Winter vacation by the warm sea: 16 destinations with sun in January

New Year's by the sea looks completely different. Instead of winter clothes, you get warm sand, evening swims, and a holiday table under the open sky. Below are 16 countries where summer holds on through December and January. We checked the season, weather, and main resorts for each destination and added honest catches. From here, you can pick a country based on your budget, flight length, and preferred pace.

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Where to go for New Year's by the sea

All the destinations below share one advantage: in the middle of European winter, they stay warm, and the sea remains swimmable. The countries differ in price, flight length, and the range of things to do. The table pulls together the essentials so you can quickly filter out what doesn't fit and choose your spot.

💡 In short:

• Shortest flights: Turkey, Egypt, UAE.
• Exotic ocean destinations: Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar.
• Egypt and Thailand are usually cheaper than island destinations.
• Thailand data: 09/2026, verified on the official Tourism Authority of Thailand website

1. Turkey

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

Winter Turkey bears little resemblance to summer Turkey. On the Mediterranean coast, daytime temperatures stay around sixteen degrees, hotels operate more calmly and lower their prices, so you'll spend noticeably less in winter. Most travelers choose Istanbul: the city is Europeanized, decorated, and convenient for a short trip. The country's official guide has compiled routes and winter events, check out the selection on goturkiye.com.

The second option for a winter trip is the Riviera with its large resorts in Antalya, Kemer, and Belek, where in low season you can comfortably see what crowds block out in summer. Heated pools and hammams run all day, while few people venture into the open sea.

• Who it's for: couples and families who want a short flight.
• The catch: in winter the sea is cool for long swims.
• Turkey hotels on Trip.com

2. Maldives

The Maldives opens its dry season in December, and these are the best weeks for diving. According to Visit Maldives, from December to April the sea is calm, the sky is clear, and underwater visibility is at its peak. Most guests choose the Ari, Raa, Male, and Baa atolls.

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

On some islands there is only one hotel, so evenings pass quietly and privately. If you want an overwater villa, book it early, because availability shrinks quickly during the holidays.

• Who it's for: couples and snorkeling fans.
• The catch: December and January are peak season prices across the archipelago.
• Maldives resorts on Trip.com

3. Seychelles

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

The Seychelles have long been a classic Indian Ocean getaway. Here you'll find granite boulders at the water's edge, rare coral sand, and the calm beauty of open ocean. Hotels add New Year's menus and live music to the celebration.

A popular option for couples: ringing in the year on the deck of a yacht that heads out to sea on a prearranged route. It replaces the hotel banquet hall and stays with you for a long time.

• Who it's for: couples and anyone who values privacy.
• The catch: the flight is long and involves a layover in Europe or the Middle East.
• Seychelles resorts on Trip.com

4. Philippines

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

The Philippines has thousands of islands, each with its own character. First, decide on your priority: a quiet beach, diving, or a city with nightlife. That determines whether you choose Boracay, Palawan, or Cebu.

New Year's on the coast here is loud and fun. Groups gather in large numbers, music plays, and the table is never without cocktails and fresh seafood.

• Who it's for: those willing to take a long flight for the islands.
• The catch: island hopping often requires a layover in Manila.
• Philippines hotels on Trip.com

5. Vietnam

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

In Vietnam, the local New Year follows the lunar calendar and usually falls in February. The European date is celebrated more modestly here, mostly for tourists. If you want to see the real holiday, plan your trip around Tet.

Festive peach and mandarin branches decorate every home, and streets are adorned with notes on purple paper. People hide wishes and requests in these notes. Visitors should check out the water puppet theater, cockfighting, and holiday food: round and square cakes symbolize heaven and earth.

• Who it's for: those who want to combine beach and culture.
• The catch: during Tet, many markets and some transport run on a holiday schedule.
• Vietnam hotels on Trip.com

6. Indonesia, Bali

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

Indonesia celebrates two completely different New Years. The first is designed for tourists and follows European traditions. The second belongs to locals and looks more subdued and quiet. Not everyone embraces the date from the thirty-first to the first, so festive nights are loud mainly in tourist areas.

On New Year's Eve, Bali turns into a huge masquerade. The carnival parade and beach party are only for those who prepared a costume in advance. The classic option with candles and a Christmas tree can be found in Jakarta. Lombok offers an extreme scenario: the celebration moves underwater.

• Who it's for: those who love carnivals and surfing.
• The catch: festive nights are loud mainly in tourist areas.
• Bali hotels on Trip.com

7. Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, New Year's comes in summer mode: with a tan, warm sea, and long walks. The holiday adds a spicy twist to the familiar date.

Instead of dancing around a Christmas tree, people dance in pairs to merengue and bachata. Parades sparkle with feathers and rhinestones, and music sets the rhythm all night long. From the local cuisine, try goat stewed in red wine and the cocktails Banana Mama and Coco Loco. Toward morning, you'll appreciate strong Dominican coffee.

• Who it's for: those who want to dance until dawn.
• The catch: during the holidays, coastal hotels get booked well in advance.
• Dominican Republic hotels on Trip.com

8. India, Goa

There is no New Year celebration in India in the form Europeans are used to. The night from the thirty-first to the first has only recently been marked here, and with familiar Western trappings. In contrast, the local Indian Festival of Lights is celebrated on a truly grand scale.

Lanterns, bonfires, and candles turn the streets into a vibrant spectacle. The festival dates vary from region to region, so check the calendar for your trip. In Goa, beach parties and long sunsets add to the mix.

• Who it's for: those who want exotic experiences and festival lights.
• The catch: during high season, Goa's beaches are overcrowded and prices are higher.
• Goa hotels on Trip.com

9. Cuba

© Rômulo Ferreira · CC BYPhoto: Rômulo Ferreira, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Cubans ring in the year almost like Europeans, but with a local twist. A glass of rum often replaces a glass of champagne. With each stroke of the clock, they eat a grape and make a wish.

Letters with wishes are piled up here in huge stacks. Evergreen araucaria trees play the role of the Christmas tree. At the same time, Cuba remains a seafaring country, so white sand and warm sea are always there.

• Who it's for: those who love music, rum, and retro.
• The catch: internet and maps work with limitations, bring cash in advance.
• Cuba hotels on Trip.com

10. Sri Lanka

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

Sri Lanka has summer all year round. The warm weather lets you welcome the New Year right by the ocean. Upscale hotels with developed infrastructure are concentrated in the southwestern part of the island.

The island draws visitors with white-sand beaches, tropical jungles, waterfall valleys, and tea plantations. Monumental Buddhist landmarks reflect a centuries-old culture. It's easy to combine beach time and heritage sightseeing here.

• Who it's for: those who want beach and excursions in one trip.
• The catch: the flight is long, and there are few direct flights from Europe.
• Sri Lanka hotels on Trip.com

11. Mexico

Mexico offers an unusual New Year on the warm Caribbean coast. In early January, the air and sea remain comfortable for swimming. The long flight is more than offset by the resort of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Cancun stretches along a multi-kilometer white-sand spit with turquoise water, with hotel complexes and ancient Mayan pyramids nearby. During the holidays, streets host carnivals and festivals with fireworks.

• Who it's for: those who want beach and ancient history close together.
• The catch: without a rental car, trips to the pyramids are inconvenient.
• Mexico hotels on Trip.com

12. Thailand

© This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov . Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Zelenov in the immediate vicinity of the · CC BY-SAPhoto: This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov . Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Zelenov in the immediate vicinity of the, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

High season in Thailand starts in December, with dry weather settling in, so travelers arrive from all over the world. Demand drives prices up, so you should book your hotel in advance to secure a good room. The official website of the Tourism Authority of Thailand describes Phuket as the country's main beach resort.

Phuket stretches along wide beaches, and its hills are covered with lush greenery. Hotels and entertainment complexes are filled with a New Year atmosphere, and Phuket is a convenient base for trips to the Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay.

• Who it's for: those looking for warm sea and developed infrastructure.
• The catch: during high season, prices in Phuket rise noticeably.
• Thailand hotels on Trip.com

13. Tanzania

© Konstantin Zamkov · CC BYPhoto: Konstantin Zamkov, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), Flickr

Tanzania expands the palette of experiences even for seasoned travelers. The holiday here unfolds differently from the usual home celebrations. National parks with safaris and scenic savannas add to the beach experience.

The country's main resort, the island of Zanzibar, attracts guests with endless beaches of white coral sand. Cozy bungalows line the shore, with mangrove thickets stretching nearby.

• Who it's for: those who want to combine beach and safari.
• The catch: park tours must be booked in advance, and holiday spots are limited.
• Zanzibar hotels on Trip.com

14. Egypt

© Ricardo Liberato · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ricardo Liberato, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Egypt welcomes vacationers year-round. In winter the weather stays moderately warm, and the Red Sea water doesn't cool down. On the beaches you get comfortable swimming and a gentle tan even in January. The Visit Sharm El Sheikh portal has compiled the seasons and marine activities of South Sinai.

In Sharm El Sheikh, picturesque bays are lined with hotel complexes. Turquoise waters are rich with corals and colorful fish. In the evening, show programs and restaurants along the promenade come alive.

• Who it's for: those who want warmth in winter without a long flight.
• The catch: evenings are chilly in winter, so bring a light jacket.
• Egypt hotels on Trip.com

15. Mauritius

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

Mauritius lies in the Indian Ocean, and people escape there from the northern winter. The coastline consists of blue lagoons protected from waves by coral reefs, and the landscape is complemented by mountains, waterfalls, and flowering shrubs.

The summer season on the island runs from November to April, so New Year falls right in the peak of warmth. The lagoon water is comfortable for long swims. Wildlife reserves and local cuisine round out the beach experience.

• Who it's for: families and couples who want a calm ocean.
• The catch: short tropical downpours can occur in summer.
• Mauritius hotels on Trip.com

16. UAE

© Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy · CC BYPhoto: Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The UAE can be called a man-made Arabian fairy tale: monumental towers, upscale hotels, and entertainment for every taste rise among the desert sands. In winter the daytime weather is moderately warm, and evenings are cool and pleasant, so walking around is comfortable.

Dubai remains the country's main resort destination: white-sand beaches, a turquoise sea, and parks with shady alleys create a relaxed atmosphere. From the city it's easy to take a desert safari or go up to an observation deck.

• Who it's for: those who want beach time along with city entertainment.
• The catch: hotels and tickets get more expensive around New Year.
• UAE hotels on Trip.com

New Year resorts on the map

Below is a map with the resorts we covered. Open it to estimate distances and plan your days between countries.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where is the cheapest place for New Year?

Egypt, Turkey, and Thailand are usually cheaper than island destinations. In Egypt, all Red Sea resorts operate in winter, and the water is suitable for swimming. Turkey offers a short flight and lower prices on the Riviera. Thailand is more expensive in terms of flights, but it delivers dry weather and affordable service on the ground.

Where should I fly if I want the ocean?

For the ocean, head to the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, or Zanzibar. In the Maldives, the dry season starts in December with the best underwater visibility. The Seychelles offer granite beaches and seclusion. Zanzibar adds safari to the beach, and Mauritius shields its lagoons from waves with coral reefs.

Where to celebrate New Year's with kids?

Egypt, the UAE, and the Dominican Republic are convenient with kids. Egypt has a warm sea and all-inclusive hotels. The UAE has plenty of parks and aquariums near the beach. The Dominican Republic offers short regional flights and a mild climate. Everywhere, book a family room in advance, options narrow during the holidays.

When is high season in the Maldives and Seychelles?

In the Maldives, the dry season runs from December to April, and prices peak during the Christmas and New Year weeks. In the Seychelles, the warmest weather is from December to April. For both archipelagos, we recommend booking several months ahead, otherwise only expensive options will be left.

What to do if the sea is cool?

In Turkey and the UAE, not everyone swims in winter, but heated pools and hammams are available. In Egypt and Thailand, the sea stays warm, and swimming barely depends on the season. In any case, bring light clothing for the day and warm clothing for the evening.

In short: what's worth booking

In short, here's how to choose. If a short flight matters, go for Turkey, Egypt, or the UAE. If you want the ocean and diving, look at the Maldives, Seychelles, and Zanzibar. If budget is the deciding factor, Egypt and Thailand will help. If you're drawn to culture, consider Mexico, Cuba, and Sri Lanka.

The Maldives and Seychelles suit couples, Egypt and the UAE suit families with kids, Bali and Sri Lanka suit surfers, and the Dominican Republic and Goa suit party lovers.

Book in advance. Hotels and tours for the holidays get snapped up several months ahead, so choose your dates and hotel as early as possible.