5 Warm Sunny Places To Visit In January 2023

On Jan 1, 2023

Travel in January [Image by NoName_13 from Pixabay]

With the Christmas holidays in the rearview mirror, many people living in the northern hemisphere feel the need to escape freezing temperatures. This is the perfect time to explore warmer climes where the sun is shining and idyllic beaches beckon. Let’s take a look at five warm, sunny locations to visit in January 2023.

1. Head to Malé, Maldives

Warm sunny January in the Maldives — Beach in the Maldives [Image by Sue and Todd from Pixabay]

The capital of the Maldives, Malé is the perfect base to explore other islands in the archipelago. While in the city, there are many museums, local markets, restaurants and shops to explore. However, it is also easy to take a boat trip to the Atolls, where some of the Maldives’ fascinating marine creatures are waiting to be visited. Here, dolphins, reef sharks, hammerheads and manta rays can be spotted while scuba diving.

Turtle in the Maldives [Image by Marcello Rabozzi from Pixabay]

Besides scuba diving, all types of water sports are available to adventurous types in the Maldives. Meanwhile, onshore and in the water, there are plenty of turtles to be seen.

However, for those who just want to relax and soak up the sun, many idyllic beaches are just waiting. As for temperatures in January, this is the start of the dry, sunny season with temperatures ranging from 26°C (78°F) to 31°C (88°F).

2. January in Barbados, Caribbean

Barbados in January — Barbados [Image by Caribbean Winds from Pixabay]

Like many Caribbean destinations, Barbados is ideal between December and April, with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. Meanwhile, even though January isn’t in peak season, temperatures are a cozy 30°C (86°F). Obviously, this is much better than being in freezing temperatures in the north.

There is nothing quite like having a beach to yourself during the quiet season, but there is so much more to do. In fact, the island hosts the Barbados Sailing Week in mid to late January each year.

Barbados floral — Barbados [Image by rjayar from Pixabay]

Meanwhile, for anyone heading there around the end of the month can enjoy Barbados Horticultural Society’s annual Flower and Garden Show. In fact, the Caribbean island regularly wins gold at the UK Chelsea Flower Show, so there are plenty of rare blooms to enjoy.

3. Laos and the Mekong River

Reclining Buddha temple, Laos [Image by Tanapat Jangtrakul from Pixabay]

Laos is an Asian nation that offers perfect temperatures in January, with almost no rainfall. In fact, temperatures in the country’s cultural capital, Luang Prabang average around 24°C (75°F). Meanwhile, Vientiane is a fascinating city to explore, with its many night market stalls, more than 33 temples to visit and for those who are active, a mountain to climb: Mount Phou Si.

Khone Phapheng Falls, Laos — hone Phapheng Falls, Laos [Image Wikimedia Commons]

Having explored the cities, a cruise along the Mekong River takes you to the south of Laos, where temperatures are usually around a warm 30°C (86°F). Meanwhile, stop at Si Phan Do to enjoy the magnificent sight of the river’s majestic waterfall, Khone Phapheng, nicknamed the “Niagara of Asia.”

4. January safari in Tanzania

Serengeti Great Migration, Tanzania — Serengeti, Tanzania [Image Wikimedia Commons]

When it comes to safari experiences, Tanzania sticks out for its Great Migration, which sees thousands of wildebeest and other wildlife crossing the Mara River. While the big event happens between July and October, January to March sees the herds coming together in the Serengeti. Meanwhile, the best place to see this is in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area of the Serengeti National Park. In fact, January is ideal to watch the herds, especially as it is also calving season.

Moreover, besides the majestic wildebeest, January also features many gazelles and zebra, making it a wildlife-spotting paradise.

5. Experience the International Kite Festival in Gujarat, India

When looking for a colorful and exciting experience, head to the International Kite Festival in Gujarat, India. This westernmost Indian state hosts the festival on January 14 each year. Here, visitors gather from around the world to see the incredible display of huge, colorful and often creative kites. People can even buy their own kite on arrival in Gujarat.

In fact, the kite festival is one of the largest in India since it started in 1989 and it is held for a reason. The festival celebrates India’s calendar transition from winter into summer. While there, the state’s largest city, Ahmedabad, becomes a bustling center for its many cultural events, leading up to the International Kite Festival.

Here’s to a warm and sunny January and happy travels in 2023.