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17 best places to visit in January 2025

In January you might be craving sun-drenched beaches, a buzzing city break, or snowy mountain adventures. Whatever your start-of-year vibe, we’ve handpicked a list of the best places to visit in January. 

From tropical escapes to postcard-perfect ski slopes, shake off the January blues and embrace the new year head-on with an adventure somewhere new. Kickstart your 2025 sipping cocktails under a palm tree in Thailand, or spotting the Northern Lights in Iceland! Here we’re sharing the best places to visit in January, split into two sections: warm adventures and wintery fun. 

Warm January escapes

Australia

Best Winter Break Bondi-Beach,-Sydney-www.istockphoto.com_gb_photo_bondi-beach-in-sydney-australia-gm511482300-86670227-holgs

If you’re chasing sunshine, surf, and summer vibes, Australia in January is calling your name. Down Under you’ll find summer in full swing – expect long sunny days by the beach, classic Aussie barbeques, and plenty of outdoor adventures. In Sydney you can laze beside Bondi Beach, catch festivals in Melbourne, fund Nemo on the Great Barrier Reef, and drive the awe-inspiring Great Ocean Road. Nature lovers should add Tasmania or the Outback to their itinerary, while food lovers can build in time to visit wine regions! Late January is better price wise, once the students return to school.

Thailand

Perfect weather and gorgeous golden beaches will greet you in Thailand in January. While it might technically be winter, this time of year is the dry season – so you’ll have low humidity, clear skies, and little rain. The daily temperatures are perfect, making it an ideal month to explore this tropical country. Choose to relax on sun-drenched shores beneath swaying palms in Phuket, or seek culture, ancient temples and night markets in Chiang Mai or Bangkok.

READ NEXT: These are the 20 best winter sun destinations to experience this year 

Hawaii

January is winter in Hawaii, but on these tropical islands frosty days don’t exist. Even during January you will experience beautiful warm breezes, sunny skies, and postcard-perfect beaches. Discover the magic of each island when you catch waves on Oahu’s North Shore, go snorkeling with sea turtles in Maui, or hike the lush trails of Kauai. January is also peak whale-watching season, so don’t miss the chance to get out off the coast.

South Africa

Sitting at the southern tip of Africa, this country is in the peak of summer in January. Come here for sunshine, adventure, and jaw-dropping scenery. You could explore Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain, laze about at Clifton Beach, or sip world-class wines in the Cape Winelands. Of course, South Africa is all about the safari – and January is a prime season for Kruger National Park where you can spot lions, elephants, giraffes and more.

India

India is one of the best places to visit in January, where you’ll encounter cool, misty mornings at Rajasthan’s desert forts, sunny beach days in Goa, and snow on the Himalayas. It’s a great time to explore the Golden Triangle—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—thanks to more pleasant temperatures. Head south to Kerala’s tranquil backwaters where lush tea plantations await along with beautiful days. From here you could hop to neighbouring Sri Lanka too.

Colombia

lady in cartagena, colombia

Colonial charm, beaches, and Caribbean energy collide in Cartagena, in the north of Colombia. Up here you can feel the beat with days sunbathing and eating seafood, and nights dancing salsa under the stars. Head south to reach Colombia’s lush coffee region, experience the city buzz in Medellín, seek culture in Bogotá, and trek through jungle in Tayrona National Park.

New Zealand

Maori artefact in New Zealand

Beautiful New Zealand is a summer paradise in January. On the North Island you could bask in geothermal wonders at Rotorua, surf epic waves in Raglan, or sip wine in Hawke’s Bay. Or on the South Island, Queenstown (the adventure capital) awaits with bungee jumping, hiking, and blood-pumping thrills — all surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. You can also see Mount Cook, which is always capped with snow, plus the fjords of Milford Sound and the glaciers of Franz Josef.

READ NEXT: These are the warmest countries to visit in December for winter sun 

Morocco

For Morocco travel tips, venture down a narrow alley lined with bags and purses.
For Morocco travel tips, venture down a narrow alley lined with bags and purses.

Winter weather does hit this North African country – but the south of Morocco offers a warm January escape for those in the northern hemisphere. Pack your coat and experience Morocco’s rich blend of cultures and color, from the sea to the Sahara Desert. In Marrakech you’ll enjoy mild temperatures and winter sun with views of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. Head to the seaside at Essaouira or Agadir for sunny days with lunch by the beach, or go inland to explore palm-lined oases and ancient mud-brick kasbahs.

Argentina

Guanaco crossing a road with the UNESCO-listed Torres del Paine peaks in the background.
Guanaco crossing a road with the UNESCO-listed Torres del Paine peaks in the background.

In Buenos Aires, the streets sizzle with tango and the scent of steak! You’ll land in the midst of summer, when locals fill outdoor cafes and the cities spring to life. Curiously enough, it’s a great time to head south to Patagonia, where summer is the ideal time to explore the otherworldly landscapes. Hike to jaw-dropping glaciers and turquoise lakes in Patagonia, or stay warm at the sun-drenched vineyards of Mendoza where you can taste Argentina’s famous Malbec wines,

Cambodia

Two monks walking in front of a temple, fulfilling their travel bucket list.
Two monks walking in front of a temple, fulfilling their travel bucket list.

With mild temperatures and little rain, January is the ideal time to explore the Southeast Asian gem of Cambodia. The iconic Angkor Wat is a must-visit sight. This ancient wonder is even better seen in the cool morning mist, without the scorching heat that hits other times of the year. Between cultural sights and temples you can explore Siem Reap’s markets, delicious street food, and nightlife.

Wintery fun in January

Switzerland

Red train travelling to Switzerland, crossing a snowy viaduct in a mountainous landscape with snow-covered trees and clear blue sky.
Red train travelling to Switzerland, crossing a snowy viaduct in a mountainous landscape with snow-covered trees and clear blue sky.

Switzerland is a dream for skiers and snow lovers. It’s one of the best places to visit in January if you’re chasing fresh pow pow! This winter wonderland isn’t just for snowsports – the snow-covered peaks, cozy chalets and soul-warming cheese fondue will temp anyone. Towns such as Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Verbier offer world-class skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski fun. Beyond that, you can still ride the scenic Glacier Express to take in the Alps, or go on wintery hikes between charming Swiss villages.

Iceland

Northern lights cast a green glow over icy rocks on a coastal landscape at night under a starry sky, making it an ideal family tour destination.
Northern lights cast a green glow over icy rocks on a coastal landscape at night under a starry sky, making it an ideal family tour destination.

The Northern Lights are a bucket list experience, and the best time to see them is in winter. That makes Iceland – a land of frozen waterfalls, sparkling glaciers, and snow-dusted landscapes – a true winter wonderland. Here you can visit ice caves, warm up with a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon, or go hiking on a glacier. After dark, keep your eyes open for the famous lights!

READ NEXT: 20 Best Winter Vacation Ideas

Canada

Best experiences in Canada

Winter in Canada has its challenges, but if you’re there for seasonal charm and snowy fun you’ll find it here. Go skiing on the slopes of Whistler, explore the ice-covered beauty of Banff National Park, or gaze in wonder at the frozen beauty of Niagara Falls. The charming French Canadian cities of Montreal and Quebec City offer some festive buzz and cozy cafes this time of year too!

Japan

A woman in a kimono views a display of sake barrels and hanging lanterns at a traditional Japanese setting, highlighting unique things to do in Japan.
A woman in a kimono views a display of sake barrels and hanging lanterns at a traditional Japanese setting, highlighting unique things to do in Japan.

Snow monkeys, hot springs, and skiing! Japan in January is a fantastic mix of beauty, culture and winter magic. The cool, crisp air and clear skies make it the perfect time to explore the country’s iconic sights – and you’ll find a varied climate from north to south. Hokkaido offers world-class skiing and snowboarding, while in Kyoto you’ll visit the ancient temples and shrines with a quiet, winter atmosphere. Then no matter the season, Tokyo is abuzz with seasonal festivals and New Year’s celebrations.

READ NEXT: 5 winter travel bucket list experiences as voted by Trafalgar guests

Colorado, United States

Aspen, Colorado in winter with horses pulling a carriage through the snow

Crisp mountain air, snowy peaks, and cozy après-ski make Aspen, Colorado, one of the best wintery places to visit in January. With its world-renowned ski slopes, this mountain town transforms into a snowy paradise in the cooler months. Downtown you’ll find cool galleries, boutiques and spas to complete the experience.

Norway

Sunrise over the stunning Islands and landscape of Lofoten

Norway is an ideal winter escape with snow-capped mountains, frozen fjords, and the chance to witness those breathtaking Northern Lights. The Arctic city of Tromsø is one of the best spots in the world to see the aurora borealis. Out in the wilderness it’s the perfect time for husky sledding and snowshoeing too! Even the capital Oslo brings a mix of city life and winter sports, like ice skating and skiing, in January. 

France

With short winter days, it’s not the best time to visit France’s cities nor the French Riviera. But if you love to ski – the French Alps are in full swing. It’s the ideal time to visit iconic resorts and ski towns like Chamonix and Courchevel. Here snowy slopes meet cozy chalets. If you do make it to Paris, we’ll admit the crisp winter air adds a romantic edge to the city’s iconic sights. Plus, you’ll mostly have the city to yourself.

That’s our list of the best places to visit in January! Is there anywhere on your list? Let us know in the comments…

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