Got the January Blues? Here are 10 last-minute winter sun escapes from Manchester Airport with return flights from £30pp*

Feel like you’re in a post-festive slump? You’re not alone. Today, the third Monday in January, is ‘Blue Monday’ – a date that marks the peak of a surge in holiday bookings, as jetsetters strive for something to look forward to in the middle of winter.

If you’re craving some sunshine, though, the good news is that you don’t need to wait until summer is here. Manchester Airport’s wide-ranging route network of more than 200 destinations – unrivalled in the North – gives you access to a whole host of winter sunshine breaks, where you can bask on the beach even at this time of year.

Here we pick out ten holiday favourites that are certain to chase away the January Blues – and look at what’s on offer when you get there.

Tenerife

Fly with Ryanair from only £30pp*.

Enduringly popular, and with something to suit everyone from young families and retirees to party animals, Tenerife is a safe bet for some winter sunshine. Temperatures are in the low to mid-twenties here in January and February, and there’s very little rainfall, so beach weather is guaranteed. If you want nightlife, head to Playa de las Americas. If you’re here with the family, check out Siam Park, one of the biggest water parks on the planet. And if you want some peace and quiet, the mountainous north of Tenerife has some spectacular scenery and hikes.

Fuerteventura

Fly with Ryanair from only £32pp*.

Fuerteventura is a great option for winter sun, with fewer crowds than its larger neighbour Tenerife, reliable sunshine and outstanding beaches. On top of all that, the whole island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – recognising the diversity of its marine and desert habitats.

Paphos

Fly with Ryanair from only £38pp*.

In the summer, Cyprus can be roasting hot – but at this time of year the weather is comparable to a pleasant spring day in Manchester, with temperatures in the high teens and plenty of sunshine, perfect for enjoying the great outdoors and historic sites like the ruins of Ancient Paphos and the Tombs of the Kings. There’s delicious souvlaki and seafood to enjoy, too. And best of all, this is the cheapest time of year to visit!

Agadir

Fly with Ryanair from only £49pp*.

Morocco has experienced a boom in visitor numbers over recent years, and Agadir is at the heart of that. Daytime temperatures typically range from 18 – 22C in January, then rise by a few degrees into February and March – so it’s just about warm enough for a day on the beach, and you’ll find some very good ones here. The Museum of Arts explores the surrounding region’s Berber heritage, and a visit to the Souk El Had market will let you practice your haggling skills.

Sal

Fly with easyJet from only £134pp*.

This island is part of Cape Verde, an African nation just to the south of the Canary Islands. Expect similar temperatures here during the winter to what you might see in Tenerife or Fuerteventura, but a very different cultural experience. Sal has an almost Caribbean vibe, with palm tree lined beaches, colonial architecture and waterfront barbecues serving grilled chicken and fresh seafood.

Sharm el Sheikh

Fly with easyJet from only £237pp*.

Egypt’s Red Sea coastline is dotted with resorts but the most famous is Sharm el Sheikh, and if you’re looking for a last-minute sunny getaway, January is the perfect month to visit. Expect temperatures around the low to mid-twenties, glorious sunshine, very little rain, and fewer crowds than in peak season. It’s a great spot to try your hand at water sports, or to scuba dive.

Montego Bay

Fly with TUI from only £363pp*.

The Caribbean is another destination that is best enjoyed at this time of year. In Montego Bay, Jamaica’s most-loved beach resort, temperatures hover around 30C all year round – but this time of year is the dry season, and February sees the least rain of any month. White sands and turquoise waters await during the daytime – and at night, expect a vibrant atmosphere, live music, and mouthwatering food.

Cancun

Fly with TUI from only £433pp*.

Cancun is shaking off its image as a Spring Break destination for American partygoers and becoming more family oriented. The surrounding Riviera Maya, a stretch of more than 60 miles of golden sands, is lined with resorts to suit all budgets and packed with things to do, like Xcaret water park, incredible natural landscapes to explore and historic sites like Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Temperatures here in January and February are comparable to July or August on the Med – so pack your sunscreen.

Bangkok

Fly with Norse from only £598pp*.

Manchester Airport gained its first direct flights to Bangkok this winter, linking the North to the world’s most visited city for the first time. Travel on one of those flights and you’ll quickly see why Bangkok has that moniker. A vibrant but affordable city packed with fantastic food and cultural wonders, it’s also the gateway to Southern Thailand, which boasts some of the very best beaches on the planet.

Dubai

Fly with Emirates from only £615pp*.

It’s known the world over for its imposing glass skyline and landmark buildings like the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa – but Dubai also has some amazing white-sand beaches perched on the Arabian Gulf, and the winter is the perfect time to enjoy them, with temperatures in the mid-twenties throughout January and February. Once you’re done soaking up the sun, get out into the desert and explore the sand dunes in a 4x4 safari.