January
If you want a beach trip in January, Dubai comes out first, with average highs around 24°C and very high crowds.
Beach destinations, ranked by how good the month is there: weather, crowds, prices and events. Each card shows the real average temperature, crowd level and price level for January, and links to the full January guide for that destination.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
#1 on this list: Dubai
+Some of the best weather of the year — warm, sunny days around 24–25°C, ideal for beaches, rooftops and desert trips.
–One of the busiest and most expensive months, especially during the Dubai Shopping Festival.
+Dry-season sunshine, calm water and excellent visibility make January a classic Maldives month.
–Christmas/New Year demand carries into early January and resort rates remain high.
+Dry, sunny and excellent for beaches and boat trips.
–Peak-season demand and prices.
+Beach days, swimming, snorkeling, diving and warm-weather escapes
–Heat, humidity and lingering New Year crowds
+Quiet streets, lower rates and a packed awards-season calendar.
–Cooler nights and a higher chance of rain than the rest of the year.
+Peak summer, beaches and huge event energy.
–Christmas/New Year demand makes hotels expensive and popular areas busy.
+Mild weather + strong value
–Too cool for reliable beach days
+Quiet low-season atmosphere
–Too cool for reliable beach days
+Warm temperatures, lower humidity and relatively dry conditions — excellent for beaches and outdoor dining.
–Winter demand is high, so prices and crowds can be high too.
+Sunny, breezy and dry-ish.
–Busy and expensive.
+Dry, sunny days and Junkanoo on January 1.
–High-season crowds and prices.
+One of the quietest and best-value periods.
–Cool temperatures and a higher chance of rain.
+Warm weather and long summer days.
–Peak-season prices and crowds.
+Sunshine after the rains.
–Busy and pricey.
+Warm seas and vivid greenery
–Frequent rain and high humidity
Temperatures are monthly averages. Crowd and price levels are my own judgement. Want to narrow it down? Filter all destinations for January.
FAQ
Dubai, Maldives and Phuket come out best in January. Beach destinations, ranked by how good the month is there: weather, crowds, prices and events.
Phuket, with average highs around 33°C in January.
Los Angeles, where crowds in January are low.
Best beach destinations in another month
More ideas for January