January can be a tough month to get through. The post-Christmas crash is no fun, money is tight, and it can feel like there’s not much to look forward to in the gloomy months until spring. However, it can be the perfect time for a getaway.
Happily, January is the cheapest month to visit many European destinations, and it’s usually the quietest month too, meaning you can enjoy days out without the crowds. If you don’t fancy a long-haul flight, there are holiday hotspots that are closer to home, but still offer plenty of sunshine and warm days. While you won’t be enjoying scorching summer weather, these destinations will give you some respite from frosty days in the UK and have flight times clocking in at four hours or less.
Tenerife
Daytime highs: 21C
Flight time: from 4 hours 5 minutes
Tenerife tends to be the warmest Canary Island in January, especially in the sunnier south. It’s little surprise that it has been among the most popular winter sun destinations for years, with the sunny, mild days occasionally broken up by light rain showers. Many people visit in January to hike the lush green landscapes of Anaga Rural Park or explore the desert-like Teide National Park, while the weather is mild. Or you could simply enjoy the island’s sandy beaches and sea temperatures of around 20C.
The main drawback to visiting Tenerife in January is that it’s far-from the low season on the island. Many of the resorts are still busy and lively during the winter. If you’d prefer a more peaceful break, consider taking a ferry to nearby La Gomera which takes about an hour. This little-known Canary Island is much less developed and receives a fraction of the visitors of Tenerife.
Madeira
Daytime highs: 18C
Flight time: from 3 hours 50 minutes
The Portuguese island of Madeira lies just north of the Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco, with a slightly cooler, wetter climate. However, in January you’ll still generally enjoy warm 18-19C days and rain tends to come in short spells. The mild days are the perfect time to visit the Madeira Botanical Garden, which is full of greenery even in the winter, or hike Pico do Arieiro, which takes about three and a half hours and gives you spectacular views of the island. Sea temperatures are around 18-19C in January, so may be a little cold for some, so pick a hotel with an outdoor heated pool if you plan to swim.
Cyprus
Daytime highs: 18C
Flight time: from 4 hours 35 minutes
Cyprus is a slightly longer flight, but most UK routes clock in at under five hours, so it’s still considered short haul. In January, the weather is usually mild and warm, with around six hours of sunshine a day. The month brings around seven days of rain on average, but this tends to be in short bursts. The warmest part of the island is Limassol in the south, where you can enjoy long stretches of sand, such as St. Raphael Beach, which has beautiful turquoise waters. On rainy days, visit Lemesos Castle, home of the Cyprus Medieval Museum, showcasing treasures from as far back as the Byzantine period.
Malta
Daytime highs: 16C
Flight time: from 3 hours
Malta has become increasingly popular for winter sun breaks, and January is an excellent time to explore the narrow, cobbled streets of Valletta or Mdina without needing to elbow your way through the crowds. The island has long been a popular destination for hikers, and if you’re not keen on hiking in the heat, visit in January for milder days. Try the Victoria Lines Trail, which clocks in at around eight hours and runs along a former defensive wall, giving you amazing views of the north of the island.
Algarve, Portugal
Daytime highs: 15C
Flight time: from 2 hours 55 minutes
The Algarve in Portugal’s south is known for its sandy beaches. Sadly, January is a little too cold for swimming in the sea, unless you’re extremely brave, but the sunny coast is still worth a visit. January usually sees about five to six hours of sunshine a day, although there can be some short spells of rain. Enjoy clifftop hikes in the mild weather, take a boat trip to see dolphins, or take a wine tasting tour.
Malaga, Spain
Daytime highs: 17C
Flight time: from 2 hours 45 minutes
With the shortest flight time on this list, Malaga is ideal for a long weekend to escape the January gloom.While most of southern Spain is a good choice for January, Malaga makes the list as it can be either a city or beach break destination. When it’s sunny, you can enjoy the lively La Malagueta beach, with a long stretch of sand and a promenade full of bars and restaurants. On rainy days, visit the Picasso museum or find a cosy tapas bar in the beautiful Mercado de Atarazanas, an old market with ornate stained glass windows.