January in the UK can feel never-ending. With icy mornings, dark afternoons and post-holiday blues, it’s no wonder we crave sun. If you’re dreaming of beaches, sunshine and a break from the chill, these hot destinations in January promise just that.

Blue Monday hits differently when you're counting down to some much-needed winter sun.

From the glitz and glamour of Dubai to the non-stop thrills of Orlando, USA and the peace and serenity of Bali's shores, here are 10 of the most exciting and varied destinations for soaking up some sunshine this January. Why endure dark, freezing mornings and drizzly days when the world is full of hot, vibrant places just waiting to be explored?

Whether you're chasing serious heat or just a few degrees above freezing, this guide has something for every type of traveller. Here's where you can find sun in January.

If you love city breaks but still crave some winter sun, Dubai is a great option in January. This glitzy Middle Eastern city is renowned for its magnificent malls, and during January, the Dubai Shopping Festival means you can pick up some real bargains.

January is winter in Dubai, but daytime temperatures are a very pleasant 24°C. This means it's toasty enough to enjoy outdoor attractions without the stifling heat of summer. Enjoy a sunrise tour of the desert, take a cruise along Dubai Creek, or simply sunbathe on the city's pristine beaches. Don't miss an al-fresco meal at the Time Out food market, where you can pick and choose dishes cooked by some of the city's best-known chefs.

Look out for:

• Burj Khalifa – the world's tallest building

• Dubai Fountain light shows in the evening

• The Aquaventure Waterpark near Atlantis

If you're looking for outdoor adventure, January is the dry season in Guanacaste. This region of Costa Rica combines stunning Pacific beaches with lush tropical forests. Enjoy water sports or simply relax on the white sand beaches of Playa Conchal and Tamarindo, or head inland to explore the area's rare dry tropical forests.

Adrenaline seekers will enjoy a day trip to the Selvatura Adventure Park. Here, you can zip line through the forest canopy or stroll along the 1.9-mile-long treetop suspension bridge. Then, head underground at Barra Honda National Park, where you'll find an intricate network of limestone caverns to explore.

Look out for:

• Howler and capuchin monkeys and iguanas

• Guided tours to see nesting sea turtles

• Fiestas Civicas (January is festival season!)

With its tropical climate and dry season in full swing, the Maldives is a sun-drenched island paradise in January. Here, it's all about relaxation – something we all need after the busy festive period. Enjoy the archipelago's pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious overwater villas.

The island's coral reefs are home to diverse marine life, so strap on a snorkel and get exploring. Join an excursion at Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and come face-to-face with sea turtles, manta rays and colourful fish. Prefer to stay dry? Dine at Ithaa, the world's first underwater restaurant, and watch tropical fish swim by while tucking into dinner.

Look out for:

• Island-hopping by seaplane

• Dolphin-spotting on a sunset cruise

• Bioluminescent beaches on Vaadhoo Island

Looking for winter sun without a lengthy flight? Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, is one of the few places in Europe where January temperatures regularly top 20°C. The mild temperatures offer the best of both worlds – it's warm enough for lazy beach days but not too hot for exploring the island's dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Hike through Teide National Park, home to Spain's highest peak, or ride the cable car for sweeping views across the island. Then, unwind on a beautiful black sand beach, like Playa Jardin. End your days exploring charming harbourside towns and local markets and dining al fresco under blue skies.

Look out for:

• Whale and dolphin spotting boat tours

• The historic town of La Laguna

• Garachico's natural rock pools

Seeking winter sun with a dash of culture? It's impossible not to fall in love with Agadir's relaxed Moroccan charm, and when flights take just 3.5 - 4 hours from London, it's close enough to visit for a short sunny break. Temperatures in January are around 20-22°C – warm enough to enjoy the beach without being uncomfortably hot.

Spend your mornings exploring the city's lively souks, savouring freshly grilled sardines and sweet mint tea, or browsing handmade crafts and spices. Then, kick back on Agadir's beach or take a coastal walk along the Corniche. For panoramic views, visit the Kasbah ruins, which overlook the city and the ocean.

Look out for:

• Day trips to Paradise Valley

• Souk El Had – one of Morocco's largest markets

• Traditional Moroccan hammam spa experiences

Bali is the ultimate escape for anyone seeking sunshine, spirituality, adventure, and stunning tropical landscapes. Although January falls within Bali's rainy season, showers are typically brief and refreshing, leaving ample time to explore the island's beaches, temples, and jungle.

Spend the morning lazing on Bali's beaches – Canggu and Uluwatu are popular choices – or unwind with yoga at a rainforest retreat. Discover Bali's spiritual side by visiting ancient temples like Tanah Lot or Besakih, or take a walking tour of the lush Tegallalang Rice Terraces and the Instagram-worthy Bali Swing. Once you've worked up an appetite, enjoy the exciting flavours of Balinese cuisine, including local dishes like Betutu (slow-cooked duck) and Gado-Gado (mixed vegetables with peanut sauce).

Look out for:

• Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary

• Mount Batur sunrise treks

• Traditional Balinese dance performances

If you're seeking a destination that perfectly blends scenic beaches with buzzing city life, look no further than Praia, the capital city of Cape Verde. Located on Santiago Island, Praia offers a fascinating fusion of African and Portuguese cultures. Wander amongst stunning architecture in the Plateau district, the city's historic centre. Here, you can visit the Presidential Palace and the Ethnographic Museum to learn more about Cape Verde's history and traditions.

Quebra Canela Beach and Prainha Beach are popular for swimming and sunbathing on golden sands. By night, the city enjoys a vibrant music scene. Start your night at a rooftop bar before catching a live performance of traditional Cape Verdean music.

Look out for:

• Mercado de Sucupira market

• Day trips to Cidade Velha

• Local Nossa Senhora da Graça Church

If you love city breaks and have always dreamed of going on safari, put Nairobi, Kenya's capital, top of your January bucket list. Just a short drive from the city lies Nairobi National Park, a wildlife reserve where you can see lions, giraffes, and rhinos against a unique backdrop of the city skyline.

Back in the city, take a deep dive into Kenya's fascinating history and heritage at the Nairobi National Museum. Here, you'll also find Snake Park, a small zoo where you can learn about the reptiles of East Africa. Immerse yourself in Nairobi's cultural arts scene by browsing art galleries, performance spaces, and markets for a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavours.

Look out for:

• Traditional Maasai crafts at Maasai Market

• Walking trails around Karura Forest

• The David Sheldrick elephant orphanage

Cape Town is a city surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes – from craggy mountains that reach for the sky to sublime white-sand beaches and crystal-clear seas. Within the city, visit museums, historic landmarks, and trendy eateries and boutiques, to experience Cape Town's unique culture for yourself.

But the real appeal lies in the landscapes surrounding the city. Beautiful beaches line Cape Town's coastline – Clifton Beach, Camps Bay Beach, and Boulders Beach are all highlights. Dominating the skyline, Table Mountain can be explored via hiking trails or an aerial cableway for unbelievable views. For wine enthusiasts, the Constantia Valley is home to several esteemed vineyards where you can enjoy a little wine tasting amidst picturesque settings.

Look out for:

• Tours of Robben Island

• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

• African penguins at Boulders Beach

For families with older kids or anyone just young at heart, Orlando, Florida, promises a holiday of endless thrills and entertainment. You can guarantee that no one will be bored when you book a trip to the theme park capital of the world.

There are more than a dozen theme parks and water parks to explore in the area, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and Legoland Florida. Beyond the theme parks, there are plenty of other attractions for the whole family in Orlando, including entertainment complexes, golf courses, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Gatorland, Orlando Museum of Art, and Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Look out for:

• Delicious slices of key lime pie

• Save money with multi-attraction passes

• Zip-lining over alligator enclosures at Gatorland

Start the year the way you mean to go on – exploring new places and making memories. Whether your perfect trip involves spotting lions on safari, practising yoga in a rainforest, or relaxing on a tropical beach, this January, ditch the blues and chase the sun.