Where is hot and sunny in January – the destinations not to miss – The Mirror
January can be a gloomy month to live in the UK, and if you want to escape from the winter weather without taking a long haul flight, here are some options that are closer to home and have plenty of sunshine.
Even in January winter sun isn’t far away(Image: Getty Images)
Where is it hot in January?
Paphos in Cyprus offers daytime temperatures of around 18C in January and around five to six hours of sunshine a day. It’s about a four and a half hour flight from the UK, and offers amazing hiking trails, ancient sites such as the Tombs of the Kings, and beautiful beaches with golden sands and calm waters. January tends to be a peaceful month in the city, so it’s a great time to visit the tourist attractions without the queues.
Gran Canaria tends to be less busy than Tenerife in January, but has a similar climate with 21C days and six to seven hours of sunshine a day. At just four and a half hours from the UK, it’s perfect for a short break to get some sun. Many of the island’s attractions are open year round, and there’s a variety of things to do from waterparks such as Aqualand Maspalomas, to historic sites like Christopher Columbus’s home. The pretty sandy beaches are quieter in January and the sea is swimmable if a little cold.
Agadir in Morocco is growing in popularity as a winter sun destination thanks to more budget airlines opening up new routes. It’s around 21C during the day, and you can expect about seven hours of sunshine. This coastal city is a mix of old and new, and has attractions such as La Médina d’Agadir, a reconstruction of the old market where you can learn about traditional crafts. The city’s main beach stretches for five and a half miles, and in January the sea temperature hovers around 18C making it possible to swim if you’re brave.
Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt is a five hour flight away, but one of the warmer short haul destinations in January. Enjoy 22C daytime temperatures, eight or nine hours of sun a day, and sea temperatures of about 23C meaning you can make the most of the sandy beaches. Snorkelling and water sports are popular activities, or you can simply relax and get a dose of vitamin D.
Madeira has been nicknamed the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’ thanks to its year-round mild weather. In January, expect 19C daily highs with occasional showers and five or six hours of sunshine a day. The island’s climate means it’s green and full of colourful flowers even in winter, and January is a popular time to hike and visit beautiful beaches such as Praia Formosa which has black sand. With flights from the UK as short as three hours 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a weekend away from the grey weather.
