Where to go in January? The best destinations for vacations and weekend city breaks
Publication date: November 3, 2025 | Reading time: 7 minutes
January is when we start dreaming of sunshine and golden beaches — the perfect moment to plan a winter escape to a warmer climate and recharge for the months ahead. So where should you go on holiday in January? Below, we’ve rounded up 10 ideas for a winter break that will help you swap frost for fresh sea air.
A quick summary for busy travellers: where to fly in January in a nutshell
Where to go in January? It’s an ideal time for exotic holiday destinations. Excellent winter conditions can be found in places like Dubai, Riyadh or Egypt, while some of the most beautiful sandy beaches await on European islands such as the Canary Islands or Malta. We also offer European city break ideas — while January temperatures may not always be generous, the winter atmosphere can be truly magical.
Book your flight and remember: whatever destination you choose, planning your holiday with LOT is always quick, comfortable, and stress-free.
Where to go on holiday in January for warm weather? Ideas for exotic escapes
Thinking about a warm-weather holiday to reset in the middle of winter? January is the perfect time to invest in a getaway from the cold. Warm winter holidays are always a good idea — no matter the destination. Thanks to our extensive flight network, in January you can fly to plenty of countries offering consistently pleasant temperatures, ideal both for relaxing on the beach and for active sightseeing.
When you choose LOT, you’re guaranteed comfort and quick access to the sun. So where is it warm in January? Discover our top, tried-and-tested destinations: Dubai, Riyadh and Egypt.
Book a flight for an exotic holiday in January
Warm countries in January? Discover Dubai — the most exotic holiday destination with high temperatures
Wondering where to fly in January if you’re dreaming of an exotic escape? Book a flight to Dubai, with a journey time of around 5.5 hours. In January, average air temperatures range between 24–26 °C, while the waters of the Persian Gulf stay at 22 °C. The warmth is perfect for relaxing on beaches, while the mild climate makes sightseeing comfortable and free from intense heat. During your winter break, head out on a desert safari, admire the city skyline from the Burj Khalifa, and enjoy world-class shopping at Dubai Mall.
Where is it warm in January? Enjoy an unforgettable holiday in Riyadh
Start your warm winter holiday in Riyadh with a visit to Masmak Fort, the historic Diriyah district, and Kingdom Centre Tower. Thanks to the mild temperatures, it’s also the perfect time to explore local markets and sample regional dates and traditional Arabic coffee. In January, don’t miss a trip to the Edge of the World — a dramatic cliff offering breathtaking views over the endless desert.
A flight to Riyadh takes around 6 hours, and daytime temperatures range from 18–22 °C — ideal for sightseeing and desert adventures without the exhausting heat. Discover why Riyadh is a great choice for travellers looking for active winter holidays in the sun.
Where to go on holiday in January for warm weather? Feel the winter sun and visit Egypt’s paradise beaches
Book flights to Egypt — the most exotic destination in this list and a true classic for sunny holidays. In January, average air temperatures in Cairo or Sharm El Sheikh hover around 20–25 °C, creating comfortable conditions for exploring iconic landmarks such as the Egyptian Museum, the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, and the resort city of Hurghada.
During a warm winter break, you can also enjoy the pleasant waters of the Red Sea, which stay at 22–24 °C — perfect for diving and snorkelling. Direct flights to Cairo take around 4 hours, and the low humidity makes sightseeing even more enjoyable.
Where is it warm in Europe in January?
You don’t have to fly to the other side of the world to find the perfect winter escape. Every so often, a short flight within Europe is enough to relax in temperatures that let you leave your thick jumper behind. While it may not feel tropical, for anyone craving sunshine, 18 °C and blue skies can be more than enough for a successful winter break.
So where should you fly in Europe in January? Below are destinations where winters are mild and tourist crowds are still few.
Book a flight for your January holiday in Europe
The Canary Islands — the perfect place for a January holiday
Where is it warm in January? If you’re looking for sunny winter holidays in Europe, the Canary Islands offer ideal winter conditions. They’re a great choice for travellers who enjoy active holidays, beautiful beaches and pleasant temperatures of around 18–22 °C. In addition to diving and snorkelling, you can also go trekking across the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
Enjoy turquoise waters and golden beaches by booking a flight to Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The journey takes around 5 hours, making it perfect for a short yet comfortable getaway. The Atlantic Ocean temperature here stays at around 19 °C.
Where to fly in the Canaries in January? Tenerife and Gran Canaria
- Tenerife: Beyond diving in turquoise waters, you can trek across the lunar landscapes of Teide National Park, where the volcano’s summit may be dusted with snow while you’re standing in sunshine by the sea. At the market in La Orotava, the air smells of freshly roasted coffee, with the calm sound of the ocean in the background.
- Gran Canaria: Often described as a miniature continent, the island offers lush green valleys in the north and the shifting dunes of Maspalomas in the south, reminiscent of a desert. It’s ideal for cycling or running along the coast, and in the evening its worth hopping on a guagua — the local bus — to reach a town serving traditional Canarian cuisine.
Where is it warm in January? Malta for a sunny winter escape
If you’re planning a sunny winter break, the flight to Malta takes just 2.5 hours, making it an ideal destination for a quick weekend getaway — even with children. Average temperatures range from 15 to 18 °C, while the Mediterranean Sea stays at around 16 °C.
While you won’t find a tropical climate here, crystal-clear waters and golden beaches still invite snorkelling and diving. January is also a perfect time to explore the cities of Valletta and Mdina, without the summer crowds.
Where is it warm in January close to Poland?
Not sure where to fly in January, but value convenience and affordable prices? Or maybe efficiency, mobility and short travel time matter most to you? While it’s true that finding a tropical climate within a 2–3-hour flight from Poland is difficult in January, Europe still offers plenty of destinations where winter has a charm of its own. Curious where? Read on.
Book a flight for a warm holiday close to Poland
Choose a January 2026 winter break in Prague
January weather in Prague may not be particularly generous, but there’s no denying that the city feels truly magical in winter. Charles Bridge is free from crowds, snow dusts the rooftops of Hradčany, and the streets of the Old Town invite you into cosy cafés. During a January winter break, be sure to explore Prague’s highlights, including the Žižkov district, Wenceslas Square, and Prague Castle.
Book a flight to Prague for your January winter getaway — it’s a quick journey of around 1.5 hours. Although temperatures range from –2 to 4 °C, the gentle frost, low rainfall and off-season prices make sightseeing comfortable and budget-friendly.
Where is it warm in January in Europe? Fly to Tbilisi
While the warmest January destinations are slightly further from Poland (a flight to Tbilisi takes around 3.5 hours), winter sunshine often breaks through the mist in Georgia’s capital. Average temperatures rarely drop below 5–10 °C, so if you’re planning a last-minute trip, a January holiday in Tbilisi won’t disappoint. Be sure to try khachapuri, taste wine aged in qvevri, relax in the sulphur baths, wander through Abanotubani, and finish with a cable car ride up to Narikala Fortress.
Where to fly for a weekend in January? Where is it warm enough?
Looking for January inspiration? After a long working week, are you craving a premium experience? The answer is a city break — the essence of mobility and adventure, perfect not only for fans of active travel.
So where should you go abroad in January? Below are ideal destinations for a winter city break.
Book a flight for a warm city break in January
Enjoy a sunny winter escape in Lyon
January is a great time to visit Lyon and stroll through the Croix-Rousse district, discovering the famous traboules — historic passageways once used by silk weavers. During your winter break, admire the murals on Presqu’île, stop by a traditional bouchon lyonnais, and finish with a walk-up Fourvière Hill for panoramic views.
A flight to Lyon takes around 2 hours. While January is cool (temperatures range from 5 to 10 °C), the lack of crowds and mist drifting over the Rhône add elegance to the city and create perfect conditions for discovering local flavours — from rosette sausage to rich dishes cooked in wine. A refined destination with a true winter character.
Where to go on holiday in the middle of winter? Plan a winter escape to Milan
How about a sunny winter getaway in Milan? Visit the Duomo di Milano, admire Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. In January, it’s worth exploring the Brera district, enjoying an aperitivo along the Navigli canals, or soaking up art at the Pinacoteca di Brera. If you’re planning a Milan city break, don’t forget to stop for risotto alla Milanese.
Book a flight to Milan — it takes just 2 hours. January temperatures range from 2 to 7 °C. While it’s not particularly warm, it’s an excellent time to visit famous museums and boutiques without queues.
Where else is it worth going on holiday in January?
Do you value comfort and prestige? Or perhaps you like to combine travel with work? January is a great opportunity to set off on a long-haul journey without giving up your daily routines. If you’re not sure where to go on holiday in January, we suggest destinations that offer new business perspectives.
Feel the atmosphere of a winter vacation in New York or Venice
Where to go on holiday in January? Plan a winter break in New York
Why visit New York in January? Find out by planning your winter getaway. Visit the Museum of Modern Art, stroll through Central Park, and admire the city skyline from the Top of the Rock observation deck. Flights to New York take a comfortable 9 hours. January temperatures are low (from –5 to 3 °C), but this is also the season of major sales and a magical, less crowded Manhattan — perfect for travellers seeking a premium experience and world-class Broadway shows.
Where to go in January? Experience the winter charm of Venice
Looking for a January holiday idea? A city break in Venice is a wonderful winter choice, especially for romantics. January brings ideal conditions for sightseeing — start at St Mark’s Square, visit the Basilica, and stop for coffee at the historic Caffè Florian. For a memorable date, hop on a vaporetto along the Grand Canal, passing the iconic Rialto Bridge.
A flight to Venice takes around 2 hours, and January temperatures range from 3–8 °C. While it can be chilly, the mist rising over the canals creates a magical winter atmosphere, and water levels are usually stable.
Where is it worth going for a January city break? Winter holidays in Europe
Did you know that many European cities offer ideal winter conditions too? Outside the peak season, they reveal a calmer, more authentic side, while the mild winter atmosphere is perfect for lingering over coffee and visiting museums in comfort. So where is it worth going on holiday in January?
Temperatures in capitals such as Amsterdam, Zurich or Paris range between 2°C and 8°C, and combined with short flights of around two hours, this makes winter the perfect time to take a breather and enjoy lower off-season prices.
You don’t need to fly to the other side of the world on an all-inclusive holiday to enjoy a memorable January break. For us, a city break is the essence of mobility and efficiency — the ideal solution if you only have a few days but crave a change of scenery.
Book flights for your January city break in Europe
- Dreaming of festive winter holidays? See our ideas for December trips.
- Already know where to go in January but running out of time to plan? Have a look at our suggestions for February holidays.
Where to fly in January? Amsterdam as your winter destination to start the year
Wondering where to go on holiday in January? In our opinion, Amsterdam is an excellent winter city break destination, as most attractions are close together and easy to explore on foot or by public transport. The flight to Amsterdam takes around 1.5 hours, and January temperatures range from 2 to 7 °C. To soak up the winter atmosphere, take a canal cruise, visit the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, and stop by the Anne Frank House in the Jordaan district.
Where to go in January? Visit Zurich — a perfect winter destination
Dreaming of a Swiss winter atmosphere? Book a flight from Warsaw to Zurich, which takes around 1.5 hours. January temperatures range from –2 to 4 °C, often with snow cover — ideal for enjoying wintertime charm and relaxing in cosy Swiss cafés.
Zurich’s highlights include the Old Town with its pastel-coloured townhouses, Lindenhof Hill overlooking the Limmat River, and the Schipfe district. A boat trip on Lake Zurich, views from Uetliberg, and the colourful Augustinergasse street complete the experience. Art lovers should also visit the Kunsthaus, the National Museum, as well as Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches.
Where to go for a last-minute January weekend? Choose Paris
If you’re not sure where to go on holiday in January, Paris may not seem like a typical winter destination — but that’s precisely its charm. The streets are quieter than during peak season, and cafés tempt visitors with the aroma of freshly baked croissants and crêpes. It’s also the perfect time to visit the Louvre and enjoy shopping in boutiques.
A flight to Paris takes around 2 hours, with average winter temperatures of 4–8 °C. The low season is a great opportunity to see the Eiffel Tower without queues, savour French cuisine, and explore the city.
Where to go on holiday in January? A summary of the best destinations
Sunny holidays at the start of the year are not only a way to recharge, but also an inspiring way to begin a new chapter. It’s worth slowing down, gaining perspective and allowing yourself a little pleasure. Whether you prefer paradise beaches and a tropical feel or leisurely sipping espresso in a European bistro, January is the perfect time to set off on an unforgettable holiday with LOT — and truly switch off.
- Where should you go in January if you value comfortable flights and dream of escaping into full sunshine? Dubai or Egypt are excellent choices, with average temperatures around 25 °C — just right for recharging your batteries.
- Looking for warmth in the middle of winter? Choose Malta or Spain’s Canary Islands.
- Dreaming of a city break close to Poland? In January, Prague, Vienna and Budapest stand out, offering tranquillity and attractive ticket prices.
- Opting for a premium experience and a long, inspiring journey? Visit vibrant yet less crowded New York.
Don’t hesitate. Book your flight and discover the world on your terms. And if you’re dreaming of a festive getaway, explore our ideas for December holidays.
Frequently asked questions about January holidays
Adam Greszta
A writer and journalism enthusiast who combines a love of words with the energy drawn from travel, inspiring readers to discover the world.
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