Sunshine break first week of January

[BluTy]

The kids have a lot longer than usual off for Christmas this year - nearly 3 weeks - and aren't back until 9th January! DH and I were discussing the possibility of getting in some winter sunshine for the first time.

We have two kids, seasoned travellers but never done long haul - ages 10 and 5. Where shall I look? Where is going to be warm (don't need boiling, mid 20s would be ace) and not coat a fortune first week of January?

I'll be going to Lanzarote for a week in January. You can expect temperature in low 20s and sunshine, cool in the evening.

Yes, Lanzarote or one of the other Canaries sounds like a good place to start

Anyone know if the sea is warm enough to swim in January in the Canaries? Or any hotels with heated pools?

Same boat, school not back until 9th, dead time as nothing much to do in uk. We booked Gran Canaria with TUI. Some free child places. Kids club/entertainment etc

I swam in the sea last February in the Canaries but it was freezing. Pools need to be properly heated.
If you are used to the heat of say, Spain, in August you will be disappointed. Think a sunny day in May in England.

No, it's pretty cold all year round, as it's the Atlantic.

We have done Lanzarote in April and had warm day with cold evenings. We had a heated pool, which was lovely, but getting out of it was a shock. The Canaries are known for being windy all year round.

If I had the budget I'd go to the Maldives.

'Sunny day in May' weather will be fine, it'll be a huge improvement on January in the Uk weather.

Sadly no budget for the Maldives!!

Sharm is the other one that's coming up on budget. Nice looking hotels - anyone with experience?