Winter beach holidays in 2026: 9 destinations where it is warm in January
In January, Europe is cold. The Red Sea at this time stays around +24 °C (as of 01/2026, data for Sharm El Sheikh). So a winter vacation can be spent on the beach instead of at home.
Nine destinations in this selection are suitable for swimming in January, and we compared water and air temperatures, as well as the honest catches of each resort. There is an option here for both a short weekend getaway and a two-week vacation.
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Where to fly in winter: comparison
💡 In short:
- Egypt offers a short flight and moderate prices, the UAE is also close but more expensive.
- Goa, Thailand, the Maldives, and Seychelles have the warmest sea in winter.
- Kenya combines beach with safari, and the Canaries remain the closest warm option to Europe.
- Air and water temperatures: as of 01/2026, data for Hurghada and data for Phuket.
Destination | Water in January | Daytime | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
Egypt | +24 °C | +22 °C | |
UAE | +23 °C | warm | |
India (Goa) | +28 °C | warm | |
Thailand | +29 °C | +29 °C | |
Kenya | +28 °C | +32 °C | |
Canaries | cooler | warm | n/a |
Maldives | warm | hot | n/a |
Seychelles | warm | hot | n/a |
Mexico | warm | hot | n/a |
1. Egypt and the Red Sea
© Nikolai Bakhmarov · CC BYPhoto: Nikolai Bakhmarov, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsRed Sea resorts remain a classic winter getaway. In Sharm El Sheikh the water stays around +24 °C in January, while in Hurghada the air warms up to +22 °C during the day and gets cool in the evening (as of 01/2026, Sharm El Sheikh water temperature, Hurghada forecast).
The flight here is short, so you can go even for just a few days. From Hurghada you can take a trip to the pyramids and the Sphinx, but Giza is about 450 km away. From Sharm the road to the pyramids is even longer. Desert quad biking, boat trips, and fishing are also on the agenda here. Bring your own snorkeling mask, because renting one on site costs more.
- The catch: you need a light jacket in the evening, and the water is not refreshing for everyone.
2. UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The Emirates have comfortable weather in January, and the water in Dubai stays around +23 °C (as of 01/2026, Dubai water in winter). You swim during the day and stroll along the waterfront in the evening without the exhausting heat.
People come here for shopping, and the malls, boutiques, and spice market are open every day. Dubai's beaches are sandy and clean, so you can easily combine swimming with a desert trip or a visit to an observation deck. Pick a hotel by the water, otherwise the trip to the beach will eat up your time.
- The catch: the vacation costs almost twice as much as Egypt, and revealing clothing outside the hotel is inappropriate.
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3. India: Goa beaches
© Mahabalaindia · CC BY-SAPhoto: Mahabalaindia, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsGoa attracts visitors with its warm sea and vibrant local color. The water along the coast stays around +28 °C, and the sun shines up to 11 hours a day (as of 01/2026, Goa water in January, Goa sunshine hours).
North Goa is chosen for its nightlife and parties, while the south suits you if you value quiet beaches and Ayurveda. Boat trips, markets, and sunsets are part of everyday life here. The flight is long, so take at least a week, otherwise acclimatization will eat up your vacation.
- The catch: it is high season, and popular beaches get crowded after lunch.
4. Thailand: Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui
© JULIANISME · CC BY-SAPhoto: JULIANISME, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThailand's dry season runs from December to March. In Phuket, the water temperature in January is around +29 °C, and daytime air stays at the same level (as of 01/2026, water near Phuket, Phuket weather).
Pattaya suits those who want to combine the beach with excursions and nightlife, since the city is compact and inexpensive. But the sea here is not as good as on the islands.
For a relaxed vacation, Phuket or Koh Samui are good choices, with clean beaches, local cuisine, and well-maintained hotels. In winter the sea is calm, so swimming is comfortable even with children. The islands are connected by domestic flights and ferries.
- The catch: in Pattaya the beach is worse and the water is murkier.
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5. Kenya: beach and safari
© Nicor · CC BYPhoto: Nicor, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsKenya combines beach and safari. On the Indian Ocean coast, the water is around +28 °C, and daytime air warms up to +32 °C (as of 01/2026, water near Diani, Mombasa forecast).
Diani is known for white sand and diving, while Mombasa is convenient as a base for trips to the parks. Take two weeks so you have time for both the ocean and a safari. This kind of vacation costs more than a beach trip, but you get to see wild animals in their natural habitat.
- The catch: a long flight, and a safari requires vaccinations and extra budget.
6. Canary Islands in winter
© Photograph by Mike Peel ( www.mikepeel.net ). · CC BY-SAPhoto: Photograph by Mike Peel ( www.mikepeel.net )., CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe Canary Islands remain Europe's warmest winter region. On Tenerife and Gran Canaria it's warm during the day, and the sun shines almost every day. The ocean is cooler than in the tropics, so not everyone swims here, but you can sunbathe year-round.
The flight is short and no visa is required. You can easily combine the beach with Mount Teide and the old towns, and the islands are connected by ferries and cheap flights, so you can see several at once.
- The catch: the water is brisk, and the north of the islands is more often overcast.
see Canary Islands hotels on Trip.com
7. The Maldives: atolls and villas
© Matheenfaiz · CC BY-SAPhoto: Matheenfaiz, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe Maldives offers the most relaxed format in this selection. The water is warm year-round, and winter brings the dry season with clear skies. Resorts occupy entire atolls, with villas standing right over the water.
There are almost no excursions or cities here, so the entire vacation happens on the island. Pick an island that fits your budget, because the difference between resorts is significant. This kind of trip will cost more than all the other destinations.
- The catch: high prices and a long flight, and island hopping is inconvenient.
see Maldives hotels on Trip.com
8. The Seychelles: granite beaches
© Giles Laurent · CC BY-SAPhoto: Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe Seychelles combine a warm sea and pristine nature. Winter is the dry season here, so the beaches with granite boulders look like a postcard. The islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are connected by ferries and local flights.
Boat trips, snorkeling and rare birds draw nature lovers here. You can spend a week on two islands and not notice how the time passes. The vacation is expensive but peaceful.
- The catch: high prices, and getting between islands takes half a day.
see Seychelles hotels on Trip.com
9. Mexico: the Caribbean coast
Mexico is worth considering if you don't mind a long flight. On the Caribbean coast, in Cancun and on the Riviera Maya, you can swim year-round. Winter brings the dry season with warm water.
© Giorgio Galeotti · CC BYPhoto: Giorgio Galeotti, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsBeyond the beach, Mayan pyramids and local festivals await, and they run almost nonstop. Plan the trip for at least ten days, otherwise the travel will eat into your vacation. If you only need the beach, a week at a seaside hotel is enough.
- The catch: the longest flight in this selection and a significant time zone difference.
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
Where is the warmest sea in January?
In Thailand the water stays around +29 °C, in India and Kenya around +28 °C (as of 01/2026, sea temperature in Thailand). You'll find the warmest sea in this selection here, since the Maldives and Seychelles are close to this level all year round. If you need a short flight, go for Egypt or the UAE, where the water is cooler but more comfortable for a quick trip.
Can you swim in Egypt in January?
Yes, the water in Sharm El Sheikh is around +24 °C (as of 01/2026, current data for Sharm). The air is warm during the day, so swimming is comfortable, but it gets cool in the evening and you should bring a jacket. January is the best time for snorkeling, since the water is clear and the reefs aren't overheated.
Where should you fly in winter without a long flight?
The shortest flights in this selection are to Egypt and the Canary Islands. Egypt has a warm sea and reefs, the Canaries have warm sun and a cool ocean, and both options work for a five to seven day trip. The UAE is also close, but more expensive.
What's cheaper: Egypt or Thailand?
Egypt works out cheaper, since the flight is shorter and hotel prices are lower. Thailand costs more, but offers a warmer sea and a long dry season. If you're counting every euro, start with Egypt, and pay extra for Thailand if you want warm water and the food.
When is the dry season in the Maldives and Seychelles?
The dry season in the Maldives runs from December to April, and it's roughly the same in the Seychelles. In January the sky is clear, rain is rare, and the sea is warm, so January gives you the best conditions for the beach and snorkeling. Keep in mind that prices are at their highest during these months.
In short: what's worth booking
A short vacation: go for Egypt or the UAE. The warmest sea: Goa, Thailand, or Kenya. Beach plus safari: head to Kenya. Comfort and a short flight within Europe: look at the Canary Islands. Romance and overwater villas: the Maldives and Seychelles fit the bill, and for a longer trip, head to Mexico.
Book hotels in advance, because prices rise in January and the best options go first.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.