Best Warm Weather Beach Vacations for January
Welcome to the “Best Warm Weather Beach Vacations for January & February!” Today’s high in Bend, Oregon (where I live) was a chilly 48 degrees! So my mind started wandering….to beautiful, sandy beaches. And I wondered what the warmest destinations are in January, around the world. So that’s exactly we’ll discuss here! My requirements: day-time highs of at least 75° (23° Celsius), & water temperatures about the same.
Cozumel has PERFECT weather in January.
The author in Puerto Vallarta in 2026!
Click on any photo in this article to get hotel pricing for that area!
Best Warm Weather Spots in January
Here’s a quick run-down….
| If You Want… | Best Destination | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|---|
| The Warmest Water | Aruba | Consistently warm, sunny, & swimmable |
| Affordable Luxury | Puerto Vallarta | Great resorts, perfect weather, & great value |
| Romantic Couples Trip | St. Lucia | Boutique hotels, beautiful scenery |
| Girls Getaway | Cartagena | Beaches, nightlife, colorful Old Town |
| Family Vacation | Big Island Hawaii | Resorts, activities, & kid-friendly beaches |
| Adventure + Beach | Costa Rica | Surfing, wildlife, & tropical beaches |
| Luxury Splurge | Maldives | Overwater villas & world-class resorts |
| Quick Trip from the U.S. | Cancun | Easy flights, abundant resorts, & perfect weather |
The Maldives is perfect for a romantic, luxury getaway in January & February.
In a Rush?
Best Warm Weather Trips from West Coast
⭐️⭐️ Puerto Vallarta – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️ Big Island Hawaii & Waikiki Beach on Oahu – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️ Cabo San Lucas – Click here for rates & availability
Best Warm Weather Beach Vacations for January
1) Miami: Great for Girl’s Getaways
Temperature = 76°F, Water Temperature = 77°F (25°C)
The warmest place in the United States in January is Miami, Florida. Even within sunny Florida: it’s the warmest spot. And it’s got happening South Beach, with its Cuban influence & romantic hotels like The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club, or super-luxe The Setai. Check out the iconic art deco along Ocean Drive, enjoy fine dining & fresh seafood, play a round of golf, or simply enjoy swimming in warm January waters…
Saddle up to the bar at The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club.
2) Oahu & Big Island Hawaii: Great for Families
Temperature = 79°F, Water Temp = 76°F
Surfers from all over the world head to Oahu’s North Shore every winter for the “Pipeline” surf competition. But even if you’re not an adrenaline junkie: the Hawaiian Islands are perfect for a January getaway. Oahu’s Waikiki Beach is a great place for beginners to surf year-round (my niece & nephew learned here). Waves here are always calm & mellow, with Diamond Head creating an incredible backdrop. If you’ve never been to Oahu: stay right on Waikiki Beach. The Royal Hawaiian is the most iconic hotel on this stretch of sand, & very family-friendly.
The famous pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
If Waikiki prices are too steep: check out VRBO rates on the Big Island. My brother & his family vacation here every year, & he says that a family trip costs about 1/3 less here than on other islands. I really like this island! You can night-dive with manta rays, snorkel, dive, swim, visit coffee plantations, or stay in a hotel with fantastic snorkeling right on-site.
One of those great hotels in Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which is pictured below (my brother took that incredible shot)!
The Big Island is less crowded than other Hawaiian islands, with lower prices.
Best Warm Weather Beach Trips for January
3) MEXICO BEACHES: Great from January-April!
Daily Average = 81°F, Water Temp = 79°F (26°C)
Mexican beaches are hitting their stride from November all the way through April/May: which means that in January, they’re just about perfect. And you have countless great beach destinations: Cancun is perfect for families & couples with its gorgeous beachfront, all-inclusive resorts. Playa del Carmen is perfect for party-lovers & fun seekers, with loads of restaurants & plenty of high-end beachfront resorts….but also more affordable options in town.
Top Hotels in Playa del Carmen
| Traveler Type | Top Pick | Why I Recommend It |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Travelers | Fairmont Mayakoba | Beautiful beachfront setting, outstanding service, multiple pools, one of the most luxurious resorts in the Riviera Maya. |
| Families | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Excellent kids’ programs, family-friendly pools, spacious suites, and exceptional dining that appeals to both adults & children. |
| Budget-Conscious Travelers | El Taj Oceanfront & Beachside Condo Hotel | Walkable location, beachfront access, condo-style accommodations, & significantly lower rates than luxury all-inclusives. |
But personally, my two favorite spots in the Yucatan are: Cozumel & Tulum.
Sunsets in Cozumel are UNREAL. I took this shot just north of town…
Why?
I love Cozumel for its amazing snorkeling & diving. It also has a beautiful, slower pace than the rest of the Yucatan. Yes, it gets busy with cruise ships: but only for brief periods of time. The rest of the time, it’s very relaxed. And I love Tulum because it has the best beaches: they’re wide & stretch for miles. Tulum has a relaxed, bohemian feel with sandy streets, fashionable boutiques, & hip hotels like Azulik Tulum, with treehouse views that will make your friends jealous!
Azulik Tulum will make your friends green with envy!
My friend Eileen on the beach in Tulum.
Considering Travel to Tulum? Check out the top beach resorts in Tulum!
4) St. Lucia, in the Caribbean: Great for Romance!
Temperature = 83°F, Water Temp = 81°F
Though the Caribbean is warm year-round: St. Lucia is one of the warmest Caribbean islands in January. And it’s one of the most scenic: with the dramatic Piton Mountains rising sharply out of the sea. This epic backdrop can be fully appreciated at stunning Jade Mountain Resort, which has some of the best views on the island!
St. Lucia is ideal for a romantic getaway, with reef-dives, volcanic beaches, rainforest hikes, waterfalls, sleepy fishing villages, & upscale luxury resorts.
St. Lucia.
Incredible views from Jade Mountain Resort…
Best Warm Weather Beach Trips for February
5) Cartagena, Colombia: Great for Girl’s Trips!
Daily Average = 87°F, Water Temp = 81°F
Oooohhh….how I love Cartagena! It has more spirit & culture than most cities combined. Think: salsa dancing, day trips to idyllic islands, & starting your day with strong, delicious Colombian coffee. I spent most of February in Cartagena, & while it got humid some days: I absolutely loved my time there! The rooftop hotels in Cartagena are my favorite things about the town: Townhouse Cartagena is a fun boutique hotel with playful vibes, a rooftop pool, & a perfect location in Old Town.
The author on a rooftop in Cartagena!
6) Puerto Vallarta: Great for Sexy Beach Vibes
Daily Average = 82°F, Water Temp = 74°F
Okay….so Mexico has already been on this list! But if you’re looking for warm weather in the beginning of the year: there are SO many great Mexican beaches to choose from: & Puerto Vallarta should definitely be on your list! I’ve been twice in 2026 (this article has been updated since I first wrote it), & each trip cost me less than $1,000! Including flights. And I got massages nearly every day, ate fresh seafood right on the beach, & got dental work done as well (saving myself thousands of dollars)!
Puerto Vallarta is easy to get to from most major U.S. cities. And while I’ve also been to nearby Mazatlan several times: I think Puerto Vallarta has a little more “FUN” factor, plus accommodations for all budgets. I stayed at Hotel Tropicana, right in the Zona Romantica, during both of my visits: where ocean views cost me about $95/night.
Totally affordable!!
Views from Hotel Tropicana in Puerto Vallarta, which only cost me around $100/night!
Sexy views from Conchas Chinas in Puerto Vallarta….a great spot for romance.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta:
- 🏨 Luxury: Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
- 🏨 Mid-range: Zona Romantica boutique hotels
- 🏨 Best Area for First-Time Visitors: Marina Vallarta or Zona Romantica
- 👉 But how safe is Puerto Vallarta? Read my Puerto Vallarta guide
Who Should Travel Where?
| Traveler Type | Destination | Hotel Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | St. Lucia | View Hotels |
| Solo Female Travelers | Puerto Vallarta | View Hotels |
| Families | Big Island Hawaii | View Hotels |
| Jet-Setters on a Budget | Bali | View Hotels |
| Adventure Travelers | Costa Rica | View Hotels |
| Girls Getaways | Cartagena | View Hotels |
| Budget Travelers Looking for the Exotic | Thailand | View Hotels |
| Lux Honeymooners | Maldives | View Hotels |
Best Warm Weather Beach Trips for February
7) Bali, Indonesia: Great for Adventure Travel
Daily Average = 79°F, Water Temp = 84°F (29°C)
Bali is the ultimate travel blogger’s paradise. Balmy temperatures make Bali an ideal January or February beach destination, with too many picture-perfect, Instagram-worthy beaches to name: Seminyak, Kuta, Canguu, the Uluwatu Temple overlooking Bingin Beach, & Klingking Beach (pictured below).
Bali isn’t a county ~ in case you were wondering. It’s part of Indonesia, & one of the country’s most beautiful islands. It’s also where Elizabeth Gilbert “Eat, Prayed, & Loved.“
\Bali was her final destination.
Klingking Beach in Bali.
Swing in Bali!
Rice fields near Ubud.
Considering a trip to Bali? Search hotel prices in beachside Canggu, or nearby Seminyak: two of the island’s most popular destinations.
Best Warm Weather Beach Trips for February
8) Phuket, Thailand: Great for a LONG Visit!
Daily Average = 81°F, Water Temp = 82°F (28°C)
Finally, we come to Thailand. Dry season is from November to early April, making January & February ideal times to visit if you’re looking for beach weather. Phuket has an international airport on the north side of the island, & its main town is Patong ~ which has a gorgeous beach, but can feel touristy.
I recommend staying north of town: like at the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa.
Because Thailand is such a long-haul for U.S. travelers, stay as long as you can! After college, I vacationed in Thailand for a month, & enjoyed daily $5 massages, incredible temples, & the beauty of a totally different culture.
The Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa is perfect for a relaxing beach trip. Photo: Tripadvisor
Krabi offers breathtaking sunsets & many ocean-view, luxury hotels.
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This post came at the perfect time – my wife and I are deciding where to get away in January (from COLD Minnesota)! Bali is looking like the place, we’ve been to Hawaii many times and are looking for something different. How long would you suggest visiting for?
Bali is about as far away from the States as you can travel ~ the flight will be about 20-24 hours long, depending where & how you connect. For me, if I’m traveling that long, I strongly prefer to spend at LEast two full weeks, if possible. 10 days would be my absolute minimum…otherwise traveling that far would be a little too tedious! Enjoy your January trip! xoxo
Where did you take that first shot of Cozumel, with the swings???! Wherever that is, it looks AMAZING!!
Hi Allie! Thanks for your comment/question : ) That shot was taken at a bar/restaurant called Turquoise, just south of town, across the street from Villablanca Garden Hotel. It’s a great little spot & good cocktails!
Great ideas for February trips. My wife hates the cold (we live in NYC), this has given me some great ideas to get us out of the cold.
That’s great to hear, Kenny! I hope you’re able to plan a fabulous trip : )