January comes creeping into the UK in a grey and often miserable manner. After the fairy lights of Christmas have faded and new year’s festivities have fizzled out, there isn’t a lot to look forward to. But while British January is often full of rain and grim resolutions, elsewhere in the world it’s a month of festivals, snow sports, and sizzling austral summer. Those wanting to revel in a more picturesque winter can witness aurora borealis in the darkest days of northern Norway, swoop down the ski slopes of the Japanese Alps, or festival-hop through Canada’s eastern cities while stopping to skate along frozen canals.
Had enough of the cold? Go wine-tasting and horse riding in Argentina’s summery Mendoza, spot lions and elephants on safari in Kenya, or simply lie back and bake on the quiet, brilliant beaches of Koh Lanta in Thailand. If you’re planning ahead there are plentiful options from day one, when you could welcome in the new year with fireworks over Table Mountain. But if you find yourself overcome with a sudden urge to escape your desk, there are lots of last-minute deals at this time of year. There’s nothing to hold you back — here’s our pick of the best places around the world to visit in January.
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Short haul
1. Arlberg, Austria
Why go in January? To enjoy shorter lift queues at top ski resorts
There’s a sweet spot in the latter three weeks of January when the Alpine ski resorts are a little less crowded; the new year’s break is over, and kids are back at school already dreaming of February holidays. The Arlberg region in the west of Austria was one of the early centres of downhill skiing; today, ski lifts and slopes linking different resorts (St Anton, Lech, St Christoph and others) deliver a continuous ski area with more than 180 miles of runs, all served by one pass, where you might only need to undo your bindings for a few steps between lift stations — or at après-ski time.
Make it happen
Book a luxurious ski-in, ski-out chalet in St Anton such as the cosy Apartment Schnee through Oliver’s Travels and take the family or a group of friends (it sleeps six).
Spend a week sweeping down beautiful mountainsides with Crystal Ski, staying at the Sporthotel in the centre of town. As well as its own lounge bar, pool, spa and sauna, the entirety of St Anton’s lively restaurant and bar scene is on your doorstep.
2. Troms and Finnmark, Norway
Why go in January? Winter activities under the northern lights
The area comprising the counties of Troms and Finnmark is as far north as you can go in mainland Europe, and lies well inside the Arctic Circle. January is the perfect time to venture here in search of the awe-inspiring aurora borealis. The unpredictable but magical displays light up the long nights: the city of Tromso doesn’t see the sun at all in the first half of the month, though you’ll have four hours of bluish twilight in which to try your hand at ice-fishing, or appreciate the rugged Norway coast on a cruise. Inland areas around the Sami cultural centres of Karasjok and Kautokeino are colder but see fewer days of snowfall, and might offer better chances to spot the northern lights.
Make it happen
Stay at Engholm Husky Design Lodge outside Karasjok, where guests sleep in warmly outfitted log cabins, with 50 sled dogs on the farm ready for trips out into the snowy wilds.
The small Finnmark town of Kirkenes, on Norway’s northeasternmost frontier, is the base for private, aurora borealis-hunting trips from the Aurora Zone. Contiki operates a brilliant cruise between Tromso and Kirkenes, in search of the elusive aurora.
• Best northern lights tours
• Best hotels in Norway
3. Marrakesh, Morocco
Why go in January? Gentle sunshine for padding the souks
Morocco is one of the closest destinations to the UK for winter sun. Average temperatures may more often be in the high teens than the 20s, but in terms of hours of sunshine, Marrakesh in January beats London in July. This clement time of year is the best for exploring the cultural hub of central Morocco, compared to the months when visitors scramble for shade in the streets of the medina. And with the Atlas Mountains around 40 miles away, it’s a chance for excursions to see snow-capped peaks rising above groves of date palms.
Make it happen
Located in the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter of Marrakesh, Riad Azoulay blends classical Moroccan and European touches in a 16th-century courtyard house.
The advantage of an escorted tour to Marrakesh is that someone else does all the hard yards in such an unfamiliar place. This eight-day trip from G Adventures also visits the Sahara.
• Best hotels in Marrakesh
• More great riads in Marrakesh
4. Budapest, Hungary
Why go in January? To shake off the cold in hot spring baths
Winters in the Hungarian capital are chilly but not severely so, with average temperatures hovering around freezing point. With luck you’ll arrive to find snow dusting the gothic rooftops of the parliament building or the ramparts of Buda Castle. But whatever the weather conditions, Budapest offers excellent means to warm up. Historic thermal baths around town include the Szechenyi outdoor pools that stay open in winter, while traditional Hungarian cuisine — with its many stews spiked with paprika — will keep you toasty. Search for hotel rooms overlooking the Danube, which is sometimes filled with ice floes in January.
Make it happen
Hotel Clark is boldly modern for its location between the castle and Chain Bridge, with a partly post-industrial look inside, but the river-facing views are as classic as they come.
The Blue Danube cruise from Riviera Travel comes with a Budapest extension, combining a week of Europe’s finest cities with three nights in Hungary’s brilliant capital.
5. Akureyri, Iceland
Why go in January? For adventure in the land of fire and ice
Iceland lives up to its name in January, when the volcanic landscape wears a thick winter coat. Visitors may not be quite as keen as locals to indulge in the festival of Porrablot, featuring traditional foods such as fermented shark, but this is peak time for spotting the northern lights. Only a tiny fraction of the country is north of the Arctic Circle, so there will always be some daylight; heading to northern Iceland via its main city Akureyri is a good strategy for seeing the aurora. Daytime excursions might include dog-sledding or a steamy soak surrounded by snow in Myvatn Nature Baths.
Make it happen
Fosshotel Myvatn is built in a contemporary wooden design, and stands beside the great lake of Myvatn, on the “Diamond Circle” (the northern alternative to Iceland’s famous Golden Circle tourist route).
The Elemental Iceland cruise from HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, a round trip from Reykjavík, explores the entire coastline over eight days and includes visits to Akureyri and Snaefellsjokull National Park among its highlights.
• Best hotels in Iceland
• Best things to do in Iceland
6. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Why go in January? Vitamin D for art lovers
Craving sunshine without the long-haul flight? Lanzarote is a great spot to soak up some vitamin D — and that doesn’t just mean long days sunbathing on a beach. It’s an unexpectedly fascinating island, with a great food scene that leans on local produce and numerous wineries worth touring. The Spanish artist and sculptor César Manrique was born here, and you’ll see his colourful work across the landscape, which resembles Mars in some places and a cactus-dotted desert in others. Take a trip to the César Manrique Foundation and you can stroll through his James Bond-esque home, with its warren of cave-like dens and sultry swimming pool.
Make it happen
If architecture and interiors appeal, bed down at Casa de las Flores, a brilliantly relaxed boutique hotel.
Ramble Worldwide offers a dedicated tour of Lanzarote with picturesque walks, charming villages, awesome panoramas, and dramatic calderas.
• Best hotels in Lanzarote
• Best all-inclusive hotels in Lanzarote
Mid and long haul
7. Barbados
Why go in January? For a chilled-out beach break
January is one of the best times of the year to visit the Caribbean. Rains from the hurricane season have long subsided, so all you have to do is apply sunscreen, relax and bask in temperatures of up to 30C. There are plenty of options when it comes to beaches, but Barbados’ Platinum Coast has one of the longest stretches of powder-soft sand, coupled with gentle, lapping waves. Plus, they’ve got all-inclusive resorts down to a fine art for those who want to do nothing more than fly and flop. For (slightly) more active breaks, there’s snorkelling off the shore where there are sunken ships, rum tasting at St Nicholas Abbey, and tram tours of Harrison’s Cave.
Make it happen
Stay at the adults-only Sandals Royal Barbados, where you can also enjoy the restaurants and facilities at its sister resort Sandals Barbados. Both offer direct beach access, plus complimentary snorkelling and diving.
Royal Caribbean’s seven-night cruise around the Caribbean stops at Bridgetown, where you can embark on a wealth of shore excursions that include 4×4 safaris, turtle snorkelling, heritage railways, submarine excursions, caving and full island tours.
• Best things to do in Barbados
• Best all-inclusive hotels in Barbados
8. Koh Lanta, Thailand
Why go in January? To indulge in some proper R&R
Nowhere in Asia serves up a better sun, sea and sand combination in January than Thailand. The geography of the country means there are rainier parts at this time of year, but Koh Lanta will have blue sky and warm temperatures — the perfect antidote to the British winter. It’s a laid-back island that feels a lot like Thailand 30 years ago: beach bars remain relaxed and low-key and there are swathes of golden sand (with no jet skis ruining your tranquillity).
Make it happen
Koh Lanta is home to all accommodation types, from rustic one-bedders on the beach to some of the most lux hotels in the country. Try Pimalai Resort & Spa — but be warned, you’ll want to head back year after year.
If you’re looking for a little more liveliness, base yourself in nearby Krabi instead — a short flight from Bangkok. Krabi has a bit more activity to offer, with vibrant restaurants, extraordinary scenery, rock climbing and kayaking. Visit Krabi, combined with Phi Phi, on Indus Travels’ seven-day tour from Bangkok.
• Best hotels in Thailand
• Best places to visit in Thailand
9. Galle, Sri Lanka
Why go in January? Brilliant beach weather with a side of culture
Depending on where you are in Sri Lanka, the island gets one or two monsoons yearly: the southwest mostly sees them in May and June, the west and east coasts around October and November. Come in January and you should avoid the worst of the rains nationwide (with the exception of Yala National Park in the southeast), though it’s the beaches of the southwest coast that flourish most under the increased hours of sunshine. If you can tear yourself from the shade of coconut palms on golden sand, the city of Galle has heritage dating back to the times of the Dutch and Portuguese empires, and it usually hosts a literary festival in January — in 2026 it’s from January 22-25.
Make it happen
Stay at the Riff Hikkaduwa, a beachfront hotel at the quieter, southern end of Hikkaduwa, with Galle ten miles down the coast.
G Adventures’ Sri Lanka Express Tour finishes in Galle and nearby Unawatuna, and encourages guests to extend their stay should you choose. Take the time to explore the Galle Fort, colonial architecture, the Old Dutch Hospital shopping complex and tuck into fresh Sri Lankan coast fish.
• Best beaches in Sri Lanka
• Discover our full winter sun holiday guide
10. Western Cape, South Africa
Why go in January? Winter sun and fabulous landscapes
Summer has truly arrived at Africa’s southern tip come January, with balmy temperatures and little rain. It’s a popular time to visit; if you come in the second half of January, you’ll avoid the long school holidays, btu if you’re in Cape Town for New Year’s Eve, there’s the magic of fireworks over the waterfront. Either way, book ahead for a classic itinerary taking in ocean panoramas along the Garden Route, rolling vineyard views inland, and beach time around the Cape Peninsula. If you’re planning a wider South Africa trip, note that this is the hottest but also rainiest time in the northeast.
Make it happen
Coast views don’t get much better than at the Twelve Apostles, a classically beautiful five-star hotel on a secluded stretch of the coast south of Cape Town.
See all the wonders of the Western Cape with Costsaver’s packed ten-day tour. You’ll visit Table Mountain, see frolicking whales, visit the southernmost tip of the continent, get up close with African penguins, do three safari game drives and have dinner on a traditional paddle steamer.
11. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Why go in January? For southbound travels in the Vietnamese dry season
The lunar new year celebration of Tet falls in February in 2026, and that means January is a serene time to explore Vietnam, with the rainy season happily over. Things can get cold in the north and highlands; although Ho Chi Minh City and the rest of the south don’t see big seasonal temperature variation, January at least shaves a few degrees off the tropical heat, and lowers humidity. Now is a good time to strike out from the city to spot gibbons in Cat Tien National Park, or seek white sands on Phu Quoc or the Con Dao Islands.
Make it happen
Base yourself at the Hotel des Arts Saigon. Though housed in a modern 23-storey tower, it has a 1930s ambience within.
Ho Chi Minh City concludes G Adventures’ Classic Vietnam tour, which also includes a Ha Long Bay cruise,the atmospheric old imperial capital of Hue and a loop from Ho Chi Minh along the Mekong Delta.
• Best Vietnam itineraries
• Best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
12. Southern California, US
Why go in January? To soak up coastal vibes
January isn’t the classic month for a southern California holiday, but it opens up intriguing possibilities in this high-contrast region. If the weather co-operates, you’ll have pleasantly warm temperatures on the coast and snow on the inland peaks: ski in the San Bernardino Mountains before a beachside sundowner in Santa Monica. The air is clearer in Los Angeles now, and temperatures in the high teens make for glorious hikes in the Hollywood Hills. Further afield, follow a visit to a sunny but not scorching Death Valley National Park by meeting snow-clad giants in the groves of Sequoia National Park.
Make it happen
Dating from 1926, the Hotel Figueroa has gone through various remodellings, and is now a sophisticated piece of downtown LA history with some quirky original touches, such as the coffin-shaped outdoor pool.
Take a self-drive, 12-day tour through Southern California with Audley. Catered to your preferences, the Desert to Coast trip can include relaxing in Orange County, spotting humpback whales from a racing yacht, and the grand mountains of Palm Springs.
audleytravel.com
• Best things to do in California
• More great hotels in Los Angeles
13. Sao Vicente and Santo Antao, Cape Verde
Why go in January? Warm weather away from the tourist trails
A group of African islands at Caribbean latitudes, but just one time zone away from the UK, Cape Verde is a go-to for winter sun, and also has great surfing conditions at this time of year. Most visitors make a beeline for the beach resorts of Sal, but this largely desert island doesn’t show all the archipelago has to offer. Take further island-hopping flights to Sao Vicente, whose bayside town of Mindelo is the Afro-Portuguese cultural capital of Cape Verde, and birthplace of singer Cesaria Evora. On Sundays you might see people practising for the upcoming Mardi Gras celebrations. The northwesternmost island, Santo Antao, is greener, more mountainous, and excellent for hiking.
Make it happen
The Blue Marlin Hotel is a spiffy choice on Sao Vicente, where resorts are rare, and has great balcony and rooftop pool views over the curve of Mindelo’s seafront.
Both islands, but chiefly Santo Antao, are the focus of Walks Worldwide’s self-guided Cape Verde itinerary, with the hiking graded as “moderate”.
walksworldwide.com
• Best things to do in Cape Verde
• More great hotels in Cape Verde
14. The Philippines
Why go in January? For white-water rafting, scuba diving and hiking
With temperatures ranging from a delightful 21C to a balmy 32C, January offers the best cross-country weather for exploring some of its 7,641 islands and the myriad adventures in the Philippines. The capital Manila provides a perfect urban dose before heading on to El Nido and Coron in Palawan to scuba dive at Second World War shipwrecks and sun yourself on hot-to-touch sands. Thrill seekers should try white-water rafting at Cagayan de Oro in Northern Mindanao, while animal lovers can trek the still-lush forests and mangroves of Mindoro’s Puerto Galera. Hikers are spoilt for scenic choice, with jungled trails to Pamuayan Falls, Mount Pinatubo volcano, gorgeous mountain towns like Sagada and Baguio, and lookouts over the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Finally, the second full week of January is the time for the oldest and one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines, the week-long Ati-Atihan, with elaborate costumes, tireless street dancing and buzzing energy.
Make it happen
The blissful Nay Palad Hideaway on Siargao Island is the perfect way to end an action-packed trip. As well as supporting community projects, the sustainable-minded lux hotel has a private beach, spa, outdoor cinema and a library, with water sports and bikes to boot.
Go all out and spend most of January island hopping with Contiki’s 22-day extravaganza. You’ll boat and fly between Panglao, Bohol, Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, Coron and two special island beach camps.
• Best beaches in the Philippines
15. Japanese Alps, Japan
Why go in January? For sure snowfall and timeless traditions
When snow-bearing clouds blow in from the Sea of Japan, villagers in the Japanese Alps get their front-path shovels ready. Lack of fresh powder is never a problem for ski resorts such as Hakuba and Shiga Kogen. Winter sports aside, and despite occasional closures after very heavy snowfalls, it’s a good time to discover this central region. The Nozawa Fire Festival drives out the cold on January 15, as does soaking in an onsen (hot spring bath) at any time — a pastime made famous by the so-called “snow monkeys” at nearby Jigokudani. An extra roof of white adds new beauty to the likes of Matsumoto Castle, or the sturdy farmhouses of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama.
Make it happen
Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku is close to both Jigokudani and Shiga Kogen, and has its own indoor and outdoor onsen, plus a choice of Japanese-style rooms with futons or raised beds.
Cox and Kings’s Japanese Alps Adventure takes visitors to beautiful Takayama with its saké district and pretty river, Matsumoto’s handsome castle ringed by mountains, Unesco heritage Shirakawa-go village, and onto artsy Kanazawa.
coxandkings.co.uk
• Most beautiful places in Japan
16. New Orleans, US
Why go in January? For a taste of the carnival spirit
Mardi Gras might be an annual highlight for New Orleans but this is a city that loves to party, so carnival celebrations actually start a few weeks before, from early January. There are smaller weekly events that give you a taste of the big day, but you’ll find the hotel rooms a whole lot cheaper. Temperatures in January are also pretty moderate, which makes strolling along the charming streets of the French Quarter and the Garden District a much more pleasant experience than during the height of summer. And if it rains, the galleries and museums of the Warehouse District will offer plenty of distractions.
Make it happen
Stay deep in the French Quarter, on famous Bourbon Street, at the Royal Sonesta. Rooms have typical New Orleans-style wrought-iron balconies and there’s a lovely courtyard pool.
Frontier America does a looping trip around southern Louisiana, taking in the music and magic of New Orleans, the football-mad fun of Baton Rouge, the history of Natchez and the state’s oldest city of Natchitoches.
frontier-america.co.uk
• More great hotels in New Orleans
17. Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Why go in January? Safaris in spring-like surroundings
Many of Kenya’s wildlife reserves go through two rainy seasons, from March to May and from November to December. Visit in January after the “short rains” to find renewed vigour in the greenery and the chain of life that follows from it. You’ll find fewer wildebeest in the Masai Mara at this time of year (the big herds are at the southernmost point of their annual loop, in Tanzania), but there’s still plenty to see. Further southeast, Tsavo National Park is best known for its lions, while Amboseli is the prime place to see elephants in the wild, with the peak of Kilimanjaro rising as a dream-like backdrop.
Make it happen
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge is in an acacia grove on the southern edge of the national park, with decorative inspiration from Masai culture and the region’s wildlife.
There are three game drives during two days in Amboseli on Exodus Adventure Travels’ country-crossing Kenya Safari Adventure small-group tour.
18. Antarctica
Why go in January? To experience the frozen continent at its most accessible
The last continent to see human footfall remains the ultimate bucket-list trip. January is the height of the Antarctic “summer”, with temperatures perhaps climbing to a balmy -20C at the South Pole — or a sizzling 2C on the Antarctic Peninsula, which is as far south as most cruises will take you. Documentary-worthy wildlife and icebergs sculpted by elemental forces are what everyone comes to see, but tours also highlight the history of polar exploration. Most cruises depart from Ushuaia in Argentina, and though packages often involve a quick flight-to-ship transfer there, the city is also a gateway to the separate marvels of Tierra del Fuego.
Make it happen
For your land base, Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa is a hilltop sanctuary outside the town, with heated pools overlooking the Beagle Channel.
You’ll spend five days on the Antarctic Peninsula during this return cruise from Ushuaia on one of Ponant’s sleek, chic ships.
en.ponant.com
• Best luxury cruises to Antarctica
• How to travel to Antarctica: everything you need to know
19. Mendoza, Argentina
Why go in January? To indulge in great wines and barbecues
January is peak summer for Mendoza in Argentina, with temperature highs in the 30s. The city’s many parks are glorious places to soak up the sun, but his region isn’t about admiring its shining high-rises. Top of the to-do list should be tours to wineries with horseback rides, wine tastings and barbecue dinners. Also on the agenda are hikes and biking adventures around the foothills of the Andes. And, for the even more adventurous, whitewater rafting in the Mendoza River is a great way to cool down.
Make it happen
The malbec-making Finca Adalgisa offers pretty, rustic rooms in its restored farmhouse, plus tapas-style cookery lessons and asados (traditional Argentinian barbecues).
Combine wine tastings with walks on the south face of mighty Mount Aconcagua on this short Mendoza itinerary, ready to be added to an Argentina holiday.
• Best things to do in Argentina
Additional reporting by Jo Davey
