12 Cheap Warm Destinations in January Where You Can Ditch the Winter Coat

Looking for a warm destination to escape to in January? You do not have to stay home through gloomy winter days when you can head out somewhere and experience long sunny days. If you are wondering about prices, you have nothing to worry about, as sunny weather in January does not have to come with a hefty price tag.

Imagine spending days on sunny beaches when people back home struggle to stay warm in their winter coats. If this sounds tempting, but you are on a budget, go for these 12 destinations. They are the perfect place to enjoy sunny Januaries without breaking your bank account.

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Phu Quoc, Vietnam

First on the list is Phu Quoc, a Vietnamese island with beautiful nature and a rich cultural scene. January falls within the island’s dry season, with median temperatures of about 81°F (27°C), perfect for exploring the island’s coastline. Beaches such as Ong Lang Beach and Sao Beach are nice spots to enjoy yourself every time the sun’s out. They are also good starting points for fishing trips, snorkeling excursions, and island-hopping tours.

When the sun sets, visit Phu Quoc Night Market to mingle with the residents, sample local food, and buy souvenirs. While the cost of traveling to Phu Quoc is generally lower, there are still more opportunities to stretch your dollars further by living in low-cost beachfront hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Just make sure you book your accommodation earlier to score better deals.

Palawan, Philippines

Palawan is a destination whose beauty makes you wonder why it remains that affordable. With its breathtaking nature and many things to do, I am sure many people would pay top dollar to experience it, but it remains within a budget traveler’s range. January, which falls within Palawan’s dry season, is a great time to visit. Expect daytime temperatures of around 77°F (25°C).

El Nido Marine Reserve Park is one of the province’s most sought-after attractions, but its entrance fee is less than $5. The park features limestone cliffs, a rainforest, and beaches, all of which are great for nature lovers.

Port Barton, a fishing village on the northwest coast of Palawan, has a laid-back vibe and cheap yet comfortable accommodations. Additionally, it’s pretty easy and affordable to get around Palawan. Renting a shared shuttle van or a tricycle won’t dent your wallet.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is among Colombia’s most thriving cities yet a cheap travel destination. With a budget of around $311, you can enjoy a one-week-long holiday here. As one of the key first Spanish colonies in the Americas, this city has a long history to explore, and one of the best places to do it is its walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can socialize with locals and other tourists at Plaza de la Trinidad when visiting. You could also join free walking tours, climb the San Felipe Castle, admire street art throughout the city, relax on Playa Blanca, or take a boat tour to the Rosario Islands.

With January temperatures averaging 75°F (24°F) to 86°C (30°F), this is a good time to wander through the historic city and wind up your days relaxing on pristine beaches.

January sits in the dry season, and daytime temperatures reach 88°F (31°C).

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

January in San Juan del Sur is characterized by warm and breezy weather, perfect for outdoor relaxation. This coastal town is a great place to surf on a budget, thanks to its affordable rentals and surfing lessons, which cost around $25.

Beaches in and around the town, including Playa Maderas and Remanso Beach, will lure you to spend your days sunbathing. These two beaches are free and offer stunning sunset views.

A week-long San Juan del Sur getaway costs about $370 per person. If you want to stretch your dollars further, you could stay in cheap hotels, use public shuttles, and eat in local joints.

Bali, Indonesia

January brings warm temperatures to Bali. Though some rain may occur during the month, it’s still ideal for beachgoers, as the light showers typically happen for an hour or two and later in the evening. Temperatures range from 79°F to 86°F (26°C to 30°C), which is a great range for your beach adventures.

You will find a beach for every taster. Whether you are looking for the perfect place to surf, swim, or just relax amidst picturesque scenery, Bali’s coastline has got you covered. Some of the island’s most popular beaches include Kelingking Beach, one of the most Instgrammable, Seminyak Beach, and Nusa Dua. No, you don’t have to go with the most popular. The island is full of hidden gems you can discover while out there.

January is part of the rainy season, so you could expect cheaper hotel deals because tourist traffic is low.

Bocas del Toro, Panamá

Bocas del Toro is located about a 45-minute flight from Panamá City. January coincides with the dry season, bringing perfect beach weather. This city has white sand beaches like Playa Bluff and Starfish Beach, which have public access. While these two are great for swimming and sunbathing, Bluff Beach is the perfect spot for surfers looking for strong currents.

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Beyond the beaches, you could explore Bocas Town or head out to see the rest of the Bocas del Toro Province. With a daily budget of $77, you could get decent dining and accommodation options in Bocas del Toro.

Havana, Cuba

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Havana is rich in free or inexpensive experiences. Whether you wander through its colorful streets or enjoy live Cuban music, this destination is perfect for visitors seeking some January warmth and budget travel options.

In January, this city experiences temperatures of around 70-80°F (21°C to 26°C), which is pleasant for exploring the city’s historic streets.

During your visit, you can take a classical car tour around the city, watch sunsets at Malecon, join a salsa class, or just stroll through Old Havana. All these activities are either free or low-cost.

Phuket, Thailand

January in Phuket means enjoying warm temperatures of around 90°F (32°C). With only about four rainy days, January is the best time to get out there and explore Phuket’s natural beauty. You can bask in the sun at Kata Beach or hike to viewpoints such as Promthep Cape and Windmill Viewpoint.

Make time for James Bond Island, Phuket Elephant Care, and the dirt-cheap spa packages in Phuket. This is a perfect destination for both adventure and relaxation.

While January is peak season on this island, you can still score cheap accommodation and flights. There is also a wide variety of exploration opportunities and tours, so you will have much to do without a hefty price tag.

Cancun, Mexico

Due to Cancun’s popularity with American tourists, many budget airlines offer affordable direct flights to and from the destination. If you are looking for cheap flights from major American cities, you will most likely find one heading to Cancun. In January, most of the United States is battling winter blues, while Cancun experiences temperatures of 68°F (20°C) to 82°F (28°C). If you are not into dull winter days, you will love what Cancun has in store for you.

On your arrival, you can relax on the city’s public beaches, such as Playa Ballenas and Dolphin Beach. Apart from beaches and its irresistible coastal charm, you could explore the Mayan ruins and temples or relax in your all-inclusive resort.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

If you prefer to avoid hot summer temperatures in Egypt, January is the perfect time to visit. The weather in Sharm El Sheikh remains warm and sunny, averaging between 64-73°F (18°C and 23°C) all month long. With its location between the Sinai Mountains and the Red Sea, the city has access to world-class dive sites full of marine life.

With numerous picturesque beaches, explore Shark’s Bay Beach, Naama Bay Beach, El Fanar, Ras Um Sid, and Terrazzina Beach.

If you prefer to go beyond the beaches, you could join low-cost snorkeling and diving tours. Lastly, don’t miss out on tours to the Sinai Desert. While they offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences, they remain affordable, with some going for as low as $10.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Cheap Warm Destinations in the World in January Marrakech, Morocco — © Balate Dorin / Adobe Stock

Marrakesh is one of the most picturesque cities in Africa and a great destination to start your year. Although it’s a year-round destination, January is an excellent time to explore its rich history and picturesque streets. It enjoys mild weather in January, with temperatures averaging around 64°F (18°C).

When visiting, explore Menara Gardens, a perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Besides being free, this garden has beautiful olive groves and views of the Atlas Mountains.

You will also quickly realize that bargaining for goods is a common thing to do in Marrakesh. You can always bargain for better prices in the souks and even on taxi rides. Plus, Moroccan dirham has a favorable exchange rate for many international currencies, meaning your money goes further.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean. This Dominican Republic Town is the perfect place to enjoy all-inclusive resorts, white sandy beaches, and a charming coastal environment. With temperatures averaging 77-82°F (25°C to 28°C) in January, you will have a great time spending your days on its beaches.

You will love that the beaches on this Caribbean island stretch for miles and are photogenic. Juanillo Beach, Bavaro Beach, and Arena Gorda Beach are the kinds that pop up on your laptop screen and are free to access. With over 30 miles (48 kilometers) of coastline, Punta Cana is truly a beach lover’s paradise.

You could spend $1013 per week per person vacationing in Punta Cana. With its world-class beaches, luxury resorts, and endless watersports activities, this price is one of the best you will ever find in a destination of Punta Cana’s class.