January is one of the best months to escape the cold weather in the UK without spending a fortune. These 5 destinations will help you bag that perfect mix of sunny days and holiday vibes.
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5 Affordable January Winter Sun Destinations
Choose the right destination and a winter sun holiday can offer you a dose of sunshine without a hefty price tag.
Flights and hotels are generally cheaper – especially when compared to peak times like school holidays – plus, this is a time when hotter destinations can have more comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
So whether you’re looking for a long weekend or an extended escape, check out these affordable January winter sun destinations.
1. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh offers a warm welcome in the winter with mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine and typical Moroccan hospitality.
Average temp in Jan
7–19°C
Monthly Rainfall
30mm
Sunshine Hours
7 hrs/day
Source: tui.co.uk
Marrakesh is a great choice for affordable winter sun, with temperatures hitting highs of 19 degrees in January and low-cost flights from the UK.
You can stay in a stylish riad for much less than a European city break, eat well without overspending and enjoy rooftop terraces, souks and hammam spas. It feels like a proper escape, and if you want a change of scenery, the Atlas Mountains are close enough for a day trip.
My Marrakesh hotel picks
Hostel:
Hostel Kech Vibe
Mid-range:
Riad l’Oiseau du Paradis
Treat:
Riad Kniza
2. Hurghada, Egypt
Dreamy Hurghada on the Red Sea promises water warm enough for swimming and fab sandy beaches.
Average temp in Jan
12–22°C
Monthly Rainfall
<1mm
Sunshine Hours
8 hrs/day
Source: tui.co.uk
Hurghada is a solid pick for winter sun on a budget, with daytime temperatures often in the low 20s, even in January, and a decent number of good-value flights from the UK.
You get more for your money at the resorts here compared to Europe, especially if you’re going All Inclusive, plus you can swim in the Red Sea year-round. It’s an easy, low-effort escape, whether you want to relax by the pool, snorkel over coral reefs or take a boat trip out to nearby islands.
My Hurghada hotel picks
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is a real crowd-pleaser, offering great beaches, beautiful nature and exhilerating activities like hiking and watersports.
Average temp in Jan
15–22°C
Monthly Rainfall
75mm
Sunshine Hours
6 hrs/day
Source: tui.co.uk
If you’re a fan of the Canary Islands, then Tenerife reliably has well-priced flight and hotel options in January.
You’re likely to enjoy a nice 20-22 degrees here – lovely – and you can enjoy a mixture of beach days, small-town strolls and nature hikes. January also is likely to mean clear skies for stargazing, but you’ll want layers for the nighttime – it’ll be chilly!
My Tenerife hotel picks
4. Cancun, Mexico
Sun yourself on Cancun’s white-sand beaches or venture further afield to explore its nature and history.
Average temp in Jan
20-28°C
Monthly Rainfall
40mm
Sunshine Hours
7 hrs/day
Source: tui.co.uk
Cancún is a solid option for some serious winter sun, with mid-20s temps virtually guaranteed. Resorts here offer strong value for money, especially with All Inclusive deals.
Hop on a direct flight from the UK and relax in total paradise – and if you can tear yourself away from the white sand beaches, there are Mayan ruins and stunning cenotes to explore.
My Cancun hotel picks
Hostel:
Bed and Breakfast Pecarí
Mid-range:
Mescal Hotel
Treat:
SLS Cancun
5. Cyprus
Cyprus offers mild weather, incredible food and welcoming resorts year-round.
Average temp in Jan
7-16°C
Monthly Rainfall
70mm
Sunshine Hours
5-7 hrs/day
Source: tui.co.uk
Cyprus is another smart choice for a low-cost winter break, with plenty of affordable flights from the UK. January temperatures can hit around 18 degrees, and outside of high season, hotel prices drop to some seriously good rates.
Eating out is good value, and it’s generally a relaxed and easy-going place. Take a walk along the coast, check out a historic town or sip a coffee in a local spot. If you like to get the blood pumping, there’s the Troodos Mountains for hiking.
My Cyprus hotel picks
Hostel:
Le Mat Hostel
Mid-range:
Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris Beach Hotel & Spa
Treat:
The Agora Hotel
Bag A Bargain Holiday to These 5 Cheap January Winter Sun Destinations
If you’re craving sunshine after the festive season, then travelling in January is a smart way to a hit of warmth without paying peak-season prices.
From popular short-haul favourites to long-haul destinations with guaranteed heat, these cheap January winter sun destinations prove you don’t need a big budget to enjoy a sunny break.
