January by the sea: 20 countries for holidays and visa rules for EU citizens

January Europe greets you with gray skies and short days. During weeks like these, you especially want to fly somewhere the sun is shining. The good news is that while it is winter here, the tropics are in their dry season.

We have put together twenty destinations where people go for warmth in January. You will immediately see where the water is warm and calm, and where this time of year brings rain, wind, and cooler weather.

There is an important change regarding documents: starting September 15, 2026, visa-free tourist entry to Thailand is limited to 30 days (as of 09/2026, Auswärtiges Amt). For EU citizens, rules in other countries differ, so check them before buying a ticket.

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Where to go in January: a quick overview

💡 In short:

• Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are dry and warm in January. In the UAE the weather is comfortable, but the sea is cooler than in summer.
• The Caribbean is in peak season: sunny and warm, but prices are above average.
• Bali and Chile are not about the beach in January: expect rain, storms, or cool weather.
• Visa and entry rules: 09/2026, verified on the Auswärtiges Amt page for Thailand

The table below brings all destinations together. It will help you compare weather, sea conditions, and visa formalities, and you will find details on each country further down.

Before buying a ticket, check the entry rules. They change every year, and the table gives a general guideline for EU citizens.

1. Thailand

© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Thailand in winter is going through its dry and relatively cool season. Rain is rare, the sea is warm, and evenings are pleasantly refreshing after a hot day. During the day you swim and sunbathe, in the evening you stroll through markets with street food.

The peak falls on the New Year holidays. Flights and hotels for these dates get more expensive, so it is calmer to book a departure after the holidays, when the crowds thin out.

• Who it suits: those who want a classic beach, islands, temples, and street food in one trip.
• The catch: January is high season here, and accommodation and flights cost more than usual.

Hotels in Thailand on Trip.com

2. Vietnam

© [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Trantuonglam Trantuonglam] · CC BY-SAPhoto: [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Trantuonglam Trantuonglam], CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Southern Vietnam is dry and sunny in January. Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Phan Thiet, and Ke Ga will suit you. The north and center of the country get more rain at this time.

The beach season here is milder than in Thailand, and prices are usually lower. The beaches are long and spacious, so even in season you will find your own spot.

• Who it suits: those looking for an affordable tropical beach and who do not mind a long flight.
• The catch: during the New Year weeks, popular southern resorts are overcrowded.

Vietnam resorts: compare hotels

3. Sri Lanka

© Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

For January in Sri Lanka, the southwest coast is the right choice: it is dry and sunny there. The rest of the island gets more rainfall at this time.

The beach here is easy to combine with sightseeing. You head to tea plantations, ancient temples, and colonial towns, and in the evening you return to the ocean.

• Who it suits: those who want a beach and a full itinerary in one route.
• The catch: the east coast and the center are rainy in January, so you have to build your route around the weather.

Hotels in Sri Lanka

4. Malaysia

© *angys* · CC BY-SAPhoto: *angys*, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kuala Lumpur is warm in January, and the downpours are short and usually pass during the day. The city is getting ready for Chinese New Year, so the streets, markets, and shopping malls look especially festive.

Look for the sea on the west coast. The eastern islands are closed at this time due to the monsoon, so you should plan the beach part separately from the capital.

• Who it suits: those who love big cities, food, and short trips to the water.
• The catch: the east coast and islands are unavailable for a beach vacation in January.

Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur on Trip.com

5. Dominican Republic

© Robbtronic · CC BYPhoto: Robbtronic, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Punta Cana offers white sand, a warm sea, and mangrove forests. January kicks off the high season, which lasts until March.

Here you can combine swimming with diving, national parks, and trips to nearby islands. For evenings, there are clubs and yacht cruises.

• Who it suits: families with children and those who want a quiet beach plus entertainment.
• The catch: the high season and holidays drive up hotel prices.

Hotels in Punta Cana on Trip.com

6. Mexico

In Mexico, January is dry and warm on both coasts. Cancun is convenient for families, while Acapulco leans toward a more upscale vacation with restaurants and hotels.

You can combine a beach vacation with trips to pyramids and colonial cities. The weather will not let you down on either the Caribbean or the Pacific coast.

• Who it suits: those who want a wide choice of resorts and excursions.
• The catch: the flight is long, and layovers often eat up a whole day.

Hotels in Cancun and Acapulco

7. Cuba

© Antonio Schubert from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil · CC BY-SAPhoto: Antonio Schubert from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Varadero and Cayo Coco offer soft sand and warm water, while Havana adds music, rum, and colonial architecture.

Cubans welcome guests warmly, so even a simple walk through the city turns into a conversation. Diving, surfing, and kiteboarding await you at the beach resorts.

• Who it suits: those who want a beach plus local character and old cities.
• The catch: flight options are limited, and the trip often involves a long layover.

Hotels in Cuba on Trip.com

8. UAE

Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer comfortable weather for walking in January. It is warm during the day and cool in the evening, so you will need both a swimsuit and a light jacket.

The beach here comes with desert safaris, camel races, and the best shopping in the region. Windy days bring waves for surfing.

• Who it suits: those who love city, shopping, desert, and beach in one place.
• The catch: the sea is cooler than in summer, and swimming is not comfortable for everyone.

Hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

9. Egypt

© kallerna · CC BY-SAPhoto: kallerna, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

By January, the peak season in Egypt winds down, so prices are lower and there are fewer tourists. The sea is cool, but hotels have heated pools that are up and running.

The windy season begins, so resorts sheltered by mountains are your best bet. Sharm El Sheikh and Taba offer calm water and easy sea access.

• Who it suits: those who want a budget-friendly vacation with excursions and diving.
• The catch: the sea has cooled down, and swimming is brisk even on sunny days.

Hotels in Egypt on Trip.com

10. Turkey

© Krystsina Kashtanava · CC BY-SAPhoto: Krystsina Kashtanava, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Winter in Turkey is mild by European standards, but the sea is cold. Comfortable swimming is only possible in heated pools, which are filled with seawater.

Istanbul in January is great for shopping, food, and Bosphorus cruises. In the east of the country, ski resorts are open, so skiing and the beach can fit into the same vacation.

• Who it suits: those who want a mild climate, sightseeing, and shopping without the heat.
• The catch: you won't be able to swim in the sea in January, so pools are your only option.

Hotels in Turkey on Trip.com

11. Tanzania

© Morten Idriss Nygaar… · CC BY-SAPhoto: Morten Idriss Nygaar…, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Tanzania draws you in with safaris, national parks, and red sunsets over the savanna. Zanzibar adds warm water and white sand.

In January, Zanzibar is in its dry beach season. On the mainland, short rains are still possible, so some roads get muddy and certain routes close. On the plus side, there are few tourists and nature looks especially fresh.

• Who it suits: those traveling for nature and wildlife, not just the beach.
• The catch: on the mainland, rains wash out roads, so plans need to stay flexible.

Hotels in Tanzania on Trip.com

12. Brazil, Rio de Janeiro

© Rafael Rabello de Barros · CC BY-SAPhoto: Rafael Rabello de Barros, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

January in Rio de Janeiro falls in the peak of the southern summer. It is hot, humid, and lively, because Brazilians themselves are on vacation and school holidays.

You have a chance to catch celebrations and Carnival rehearsals, which start early. Bring an umbrella: the Brazilian summer also brings short downpours.

• Who it suits: those who love heat, music, and Carnival atmosphere.
• The catch: exhausting heat and evening downpours, plus higher prices in season.

Hotels in Rio de Janeiro on Trip.com

13. Maldives

© Matheenfaiz · CC BY-SAPhoto: Matheenfaiz, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

In the Maldives, January opens the dry season. Rains almost stop, humidity drops, and breathing becomes easier.

The first half of the month is better for surfing, the second for calm water. Both family vacations and snorkeling among the reefs work well here.

• Who it suits: families and couples who want a quiet beach and clear water.
• The catch: the destination is expensive, and an island stay costs noticeably more than other options.

Hotels in the Maldives on Trip.com

14. Bali

© Денис Романов · CC BY-SAPhoto: Денис Романов, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

In January, Bali is in its rainy season. The sea is rough, and beaches in places get covered with seaweed and debris.

The weather does not get in the way of culture and nature. Temples and ceremonies still run, such as the Pager Wesi festival, while highland routes to volcanoes sometimes close.

• Who it suits: those traveling for nature, culture, and surfing, not for calm water.
• The catch: swimming is nearly impossible because of waves and murky water.

Hotels in Bali on Trip.com

15. Philippines

© Patrick Roque · CC BY-SAPhoto: Patrick Roque, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Philippines in January offers clear water and good visibility for diving. The archipelago is made for unhurried relaxation under palm trees.

January is also a time of holidays and festivals, so popular islands are noisy and crowded. Downpours are short and refreshing.

• Who it suits: divers and those who love islands and water sports.
• The catch: during holidays the islands are packed, and accommodation needs to be booked in advance.

Hotels in the Philippines on Trip.com

16. Chile

© Natalia Reyes Escobar · CC BY-SAPhoto: Natalia Reyes Escobar, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

January in Chile is southern summer. The center of the country is warm and dry, while the south is cool and windy.

Beach vacations are not the main draw here. Fjords, channels, wildlife, and Tierra del Fuego National Park await you.

• Who it suits: those who want trekking, nature, and cooler weather instead of heat.
• The catch: the water is cold even in summer, so swimming is not part of the plan.

Hotels in Chile on Trip.com

17. Costa Rica

© Rhododendrites · CC BY-SAPhoto: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

On Costa Rica's Pacific coast, January is dry and warm. The country has dense tropical forests, active volcanoes, and coffee plantations.

Here, the beach is easy to combine with nature. You head to waterfalls, caves, and Tortuguero National Park.

• Who it suits: those who combine the beach with nature and active recreation.
• The catch: the flight is long, and there is a lot of travel between regions of the country.

Hotels in Costa Rica on Trip.com

18. Jamaica

January in Jamaica is dry and warm: little rain and calm seas. Temperatures here are steady year-round.

Beach time is mixed with music, food, and walks through historic sites. Try the local rum, it comes in many flavors.

• Who it suits: those who want beach, music, and local character.
• The catch: hotels get more expensive in winter, and popular beaches get booked up in advance.

Hotels in Jamaica on Trip.com

19. The Bahamas

© Rüdiger Stehn from Kiel, Deutschland · CC BY-SAPhoto: Rüdiger Stehn from Kiel, Deutschland, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

In the Bahamas, January brings mild weather and surprisingly few tourists. Prices during this period are lower than during the spring peak.

Nassau is considered the center of life, with restaurants and entertainment. Long Island is quieter, chosen for its calm beaches, diving, and fishing.

• Who it suits: those who want a quiet beach and diving without the crowds.
• The catch: evenings can be cool, and the sea is not as warm as in summer.

Hotels in the Bahamas on Trip.com

20. Venezuela

© Felviper · CC BY-SAPhoto: Felviper, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Venezuela in January is dry and warm, with rare and short rains. The country has old conquistador cities, the Orinoco River, the Andes, and Angel Falls.

There are excursions for every taste: from nightclubs to wild landscapes.

• Who it suits: those looking for nature without crowds and willing to put up with a long journey.
• The catch: before the trip, check safety recommendations and entry requirements.

Hotels in Venezuela on Trip.com

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where is the sea warm and calm in January?

Dry season and warm water in January in Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. In these countries there is almost no rain, and the water is comfortable for swimming. In the UAE it is warm and dry, but the sea is cooler than in summer. The Caribbean is also warm, but prices in peak season are higher, so book in advance.

Where can EU citizens go in January without a visa?

Many destinations on the list are open without a visa: Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Turkey, Brazil, and Caribbean countries. In the UAE, Egypt, the Maldives, and Indonesia, a visa is issued on arrival, and Sri Lanka requires an electronic authorization. Check entry rules before buying a ticket, they change every year.

Where is the cheapest place to vacation in January?

Egypt and Vietnam work out cheapest: in Egypt the peak subsides by January, and in southern Vietnam prices are lower than in Thailand. The Bahamas are also cheaper at this time than during their spring peak. The Maldives and Rio de Janeiro, where it is high season, will cost the most.

Where should you not go for a beach in January?

A beach vacation will not work out in Bali or Chile. Bali has a rainy and stormy season, and the water in Chile is cold. These destinations suit nature and culture, but swimming there is uncomfortable.

How many days do you need for such a destination?

One or two weeks is usually enough for one country. Thailand, Vietnam, and Mexico are convenient to split into two areas, and in Sri Lanka and Costa Rica you combine the beach with excursions.

In short: what to book

• If you have a short vacation: choose Thailand or Vietnam.
• If you want excursions and nature: choose Sri Lanka or Costa Rica.
• If budget matters: choose Egypt or southern Vietnam.
• If you want quiet: choose the Bahamas or the Maldives.

Hotels in popular winter destinations sell out quickly, so compare prices on Trip.com in advance.