Best places to visit in January: 15 cool travel destinations to explore

Wondering where to travel in January? Don’t miss these cool destinations to brighten up a dreary month, from Northern Lights hotspots to tropical beaches.

Unless you’re lucky enough to live somewhere where it gets properly snowy and winter-wonderland-y, January in the Northern Hemisphere is a bleak affair.

Take my hometown of London for example. The Christmas cheer is but a distant memory, and the sky is blanketed in an unwavering and very depressing impermeable grey. Pleasant it is not.

Little wonder then that January finds me itching to get away in favour of something a little more exciting.

Wondering where to go in January? I’ve chosen my favourite January holiday destinations, covering well-known spots, a few off-the-beaten-track gems and some properly snowy escapes for you to discover. For each one, you’ll find the average January temperatures (daily highs and lows from the national weather service) so you know what to pack.

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Best places to visit in January

Ko Lanta, Thailand

Average temperatures: 33°C high; 22°C low

Season: Dry season

Not so long ago, Ko Lanta was a sleepy archipelago of small islands, little visited and talked about even less.

Then the world started to wake up to the fact that the Ko Lanta region is a) very beautiful and b) far less touristy than nearby islands such as Ko Phi Phi.

Throw in more than a few idyllic beaches, tropical mangroves, rainforests and some cool dive sites nearby and it’s clear why Ko Lanta is one of the rising stars on the list of Thailand’s travel hotspots and one of my favourite places to travel in January.

January is right in the middle of the dry season on Thailand’s Andaman coast, which means calm seas, clear water and day after day of sunshine. It’s also high season, so book your stay well ahead. The long sandy beaches on the west coast of Ko Lanta Yai, the main island, are perfect for sunsets, and the island’s southern tip is protected as Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

Read next: Brilliant places to visit in Thailand

Oaxaca, Mexico

Average temperatures: 29°C high; 10°C low

Season: Dry season

You know when you have wanted to go somewhere for so long that by the time it comes to you actually going, you’re a bit worried that it won’t live up to the expectation?

Oaxaca was like that for me.

When I spent five weeks in Mexico, Oaxaca was pretty much the only non-negotiable destination on my list for the road trip. I’m glad, because it lived up to its promise, and then some.

The brightly-coloured city centre is perfect for wandering round, stopping off at a mezcaleria here and an old colonial church there. Be sure to pop into one of the city’s numerous markets to pick up a selection of artisanal products to bring home.

That’s all before you start to explore the surrounding Oaxaca state, the heart of Mexico’s mezcal production and home to ancient temples and geological wonders such as the petrified waterfalls at Hierve el Agua.

January is a lovely time to go. It’s the dry season, so you can expect blue skies and warm afternoons, but the city sits at around 1,500 metres and nights are chilly, so pack a jumper. Hierve el Agua has closed without warning in the past because of a dispute between the local communities that run it, so check it’s open before you set off, and bring cash for the entry fee.

Read next: Mexico: what to see, cool spots and insider tips for your trip

Trentino, Italy

Average temperatures: 5°C high; -2°C low (in Trento; colder in the ski resorts)

Season: Winter (ski season)

Trentino is quite frankly the winter wonderland to beat all winter wonderlands.

I came late to winter sports trips and was incredibly excited to discover this beautiful part of northern Italy on a two-week trip at the start of the year, skiing, snowshoeing and sledding my way around the Dolomites on an all-out adventure.

With 800km of skiing slopes and eyeful after eyeful of gorgeous scenery, it’s a cool place to visit in January if you want to hit the slopes and round it off with a lot of delicious food.

Don’t worry if you’re not a confident skier. I started that trip as good as a beginner, and some of my favourite moments had nothing to do with the slopes: horse riding through the snow in Madonna di Campiglio and an afternoon at the Lefay Resort spa in Pinzolo, for starters. January is a good bet for snow, and once the New Year holidays are over, the slopes are quieter than they’ll be in February half-term.

Read my guide to winter in the Dolomites: a trip to Trentino

Salta, Argentina

Average temperatures: 28°C high; 17°C low

Season: Summer (rainy season)

Salta is Argentina, but not as you know it.

Geographically, it sits in the north west of Argentina, almost a thousand miles from the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires.

Culturally it couldn’t be more different either. The city’s strong Andean heritage holds sway, complemented by stunning colonial architecture and surrounded by mile after mile of dramatic landscapes.

This is the place to gorge on empanadas before setting off on the road to explore the wild northwest, chewing on coca leaves to help alleviate the dizzying effects of altitude. In other words, the perfect adventure.

One thing to know before you book: January is summer in Argentina, and it’s also the wettest month in the northwest. Mornings are often bright, with storms rolling in during the afternoon, and heavy rain can occasionally close mountain roads, so start your drives early and leave some slack in a road trip itinerary. The upside is that the hills are at their greenest.

Read next: Brilliant places to visit in Argentina

Caye Caulker, Belize

Average temperatures: 28°C high; 21°C low

Season: Early dry season

I very, very rarely use this phrase but Caye Caulker is literally one of the closest things I’ve come across to heaven on earth.

This small island, a 45-minute to one-hour water taxi ride from Belize City, is the place to kick back, relax and immerse yourself in the slow pace of island life, Belize-style.

Feast on freshly-barbecued lobster caught straight from the sea, swim with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley, or just spend lazy afternoons hanging by The Split, the small body of water separating two parts of the island.

Caye Caulker is within reach of one of the world’s most interesting dive sites, the Great Blue Hole, on a long day trip by boat. But even if your diving skills are non-existent, there’s an abundance of sea life to see just by strapping on a snorkel and sticking your head underwater.

January is a great time for that lobster: Belize’s lobster season runs until mid-February, when it closes for the spring. The odd cold front can still bring a grey, breezy day at this time of year, but it rarely lasts long.

Read next: Best places to visit in Central America

Sri Lanka

Average temperatures: 30°C high; 23°C low (Galle, on the south coast)

Season: Dry season on the south and west coasts

Sri Lanka’s best-kept secret is its beautiful, unspoiled landscape.

The island nation has mountains and beaches in abundance, breathtaking wildlife preserves and a kaleidoscope of Buddhist temples to explore. It’s an ideal destination for those who like their holidays active (with lots of yoga retreats available) but with plenty of opportunities to relax too!

I’ll be straight: I have not spent nearly as much time in Sri Lanka as I should have.

Despite having wanted to go for years, I’ve only spent six days discovering just a smidgen of what this beautiful island has to offer (unlike Flo of Yoga, Wine, Travel, who is a Sri Lanka expert and whose beautiful villas at Sam & Lola’s in Hiriketiya have got me planning my next trip to the island).

That said, those six days were enough to make me confident enough to say that if you’re looking for stunning coast, vibrant culture and stomach-satisfyingly good food, Sri Lanka is your spot.

Sri Lanka emerged in the 2010s as one of Asia’s coolest wellness destinations, with a host of chic escapes such as Santani and Tri Lanka opening their doors to help you find your inner chi.

But there’s so much more to the island than yoga with pretty views (appealing as that is). Surfing, hiking, safari, cuisine: Sri Lanka really does have something for everyone.

The best time to visit Sri Lanka? January!

At least, it is for the south and west coasts and the hill country, which are at their driest and sunniest from December to March. On the south coast, expect highs of around 30°C and lows of about 23°C, and it’s noticeably cooler (and fresher) up in the hills around Kandy and Ella. It’s peak beach season around Galle, Mirissa and Hiriketiya, so it could make for a great trip. Just skip the east coast, which is still in its rainy season.

Read next: The best things to do in Sri Lanka

Hanoi, Vietnam

Average temperatures: 20°C high; 14°C low

Season: Winter

Before I start waxing lyrical about Hanoi, let’s start with what Hanoi is not.

Hanoi is not shy and retiring, relaxed, or even particularly beautiful, but wait a minute before you write it off as an overcrowded city with a mind-boggling number of scooters.

Hanoi’s charms might take a little time to find, but they’re definitely present. The hectic centre is dotted with peaceful lakes overlooked by serene temples, there’s history around every corner and the food scene is one of the best in the world.

No, really. I don’t know a single person who’s been and hasn’t come away raving about the food. From crispy spring rolls to bowls of aromatic pho, a trip to the city really is a feast for all the senses.

January is winter in northern Vietnam, so don’t expect beach weather: days are mild and often grey, with a fine drizzle, and evenings can feel chilly, so bring a light jacket. It’s perfect weather for steaming bowls of pho, though. Tết (Lunar New Year) falls on 6 February 2027, so towards the end of January the streets fill with peach blossom and kumquat trees as the city gets ready. Bear in mind that many shops and restaurants close for several days over Tết itself.

Read next: Unmissable things to do in Hanoi

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Average temperatures: 25°C high; 18°C low

Season: Summer (peak season)

Uruguay is well-known in South America as a stunning beach destination, but its charms are less well-known further afield. 660km (410 miles) of coastline is plenty to go on, especially when a lot of it comes with powdery-fine sand and perfect surf.

Punta del Este’s nicknames “The St Tropez of Uruguay” and “The Miami Beach of the South” say plenty about it.

No, it’s not the place to go if you’re looking for a quiet escape to a secluded beach. This is the place to work on your tan during the day and then party at night in one of South America’s most exclusive destinations.

January is the height of the summer season, when holidaymakers from Buenos Aires and Montevideo pour in, so book your accommodation early and expect peak prices. Don’t miss the giant hand sculpture emerging from the sand on Playa Brava, or the sunset at Casapueblo in nearby Punta Ballena. If you want something quieter, the old fishing village of José Ignacio is a short drive up the coast.

Read next: Best places to visit in South America

Barbados, Caribbean

Average temperatures: 29°C high; 23°C low

Season: Dry season

Barbados is where the magic happens, that happy meeting point of sun-drenched beaches, cricket, rum shacks, palm trees and parties. I can’t think of a better place in which to ease myself into a new year.

The pristine golf courses, five-star hotels and manicured beaches of Barbados’ west coast are little secret, but the more rugged Atlantic-facing east coast is garnering more attention from travellers lured by the promise of untouched beaches and boutique stays.

Pretty as Barbados is, I will say that you’re not doing justice to the island if you only stick to the beaches.

Some of my favourite memories are from spots that had nothing to do with the beach. Learning about how the world-famous Mount Gay Rum is made, sitting in the bleachers watching a cricket game and exploring the Andromeda Botanic Gardens for starters…

January is the start of the dry season and well clear of hurricane season, with steady trade winds keeping the heat comfortable. It’s also high season, so book flights and hotels early.

Read next: Cool things to do in Barbados

Tenerife, the Canary Islands

Average temperatures: 21°C high; 16°C low

Season: Winter

The Canary Islands are best explored during the winter, when the sea is calm and the air is cool. The weather in January is typically sunny with little rainfall, with daytime highs of around 21°C on the coast and nights of about 16°C.

The weather is warm and sunny but not too hot, and there’s plenty to do both on land and in the water. Tenerife is a particularly good option. The largest of the Canary Islands, it has something for everyone, from buzzing city life and stunning mountain scenery to sandy beaches and lush valleys.

The south of the island, around Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, is usually the sunniest, while the greener north is better for hiking and old towns such as La Orotava. Head up to Teide National Park too: the volcano is often dusted with snow in January, so you can see snow and sea on the same day. Take warm layers for the summit area, because it’s far colder up there than on the coast.

Read next: The best winter sun destinations in Europe

Bruges, Belgium

Average temperatures: 7°C high; 2°C low

Season: Winter

Belgium’s best-known city is charming any time of year, but Bruges really comes into its own during winter. The Winter Glow celebrations, with the Christmas market and an ice rink, light up the cobbled squares until 3 January 2027. After that, you’ll have the canals and medieval lanes almost to yourself, and hotel prices drop too.

With average January temperatures of around 7°C by day and 2°C at night, it can be chilly but there’s always a warm cafe or bar to duck into to heat yourself up again. Belgian beer and hot chocolate were made for days like these.

Read next: Unmissable things to do in Bruges

Rovaniemi and Finnish Lapland

Average temperatures: -7°C high; -14°C low

Season: Winter

If your idea of a January escape is deep snow, frozen lakes and husky trails through the forest, head to Finnish Lapland. Rovaniemi, its capital, sits right on the Arctic Circle and is an easy flight from the UK in winter.

I visited in March and fell in love. I stayed for four nights in a glass-topped Kammi suite at Apukka Resort, just outside the city, drove my own team of huskies along the forest trail, spent a brilliant day bombing across the snow on a snowmobile and saw the Northern Lights through the glass roof in the middle of the night.

January is the coldest month, so this is a trip for proper thermals, and the days are short: just a few hours of light at the start of the month, lengthening quickly by the end. The upside? The Christmas crowds have gone home, the snow is deep and the long nights give you plenty of chances to see the aurora. Santa Claus Village stays open all year, if you want to pop in.

For the aurora, stay outside the city, away from light pollution, and keep an eye on the cloud forecast rather than the aurora forecast alone. Clear skies are what you’re really chasing.

Read next: Magical things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland

Suggested stay: Apukka Resort

New Zealand

Average temperatures: 24°C high; 16°C low (Auckland); 22°C high; 10°C low (Queenstown)

Season: Summer

New Zealand is a nature lover’s paradise and in January, the height of the southern summer, the country is at its best. Expect highs of around 24°C in Auckland and 22°C in Queenstown, with cooler nights in the south. It’s perfect weather for exploring, and there’s plenty to see and do!

Hit the trails in one of New Zealand’s many national parks, kayak the golden beaches of Abel Tasman, or take a cruise around Milford Sound. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to fall in love with this amazing country.

The best way to see it all? Rent a car or a campervan and hit the open road! Just book well ahead: January is the school summer holiday in New Zealand, and the huts on the most popular Great Walks book up months in advance. UK visitors also need an NZeTA (electronic travel authority) and to pay the international visitor levy before flying.

Cape Town, South Africa

Average temperatures: 29°C high; 17°C low

Season: Summer

While Europe shivers, Cape Town is in the full swing of summer, with long, hot, dry days, the beaches at their best and the whole city outdoors.

I knew that Cape Town was going to be something special, but I didn’t know how special. I hiked up Table Mountain on my first morning in the city, via the Platteklip Gorge route, and I can’t think of a better way to get to know a city than watching it unfurl beneath you. If I had to pinpoint the moment I fell in love with Cape Town, though, it was watching the sun set over Camps Bay in a fiery display of reds and oranges.

Spend a day vineyard hopping in Stellenbosch (Delaire Graff, Jordan and Boschendal were my favourites), drive the Chapman’s Peak Drive and picnic in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where the Summer Sunset Concerts usually run on Sunday evenings through the season. Just don’t try to fit Kirstenbosch into the same day as Table Mountain, a mistake I made.

January is peak season, so book ahead. Start hikes early to beat the heat, and keep an eye on the wind: the summer south-easter can be fierce, and the Table Mountain cableway closes when it’s too strong.

Read next: Unmissable things to do in Cape Town

Suggested stay: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Average temperatures: 31°C high; 22°C low

Season: Dry season

January is dry season on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, which runs from roughly December to April, and it’s the best time of year to explore its rainforests and beaches.

I’ve been to Costa Rica three times, and Manuel Antonio is where I’d send anyone who wants rainforest and beach in one place. I explored Manuel Antonio National Park with a guide, which I’d recommend: my guide helped me find a sloth, and spotted wildlife I’d have walked straight past. Playa Espadilla Sur, inside the park, was my favourite beach of the trip, and the sunset from Playa Espadilla just outside it is one of the most gorgeous I’ve seen anywhere in the world.

I stayed at La Vela Boutique Hotel, a hidden gem right by the national park entrance and less than 150 metres from the beach. Ask for a room with a private terrace.

A few things to know: the park is closed on Tuesdays, and tickets are only sold online through SINAC, the national parks agency, so book yours before you go. Dry season is also high season, so book hotels and car hire early. If you have longer, add Arenal’s volcanic hot springs or head south to Drake Bay and the wilds of Corcovado National Park.

Read next: 10 days in Costa Rica: the perfect Costa Rica itinerary

Suggested stay: La Vela Boutique Hotel

There you have it: the best places to visit in January done and dusted.

I hope that you’ve got a few ideas for your January travels from this piece. Got any suggestions for your favourite destinations? Drop them in the comments below!

Practical tips for travelling in January

• While January is low season for many destinations, particularly city breaks and Northern Hemisphere beach destinations, it’s also high season for many places, particularly ski resorts, Northern Lights destinations and winter sun spots including the Caribbean. Choose carefully if you’re looking for a bargain.
• January is a good month for beating the crowds to destinations such as Sri Lanka and Hanoi, and it’s often cheaper to travel once the New Year rush is over.
• Lunar New Year falls on 6 February 2027. Travel around Vietnam and much of East Asia gets busy and more expensive in the run-up, so book transport early if your trip is in late January.
• Chasing the Northern Lights? Give yourself as many nights as you can, stay away from city lights and watch the cloud forecast. I use Windy.com Premium. And pack properly: see my guide to what to wear to see the Northern Lights.
• Check entry rules before you book. New Zealand needs an NZeTA for UK visitors, and it’s always worth reading the latest FCDO travel advice for your destination.

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