If you're like me, when you think of travel in January, you're not looking to embrace winter. You want sunshine and warmth. I also want smaller crowds, reasonable prices and experiences I won't get any other time of year.
I've been to Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and St Martin in January. I added a heavy dose of research to my experiences, looked at which destinations were consistently recommended, and came up with these picks.
Most Recommended Destinations
Thailand
January is the perfect time for island hopping in Thailand. The dry-season weather is reliable with clear blue skies, little rain and temperatures that make you want to get out on the water. I’d book a snorkeling tour, discover islands I’ve never heard of and take a million pictures of the blue water against the lush backdrops.
- Thailand Island Hopping: Epic Itinerary for 2 Weeks, Map & Tips [Full Suitcase]
- Thailand in January: A Winter Paradise in Southeast Asia [Indochina Voyages]
- Best Time to Visit Thailand for Island Hopping [View Traveling]
Mexico
If spending the day diving into cenotes, having lunch at a taco stand, then finding the perfect margarita to sip while watching the sun set sounds amazing to you, then Mexico may be your spot. Add in Maya ruins, morning beach walks and lively beach towns to fill your itinerary.
- Cenotes, Beaches & Maya Ruins: A Taco-Fueled Yucatan Road Trip [GlobetrotterGirls]
- What Is a Cenote? Top Tips for Visiting! [Nomads Beyond]
- My 16 Truly Breathtaking Places to Explore in Mexico [GlobalGrasshopper]
Australia
January is peak summer in Australia. Places like Sydney and the Gold Coast have long, warm days for beaches, coastal walks, wildlife, and outdoor events. After exploring the city, I’d head to Kangaroo Island. Beaches and kangaroos, you’ve got me sold!
- An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Kangaroo Island, Australia [The Family Voyage]
- The Best Two Day Kangaroo Island Itinerary [The World on my Necklace]
- Australia in January: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More [Zicasso]
My Pick:
The Canary Islands, Spain
January is mild and sunny in the Canary Islands, good for beaches and surfing, but also for hiking volcanic landscapes and exploring quieter towns. I’d start in Lanzarote for some hiking, take a jeep trip around La Gomera, and finish with some time in Tenerife. And if you’ve never seen the sun set above the clouds, don’t miss the tour with cable car to the top of Tiede for sunset and stargazing.
- Lanzarote in January: weather, things to do and why visit [Ocio Lanzarote]
- Things to do in Tenerife in January and why it’s a great time to visit [The Travel Bunny]
- Tenerife in January: Weather, Where to Stay & A Non-Touristy Winter Escape [JuliaSomething]
None of my picks working for you? Here’s some resources to keep looking:
- Where to Travel in January: Great Vacation Spots Around the World [30 Sundays]
- The Best Places to Travel in January Worldwide [Hostelworld]
- Where to Travel in January 2027: Best Warm & Cold Weather Destinations [Family Adventures]
- Best Places To Visit In January [Big Little Travels]
- January Travel Destinations: Our Top Tips for a January Vacation [22 Places]
- The best places to travel in January [Rough Guides]
- 27 Best Places to Visit in Europe in January [Megan Starr]
Want to see all my destination research in one place, check out the Where To Travel Hub
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Going with Thailand, Mexico or the Canary Islands? I’ve already got more research waiting for you.
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