January is the coldest month in Germany. At many tropical destinations, on the other hand, it is one of the most beautiful. And because fewer people travel after the holidays, it is often one of the cheapest months of the year too. A good reason to go looking for the sun.
Warm destinations in January
| Destination | Daytime air | Sea | Flight from Frankfurt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Islands | 21 °C | 19 °C | approx. 4.5 hrs |
| Red Sea | 22 °C | 22 °C | approx. 4.5 hrs |
| Dubai | 24 °C | 22 °C | approx. 6 hrs |
| Cape Verde | 25 °C | 22 °C | approx. 6 hrs |
| Caribbean | 29 °C | 27 °C | approx. 10 hrs |
| Maldives | 30 °C | 28 °C | approx. 10 hrs with a change |
| Sri Lanka, west coast | 31 °C | 28 °C | approx. 11 hrs with a change |
| Thailand, Andaman Sea | 32 °C | 28 °C | approx. 13 hrs with a change |
Approximate averages. At the short-haul destinations, January is the coolest month of the year.
Short and mild: the Canary Islands and the Red Sea
In the Canary Islands, January is mild and mostly sunny, especially in the south of the islands. The sea is fresh for a beach holiday, but the weather is now ideal for mountain walks and long bike rides, because it is neither too hot nor too cold. On the Red Sea it is pleasantly warm during the day, but the desert cools down to 12 to 14 °C at night.
In Dubai, January is the coolest month. For the city that is just right: you can walk through the old town during the day without the heat weighing on you.
Tropical warmth: long-haul destinations
In the Caribbean, January is high season. It is dry and warm. Prices are higher than in summer, but after New Year often lower than over the holidays.
The Maldives and Sri Lanka have the dry northeast monsoon. In Sri Lanka the west and south coasts are at their best, while the east coast has its rainy season. In Thailand, the Andaman Sea coast with Krabi and Phuket is almost free of rain.
How long should the trip be?
A week is enough for the Canary Islands and the Red Sea. For long-haul trips, ten to fourteen days are worthwhile, so that the long flight and the time difference pay off. In the Maldives it is four hours later than in Germany in winter, in Thailand six hours. In the Caribbean it is five hours in the other direction.
Good to know for a January trip
- Pack in layers: it is cold on the day you leave and warm at your destination. A light jacket in your hand luggage is often enough for the way to the airport.
- Sun protection: in the tropics the sun is very strong even in winter. After months without sun your skin is sensitive.
- Check entry rules: some long-haul destinations require a passport valid for at least six more months, or an online registration before the trip.
- Holidays at your destination: in Thailand and parts of Asia, Chinese New Year in late January or February can push prices up.
flug-123.de editorial team, updated 10 November 2026. We review our guides regularly. Rules can change. If in doubt, the details in your booking apply.
