The best places to visit in January will depend on your love of the cold.
For some, this month spells a chance to hit the slopes and enjoy some time in the mountains. For others, it means finding out where it is hot in January to escape the winter and make waiting for warmer weather to return a lot easier.
Either way, there are plenty of places to explore around the globe in the month of January.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best places to travel in January to escape or embrace the cold. There’s a destination for everyone to enjoy.
For those wondering where to travel in January to find the sun, well, anywhere south of the equator or at least near that region remains hot throughout the year. So for example, most countries in Asia and South America are a good bet for some warm weather this time of the year.
Here are the best places to visit in January 2024
Best places to visit in January in Asia
- Luang Prabang, Laos – For sightseeing and exploration
- Hoi An, Vietnam – Get a suntan on a budget
- Harbin, China – For its unique ice sculpture festival
- Rajasthan, India – For the annual Jaipur Literature Festival
Best places to visit in January in the US and Americas
- Miami, Florida – To escape the cold
- San Jose, Costa Rica – Best for hiking and exploring rainforests
- Québec City, Canada – For ski enthusiasts of all levels
- Lima, Peru – For that summer beach holiday
Best places to visit in January in Europe
- Zermatt, Switzerland – For a picturesque winter getaway
- Val d’Isère, France – Most sought-after ski resort in Europe
- Oslo, Norway – For a chance to see the Northern Lights
- Santorini, Greece – For stunning sunsets
Best places to visit in January in Africa
- Cape Verde – For peaceful beaches and island-hopping
- Tanzania – For adventure and relaxation
- Cape Town, South Africa – For every type of traveller
Best places to visit in January in Oceania
- Sydney, Australia – Festivals, events and beach weather
- Tasmania, Australia – For national parks and wildlife reserves
- Auckland, New Zealand – Get to know New Zealand’s history
Best places to travel in January in Asia
Laos, Luang Prabang
Perfect place to visit temples and explore the Mekong River
Luang Prabang is a beautiful city in Laos with UNESCO World Heritage status and is one of the best places to visit in January for avid explorers. With an average temperature of around 24°C, you won’t break too much of a sweat visiting the 33 temples around the city.
As January falls in the dry season, it is the perfect time to take a trip down the Mekong river without fear of a monsoon downpour. To explore the iconic river, you’ll have to travel further south in Laos, a journey I made a few years ago, but the stunning scenery along the way makes it all worthwhile.
READ MORE: Luang Prabang also features in our list of the world’s best places to travel alone
Hoi An, Vietnam
Ideal to lay on the beach when on a budget
Vietnam is one of the best places to travel in January if you want some heat but are on a budget.
I spent years living in Vietnam and highly recommend the seaside town of Hoi An to explore the best of what Vietnam has to offer. The ancient village has snaking riverways for you to explore by boat, and the central location means you can also take a trip to Da Nang and Hue.
Best of all, the weather in January is dry and sunny, so you get to revel in the natural beauty of Vietnam without any rain.
READ MORE: Hoi An is also one of the best babymoon destinations in the world
Harbin, China
Unforgettable and unique ice sculpture festival
For those interested in unique festivals, Harbin is definitely the best place to travel in January.
With an average temperature of -25°C, January is the coldest month of the year but also the ideal time to visit and witness the incredible sculptures on display at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival.
Ice carvings include ice towers, palaces, temples and monuments but also animals, people and even mythical creatures. In 2019, the largest area of the festival was over 600,000 square meters and more than 100 landmarks were sculpted.
There are also plenty of activities in Harbin in January. At the festival itself, you can take part in sledging, ice hockey or ice skating. In the city you can take a stroll down Zhongyang Street and explore its unique cultural life, go winter swimming in the Harbin Songhua river or visit Polar Land to get close to polar bears and penguins.
READ MORE: Here are the biggest and best festivals in the world
Rajasthan, India
To experience the culture and history of India
The annual Jaipur Literature Festival is the cultural highlight of January in this northwestern state. If you’re in the mood for more, there is also the colourful International Kite Festival and much more to enjoy in this land. Known for its amazing wildlife tours and safaris, as well as its historical significance in India, it is one of the best places to travel in January.
Where to travel in January in the US and Americas
Miami, Florida, USA
The best place to escape the cold in the US in January
During the early part of the year, Miami loses some of the intense humidity it is known for and makes room for a much more moderate temperature which is ideal for sun-seekers. This is why we chose it as one of our best places to visit in January.
Eager travellers can soak up the sun on one of Miami’s many beaches or try out some surfing at the Haulover Beach inlet.
For those of you wanting to stay on land, you can explore the street art murals, check out Little Havana or visit the Miami Zoo, which is the only subtropical zoo in the United States.
READ MORE: The best and largest zoos in the world
San Jose, Costa Rica
Best place to hike through rainforests
Receiving less than a day’s rain and with an average temperature of 25°C in January, San Jose is one of the best places to visit in January.
The capital is an excellent hub for exploring the breathtaking rainforests throughout the country and is a must for hiking enthusiasts. Winding forest trails and endless waterfalls make up the Costa Rican landscape.
If you’re keen to immerse into the local culture, make sure to check out Fiestas de Palmares, which happens every January and is a celebration that is likened to the German Oktoberfest.
READ MORE: Find out why San Jose is also on our list of great must-try summer vacation
Québec City, Canada
Perfect for ski enthusiasts of all levels
Not afraid of the cold and eager to try out snow activities in North America? Then look no further than Quebec City in Canada. There are 4 popular places a short drive away from the city to go skiing.
Le Relais, the smallest of the 4, is great for a family outing and made of easy slopes as well as illuminated tracks popular for night skiing.
Stoneham Mountain resort, for more advanced skiers, offers 41 trails (19 trails are open for night skiing) over 333 hectares across 4 mountains.
Another popular ski resort is Mont-Sainte-Anne; it is suitable for skiers of all abilities but about half the slopes are for experienced skiers. One easy trail is nicknamed The Enchanted Forest as it is decorated with woodland and magical creatures.
A little further away (50min drive), Le Massif de Charlevoix offers the best views and landscapes. It contains 52 runs in total that are evenly split between easy and difficult levels.
There is a lot more to do and to see within Quebec City itself. Between visiting or staying at the Hotel de Glace (a hotel made of ice), relaxing at a thermal spa, going ice fishing, exploring the historic Vieux-Quebec or going down the famous toboggan slide Au 1884, you can be sure to have an unforgettable vacation. This is why we love it and put it on our list of places to travel in January.
READ MORE: Discover why Quebec City is also one of the best places to go for Christmas
Lima, Peru
Best summer beach holiday in America
Probably one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets, Lima in Peru is easily one of the best places to visit in January. With temperatures hovering around a comfortable warmth of 26°C in January be prepared to wear shorts, bathing suits and sandals for the whole trip.
If you tire of the amazing beaches and sun, pop by the numerous museums and cultural sites that are everywhere in Lima. While the city isn’t on everyone’s list of places to go to, is definitely worth the trip if you’re looking for a beach holiday.
Best places to visit in January in Europe
Zermatt, Switzerland
Enjoy a picturesque winter getaway
If you are looking for a picturesque winter getaway, then Zermatt is one of the best places to visit in January. The unmissable background of the stunning Matterhorn mountain envelops the entire town and makes for excellent viewing after a long day on the slopes.
There are a total of 37 mountains in the region for ski enthusiasts to enjoy and you could also take a helicopter tour to get a bird’s eye view of the beauty.
READ MORE: The best cities in the world to visit
Val d’Isère, French Alps
Visit the most sought-after ski resort in Europe
As one of the most sought-after skiing destinations in Europe, Val d’Isère is one of the best places to visit in January if you want to ski. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and indeed a sight to behold.
The variety of slopes coupled with the legendary nightlife of Val d’Isère is perfect for those wanting to take a break and continue the Christmas celebrations into the new year.
READ MORE: 10 places to visit before you die
Oslo, Norway
For a high chance of catching the Northern Lights
With temperatures typically sitting around -2°C in January, Oslo is the perfect spot for those seeking the cold. You can stick around the city and enjoy sights like the Viking museum or wrap up warm and enjoy the many green spaces.
While you are there, you have to take a trip to the north of Norway and treat yourself to the Northern Lights. The skies are darkest in the winter months, so it makes for the best viewing. While it is cold, the experience puts it on our list on where to travel in January.
READ MORE: Oslo is also home to one of the most haunted places in the world
Santorini, Greece
To enjoy a dazzling sunset by the beach
Skip the crowds in Santorini by visiting in the off-season to experience amazing sunsets without the hassle of a tourist-filled town. Though not the warmest time to visit, there is still enough sunlight for many hours in the day to give you a great beach and island experience.
Make sure to spend as much time by the beach and quaint villages, trying local cuisine and watching the sunset in the background. What could make a better destination to add to our list of best places to visit in January.
Where to go in January in Africa
Cape Verde
For peaceful stunning beaches and island-hopping
Located about 550km west of Senegal, Cape Verde is widely underrated as a holiday destination but is at the very top of our list of the best places to visit in January.
The 10 volcanic islands of this archipelago are the perfect place to enjoy multiple types of holidays in just one trip. You can easily be soaking up the sun on a beautiful golden sand beach with shallow blue water one day and hiking through incredible mountain landscapes the next.
The best beaches in Cape Verde include Santa Maria located on Sal, a great place for both sun lovers and water sports enthusiasts and Santa Monica Beach in Boa Vista, considered the most beautiful beach in Cape Verde with its 9km of white sands.
January is the perfect time for windsurfing, kitesurfing and island-hopping. If you feel adventurous you can also go horse riding, scuba diving and even quad biking through sand dunes.
READ MORE: Here are the most beautiful beaches in the world
Tanzania
Combine both adventure and relaxation
The main reason Tanzania is one of the best places to travel in January is its wildlife. The first month of the year is the calving season for wildebeest, zebras and antelopes so you can expect to see plenty of them in the Serengeti National Park as well as predators looking for easy prey.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro should also be on your list when you visit Tanzania. January is probably the best month for the hike thanks to the warm temperatures and clear and sunny skies. While there we recommend exploring Kilimanjaro National Park where you can spot a variety of animals such as elephants, blue monkeys, leopards and black and white colobuses.
For beach lovers and underwater activities, Zanzibar Island just off the coast of Tanzania is the perfect destination. You can scuba dive among beautiful coral, explore shipwrecks and spot amazing marine life that includes sharks, turtles and dolphins. Of course, you can also relax under the sun as you lay on the white beaches of the island.
READ MORE: Did you know that Tanzania also has one of the best underwater hotels in the world?
Cape Town, South Africa
For every type of traveller
If you’re wondering where to travel in January, you can’t go wrong with Cape Town in South Africa. With temperatures as high as 29°C and up to 14 hours of daylight, there is something for everyone.
Sun lovers have plenty of beaches to choose from. For swimming and sunbathing, you should consider Camps Bay or Muizenberg while for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, you should check out Llandudno, Glen Beach or Long Beach.
For something extra special, make sure you visit Boulders Beach to see a large colony of endangered African penguins. For amazing views of Table Mountain, head to Blouberg beaches.
For those who love wine, Cape Town is a great place to visit wineries and enjoy tasting sessions.
Adventurous travellers should not miss out on the wonderful safaris accessible from Cape Town and get a chance to see wild animals in their most natural habitat.
Travellers in search of the perfect viewpoints should contemplate trekking to the Cape of Good Hope or going to the top of Table Mountain via cable car.
READ MORE: Not far from Cape Town you can find one of the best places to swim with sharks
Best destinations in January in Oceania
Sydney, Australia
For beach weather with plenty of festivals and events
If you have the opportunity you should definitely spend New Year’s Eve at least once in Sydney as the celebrations in the city are famous the world over. If your trip only starts later, Sydney should still be on your list of places to travel in January.
Right in the middle of summer, January is a great time to visit Sydney and experience very special events such as the Sydney festival which last 3 weeks and transforms the city with plenty of visual arts, theatre, dance, music and even circus.
This is followed by Australia Day on the 26th of January during which Australians organize barbecues, picnics and plenty of outdoor games and sports. This culminates with a wonderful fireworks display that should not be missed.
The weather in Sydney in January provides the perfect atmosphere for many other activities. You can spend time on the beach and take a surfing lesson, climb the Sydney bridge (if you dare), tour the Sydney Opera House, cruise Sydney Harbour or even visit SEA Life Sydney Aquarium or Sydney Zoo.
If you love nature, and wildlife and want an amazing trip, then one to the Blue Mountains is a must during your trip to Sydney.
READ MORE: Top 10 Instagram spots in Sydney for travellers
Tasmania, Australia
For National Parks and wildlife reserves exploration
Being at the peak of the Australian summer, January is a great time to visit Tasmania.
There are plenty of incredible things to do and discover on this island located around 240km south of mainland Australia.
If you love nature and the outdoors, go and explore Mt Wellington standing at 1,271m high and offering incredible views of Southern Tasmania. Another must-see is Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park which is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area. It has amazing scenery and is the perfect place for hiking no matter how fit you are.
Don’t fancy spending your holidays hiking through forests but prefer to lazy up under the sun? Then head to the famous Wineglass Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s only accessible via a steep hike or by kayak but is definitely worth it.
Another place beach lovers can’t miss is Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires with its white sand, crystal clear waters and beautiful orange rocks.
Tasmania is also a great place for scuba diving. There you can enjoy deep dives, observe the fantastic biodiversity, dive through shipwrecks and even go cave diving.
While in Tasmania, make sure you go meet the infamous Tasmanian Devils by visiting Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary or the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo.
If you’re feeling romantic, you can also consider a walk on the beach alongside the world’s smallest penguins on Bruny Island.
READ MORE: The best places to scuba dive in the world
Auckland, New Zealand
Get to know New Zealand’s history
Not known for its warm weather, New Zealand in January is actually a very pleasant trip. Boasting an average temperature of 25°C in January, Auckland is one of the best places to visit in January.
This is New Zealand’s most populous hub and has some of the country’s best museums and cultural institutions, including the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous or you just love the water, Piha Beach is one of the best surfing spots in the country. As it just so happens, the waves in Auckland are some of the country’s strongest, so it might not be the safest place to learn surfing, but offers a seasoned surfer some amazing challenges.
READ MORE: New Zealand is one of the safest countries to visit
Where to travel in January?
With so many amazing choices, picking somewhere to visit in January can seem like a challenging task. I welcome the cold, so for me, the best places to travel in January have to be somewhere with snow. So what will you choose, a warm retreat or an icy escape?
If you have any suggestions on where you think people should travel in January, please leave a comment.
