Once Christmas and New Year are behind us, many of us begin dreaming of a winter escape. January can be one of the most rewarding months to travel. Not only can you seek respite from the cold, dark days but there are usually plenty of deals available too, and crowds are far smaller than they were during peak holiday season. But where should you go?
The right destination depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for. Are you dreaming of sun, sea, and sand, or a snowy break in a winter wonderland? Or perhaps you’re looking for a cultural excursion or a wildlife or nature-focused trip? Whatever type of break you’re thinking about, some destinations come into their own in the first month of the year.
So, to get you inspired, here’s our pick of the best travel destinations to visit in January.
1. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are arguably the most accessible destination for Brits seeking winter sun – and if you’re daydreaming of a beach break with a difference, Lanzarote could be it. January temperatures hover in the low 20s, so it’s warm enough to sunbathe, and with the kids back in school, the beaches are relatively quiet and crowd-free. The sea can be chilly, though, so it might be worth booking a hotel with a heated pool.
But there’s more to this island than beaches. The lunar-like landscape is home to palm-fringed valleys, eerie lava fields, cactus-speckled deserts, and looming volcanoes, including the active Timanfaya. There are also scenic hiking trails, excellent wineries, and plenty to keep art enthusiasts occupied. The Spanish artist and sculptor César Manrique was born here, and you can explore his quirky James Bond-esque home at the César Manrique Foundation.
2. Budapest, Hungary
If you’re looking for a culture-rich city break and aren’t too fussed about sunshine or warmth, why not visit Budapest? The Hungarian capital is cold in January but not unmanageably so, and without throngs of tourists, you’ll see a far more authentic side to the city. At first glance, some of the Soviet-era architecture can seem drab, but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find all kinds of baroque, neoclassical, and art nouveau treasures.
The gothic rooftops are beautifully dusted with snow, and the ice floes drifting down the Danube are particularly photogenic. Hungary is known for its historic thermal baths and you can soak in steaming outdoor pools while gazing out at the snow-blanketed city. Plus, after a day exploring, you can warm up with paprika-spiced stews, deep-fried lángos bread, strudel-like rétes, and kürtőskalács (spiral-shaped pastries).
For more inspiration, have a read of our article: 12 of the best things to do in Budapest.
3. Central America
If you’re up for an epic adventure – and a chance to visit a few different countries – why not head to Central America in January? As it’s the height of the dry season, the weather is hot and sunny – perfect for making the most of the region’s beaches, jungles, and temples. January is also one of the best months for whale watching. If you have a few weeks to travel, you can easily visit two, three, or even four countries.
You could start in Guatemala, a country beloved by backpackers, to explore the colourful town of Antigua and the jungle-cloaked Mayan ruins of Tikal, before relaxing beside the idyllic Lake Atitlán. In Belize, you can relax on blissful beaches before heading to Nicaragua to climb volcanoes, visit colonial Leon and Granada, and spot tropical birds. Then, if you have time, you’re perfectly placed to cross over into Costa Rica.
4. Sri Lanka
With its sweeping golden beaches, leafy tea plantations, sprawling temple ruins, and fabulously fragrant cuisine, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Except for the southeast part of the island, the January weather is pretty great, with sunny, dry days and calm seas – and luckily, the best beaches on the island are mostly on the southwest coast. January is peak whale-watching season, too, and you may spot blue, sperm, and Bryde’s whales in the shimmering waters.
The mountainous island centre – Hill Country – is also at its most beautiful, with mist-wrapped emerald peaks, lush plantations, and thundering waterfalls. The southwestern city of Galle makes a great base at this time of year, giving you easy access to the island’s best beaches and offering abundant culture and history. You can explore the UNESCO-listed colonial fortress, enjoy traditional dance shows, browse galleries and museums, and feast on mouthwatering food.
Our article, 9 reasons to visit Sri Lanka, has more information.
5. Vietnam
If you’ve always wanted to visit Vietnam, January is a great time to go. The rainy season is over, summer has begun, and the weather is generally pleasurable. The south is much warmer than the north, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low-30s. The capital, Ho Chi Minh City, sees consistent temperatures year-round, but January is cooler than other months with lower humidity, making this sprawling, intoxicating city even more enjoyable to explore.
If you’d like to hit the beach, the white sands of nearby Phu Quoc and Con Dao Islands are the perfect retreat from the sultry city – and the early morning light creates stunning sunrises. Central Vietnam has milder temperatures, usually hovering between 20°C to 25°C – perfect conditions to explore culture-rich cities like Hoi An and Hue. In the mountainous north, temperatures range from 15-20°C, but the cool weather is ideal for hiking the region’s famously scenic trails.
For more inspiration, check out our article: 6 highlights from Vietnam.
6. The Dolomites, Italy
If you’re dreaming of an action-packed skiing holiday, why not look beyond France, Switzerland, or Austria, and head to Italy? Cosier and more laidback than the glitzy resort towns of the Alps – and often cheaper – the Dolomites offer excellent skiing and dazzling views. January here is usually cheaper and less crowded than other winter months too, allowing you to enjoy your holiday in peace.
The 86-mile Great Dolomites Road is one of the most spectacular alpine drives in the world, and the views of snow-blanketed hills, frozen lakes, and jagged peaks will take your breath away. The best resort is arguably the historic Cortina d’Ampezzo, high up in the mountains, just 40km from the Austrian border. The pointed pinnacles of the Cinque Torri are the perfect dramatic backdrop, and the resort is stylish yet friendly, with chic shops, fabulous restaurants, and luxurious hotels.
7. Southern California, USA
January may not be the most popular time to visit California, but it opens up fascinating possibilities in this astonishingly diverse state. At this time of year, Southern California lives up to its nickname of the Golden State; there’s usually plenty of sunshine, little rain, and temperatures around the low 20s. The weather is ideal for exploring big cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, which can become uncomfortably hot and stuffy in warmer months.
Yet things look very different up in the mountains. Snow still blankets the San Bernardino Mountains, so why not spend the day skiing before heading down to the coast for a sundowner on the beach? If you’re a keen hiker, the Hollywood Hills boast excellent trails – and because January air is clearer, you can enjoy fabulous city views. Or why not head a little further afield to visit the soaring trees of Sequoia National Park, which are often cloaked in snow?
8. Cape Verde
The idea of a tropical island escape is especially tempting in January, and if that sounds good to you, you might like to visit Cape Verde. Scattered off the coast of West Africa, a little over a six-hour flight away, these islands offer Caribbean-style beaches and temperatures without lofty price tags. January is the coldest month here, but temperatures still average 25°C, so you can enjoy the powdery white sands and azure waters. There’s also excellent surfing at this time of year.
The island of Sal is most popular with sun-seekers, but if you’re looking for more, why not head to the island of Sao Vicente? The coastal town of Mindelo is Cape Verde’s cultural capital, the perfect place to learn about the country’s African, European, and Brazilian heritage, try local Creole cuisine, and dance to funaná and morna music. Or, if you’re a keen hiker, the greener, more mountainous island of Santo Antao may make the ideal base.
9. Japanese Alps, Japan
Thanks to the abundance of soft pink cherry blossoms, spring is probably Japan’s most celebrated season. But winter is no less spectacular…particularly in the Japanese Alps. These soaring peaks bisect the main island of Honshu and, in January, the landscape is blanketed with thick snow. For skiers, it’s a wonderful time to visit and see another side of Japan; why not combine a bustling Tokyo city break with a blissful ski escape?
Nagano city is less than a three-hour train ride from Tokyo – not far from the country’s best ski resorts, Hakuba and Shiga Kogen. When you’re done whizzing down the slopes, you can try the Japanese version of après-ski: soaking in onsens (traditional hot springs). Plus, on January 15th, the mountain village of Nozawa Onsen holds the annual Nozawa Fire Festival, which is a fascinating way to drive out the cold.
10. Antarctica
If the idea of visiting remote, desolate, frozen landscapes excites you, why not think about visiting Antarctica? This vast, icy continent is most accessible in January – although visiting the bottom of the world is no easy feat. Antarctic cruises usually involve flying to the South American tip and boarding a ship from Ushuaia in Argentina. However, many cruises also take you along the Patagonian coastline, which can be an epic adventure.
January is the peak season, so prices are at their highest – but it’s worth it to get the most out of this frozen world. The weather is at its warmest, with temperatures hovering around 2°C on the Antarctic Peninsula, which is as far as most cruises go. However, temperatures have been known to reach a scorching 10°C! It’s a great time to see fluffy penguin chicks and energetic seal pups, and you also have a good chance of spotting humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas.
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re dreaming of a sultry, sun-drenched escape or fancy exploring a sparkling winter wonderland, January is the perfect time to go on holiday.
Not only can you escape the January blues, but you can also take advantage of excellent travel deals and fewer crowds. Plus, if seeing more of the world is one of your resolutions, it’s a meaningful and satisfying way to begin the New Year.
And, because the Christmas and New Year celebrations can often be excessive and overwhelming, jetting off for some relaxation is the perfect respite.
For further reading, head over to the travel section of our website. Here, you’ll find articles like 9 European cities that are even more charming in winter and 9 places to visit for a winter holiday in the UK.
Are you hoping to go away this January? Are you tempted by any of these destinations – or do you have somewhere else in mind? We’d love to hear about your travel plans in the comments below.