The 15 Best Beach Destinations to Visit in January

Say goodbye to the winter blues and hello to a beach getaway.

Fact checked by Jillian Dara

After the holiday high subsides, January comes along and hits us with a serious reality check. All that merrymaking has come to an abrupt end, and with it, a tough forecast: many more dark, cold, gloomy days of winter until the first signs of spring.

One of the best ways to cure the winter blues is to escape to a sun-drenched beach. With the sand between your toes, turquoise water lapping at the shore, and a fruity cocktail in hand, your stress will melt away as quickly as the ice in your drink under the hot tropical sun. As a bonus, traveling in January tends to be less expensive than during the busy holiday season, making a beach getaway in the first few weeks of the new year even more appealing.

Related: 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World

We've done the legwork and searched the globe for beach destinations with the best chance for ideal weather in January — think sunny, dry, and comfortable days. Get your Kindle loaded up with some good beach reads (you'll need them for hours of doing nothing but lazing in the sand) and prepare to slip into a deep state of bliss. From the luxurious atolls of the Maldives to the castaway islands of Nicaragua, here are our top picks for the best beaches in January.

Koh Lanta, Thailand

January is an ideal time to visit Thailand, especially the islands in the Andaman Sea. Right in the middle of the dry season, temperatures are comfortable in the mid-80s (before they soar in spring and summer). With a number of dreamy islands, all with pure white sand and crystalline water, you really can't go wrong. But Koh Lanta has somehow managed to remain less touristy than other Thai islands while still having it all: swanky, romantic retreats, family-friendly hotels, beaches with calm surf, world-renowned dive sites, lavish spas, and a sleepy old town with traditional wooden guesthouses.

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

The island of Palawan offers the same stunningly beautiful scenery as other popular Southeast Asian destinations with just a fraction of the crowds. Base yourself in El Nido, a coastal town famed for its white-sand beaches, dramatic limestone rock formations, and turquoise waters teeming with marine life. After a few days spent lounging on the shore, join a boat tour to hop around the Bacuit Archipelago. You'll sail through crystal-clear blue lagoons flanked by emerald karst cliffs, then kayak to secluded, powdery white beaches. In January, the seas are clear and calm, perfect for snorkeling and diving around coral reefs.

Tulum, Mexico

The secret's been out about Tulum for a while now, but we're still pretty enamored with this boho-chic beach town. Here, ancient Mayan ruins crown seaside cliffs, and there are miles of soft white beaches backed by Instagram-perfect resorts and boutique hotels. With a strenuous schedule of morning yoga followed by afternoon margaritas and ceviche under a palapa (an open-air thatched-roof structure), it's easy to see why people continue to come back for second, third, and fourth visits. Tulum's nightlife scene is arguably as much a draw as its beaches: The main road is a hit parade of stylish restaurants, including the much-lauded Hartwood (keep an eye out for celebrities). Finish the night by barhopping to fabulous watering holes like Gitano and Todos Santos, which specialize in Mexico's smoky spirit, mezcal, and are especially bustling in January.

Related: The Best Times to Visit Tulum for the Perfect Beach Vacation

San Blas, Panama

If you want to unplug — and we mean seriously disconnect — Panama's archipelago of 365 tiny islands is the perfect destination. With no roads and no chain hotels, restaurants, or bars, the San Blas Islands offer a castaway experience in one of the most picturesque settings you could imagine. Of the 49 inhabited islands, most house only a handful of small huts best for intrepid travelers (many of these modest accommodations have limited electricity). Your days will look something like this: Boat from island to island to snorkel in the bright azure water, pick a new palm tree to lay your towel under, or swim along sandbars strewn with starfish. At night, there won't be much else for you to do but enjoy a beer while stargazing and listening to the sound of rolling waves.

Oahu, Hawaii

There's really no bad time to visit Hawaii, so why not go when the forecast back home is likely snow with a side of slush? As far as beach destinations go, Oahu caters to any type of vacation you desire, from lazy to adventurous. After all, the island is famous for its wide, golden crescents of beach, calm snorkeling reefs, star-studded resorts with opulent spas, trails that lead to waterfalls, dive sites brimming with sea life, and some of the biggest surfable waves on the planet. When you're ready to escape busy Waikiki, take in the epic views along the North Shore's Kamehameha Highway, which passes mountain ranges, quiet coves, and beautiful beaches like Waimea Bay. And if you're interested in spotting pro surfers catch waves that can reach up to 40 feet, you're in luck: January is prime time for big wave competitions, including The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, which typically runs from December to March.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro's rare combination of beaches, rain forest, and mountains — all within a busy urban setting — must be seen to be appreciated. January is a great time to go, when the weather is hot but before the madness of Carnival has turned the city into a debauched monthlong party. (If that's your thing, stick around for the festivities in February for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.) Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon will all be packed with tanned and toned locals sunning themselves in barely there swimwear, vendors peddling fresh coconuts, and tourists nursing their caipirinhas. It's a scene — but that's just what makes Rio one of the best beach destinations in the world.

Related: Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro: From the Beaches of Ipanema to the Hills of Santa Teresa

Musandam, Oman

Still relatively under the radar, Oman makes for a spectacular introduction to the Middle East. It's politically stable, the people are gracious, and it boasts an impressive range of landscapes, from modern city to desert to mountains to — you guessed it — beaches. The country's massive coastline has unspoiled sands and pleasant weather in January (think balmy temperatures in the 80s). Even the beaches right in the country's capital, Muscat, are beautiful and serene, and you can go diving just south of the city, where the popular Al Munassir shipwreck lies. But for the most spectacular beaches, head to the Musandam Peninsula in the northernmost part of the country. Zighy Bay has clear, aquamarine waters and white sand that rival the Caribbean, with mountains rising straight from the shoreline.

Negril, Jamaica

This famously laid-back island is a great place to de-stress — especially in January when the weather is warm and breezy, and there's no threat of hurricanes. Head to Negril, where seven miles of soft golden sand beckon, and rent kayaks and sailboats to explore the turquoise waters. The sounds of live reggae and the ocean vistas will lull you into the "don't worry, be happy" mindset as you sip rum punch (or a Red Stripe, if you prefer) and chat up the friendly locals. Stay at the legendary Rockhouse Hotel & Spa, which boasts thatched-roof villas with private plunge pools built right into seaside cliffs.

Related: Best All-inclusive Resorts in Jamaica

Maldives

If what you seek is total relaxation in the lap of luxury, look no further than the Maldives. Made up of about 1,200 islands, this low-lying nation is famous for its powdery white beaches and secluded resorts with overwater accommodations. As January is one of the driest months, you'll likely experience blue skies and bath-warm seas. The crystal-clear waters and abundant coral reefs offer incredible snorkeling and diving, as well as boating excursions and surf safaris.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Looking for a great deal? Punta Cana is rife with all-inclusive resorts that offer great value, especially if you're keen on planting yourself at the swim-up bar. January sees dry, warm days hovering around the low 80s, but this time of year is less crowded than during the holidays. With more than a dozen beaches designated by the Blue Flag program for meeting high environmental standards, you'll find beautiful, clean, sandy stretches along its 20-mile Coconut Coast. Punta Cana isn't short on activities for when you're ready to leave the sun lounger, though, including kayaking, zip-lining, sailing, and windsurfing.

Corn Islands, Nicaragua

While it does take a bit of effort to get there, the Corn Islands off Nicaragua's east coast may be the country's best-kept secret, with clear blue waters, swaying palms, and soft sands. While life is slow on both islands, Big Corn has a bit more traffic (literally — one main road circles the island from which you can hail taxis or golf carts) and 24-hour electricity. On Little Corn — aptly named, as you can cross the entire island from east to west on foot in about 15 minutes — you'll find a true deserted island experience. Your agenda for the day: snorkel or relax on the sand.

Sunshine Coast, Australia

With a name like Sunshine Coast, it should come as no surprise that this stretch of Queensland is decorated with beautiful golden beaches and frequented by happy, laid-back locals. At the heart of the Sunny Coast is Noosa, a chic beach village with excellent boutique shopping and trendy eateries. Noosa's Main Beach is often touted as one of Australia's best, as it's protected by a reef and offers calm waters, as well as some gentle surf breaks that are ideal for beginners. Explore the coastal trail that runs through Noosa National Park and keep your eyes peeled for resident koalas hanging out in the trees.

Sayulita, Mexico

Less than an hour north of the mega resorts of Puerto Vallarta lies the chilled-out, bohemian town of Sayulita. In addition to one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, you'll find plenty to do to keep busy. Hike the lush jungle surrounding the town, surf the legendary Pacific breaks, practice yoga with an ocean view, and get your fill of amazingly fresh seafood — you can go for a ride with a fishing boat, and they'll make you ceviche from your catch. You won't find big-box tourism here, but you can stay in a bungalow right on the beach to make the most of the dry, sunny days that are typical of Mexico's Pacific coast in January.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Get on board with the pura vida lifestyle in Costa Rica. In January, you'll undoubtedly have plenty of sunny days to practice your surf skills, laze on the golden beaches, and explore the rain forests. With direct flights to Liberia International Airport from many major U.S. cities, a winter escape to Guanacaste, in the northwestern part of Costa Rica, has become super accessible. While the surf town of Tamarindo is by far the most popular beach destination in the area, with tons of hotels and restaurants right off shore, trek a bit further north and you'll find prettier beaches with thinner crowds. Playa Conchal, tucked away in a private cove, requires a short walk along the coast to reach. But you'll be rewarded with a quiet beach made of tiny crushed shells and turquoise waters for snorkeling.

Eagle Beach, Aruba

Aruba claims to have the most sunny days per year of all the Caribbean islands and you're almost guaranteed to get great beach weather in January. Enjoy breezy, 82-degree days on the 20 powdery white beaches, including Eagle Beach, often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. Backed by many low-rise resorts, timeshares, and restaurants, Eagle Beach offers loungers for sunbathing and watersports equipment for rent. For some adventure, head to the rugged northern coast, where you can hike, go on an ATV excursion or horseback riding tour, or head inland and explore the arid desert-like landscape of Arikok National Park.

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