current rules with official government sources and check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking.