Once Christmas is over, the bleak prospect of getting through January beckons. However, the year’s gloomiest month is a lot cheerier if you seek out some winter sun. If you don’t fancy a long haul flight, there are still plenty of options just a few hours away that have mild weather. And while you may not find the same high temperatures you get in the peak of summer, there’s usually plenty of sunshine and lots of outdoor activities to enjoy.

1. Paphos, Cyprus 

Average day temperatures: 18C

Flight time from the UK: approximately 4 hours 30 minutes 

Paphos is the warmest part of Cyprus, and in January daytime temperatures reach highs of about 18C. This makes it the perfect weather for walks on the beach, exploring the historic old town, or heading out for some hikes during the mild days. One of the quietest months for tourism, it’s a great time to visit popular attractions such as the Tombs of the Kings without needing to wait in long queues. While there can be some clouds and showers, Paphos usually gets five or six hours of sunshine a day in January, enough to top up your vitamin D.

2. Gran Canaria

Average day temperatures: 21C

Flight time from the UK: 4 hours 30 minutes 

Gran Canaria and Tenerife tend to be the hottest Canary Islands in January, and the latter can be extremely busy around this time with winter sunseekers. While Gran Canaria has some touristy resorts, it gets fewer visitors than Tenerife overall, while still having the same mild heat and six to seven hours of sunshine a day. 

The pleasant weather means you can enjoy days on the beach, or explore year-round attractions such as Aqualand Maspalomas, a thrill-packed waterpark, or Casa de Colón, Christopher Columbus’s former home. Of course, the main draw is the beaches, which will be less packed in January, and winter is a popular time for water sports on the island.

3. Agadir, Morocco

Average day temperatures: 21C

Flight time from the UK: 4 hours

Agadir is popular with Brits seeking winter sun thanks to the availability of budget airline flights to the Moroccan coastal city. With highs of 21C during the day, many visitors simply want to relax on the beach and soak up the average seven hours of sunshine a day. 

It’s also a fascinating city to explore. Although many of its historic buildings were destroyed by an earthquake in the 1960s, some such as the La Médina d’Agadir, were reconstructed, The medina now boasts traditional Moroccan architecture and has a range of shops selling handcrafted items. In the evenings, head to Agadir Marina, where you can browse shops and restaurants while watching yachts come into dock.

4. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

Average day temperatures: 22C

Flight time from the UK: 5 hours

While Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt is the furthest destination on the list, with Brits travelling from London or Birmingham facing a five hour flight, it’s also the hottest at about 22C in January. It’s also one of the sunniest short haul winter sun destinations, with eight or nine hours of sunshine a day and mostly dry weather. The main attraction of Sharm el-Sheikh is its long, sandy beaches and crystal clear, turquoise tinged waters. The sea temperature is about 23C in January, so it’s warm enough to take a dip, go snorkelling, or enjoy water sports. 

5. Madeira 

Average day temperatures: 19C

Flight time from the UK: 3 hours 45 minutes 

Nicknamed the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’ thanks to its year-round mild weather, Madeira has long been a popular destination for those escaping British winters. Temperatures can reach around 19C during the day in January, and although there are some short showers, you can expect five or six hours of sunshine a day.

Madeira’s mild weather means it has lush vegetation and blooming flowers for most of the year, and it’s colourful and vibrant in January. It’s a popular month for hiking, and quieter along popular routes such as the Dragon’s Tail trail, which offers spectacular views along the eastern coast. While it’s a little cool for sunbathing on the beach, it’s still worth visiting spots such as Praia Formosa, a stunning black sand beach near Funchal.

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