Few months spark a yearning for somewhere brighter and hotter than the European take on January sun.

With the decorations down, the Christmas tree shedding its last needles in the street and drizzle streaking the windows, the mental image of swaying palm trees and whooshing waves is never more potent.

Travel restrictions mean many of our long-haul favourites, such as Thailand, are off limits. Happily, the Caribbean is waiting to help, clad in its best high-season apparel. 

Here is our round-up of where to go for January sun. Be sure to check out the Foreign Office advice for the latest rules regarding Covid testing and vaccination requirements.

You want: 19C–24C

Los Angeles

While America’s biggest city (New York) battles winter at its fiercest, its second largest is soaking up temperatures in the low 20s Celsius. In truth, it should be no shock that Los Angeles is so sun-kissed in January – this, after all, is a metropolis of year-round golden climate. But this lack of mystery does nothing to diminish the possibilities for relaxation on LA’s shore – on Venice Beach, in Santa Monica, or further afield in Malibu.

Check out our round-up of the best hotels in Los Angeles. Fly direct from Heathrow with Virgin or BA. 

Lanzarote

“Lanza-grotty” was the dismissive moniker that was attached, in the Eighties, to the fourth biggest of the Canary Islands. It was always an unreasonable slur – because, even if this sunny outcrop deals in unfussy breaks in resort areas such as Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise, it can also claim a growing range of luxury properties, alluring Spanish culture in the capital Arrecife, and volcanic majesty in Timanfaya National Park.

Check out our pick of the best hotels in Lanzarote. Budget flights are offered to the island by Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air.