Warm places to visit in January: where winter feels like summer

Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic, boasts rolling green hills, flower-filled gardens, and beach-lined cliffs. It’s around 66°F in January, so cooler than the tropics but with a springlike climate perfect for hiking, wine tasting, and exploring villages.

Madeira’s beauty lies in the dramatic landscapes — roads twist around emerald hillsides, through terraced slopes, waterfalls, and lengths of laurel forest evocative of the subtropical setting. Volcanically created, the island abounds with contrasts: rugged heights yield to black beaches, and the steep cliffs to wide sea panoramas. If you intend to circumnavigate the island, you can be comforted by the knowledge that car rental is as readily accessible as it would be in Spain— Europcar operates throughout the country, including on Madeira.

Though geographically located on the African continent, it’s a top European winter vacation spot by virtue of proximity and favorable climate. Marrakech and Agadir are a balmy 70 degrees in January — great weather for walking around the medina, sipping a mint tea on the roof in the sun, or exploring the Atlas Mountains.

North America: sun-soaked destinations close to home

For American tourists or those Canadian ones, southward is a quick and convenient way to get some sunshine. Warm weather, outdoor adventures, and cultural exploits abound at places like Florida and the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, all accessible by flying.

For those who prefer not to venture abroad, the options are in Florida. With Miami, the Keys, and Naples registering highs at 75° in January, the Sunshine State lives up to their nickname.

Miami provides beach culture, art deco architecture, and Latin-influenced foods. Head south to Key West for one of the world’s most famous road journeys — the Overseas Highway. Head west to the Everglades National Park to enjoy subtropical fauna and airboat excursions.

If you’re dreaming of beaches with bright blue water, intact ancient ruins and vibrant colonial cities, the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico provides all of them – and average temperatures of nearly 82°F in January.

It’s the location of the beaches of Cancún, the streets of Playa del Carmen, and the more tranquil beauty of Tulum. Inland, Mérida provides cultural respite in the guise of colonial town and Mayan culture. And then there’s Chichén Itzá, a Seven New Wonder of the World.

It’s easy to drive around Yucatán and make one consider visiting cenotes (natural pools), lesser-known road ruins, and local markets.

Africa: winter sunshine and unique landscapes

Africa provides beautiful winter-sun spots with temperatures frequently into the mid-70s and higher. Africa in January boasts wonderful diversity — with vibrant cities and immense deserts and serene stretches of beach, it’s full of character and contrasts.

It’s an archipelago of volcanic islands located just off the west coast of the African continent. In January, the average temperature is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and it tends to be dry and sunny — ideal for unwinding and seeing the sights.

Every island is different — the lively streets of São Vicente’s Mindelo and the wide beaches of Sal and Boa Vista. It’s a paradise for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and culture tourists.

Public transport is limited, so access to a rented car is essential in order to get the most out of your vacation.

Asia: tropical beaches and urban adventures

January marks the time when the year’s best weather comes courtesy of Asia. Dry and balmy but not so humid as it will be in the summertime, it’s ideal to go traveling in places like Thailand or the United Arab Emirates, where tradition and modernity are merged together in the sun.

January is the perfect time to be in Thailand — sun and warmth and an average of 86 degrees. Island-hopping between the Andaman Sea, or city-hopping between lively cities such as Bangkok or Chiang Mai, the diversity, vibrancy, and welcoming warmth await in the country.

Phuket and Krabi boast beaches amid dramatic cliffs, and Koh Samui provides relaxed luxury. In the hills inland, another kind of warmth exists — the one found in north local culture, rainforest, and the countryside.

Thai roads are a pleasure to drive on, especially in the islands or rural areas. You can reach places the buses don’t go with car rentals — and with Europcar’s expanding network of rental stations throughout Thailand, you are always in reach of excellent service.

Dubai’s January average is a pleasant 75°F. This future city, situated in the United Arab Emirates, mixes world-leading architecture and ancient souks with desert adventures and vibrant culture.

Following a look at the Burj Khalifa, relax on the beaches at Jumeirah or take an inland safari in the desert. Its extensive road system makes it ideal to drive around — whether one drives into the Dubai Marina, drives down to Abu Dhabi, or heads into mountain retreats such as Hatta.

Oceania: summer in full swing

While most of the world is wrapped in coats, Australia is in the middle of summer in January. Expect clear skies, beach-ready weather, and plenty of opportunities to hit the road.