The best places to travel in January tend to offer one of two things: a welcome dose of winter sun or a chance to embrace the season at its most atmospheric. Good weather matters but so do fewer crowds, better post-holiday prices and experiences that are distinctly seasonal, from wildlife encounters to festivals. It’s a month that rewards choosing a destination for what it does especially well in January, rather than simply escaping somewhere warm.
We sifted through hundreds of resources, found the best ones, then did the homework to see which destinations everyone kept talking about.
Most Recommended Destinations:
Thailand (8/14)
January brings reliably dry, warm weather: ideal for beaches and island-hopping in the south, with cooler conditions for exploring Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
The sources also repeatedly highlight Thailand’s mix of temples, food, nightlife and outdoor adventure, often at comparatively affordable prices.
Recommended By: 30 Sundays, Hostelworld, Far & Wild, Big Little Travels, 22places, PureWow, KAYAK, Celebrate & Explore
Mexico (6/14)
The consensus centres on warm, dry weather, particularly in Cancun, the Yucatán and Riviera Nayarit, making January excellent for beaches, swimming and exploring Mayan sites. Mexico City and Oaxaca add food, museums and culture, while several sources also note fewer crowds, attractive airfares or good overall value.
Recommended By: Hostelworld, 22places, PureWow, Family Adventures, Rough Guides, The Points Guy
Australia (6/14)
January is peak summer, giving Sydney, the Gold Coast and Kangaroo Island long, warm days for beaches, coastal walks, wildlife and outdoor events. The sources agree that Australia offers an especially broad January trip: energetic city life and festivals alongside dramatic coastlines and distinctly Australian wildlife.
Recommended By: Hostelworld, Big Little Travels, PureWow, Celebrate & Explore, Rough Guides, The Points Guy
My Pick:
The Canary Islands (4/14)
It didn't make the top three, but it's the one I'd book. January brings mild, sunny weather for beaches and surfing, but also volcanic landscapes, hiking and quieter towns. They offer a genuinely warm-feeling European escape without relying solely on conventional beach-resort appeal.
Recommended By: Hostelworld, 22places, PureWow, Rough Guides
Here are 10 of our favourite resources. You'll find these and the rest in the Where To Travel Hub.
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