Canada is usually short on vitamin D in winter, so January's dreary conditions are the perfect excuse to head to tropical destinations with sunnier skies. Check out these warm destinations in January to start planning your getaway.

Warm places to visit in January

Thailand has three main seasons: warm, warmer, and warmest. And with the monsoon season ending in October, it's one of the best warm countries in January for a tropical getaway. In the south, Phuket is a cultural hub with world-renowned beaches, snorkelling and diving in clear turquoise water, and vibrant nightlife.

If you plan to spend most of your winter vacation on the mainland, visit beautiful west-coast beaches such as Nai Thon Beach, Bang Tao Beach, and Surin Beach. In the heart of the city, Phuket Old Town features 19th-century architecture and hosts regular street markets and festivals.

Take a day trip or island hop via public ferries or private boats to the Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, and the Similan Islands to snorkel and swim around towering limestone cliffs. Many accommodations recommend kayaking tours and other outdoor excursions to fill your days with adventure.

Phuket is also home to Thailand's first ethical elephant sanctuary, which provides safe homes for rescued elephants. Visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary directly supports the elephants' well-being, and you can observe and learn about each resident on the sanctuary's canopy walkway tour.

A classic Caribbean escape, Bridgetown, Barbados, ranks among the top warm destinations in January for winter getaways. January is the middle of the dry season, so you can count on warm, dry conditions whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring the island’s rainforest gullies and botanical gardens.

As you build up your appetite, try local cuisine and stop at roadside grills and rum shops for smoky barbecued pigtails, breadfruit bowls, and fish-frys. You can also tour the Mount Gay Rum Visitors' Centre, one of the world's oldest commercial rum distilleries, and sample its collection with a guided tasting session.

South of Bridgetown, try surfing at Freights Bay, where surf schools can show you how to ride beginner-friendly breaks. Book a tram tour to explore Harrison’s Cave, one of Barbados's most famous attractions, with its dramatic limestone stalactites and stalagmites, plus clear streams and waterfalls feeding into the cave's emerald-hued pools.

January is peak tourist season in the Yucatan, so Mérida is packed with festivals and celebrations during sunny days and refreshingly breezy evenings. One of the most notable celebrations is Mérida Fest, which marks the city's founding in 1542 with vibrant street parades, live concerts, historical reenactments, and more.

Explore Mayan history in air-conditioned museums in the afternoons, such as the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya or the Palacio Cantón, and grab a cold horchata or iced coffee along the way. Alternatively, cool off outside of town with a day trip to open-air cenotes.

Many food tours are also available during the day and in the evenings, taking you to the best local spots for drinks, churros, and other snacks and beverages. In the evenings, stroll the picturesque Paseo de Montejo, a long avenue lined with colonial mansions, cafes, and trendy restaurants serving a mix of international and Yucatecan delights.

Start planning your January adventure

Start the year right with an escape from the chill to a faraway balmy destination. Use Skyscanner's search engine to find flights to warm locations in January, then start packing for your vacation.