Already wary of that New Year chill? Now is the time to plan which warm places to visit in January and get the best travel deals. The good news is, you don’t have to travel too far to find warm vacation spots. You just need to know where to look.
On the mainland, it’s California and Florida are comfortably warm. Hawai‘i is also a great option if you’re happy to travel. Closer by, the Caribbean is in peak season, with high temperatures and high prices. For a wild and warm destination, my pick is almost anywhere in South America as it enters its dry season. Read on for the best warm places to visit in January.
Warm places to visit in January
Filter below by price or temperature to find the best warm destination for you based on KAYAK data, or keep reading for more info on the best hot spots this month.
Best warm places to visit in January in the Caribbean
Quick and easy to reach from much of the mainland US, the Caribbean is understandably popular in the winter. It’s also remarkably consistent – all three countries below have the same average temperature, yet are completely different in character. Whichever you pick you’ll find yourself in one of the best warm places to visit in January.
1. Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Average temperature: 77°F
What better way to start the new year than on a warm Jamaican beach, rum punch in hand? January is actually Jamaica’s coolest month with the average temperature dropping to a still balmy 77°F.
Base yourself in Montego Bay. It may be the tourist center, but with that comes white-sand beaches, inland mountain and forest adventures, laid-back towns, and that infamous ‘no problem’ vibe. To the east at Plantation Cove, the Rebel Salute festival celebrates all things reggae on the 18th.
Of the many places to stay, try the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa. A sprawling all-inclusive resort, it offers private beaches and one of Jamaica’s biggest pools, complete with a wet bar and non-stop party spirit. In Cockpit Country Park, sail a bamboo raft down the Martha Brae through dense tropical forests. Take sundowners at Rick’s Cafe on the cliffs of Negril and watch spectacular high-divers plunge into bath-warm waters below.
2. San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Average temperature: 77°F
Puerto Rico in January is a hotspot for fun and warm weather. And if you’re an American citizen you don’t even need a passport to get there. Basking in daytime temperatures regularly lingering in the low 80s, the capital San Juan sparkles, and nowhere more so than the Old Town.
Already colorful and atmospheric, it goes into overdrive in January with the week-long Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián. From the 16th-19th, hundreds of artists and musicians and thousands of visitors flood the streets in huge extravagant parades. The balmy evening temperatures ensure the party continues late into the night, every night.
Thankfully, San Juan also offers beaches. Get away from the crowds at Blue Flag beach Balneario de Carolina and laze under palm and almond trees. For city chic and convenience, Condado Beach is just minutes from the Old Town. While you’re there take a kayak trip into neighboring Condado Lagoon and keep an eye out for its resident manatees.
3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Average temperature: 77°F
The Dominican Republic is my favorite warm vacation spot in January. Cheap, easy flights from the mainland and consistently magic temperatures have both been powerful persuaders. One half of the island of Hispaniola, shared with Haiti, it’s a country of wild and wonderful contrasts.
My advice is to split a vacation between them to get the best of both worlds. Fly into Puerto Plata on the north coast, rent a car (get full insurance) and follow the road until it runs out at the tip of the lush Samana peninsula. In the village of Las Galeras you’ll find sophisticated restaurants, immaculate beaches and a population of European expats living their best lives.
Retrace your steps and then head south to the tourist haven of Punta Cana, where 5-star mega resorts rub shoulders along pristine beaches. At its southern end, you’ll find Eden Roc Cap Cana, perhaps the best situated of them all thanks to its stunning surroundings and beach access.
Best warm places to visit in January in the US
The best warm US destinations in January are coastal, with Florida the obvious choice. Temperatures are high enough to hit the beach, though more likely for a stroll than a sizzle under the sun. If you’re happy farther afield, you may find the warmest places in the US in January are thousands of miles off the coast in the islands of Hawai‘i.
4. Honolulu, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
- Average temperature: 73°F
Tropical and temperate O‘ahu offers a blissfully warm January vacation. The natural Hawai‘in entry point from mainland US, its skies are clear and its seas sparkle. Average high temperatures don’t drop below 70, which means the beaches and hiking trails are primed and ready.
Kick off a stay in the capital, Honolulu. Splicing the chaos of a metropolis with island culture in an awe-inspiring location, it’s at once hectic and laid back. O‘ahu really shines in the wilds, though. Sunrise has never looked better than from the highs of the Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail, one of more than 200 crisscrossing the island.
Then of course, there are the beaches. Waikiki needs no introduction but it’s the infamous North Shore that steals the show. Home to some of the world’s best waves (for surfers and spectators alike), winter is when the big swells hit. Pull up a towel, sit back and enjoy the show.
5. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Average temperature: 66°F
Once the East Coast go-to for raucous spring breakers, Fort Lauderdale has grown up in recent years. Today it’s renowned for beaches and boating canals, luxury shopping and fine dining. And with the weather in Florida in January pushing average high temperatures into the mid 70s, it’s become a premium winter vacation destination.
With the sun shining, head straight for its 23 miles of golden sand beaches. Stroll and sit under blue skies and swaying palms at Las Olas Beach, in the heart of the action. Behind you, Las Olas Boulevard reaches like an artery through the canals and on into the city.
Hop on a riverboat to cruise the canals while sipping champagne. Disembark amid the chic boutiques and shiny hotels flanking Las Olas Boulevard. Gorge at the endless sea-to-table restaurants, overflowing with ultra fresh seafood and Floribbean flair.
6. Miami, Florida
- Average temperature: 68°F
This slice of glamorous Floridian paradise is a year-round stalwart for decent mainland temperatures and a reliably excellent vacation. January is no different with Miami‘s average temperatures nudging 70 and average highs getting close to the 80s. Humidity is also in the sweet spot, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Take full advantage with long beach walks along legendary South Beach and the much quieter Virginia Key Beach Park. For al fresco eating and dining and some of the best shopping in Florida, Bal Harbor is as exclusive as it gets.
If the temperatures do drop, Miami is a world-class art destination with a rich diversity of museums and galleries worth exploring. The Museum of Graffiti is the world’s first to delve into the history of the art form. At Wynwood Walls, take it one step further with a deep dive into the world’s best street art.
Best warm places to visit in January in South America
KAYAK data shows a clear trend towards South America for the warmest vacation spots in January. Colombia, Peru, Brazil and Chile all feature heavily thanks to their consistently high temperatures, lack of rain and relatively low prices.
7. Cartagena, Colombia
- Average temperature: 79°F
January is the start of the dry season in Cartagena and for my money about the best time to visit this gem on Colombia’s north coast. Yes, it’s high season and thus busy. But crowds thin towards the month end and the attractions – natural and man made – are at their best.
First up of course are the beaches. Bocagrande and Castillogrande for city-side lazing or a quick boat trip to the Rosario Islands to snorkel among its lively reefs. For something altogether wilder, make an overnight trip to Tayrona National Natural Park. Hike stunning trails, wander Indigenous villages and discover remote beaches.
Amid the stacked colorful houses of Cartagena’s Old Town, you’ll find an altogether livelier vibe. No visit is complete without a walk on the City Walls and visit to the monumental Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Evenings are better spent in neighborhoods like Getsemaní, where visitors and locals happily rub shoulders in bars, cafés and restaurants with practised warmth.
8. Lima, Peru
- Average temperature: 73°F
Now considered one of the standout foodie destinations not just in South America but the world, Lima hums to the chink of glass and scrape of plate in January. With temperatures lingering mostly in the mid to high 70s, dining al fresco daily seems the civilized thing to do. And what a place to do it in.
It’s not just in the lofty Michelin-starred heights of restaurants like Central and Maido (both of which you’ll need to book months in advance) that Lima’s food shines. For authentic and amazing Peruvian ingredients in a truly unique setting, book a table on the terrace of Huaca Pucllana restaurant and dine with views of a pre-Incan pyramid.
For a less formal, more freewheeling lunch or dinner, head to a traditional cevicheria. They take their raw fish and citrus seriously here and few places do this South American specialty better. You’ll find excellent outlets all over the city but I love La Mar for its bold flavors that only taste better served on its long terrace.
9. Fortaleza, Brazil
- Average temperature: 81°F
Much of Brazil swelters in January under a pall of blazing sun and drenching humidity. Although it’s tropical all year round, northern Brazil escapes much of the dampness the center suffers. As a result, cities like Fortaleza are catching the eye of more and more international tourists.
It’s easy to see why. Fortaleza has the unmistakable look of great Brazilian coastal cities. Colorful skyscrapers piled high up to the beach edge. The golden beaches of Praia de Iracema and Praia Meireles lined with glistening bodies sizzling under clear skies. City and nature in close quarters, fueled by Brazilian energy.
For a bit of everything, try Praia do Futuro, literally ‘the beach of the future’. A three mile strip of sand, it’s lined on one side by coral-free seas and on the other by hundreds of barracas dishing out incredible seafood, cold beer and cocktails right on the sand. It’s fun mid week and it’s absolute mayhem at the weekends.
10. Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Average temperature: 77°F
January is the height of summer in Argentina and its capital city thrives in the warmth of long, bright days. Split into 48 distinct barrios, Buenos Aires is a place with something for every travel taste. There are however a few places you shouldn’t miss.
Chic Palermo is BA’s biggest neighborhood, a haven of wonderful street walking, shopping, slow eating and soaking up the vibe. It’s among the best places in the city to base yourself with excellent boutique hotels and home stays. The busiest, buzziest area is south of Avenida Juan B Justo where you’ll find some of the best ceviche and steak in South America.
When it’s time to dance (and it’s always time to dance in BA), head to the crumbling mansions and music-filled streets of San Telmo. The place that gave us Tango still thrums to its beat today. Take a table at a café on Plaza Dorrego on a Sunday and watch local performers dance their hearts out.
Where is hot and cheap in January?
With accommodation averaging around $52 a night and temperatures ranging between 79 and 88°F Cambodia’s thriving capital Phnom Penh is a brilliant budget option. Its Southeast Asian neighbours like Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam and Bangkok in Thailand are just as enticing. With similar temperatures, accommodation prices average $15 more a night but deliver a lot of bang for those extra bucks.
Can’t decide? Try KAYAK Explore.
More travel inspiration
Recommendation ranking of cities:
Our recommendation ranking of where to go is calculated based on the presented five factors: average flight prices, average hotel prices, average, high, and low temperatures, and average precipitation. Flight prices, hotel prices, and precipitation constitute inverse factors, the less the better. All factors are equally weighted.
From the ranked destination lists, destination exclusions may have been applied in cases of insufficient data or according to the official travel advisory at the time when the data analysis was conducted.
Flight and hotel prices:
Average prices are estimated from KAYAK internal data from the search period ‘2024-07-01’ to ‘2024-11-15’ for the travel period ‘2025-01-01 – 2025-02-28’. Flight prices include economy class return trips for one traveler, and hotel prices represent 3-stars or below hotels’ nightly rates for a standard double room. Price insights are subject to vary depending on the exact departure airport and over time as travel dates are approaching.
Weather (monthly average, high, and low temperatures, and average precipitation):
Weather data is pulled from a third-party site, Weatherbase, and has not been verified by KAYAK. Monthly average temperature and precipitation data are based on historical insights from the past 102 years. Weatherbase data is updated in real-time from the US Census Bureau and other databases worldwide.
