Where to go in January

Cape Town, South Africa

Temperature 25ºC

Glimmering between Table Bay and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, Cape Town is a brilliant city that is upstaged by an even better backdrop.

But Cape Town is more than the proverbial pretty face. It’s a city with a turbulent history to be explored; a place to shop, hike, or in January when the weather is hot and dry, laze on the beach.

From simple markets to old wine estates, it’s also a city for tasting. And it's great value too. A pint is £1.70, and a three-course dinner for two with wine costs around £20.

Read more: Best long-haul city breaks

Cape Town, South Africa
Average airfare	Average hotel rate	Accommodation	Food and drink	Cultural attractions	Value for money	City score
£688	£98					84%

City score combines overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.

Singapore

Temperature 29ºC

Clean, safe and with a transport system that's the envy of the world, Singapore has fewer of the hassles you might encounter in other famous Southeast Asian cities.

But don't let the organisation fool you, the fantastic food and all-hours, all-action street scenes the region is famous for are as good here as in Bangkok or Hanoi.

The city's tropical climate mean its hot and humid all year round. At an average of 29ºC, January is actually Singapore's coolest month, making it the best time of year to explore.

Our researchers know all the tips and tricks for finding the best deals on holidays, flights and car hire, saving readers money every single issue. Find out more about Which? Travel

Singapore
Average airfare	Average hotel rate	Accommodation	Food and drink	Cultural attractions	Value for money	City score
£517	£103					87%

City score combines overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

Temperature 16ºC

Although tourism here started in the 19th century, it never took off like it did in the southern resorts, meaning Puerto de la Cruz has retained plenty of charm.

It has a more lived-in feel than other tourist towns, thanks to its plazas, parks, churches and historical buildings.

In January you can expect bright sunshine most days, and sea temperatures of 20ºC.

Read more: Best Canary Islands and Resorts

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
Average airfare	Average hotel rate	Accommodation	Food and drink	Scenery	Peace and quiet	Resort score
£212	£52					78%

Resort score combines overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.

Budapest, Hungary

Temperature 2ºC

What better way to spend a crisp, cold January day, than submerged in a steaming spa amid the opulent splendour of Hungary’s capital.

More than 100 hot springs bubble beneath Budapest before bursting through at centuries old public baths like palatial Szechenyi, or Art Nouveau wonder Gellert, which, with its multidomed labyrinth of pools, is like bathing in a cathedral.

Hotel rates plummet in January, so you’re likely to bag a bargain.

Read more: Best city breaks in Europe

Budapest, Hungary
Average airfare	Average hotel rate	Accommodation	Food and drink	Cultural attractions	Value for money	City score
£133	£68					86%

City score combines overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.

Oxford, UK

Temperature 7ºC

The dreaming spires of Oxford have long doubled as highbrow cultural beacons – for visitors as much as for residents, as our readers’ five-star cultural rating suggests.

Town and gown are interwoven within the compact city centre. Historic pubs such as the White Horse and the King’s Arms sit steps from the 17th-century Bodleian Library; the peaceful Botanic Garden lies opposite Magdalen College, with its medieval quadrangles and bucolic deer park. And there are museums galore.

Oxford is expensive, but hotel prices are at their lowest in January.

Read more: Best city breaks in the UK

Oxford, UK
Average hotel rate	Accommodation	Food and drink	Cultural attractions	Shopping	Value for money	City score
£113						75%

City score combines overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.