The dates, and when to book
The break runs from 8 to 16 January 2027 (30 Rajab – 8 Sha'ban 1448). Thousands of families travel on the same days, so flight and hotel prices rise as the date approaches; booking now saves a lot, especially on direct flights.
1. The Philippines: islands in the dry season
January is one of the Philippines' loveliest months: dry season and clear water in El Nido, Boracay and Cebu, at around 30°. Daily direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Manila, and visa-free entry for 30 days with eTravel registration before arrival.
2. The Maldives: the best season for the sea
December to April is the Maldives' dry season, and January is perfect for honeymooners and families alike. A direct flight from Riyadh, and a free visa on arrival.
3. Zanzibar: white beaches with an Arab soul
January is hot and sunny in Zanzibar (around 33°), with the sea at its best on the beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa. You need the Tanzania e-visa and the compulsory entry insurance, and you fly with a connection via Dubai or Doha.
4. Cape Town: summer in the middle of our winter
South Africa's seasons are the reverse of ours, so January is the height of Cape Town's summer: sunny and dry, between 17° and 27°. Table Mountain, ocean beaches and the Cape of Good Hope, with visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
5. Kenya: safari in the dry season
January and February are dry and warm in Kenya, good for safaris in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli. Direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Nairobi take 4 to 5 hours, with the eTA electronic travel authorisation.
6. Lapland and Tromsø: snow and the northern lights
January is one of the best months for the northern lights, snow covers everything in Rovaniemi and Tromsø, and post-holiday prices are kinder than December's. It's bitterly cold (around −7° by day in Rovaniemi), and you need a Schengen visa at least fifteen days before travel.
7. Snow close to home without a Schengen visa: Georgia, Kazakhstan and Turkey
For skiing and snow without a Schengen visa: Gudauri in Georgia, Shymbulak above Almaty in Kazakhstan (with the QazETA permit), and Mount Erciyes in Turkey. Nearby destinations that suit families, including Almaty with direct flights from Jeddah.
8. A short break, no visa needed
- Istanbul: a mild, chilly winter, markets and museums, and many daily flights.
- Baku in Azerbaijan: visa-free under a temporary exemption until February 2027.
- Egypt: Cairo at its loveliest, and warm Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
- Dubai and Muscat: mild weather and the easiest short break.
How to split nine days
- One faraway destination (the Philippines, Cape Town or Kenya) needs at least seven nights to be worth it.
- Two nearby ones: Istanbul with northern Turkey, or Manila with El Nido.
- Fly back on Friday 15 January or Saturday morning, 16 January, so the children can rest before school.
- Send us your destination and the number of travellers, and we'll send you the best options at the lowest available rates.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 1448 mid-year school break?
From Friday 8 January to Saturday 16 January 2027, with schools back on Sunday 17 January.
How long is the 2027 mid-year break?
Nine days, from 30 Rajab to 8 Sha'ban 1448.
What is the best warm destination for the mid-year break?
The Philippines, the Maldives, Zanzibar and Cape Town, where January is one of the loveliest months.
Where can I see snow in January without a Schengen visa?
Georgia (Gudauri), Kazakhstan (Shymbulak) and Turkey (Erciyes).
Read next
- Autumn break 1448: 6 destinations for 20–28 November
- Makkah hotels for Ramadan Umrah 1448: when to book
- Eid al-Fitr break 2027: where to go in 16 days
Published 6 October 2026, last updated 6 October 2026. The information is for guidance only; entry requirements and seasons can change, and the binding price is the one in your booking confirmation.