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January in the UK often means grey skies and chilly temperatures. If you're dreaming of swapping your winter coat for sunny skies or exploring new cultures, it's the perfect time to plan an escape. This list highlights the 10 cheapest destinations to fly from the UK in January 2025, combining affordability and unforgettable experiences.
From sun-soaked beaches to vibrant cityscapes, these cheap travel destinations in January offer excellent value for budget-conscious travellers. Whether you're seeking a warm retreat or a cultural adventure, these cheapest places to travel in January will help you beat the winter blues without breaking the bank.
Planning your cheap holiday in January has never been easier with tools like AirTrack. This innovative Telegram bot helps you search for flights, track prices, and alerts you to the best deals in real-time, so you never miss out on the cheapest places to travel in January.
#1. Tenerife, Canary Islands
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Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, is a fantastic choice for a cheap holiday in January. With warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C, it's one of the best holiday destinations for those seeking sunshine during the UK's winter months.
The island offers a diverse landscape, from the volcanic peaks of Teide National Park to the stunning beaches of Costa Adeje. Whether you're looking to relax on sandy shores or embark on adventurous hikes, Tenerife provides an affordable escape for all types of travellers.
Roundtrip Flights:
- London to Tenerife: from £28
- Manchester to Tenerife: from £29
- Birmingham to Tenerife: from £33
- Edinburgh to Tenerife: from £56
Looking for more options? Click here to explore flights
#2. Lisbon, Portugal
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Lisbon, Portugal's charming capital, is an ideal cheap travel destination in January for those seeking a blend of mild weather, vibrant culture, and historic charm. With temperatures ranging from 10°C to 16°C, it's perfect for exploring without the summer crowds.
Stroll through the narrow streets of Alfama, enjoy a ride on the iconic Tram 28, or visit landmarks like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Lisbon is not only one of the cheapest places to visit in January but also one of the most enchanting.
Roundtrip Flights:
- London to Lisbon: from £40
- Manchester to Lisbon: from £37
- Birmingham to Lisbon: from £27
- Edinburgh to Lisbon: from £51
Looking for more options? Click here to explore flights
#3. Marrakech, Morocco
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Marrakesh, known as the "Red City," offers an exotic blend of culture, history, and sunshine, making it one of the best holiday destinations in January. With temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C, it's a warm retreat from the UK's winter chill.
Explore the bustling Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can wander through vibrant souks filled with spices, textiles, and handcrafted goods. Visit the stunning Majorelle Garden or take a camel ride into the nearby desert for an unforgettable adventure.
Roundtrip Flights:
- London to Marrakech: from £26
- Manchester to Marrakech: from £28
- Birmingham to Marrakech: from £28
- Edinburgh to Marrakech: from £55
Looking for more options? Click here to explore flights
#4. Prague, Czech Republic
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Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic, is a budget traveller's dream in January. Although temperatures are chilly, ranging from 0°C to 5°C, the city's fairy-tale architecture and festive atmosphere make it one of the best holiday destinations in January for those who don't mind bundling up.
Visit the historic Old Town Square, home to the famous Astronomical Clock, or stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge. Warm up in cozy cafes with a cup of hot chocolate or sample hearty Czech cuisine like goulash and dumplings.
Roundtrip Flights:
- London to Prague: from £32
- Manchester to Prague: from £37
- Birmingham to Prague: from £39
- Edinburgh to Prague: from £46
Looking for more options? Click here to explore flights
#5. Malta
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Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean, combines mild weather, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. With average temperatures between 13°C and 17°C, it's one of the cheap warm destinations in January, perfect for those looking to escape the cold.
Explore Valletta, the UNESCO-listed capital, with its stunning Baroque architecture and historic fortifications. Discover the ancient city of Mdina or take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon on the nearby island of Comino.
Roundtrip Flights:
- London to Malta: from £34
- Manchester to Malta: from £55
- Birmingham to Malta: from £52
- Edinburgh to Malta: from £67
Looking for more options? Click here to explore flights
#6. Riga, Latvia
Germans Aļeņins/Pixabay
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a hidden gem for budget travellers in January. While temperatures are cold, ranging from -2°C to 1°C, the city's stunning Art Nouveau architecture and lively atmosphere make it worth the visit.
Explore the charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Visit the Central Market, one of Europe's largest markets, housed in former Zeppelin hangars.
Roundtrip Flights:
- London to Riga: from £29
- Manchester to Riga: from £40
- Birmingham to Riga: from £113
- Edinburgh to Riga: from £46
Looking for more options? Click here to explore flights
#7. Copenhagen, Denmark
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Copenhagen, Denmark's vibrant capital, is a city where modern design meets historic charm. January temperatures are cool, between 1°C and 5°C, but the city's cozy cafes and hygge atmosphere make it inviting.
Visit the famous Tivoli Gardens, stroll along the colourful Nyhavn harbour, explore royal palaces, or enjoy a bike tour of the compact city. Copenhagen's blend of culture, history, and modernity makes it one of the best holiday destinations in January.
Roundtrip Flights:
- London to Copenhagen: from £28
- Manchester to Copenhagen: from £37
- Birmingham to Copenhagen: from £80
- Edinburgh to Copenhagen: from £28
Looking for more options? Click here to explore flights
#8. Dubai, UAE
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Dubai offers year-round sunshine, luxury shopping, and iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa. With January temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C, it's an ideal escape for those seeking a cheap warm destination in January.
Enjoy desert safaris, relax on pristine beaches, or explore traditional souks. Despite its reputation for luxury, flights from the UK are competitively priced.
Roundtrip Flights:
- London to Dubai: from £177
- Manchester to Dubai: from $283
- Birmingham to Dubai: from £209
- Edinburgh to Dubai: from £239
Looking for more options? Click here to explore flights
#9. Budapest, Hungary
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Budapest, Hungary's capital, is renowned for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and vibrant cultural scene. With temperatures ranging from 0°C to 4°C, January is the perfect time to experience the city's winter charm.
Relax in the historic Széchenyi Thermal Baths, explore the grand Parliament Building, or wander through the Castle District. Budapest offers excellent value for money, making it an ideal choice for a cheap holiday in January.
Roundtrip Flights:
- London to Budapest: from £24
- Manchester to Budapest: from £51
- Birmingham to Budapest: from £35
- Edinburgh to Budapest: from £36
Looking for more options? Click here to explore flights
#10. Mexico City, Mexico
Photo: Adobe Stock
For those seeking a long-haul adventure, Mexico City provides mild weather, rich culture, and incredible cuisine. With temperatures between 21°C and 24°C in January, it's a pleasant escape from the UK's winter.
Explore the historic centre, visit the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan, or indulge in authentic Mexican dishes. Mexico City's blend of history, culture, and gastronomy makes it one of the best holiday destinations in January for those willing to travel further afield.
Roundtrip Flights:
- London to Mexico City: from £461
- Manchester to Mexico City: from £476
- Birmingham to Mexico City: from £675
- Edinburgh to Mexico City: from £573
Looking for more options? Click here to explore flights
Conclusion
With options ranging from the sunny Canary Islands to the vibrant streets of Mexico City, escaping the UK's winter doesn't have to cost a fortune. These affordable destinations offer a mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure, making them some of the best places to go on holiday in January.
To find the cheapest flights and the best deals, consider using AirTrack, the Telegram bot that tracks and compares flight prices. It notifies you in real-time about price drops, ensuring you secure the best bargain holidays in January. Start planning your January 2025 escape now, and swap grey skies for sun-filled adventures!
Useful Links:
- Flights: Skyscanner, AirTrackBot
- Hotels: Booking.com, Skyscanner
-
Rental Cars: Skyscanner, Kayak
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