January can be a challenging month to endure. Not only are the post-Christmas blues spreading widely, there’s a cold weather forecast for the upcoming weeks to consider. It’s no surprise that many individuals yearn for a winter sun getaway to break free from the dreary days and replenish their vitamin D levels.
If you can’t hold out until summer to visit the beach, don’t worry. Numerous travel companies are currently offering New Year sales, allowing you to snag a discounted package holiday even if you decide to depart spontaneously. Below are some enticing deals we’ve uncovered for destinations just a short flight away from the UK but offering significantly warmer climates at the beginning of the year.
Please note that prices are subject to availability and may fluctuate.
Agadir stands out as one of the most pleasantly warm coastal regions of Morocco in January, often boasting highs of 21°C. Apart from its extensive golden beaches, it’s a vibrant city featuring a fusion of traditional and modern elements, along with family-friendly attractions ranging from water parks to zoos. The ongoing easyJet sale features one-way flights to Agadir starting from £22.49 from Glasgow or £38.13 from Gatwick.
Sharm el-Sheikh guarantees eight hours of sunshine per day in January with daytime temperatures hovering around 22°C. With UK flights taking approximately five and a half hours, this Egyptian paradise is a favored choice for New Year getaways. Wizz Air provides direct flights to Sharm el-Sheikh from London Luton and London Gatwick airports, with one-way fares starting at £40.37 in January, while other budget airlines like TUI and easyJet also operate flights to the resort.
Increasing in popularity as a winter sun hotspot, Cape Verde offers highs of 25°C in January, and flights from the UK to this African island take just over six hours. Presently, EasyJet Holidays presents a seven-night package at Hotel Dunas de Sal, including breakfast, for £666 per person based on double occupancy using the discount code BIGSALE. This offer includes flights departing from London Gatwick on January 11.
Gambia is often underrated as a winter sun destination, yet with direct flights lasting six and a half hours from the UK and January temperatures reaching up to 30°C, it has rightfully secured its spot on the radar. TUI is currently offering a seven-night stay at the Holiday Beach hotel next to Kololi Beach in Gambia. Departing from Manchester on January 21, the package includes bed and breakfast accommodation for £655 per person based on double occupancy.
Tenerife remains a classic choice for a winter sun escape due to its mild 21°C climate, and with flights from the UK taking roughly four and a half hours, it provides some of the best January weather among short-haul destinations. Jet2 currently offers a week at Granada Park Apartments & Siam Park Waterpark for £471 per person, with flights departing from Bristol on January 18. This price covers self-catering accommodation based on two individuals sharing a one-bedroom apartment in this three-star resort, including unlimited daily access to the waterpark.
Cancun is commonly viewed as a pricey destination given its long-haul status, with UK flights lasting around 11 hours. Nevertheless, attractive package deals can often be found for January travel, sometimes costing as much as a European getaway. For instance, On The Beach is currently advertising a deal priced at £710 per person departing on January 29 from London Gatwick. The offer includes TUI flights to Cancun and accommodation at the four-star Aloft Cancun situated on a beautiful sandy strip. With January highs of 28°C, the lengthy flight seems well justified.
Barbados is another destination typically associated with high costs, but with smart planning, expenses can be minimized. Currently, TUI provides a London Gatwick to Barbados flight departing on January 8 and returning on January 22 for £410 per person, inclusive of 15kg of checked luggage. To further reduce costs, you can independently search for accommodation – numerous Airbnb properties are available for these dates for under £600, enabling you to craft your own budget-friendly package.