CHRISTMAS is nearly here, but hot on its heels is what seems to be the year’s, longest, most miserable month: January.
The UK endures some of the dimmest winter light in Europe, says travel company First Choice, with just 41 to 62 hours of sun in the WHOLE of January, equating to only between 90 minutes and two hours a day.
So there couldn’t be a better month to escape abroad.
Lisa Minot suggests sunny escapes that will boost your mood without hurting your bank balance.
CYPRUS
You’ll get three times more sunshine on this sun-drenched island that enjoys 3,4000 hours of blue skies a year.
Temperatures in January are still a very acceptable 18C to 20C and the sun shines an average of five to six hours a day.
Get your fix with a cheeky short stay at the 4* Louis Phaethon Beach right on the seafront near Paphos.
The hotel has two fabulous pools and three restaurants.
Four nights’ all-inclusive is from £337pp including flights from Manchester on January 14.
Check out firstchoice.co.uk.
LANZAROTE
Laze the day away beside your own sparkling private pool at the Rubi Mar village near Playa Blanca.
Here in the Canary Islands, you can expect six to seven hours of sunshine a day in January, with temperatures a balmy 20C or 21C.
The three-bed villa sits in lovely grounds and is within walking distance of a shop and restaurant.
Seven nights’ self-catering is from £240pp, based on six sharing and including flights from Gatwick on January 8.
See solmarvillas.com.
FLORIDA & CARIBBEAN CRUISE
This is the ultimate holiday for sun-seekers.
An incredible 15-night deal twins an Orlando stay with the chance to cruise the sun-soaked islands of the Caribbean.
Expect temperatures in the high twenties throughout, and seven to nine hours of sunshine.
This trip of a lifetime includes a five-night stay in Orlando, with a ticket to the new Epic Universe theme park as well as a seven-night full-board Caribbean cruise aboard the new Star Princess with ports of call in Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic.
And that’s not all — there’s also a two-night stay in Miami included as well a tour of the Everglades.
The price, £1,699, includes return flights from London on January 12 and dedicated transfers throughout.
To book, go to cruise.co.uk or call 0870 990 8824.
MOROCCO
Soak up Moroccan sunshine in magical Marrakech as you visit the bustling souks then enjoy a dip in the rooftop plunge pool at your traditional riad hotel.
Temperatures are 18C to 20C in January and you can expect seven hours of sunshine a day.
This Travelbag deal includes seven nights’ B&B at the boutique Riad Vert, in the heart of the old town and a ten-minute stroll from the souks.
Prices from £649pp include flights from Gatwick on January 11 and private transfers. See travelbag.co.uk or call 0203 944 3694.
THAILAND
It’s a little farther to fly but you’ll be rewarded by sizzling temperatures from 28C to 32C and nine hours of sunshine a day if you head to the tropical paradise of Hua Hin this January.
The 3* Ibis Hua Hin hotel is just a five-minute stroll from a sandy shore and has an outdoor pool and great restaurant.
It’s also close to the Cicada Market and Vana Nava Water Jungle.
Seven nights’ room-only is from £760pp including flights from Stansted On January 20.
Check out onthebeach.co.uk.
EGYPT
The Red Sea resort of Hurghada promises guaranteed sun in January, with eight to ten hours of clear skies a day and temperatures ranging from 19C to 22C.
The 4* Sea Star Beau Rivage hotel sits right on its own sandy beach and features two huge pools set in palm-lined gardens.
The spa and hammam on site is perfect for pampering too.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £378pp including flights from Gatwick on January 21.
Check out travelsupermarket.com.
MADEIRA
Enjoy sub-tropical temperatures and abundant nature on this stunning island in the Atlantic.
Expect daily temperatures of around 19C in January, and five or six hours of sunshine a day.
The 3* Mathu Raga Madeira Hotel is just a short stroll from Funchal’s popular Lido promenade.
The hotel’s pool is heated in winter and while the Mathu Raga has a lovely buffet restaurant, the delights of the town’s many restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance.
Seven nights’ room-only is from £439pp including flights from Birmingham on January 26, 22kg luggage and transfers.
To book, see jet2holidays.com.
FUERTEVENTURA
Treat yourself on this lovely Canary Island with average daytime highs of 20C and six to seven hours of sunshine.
The 4* Occidental Jandia Playa hotel has panoramic seaside views as well as two beautiful pools to lounge beside.
A ten-minute walk from Jandia Beach there’s also two restaurants, four bars and evening entertainment to keep you busy.
Seven nights’ half-board is from £600pp including flights from Stansted on January 16, 20kg hold luggage and transfers.
See tui.co.uk.