Why not spend January soaking up the sun?

January can be a challenging month to navigate. With the post-Christmas blues spreading fast and a frosty weather forecast looming for the upcoming weeks, it's no surprise that many are fantasising about a winter sun holiday to escape the dreary days and soak up some much-needed vitamin D.

If you're itching to hit the beach before summer arrives, don't fret. Many travel companies are currently offering New Year sales, allowing you to snag a bargain package deal even if you're planning a last-minute departure, reports the Mirror.

We've discovered a few deals for destinations just a few hours away from the UK, but offering a stark contrast in terms of weather at the start of the year. Please note that prices are subject to availability and may vary.

Agadir is one of the warmest coastal areas of Morocco in January, often reaching highs of 21C. In addition to its long golden beaches, it's a colourful city with a blend of the traditional and modern, with family attractions from water parks to zoos. The current easyJet sale has one-way flights to Agadir from Glasgow from £22.49, or on the Gatwick route from £38.13.

With eight hours of sunshine a day and daytime highs of around 22C in January, it's no wonder Sharm el-Sheikh is a favourite for New Year getaways. With UK flights taking roughly five and a half hours, this Egyptian jewel is easily accessible. Wizz Air offers direct flights to Sharm el-Sheikh from London Luton and London Gatwick airports, with one-way fares in January starting at £40.37. Other budget airlines such as TUI and easyJet also service the islands.

Increasingly popular as a winter sun destination, Cape Verde boasts 25C highs in January, and flights from the UK to this African island take just over six hours. EasyJet Holidays currently has a seven-night package holiday at Hotel Dunas de Sal, including breakfast, for £666 per person based on two sharing and using the discount code BIGSALE. This package includes flights from London Gatwick departing January 11.

Often overlooked as a winter sun destination, Gambia deserves its spot on the list with six and a half hour direct flights from the UK and January temperatures that can reach 30C. TUI currently has a deal for seven nights at the Holiday Beach hotel next to the sandy Kololi Beach. Flights depart from Manchester on January 21, and you'll enjoy bed and breakfast accommodation for £655 per person. This is based on two people sharing a double room.

Tenerife is a traditional winter sun destination due to its mild 21C climate, and with flights from the UK taking roughly four and a half hours, it provides some of the best January weather for a short-haul destination. Jet2 currently has a week-long stay at Granada Park Apartments & Siam Park Waterpark on offer for £471 per person, with flights departing from Bristol on 18 January. This price is for self-catering and based on two people sharing a one-bedroom apartment in this three-star resort, and even includes unlimited daily access to the waterpark.

Cancun is often perceived as a pricey destination due to its long-haul distance, with flights from the UK clocking in at around 11 hours. However, you can frequently find some fantastic package deals if you're travelling in January, which can cost about the same as a European trip.

For instance, On The Beach currently has a deal priced at £715 per person departing 26 January from London Gatwick. The price includes TUI flights to Cancun and accommodation at the four-star Aloft Cancun, situated on a sandy strip with stunning beaches. With highs of 28C in January, the lengthy flight seems well worth it.

Barbados is another destination that's not typically seen as budget-friendly, but for those who know how to hunt for deals, there are ways to reduce the cost. Currently, TUI is offering a flight from London Gatwick to Barbados, departing on January 8 and returning on January 22, for £410 per person, including 15kg of checked luggage.

You can then independently search for accommodation - there are numerous Airbnb properties available for these dates priced under £600 - to craft your own budget package.