6 Warmest Places to Visit in January 2025
Are you looking for the warmest places to visit in January? Well, you’ve landed on an article just for that!
Winter season is one of the coldest of the 4 seasons every year and it is experienced from later dates in December to later dates in March for people located in the Northern hemisphere.
Most people are usually excited about the snow season but many times this excitement is short-live because when the New Year begins, some are already tired of being cooped up indoors.
You may be one of the few who are constantly staring out of the window and wishing you were somewhere warm sipping an exotic drink on a luxurious beach or maybe a hotel room watching beautiful landscapes from the balcony.
January is the best time of the holidays to hop on a flight and jet off to your dream destinations.
Whether it is in Africa where there are many beautiful safaris and islands where you will not get tired of looking at the blue waters, or other destinations with various fun and exciting activities that you can be part of.
For the ones who don’t want to stay indoors anymore during winter, the good news is that there are plenty of warm places around the world that you can escape to this January.
Our list will give you plenty of destinations to start with.
6 Warmest Places to Visit in January
1. Bahamas
This a country is located in North America, about 80 km (50 miles) southeast of the coast of Florida and north of Cuba.
It is the best destination to visit in January for people who love the sun but do not like extreme heat and humidity.
It has a constant temperature of around 21°C throughout January making it the best location for beach activities.
The nights are a bit chilly, and you may experience some rain so be sure to carry something warm.
Top activities In the Bahamas
Marathons in the Bahamas
This event takes place on the 13th and 14th of January in Nassau Paradise Island.
If you are a person who is into keeping fit, enjoys running, or wants to experience the thrill of participating in a marathon for the first time, this is a chance for you to run amidst the beautiful scenery.
This will boost your inner strength like never before and freshen up your spirit.
The marathon is divided into 5k, relay, half marathon, and full marathon and the most interesting thing is that you get to go home with a medal which is a sign of your victory.
Visiting the beaches
The Bahamas is mainly known for the number of beaches located there which boast of very clear waters.
These beaches are the best places, whether you are looking for a quiet and secluded spot to relax and read a book or enjoy basking in the sun.
The sea is full of activities such as snorkeling in colorful coral reefs, swimming, and scuba diving which are relaxing activities that will take away all your stress and the January blue related to the winter season.
The beach resorts are also fun areas to visit since they offer an array of activities such as jet skiing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing.
Indulging in Sports
The Bahamas has many tennis courts where you can compete with other tourists or locals. It’s also known for two golf courses where you can play your heart out.
There are also other sports activities that you can take part in and keep your sporty side alive.
Adventures
There are numerous adventures that you can take part in such as visiting Aqua venture Water Park which is popularly known for a range of exciting activities such as thrilling rides, themed adventures, and more than 20 swimming pools that cater to all ages and levels of swimmers.
You can also visit Salt Kay (Blue Lagoon Island) which houses a tranquil lagoon, great beaches, and land-based activities.
Shopping
The best places to go shopping in the Bahamas are traditional markets, thrift stores, artisan markets, and duty-free designer stores.
This place provides the best country for anyone looking for unique souvenirs, designer clothes, and homemade crafts.
2. Tulum, Mexico
Another North American destination located south of Cancun, along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Tulum is one of the hottest places to visit in January with an average temperature of 28°C.
It recently became very popular and became the third most visited location in Mexico.
Tulum offers a little something to everyone from an epic food scene to numerous adventures and incredible nightlife although it is mostly known for scuba diving with many cenotes and caves to explore.
It’s warm with less humidity without overheating. Unlike the Bahamas, Tulum gets super-hot at the night during January so ensure that you stay hydrated.
Top Activities in Tulum
Visiting the beaches
Located on Tulum beaches, also known as the Tulum hotel zone. The beaches in Tulum are known to be stunning with soft sand and dazzling waters making the one of the best places to visit in January.
Explore Tulum Town
It is also known as Tulum Pueblo or El Centro. This is where many businesses are located for example grocery stores, local restaurants, and Mexican shops.
Swimming and Scuba diving in Cenotes
Tulum cenotes are natural limestone sinkholes. They provide access to the underground water system which is best known for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Riviera Maya, where Tulum is located, is known to have the largest underground cave system in the world and connects thousands of different cenotes.
Immersing in some Yoga
Tulum has plenty of yoga retreats, music therapy sessions, and other health and wellness activities since it’s a popular destination for hippies and people who are into bohemian style.
If you are into yoga or looking to experience some relaxing activity visit some yoga retreats such as Naga Tulum or beachfront yoga studio.
Check out the nightlife
Beach bars are usually full almost every evening during the weekends and holidays.
They range from bars where you can grab a drink in the open-air jungle, watch the full moon while partying, and local cocktails watching the sunset amongst other fun activities.
3. Kenya
In Kenya January fall between short rains which occur between October and the beginning of December and long rains which are experienced around April.
The weather in January is dry and clear-skied with warm evenings and nights and the temperatures in Nairobi range between 21°C to 27°C, while in Mombasa the temperatures are around 32°C.
Top Activities in Kenya
Climbing Mount Kenya
It may not be the best for someone who has had enough of the cold weather, but it is a fun activity to try out for adventure and keep fit.
The warmest weather in January and the dry atmosphere makes it the perfect condition to climb the 17,057-mountain peak.
Visiting the beaches
All the beaches on the East African Coast of Kenya. The hot air makes it perfect to lie on the beach and sip your cocktail while enjoying the ocean waves.
The temperatures in these areas are also suitable for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also decide to take a walk in the town region where the ocean breeze cuts down on the heat.
Wildlife Safari
There are several national parks in Kenya where you can decide to have a safari and explore nature.
Although the wildebeest migration does not take place during this time of the year, other migrations are happening such as bird migration.
You can also get to see African Big 5 in the park lounging and walking around.
Explore Nairobi
Nairobi does not have the best reputation when it comes to cities you can visit, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t areas within the city that you can explore.
It is the largest capital city of Kenya making it a home for several sites such as historical museums, shopping malls, international and local restaurants, and various African tribal exhibitions.
If you are willing to explore the city, you will have a unique experience although you must take the necessary precautions.
4. The Maldives
The Maldives is one of the most visited places when it comes to the January season since it is not too hot, not too cold, and does not rain much as well.
The temperatures range from 25°C to 29°C and at night the temperature drops to 24°C. The Maldives gest about 9 hours of sunshine making it the perfect weather for many activities.
It is made up of 1200 islands which are scattered across the Indian Ocean which gives you a wide range of resorts to choose from depending on your preference whether it is for a romantic escape, or you are looking for a cheaper option of all the resorts located in the islands.
The best places to visit in the Maldives in January are Malé city which is the capital of the Maldives.
It is best known for its great nightlife, local markets, exotic food, and culture, you can also visit the artificial beach where carnivals, festivals, and events are hosted in many other places.
Top Activities in Maldives
Fishing
Maldives has many atolls which offer fishing programs and allows visitors to rent all equipment needed for fishing. Fishing is one of the major activities in the Maldives.
You can catch different types of fish such as barracuda, red bass, Maa Keyolhu, yellowfish tuna, and other species.
This is a very exciting experience since there will be a head fisherman who will be accompanying you and giving you various instructions and guides to ensure you are safe and enjoying the process.
Surfing
Waves are not intense in January making it a great time especially for beginners since they can practice well. There are surfing clubs for example the Maldives Surf Club which offers a great surfing experience.
There are surfing areas with fewer people where you can surf and play with waves without much disturbance.
Snorkeling
The sea is not choppy in January and the water is usually warm and soothing making it the best time to go for a snorkeling expedition.
Many places offer snorkeling experiences such as Kaafu Atoll, Malé Atoll, and Banana Reef with exotic reefs, overhanging rock formations, and caves with breath-taking marine life making it the best experience of your life in the Maldives.
Site seeing
You can decide to visit various islands such as Utheemu Ganduvaru which offers some history of the Maldives, Fihalhohi Island which has beautiful sunsets, white beaches with clear blue waters and provides privacy for couples who are going on a honeymoon, and other islands amongst 1200.
Each of these has its own unique experience when it comes to cheaper options and different cultures and activities.
5. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
January is not very hot in Dubai compared to the summertime where it is quite hot. It is a world-renowned city that has many high-rise futuristic buildings and is very broad inland.
Dubai experiences hot and dry desert weather conditions but it provides relief from the heat since it is on the banks of the south-eastern Persian Gulf.
The temperature is around 24°C and there is minimal chance of rain. January is a peak tourist season, so you must be prepared for high prices and crowded places.
The city is usually full of life in January because of the Dubai Shopping Festival which makes the city come alive.
Dubai also offers other amazing experiences for you to have on your vacation making you have an incredible and memorable holiday vacation.
Top Activities in Dubai
Dubai Shopping Festival
This festival takes place between mid-December to late January. It is usually one of the most awaited events in Dubai with high-end brands taking part in it, making it both extravagant and amazing.
The annual month-long event brings together different shops which offer discounts on their merchandise. The malls tend to have longer work hours which makes the visitors experience plenty of time shopping.
Other activities that take place apart from shopping include fireworks, film festivals, events, and music shows.
Dine in the Sky
Since the weather is most favorable in January, you can have a unique dining experience where you will be lifted 50m above the ground and enjoy the taste of adrenaline while being served delicious cuisines.
Dhow Cruise
Dhow is a traditional boat. For a relaxing evening experience, you can decide to take the Dhow cruise which includes a three-course dinner buffet and live entertainment.
This unique experience offers an enjoyable ride with the best landscape sites and an exhilarating ride on the boat itself.
Desert Safari
This is one of the best things to do when visiting Dubai in January. Bashing in the dunes and enjoying belly dancers swerving to the Arabic tunes in the desert is a unique experience you will never get anywhere else.
This experience is amazing and looks glorious, especially at night during the full moon.
Explore Dubai Cuisines
Try new things and expand your plate while in Dubai, especially when it comes to exploring various dishes.
You can discover a wide variety of delicious street foods and other dishes which you have never heard of but are delicious.
Visit the Dubai Global Village
It is located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and is a multicultural festival park.
This village combines cultures from 90 countries across the world in one place making visitors discover different parts of the world through their culture in just a few hours.
6. Auckland, New Zealand
It is the biggest city in New Zealand which connects two natural harbors. It is the inner land between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea with incredible coastlines and forestry.
The average daily temperature is 22°C with warm days accompanied by cool nights with a temperature of around 17°C.
January is a peak tourist season in Auckland since it is mid-summertime in New Zealand during this time of the year. This city may look boring at first glance, but it is full of life and exciting experiences.
Top Activities in Auckland, New Zealand
Surfing
During sunny days, surfing is one of the best ways to satisfy your adrenaline craze. The waves in Auckland are very powerful and best for surfing all year round.
The most famous place for surfing is Piha Beach which experiences strong waves which provide a thrill during surfing although they are very dangerous, especially to beginners.
Attending Auckland Concerts
The warm January weather attracts a lot of visitors which makes it the best period to hold many events and concerts. These events range from kid’s animated theatres to adult lifestyle festivals.
There are also different food festivals, performing arts, sports events, and many others that take place in January.
Visiting Museums
Auckland is home to more than 20 different museums having a diverse range of experiences from historical artifacts, vintage cars, art galleries, rich depictions of aviation and marine, and many treasures collected around New Zealand during different eras.
Hiking
January is the best time to go hiking since conditions are sunny and hot and fewer rains. The locals love to hike, making hiking a common activity.
There are many hiking trails with others being more popular than others. The more popular the trail the more crowded it will be so careful when choosing a hiking trail for you to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
The list could have gone on and on since there are many more. I would love to hear from you about other warm destinations that you think deserved to be on this list.
With all being said, there is no excuse for you to stay cold in January when there are many warm destinations that you can visit this January with many enjoyable activities that will make your experience memorable.
Take a pick from this list of warmest places to visit in January and plan your next vacation.
