The 15 Best Places to Visit in January in 2024

15 of the Best Places to Visit in January

After the go-go-go of the holiday season dies down, you might be looking for a chance to escape somewhere extraordinary.

Whether you’re seeking sunshine and tropical scenery or a storybook winter wonderland, there are some truly incredible places to go in January to ease those post-holiday blues. 

Below, you’ll see the 15 best places to visit in January, what to do in each destination, and what you can expect once you arrive. January might be “meh” where you are, but you’ll be amazed at how enjoyable this month can be in these breathtaking places! 

1. The Maldives

Sometimes, a luxe island vacation is just what you need for a January pick-me-up. Warm turquoise waters, endless stretches of white sand dotted with swaying palm trees, and chic resorts and overwater bungalows wait for you in the Maldives. 

The weather is a nice reprieve from the usual dreary January conditions, offering highs around 86°F this month with minimal rain (around 6 rainy days during the month) and long, sunny days. 

You’ll choose your own adventure in the Maldives. Take a week or two of total rest and relaxation or explore the islands and their waters with hikes, world-class diving, fishing, or swimming with whale sharks and dolphins. 

You might stay in Malé, the capital and most developed city in the archipelago, where you’ll find an endless array of luxury 5-star resorts right on the beach, local markets, and gleaming golden-domed and coral stone mosques. 

If you’re after seclusion and rest, head to a private overwater bungalow on one of the less-visited islands, like Dhidhdhoo Island, where you can lounge in your hammock overlooking the ocean, hop off your deck for a swim, and relax in total serenity.

Read Next: Average Trip to the Maldives Cost & Best Islands in the Maldives

2. Phuket, Thailand

If you’ve ever wanted to say “Phuket” and head somewhere tantalizing in January, Phuket (pronounced poo-ket) is an excellent destination to enjoy great weather, explore rainforests, hike mountain trails, and loosen up with spas, clubs, and gorgeous views. 

You can look forward to warm, sunny weather with highs around 91°F this month and some of the driest weather this jungly destination experiences throughout the year (only 4 rainy days all month). 

The island blends authentic Thai culture and lush, mountainous rainforests with modern-day amenities, beach resorts, and attractions around its capital, Phuket City. 

Every day in Phuket can bring something different. Hike secluded, jungled mountain trails to the majestic Ton Sai Waterfall, lounge on the crescent-shaped beach at Patong, marvel at the Wat Chalong Buddhist temple, or browse street markets in Old Phuket Town. 

Popular dance clubs, bars, and night markets light up the island in the beachy resort towns after dark. Upscale and authentic eateries, interesting museums, and colorful shops selling hand-crafted wares and produce make Phuket City a must-visit destination on the island.

Read Next: Best Time to Visit Phuket & The Best Places to Stay in Phuket

3. Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s holy temples and shrines, stunning beaches, rainforests, and abundant wildlife make it a borderline-religious experience to visit. It’s amazing year-round, but in January, the conditions are absolutely prime for a trip to the Indonesian island of Bali. 

Temperatures around the island are warm in January, seeing highs around 87°F with average temperatures closer to 82°F. It rains often this month (about 19 rainy days), but showers are brief and leave you plenty of time to explore and enjoy the island. 

Head to Ubud to see long-tailed macaques and acres of dense, preserved rainforest at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, ornate Hindu temples like Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati, and the intricately-carved Ubud Palace complex (Puri Saren Agung).

Terraced rice paddies that beg to be photographed, pristine, postcard-worthy beaches, upscale shops and restaurants, and bustling beachfront resorts and nightlife are concentrated around Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta. 

Since January isn’t the peak season for tourism in Bali, you’ll reap the benefits of visiting this month with cheaper prices on accommodations and flights. You’ll save enough to stay longer than you might’ve planned and prolong your January escape! 

Read Next: Where to Stay in Bali in 2024 & The Best Time to Visit Bali

4. Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø, Norway is one of the best places to visit in January if you’re looking for a true winter wonderland with snow sports, incredible views of the Northern Lights, and chances to hang out in cozy pubs with a steaming cup of hearty stew and a Norwegian aquavit. 

This chilly coastal town has scenic mountain views, museums and historic wooden homes, a unique cathedral with artistic stained glass windows, and some of the best viewing opportunities for the dancing Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle. 

If you love winter sports, you’ll find ample chances to ski and snowboard just outside of the town through the dramatic, snow-blanketed mountain scenery of Tromsø, surrounded by fjords and the open ocean. 

Check out the Polar Museum, shops, and restaurants around town to get out of the cold while you’re here. “Aurora huts” with panoramic sky views offer amazing opportunities to see the undulating Northern Lights from surprisingly luxe (and warm) glamping domes. 

Traditional Norwegian pubs and bars should be on your list for a January visit, where you can try belly-warming stews like lapskaus (beef and veggie) and bidos (reindeer and veggies) or catch a buzz with a glass of Norwegian aquavit, a liquor distilled from potatoes.

Read Next: What an Average Trip to Norway Costs & The Best Places to Visit in Norway

5. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Futuristic, bustling Dubai is an ideal destination for January trip that gets you away from the cold and launches you into an upscale, modern city with an awesome array of resorts and hotels, restaurants, luxury retailers, and incredible architecture. 

Dubai is at its best in January with mild temperatures that peak around 75°F with almost no rainfall to ruin your plans. It’s a far cry from Dubai in summer, when temperatures can soar to 106°F or higher! 

This coastal city’s skyline is famous around the world for its inventive, modernist skyscrapers and sweeping arches that contrast with glimpses of the city’s ancient architecture (old mosques, amphitheaters, and aqueducts). 

The sprawling Dubai Mall (the world’s largest) is a must-visit. It’s also home to the 240,000+ square foot indoor ski resort Ski Dubai if you’re up for a little taste of January winter fun!

Sitting on the Persian Gulf, you’ll find some incredible beaches in Dubai. Kite Beach, Al Mamzar Beach Park, and Jumeirah Beach are some of the best for lounging and water sport adventures like kitesurfing and paddle boarding. 

Massive water parks, manicured gardens, a huge selection of restaurants offering global and local cuisine, traditional souks (markets), and a range of bars and nightclubs all make Dubai amazing for a January visit.

Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Dubai & What a Trip to Dubai Costs

6. Interlaken, Switzerland

If you’re all about embracing the chill and winter wonder of January, Interlaken, Switzerland is one of the best places to go. This ski resort town is set amid the snowy Alps with ski resorts, cozy cabins and chalets, and bustling shops, eateries, and attractions. 

Cold is part of the charm in Interlaken, where temperatures peak around 38°F in January with lows around 26°F. Snowfall totals can reach 50+ inches this month, making ski conditions absolutely prime in the mountains.

Adventure opportunities are boundless here in January, from kayaking on the icy waters of Lake Brienz in full dry suits to skiing, sledding, and snowboarding in the nearby Jungfrau region. 

You’ll find plenty of museums and galleries to get out of the chill, like Kunsthaus Interlaken with contemporary works and the ski and snow sport museum, Tourismuseum, with vintage equipment and bicycles that display the area’s past. 

Take cable cars and gondolas up the mountain to discover amazing views over this charming town and its surrounding alpine scenery. You’ll find great restaurants with cuisine from all over the world, a few bars and pubs, and Swiss chocolatiers to try on your trip!

Read Next: Best & Worst Times to Visit Switzerland & What a Trip to Switzerland Costs

7. Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visions of ornate temples and mosques, scenic palm-fringed beaches, lakes, and rivers surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, and vast tea and spice farms in the highlands make Sri Lanka amazing for a visit. In January, conditions are ideal. 

Colombo isn’t the true capital of the island of Sri Lanka, but it’s the cultural center and most popular place to visit with lots of attractions, history, food, and great scenery. You’ll take traditional tuk tuks or buses around the city to explore! 

January in Colombo is a great time to visit, being part of the short dry season with very few rainy days and warm temperatures that reach 81°F on average. 

Stroll the colonnade in the old Fort District to see historic architecture and landmarks like the Colombo National Museum, Sambodhi Chaithya Buddhist shrine, and Dutch Hospital shopping district to get to know this city.

You’ll want to try authentic Sri Lankan dishes with Indian flair at FLOW, Cantonese food at top-rated Shang Palace (the feature restaurant of the Shangri-La Colombo hotel), and the much-hyped lagoon crabs at Ministry of Crab. 

The Golden Mile of beaches (a short train ride away) in Mount Lavinia provide endless hours of sunshine and waterfront fun! Hang out at the waterfront Galle Face Green park and walk around town to check out unique shops and museums along the way. 

8. Los Angeles, California

Nestled on the sunny coast of Southern California, Los Angeles makes an ideal January destination with its warm, dry weather, wide range of attractions and trendy eateries, and outdoor recreation options just outside of the city. 

You’ll be far from winter’s icy grip in Los Angeles, where the highs hover around 68°F daily in January and there are only about 4 rainy days throughout the month to contend with. 

That leaves your trip wide-open for visiting Hollywood’s entertainment-themed attractions, like Warner Bros., Universal, and Paramount studio tours, celebrity home bus tours, and hotspots in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. 

You’ll be able to visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to find your favorite stars, visit top-tier museums and art galleries like The Getty, hear live music and comedy acts, and check out Griffith Observatory for sweeping views over the canyons and mountains. 

Explore downtown L.A. on an afternoon food tour to sample everything from Baja fish tacos and California rolls to fresh donuts and French pastries at Grand Central Market. The food truck scene in Los Angeles is insanely good. 

While it’s not quite warm enough to spend days lounging at the beach, January is a great time to hop on a rented bike and make your way from Santa Monica Pier to Venice Pier, taking in the coastal beauty and vendors you see along the way! 

Read Next: Where to Stay in Los Angeles in 2024 & Best Time to Go to Los Angeles

9. Holetown, Barbados

An island paradise in January is a cure for the winter blues like no other, and Barbados is one of the very best places to go if you’re up for tropical scenery, island vibes, and warm, sunny weather with highs around 84°F to start your new year off right. 

You can reach most of Barbados within a 45-minute drive, so where you stay isn’t all that important if you rent a car. If you’ll be walking for much of your trip, Holetown is ideal with hotels, restaurants, shops, and beaches concentrated in a small area. 

This family-friendly town of the western coast of the island has it all and offers an equal balance of relaxation and waterfront adventure. You can go snorkeling, dive, windsurf, go sailing, or charter a boat to fish in the depths. 

The western coast of Barbados features some of the island’s best swimming beaches, like Folkstone, Pebbles, and Brownes Beach along with bustling Carlisle Bay (home to the capital, Bridgetown). 

While you’re here in January, taste seasonal produce at the markets like dunks, oranges, grapefruits, gooseberries, and star apples. Don’t miss your chance to try the national dish, grilled flying fish with limes and cou cou (like polenta with okra)!

Read Next: The Best Places to Stay in Barbados & Average Barbados Trip Cost

10. Sydney, Australia

Where could be better to outrun wintry January weather than Australia, where January is summertime? Sydney, in particular, springs to life this month with festivals, beach days, museum and gallery visits, and a warm-weather buzz that’s contagious. 

Daily highs around 79°F with little rainfall make conditions perfect across Sydney’s beaches and harbour. This time of year is ideal to hang out on the famous crescent of Bondi Beach or Shelly Beach with amazing views of the ocean and Sydney skyline. 

Head to the Sydney Harbour to see some of the most iconic attractions in the city, like touring the Sydney Opera House, walking the Sydney Harbour Bridge with amazing views, and visiting the Taronga Zoo Sydney.

In January, the world-famous Sydney Festival takes place with over 130 free events like concerts, native culture exhibitions, circuses, comedy acts, art workshops, and food booths serving up culinary delights and cold drinks. 

It’s a great time to take a short boat or ferry ride over to the former-prison Cockatoo Island, forested Scotland Island, or explore Aboriginal culture on Clark Island just offshore.

Read Next: Where to Stay in Sydney & Is Sydney Safe to Visit?

11. Sámara, Costa Rica

Sámara is where you go in Costa Rica when you want a taste of authentic culture and lush, natural beauty wrapped in a warm, Costa Rican hug. This beach town is delightfully warm in January and busy with tourists, markets, and activities from swimming to hiking. 

You can expect warm to hot temperatures in January here between 80°F and 93°F. It’s the dry season in this region of Costa Rica and Sámara only sees about 0.1″ of rain this month, making way for nonstop adventures in the beautiful scenery. 

Playa Sámara and nearby Carrillo Beach is lively and vibrant this time of year, buzzing with families and travelers sunning and playing on the sand, swimming, and stopping by food carts that set up along the shore selling ice cream, fruit, sandwiches, and drinks. 

Outdoor lovers will embrace the range of options, from exploring tidal pools to hiking out to Riddle Falls. You can hike trails through the Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve (tropical dry forest) for shady glimpses of Costa Rican wildlife and nature. 

January is the perfect time to eat at local “sodas,” or open-air restaurants, like Soda La Perla that serve up fresh seafood, chilled fruits and drinks, and authentic Costa Rican dishes like casado (black beans, rice, meat, and plantains with a tortilla and veggies). 

Make sure to stop by the Saturday morning farmer’s market to grab some fresh produce and pastries! You’ll relish the chance to take a sunset tour on the water, enjoy a Costa Rican cocktail on the beach at Los Olas, and spot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in the surf.

Read Next: The Best Places to Visit in Cost Rica in 2024 & Average Trip to Costa Rica Cost

12. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is an Arabian fantasy land, filled with winding, narrow streets and alleys that meander past ancient mosques, palaces, markets, stately homes, and lush gardens. While summertime can be toasty here, January is perfect. 

As one of the least busy months to visit Marrakech, the milder month of January is ideal if you’re hoping to avoid crowds and save some money on your visit. Highs hover around 66°F (coldest of the year) with only 2-4 rainy days this month!

That creates ripe conditions for exploring the maze of the medieval-era medina, or Old Town, on foot. You’ll walk past vibrant marketplaces (souks) where craftsmen and sellers set up with leather and textile wares in unique booths. 

You can sightsee around the historic mosques, like the Koutoubia, Kasbah, and Ben Youssef mosques, then take in the colorful gardens around El Badi and Bahia palaces. 

Make time to check out the Dar Si Said Museum in an old palace to learn about Marrakech’s fascinating history through tiles, textiles, and woven carpets in traditional designs.

The Musée de Marrakech is housed in a former palace of ornate Moroccan design with artifacts and exhibits highlighting this historic city through centuries.

If you have the chance to book a stay at a traditional riad, or guesthouse, with a boutique hotel feel, grand courtyard, and top-notch guest service. Many offer rooftop or courtyard pools and amazing, authentic Moroccan meals! 

Read Next: Best Riads in Marrakech & Where to Stay in Marrakech: Best Places

13. Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Amboseli National Park sits near the border with Tanzania in southern Kenya and packs a big punch as a safari destination far from the beaten path amid Kenya’s best scenery and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s best visited in January for wildlife! 

There are ample opportunities to spot the Big Five (elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards), zebra, wildebeest, and giraffes on safari and enjoy dramatic views of Mount Kilimanjaro with swamps, plains, and lakes that add to the beauty of this wild and free zone. 

The weather in the park is on the warmer side with average temperatures around 71°F and highs near 82°F in January. It’s not as dry as the parched summer months, but receives about 1.5″ of rain on average this month. 

Lake Amboseli is a major feature of the park, bringing wildlife from its massive expanse to the water’s edge for a much-needed drink on warm January days. See it all from Observation Hill overlooking the park! 

Camp in decked-out huts, cottages, or safari lodges within the park to completely immerse yourself in the amazing views and abundant wildlife in Amboseli. The lodges provide meals buffet-style, a la carte options, or bush meals you can enjoy in the wild.

Read Next: Where to Stay in Kenya & What a Trip to Kenya Costs

14. Honolulu, Hawaii

When you’re itching for a tropical getaway and don’t want to bother with a passport, there’s no better January destination than Honolulu, Hawaii. The weather is near-perfect this month and you’ll find so much to get into on and off the shore! 

This paradisiacal island city is lush with colorful flowers, surrounded by volcanic, green-blanketed mountains and craters, and populated with a huge array of resorts and hotels that offer stunning views of the ocean and natural landscapes. 

Highs in Honolulu are usually around 81°F this month with some rain (about 6 rainy days) — just enough to keep the vegetation lush and flowers bursting into bloom. 

Whether you’re poking around Honolulu’s Kalakaua Avenue (the Main Street), grabbing a bite in Chinatown, or playing and lounging on some of the city’s famous beaches (like Waikiki and Sunset Beach), you’ll embrace Honolulu’s charm with open arms. 

Make your trip as relaxing or adventurous as you want! Hike down into the Diamond Head State Monument crater or up to the top for soaring views, make the short walk out to Waimea Falls, ride UTVs out at Kualoa Ranch, and snorkel at Hanauma Bay. 

Read Next: The Best Islands to Visit in Hawaii in 2024 & Is Honolulu Safe to Visit?

15. Cancún, Mexico

Situated on the Caribbean Sea in the Yucatán Peninsula, Cancún is a favorite beach vacation spot year-round. It makes sense that coming in January is the ultimate antidote to the winter doldrums! 

Cancún is all about waterfront fun and nightlife with pockets of rest and relaxation on its pristine shores. With highs around 82°F and very little rain until the wet season that starts in May, you’ll find it a little taste of paradise in January. 

I love Cancún (or the overall Riviera Maya/Costa Mujeres/Cancun area) so much that my wife and I try to get here in December or January of every year! It’s not too busy, the weather is perfect, and it breaks up the mid-winter lull of Nebraska.

Beach time is a given here, with a long, L-shaped strip of white, sandy beaches backed up to great resorts and hotels. Snorkel, scuba dive, lounge, charter a boat, kayak, ferry out to Isla Mujeres (30 minutes), or explore nearby Mayan ruins at Tulum (about 2 hours away). 

With a bustling downtown district (you’ve got to check out Parque Las Palapas) and tons of places to grab authentic Mexican fare and international favorites, you’ll love eating and drinking your way through a January trip to Cancún! 

By coming in January, you’ll be able to sidestep the much-maligned Cancún seaweed season that begins around February and lasts through October. 

Read Next: Where to Stay in Cancun in 2024 & Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun

Things to Consider

Before you start planning your January getaway, you’ve got a few things to sort out and consider first to plan the best possible trip. Here’s what you should keep in mind while you begin planning! 

• Cold, mild, or warm weather? It’ll help narrow things down nicely if you can decide whether you’re looking to head somewhere cold and snowy (for skiing, cabin getaways, etc.), somewhere mild and balmy (for outdoor adventures or city exploration), or somewhere warm and sunny (for beach trips and water-centric vacations). Once you know your target climate, you’ll be able to eliminate some destinations and focus in on the ones that suit your needs. 
• How do you feel about crowds? January is a low-key time to visit many destinations, but people flock to tropical places where the weather is warm year-round to avoid their own city’s dreary or cold winter weather. To avoid crowds, revisit our guide to see which places are less busy this month and steer clear of the most popular January destinations, like Honolulu or Sydney. 
• Do you have a passport? If you’re located in the U.S., you’ll need a passport to visit some of the places on this list, but not all! Places like Los Angeles and Honolulu are excellent to visit in January and won’t require a passport to get there. If you’re set on going abroad, go ahead and start the passport application process at least 10-13 weeks ahead of your planned trip dates. The earlier, the better! 
• What’s your budget? It’s not just weather, crowds, and passport requirements that dictate possible destinations for a January trip. You also have to think about your trip budget and how much you can realistically spend. Some of the best January spots are known to be expensive (ahem, Maldives) while others are amazingly affordable this time of year. Leave room in your budget for any flights/rental cars, accommodations, food, activities and attractions, and a little shopping. 

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got a list of the best places to visit in January to help you start planning, but taking a look at the FAQs will really help you start your trip off on the right note! 

So, What’s the Best Place to Visit in January?

From the faraway islands of the Maldives all the way to the sugar-sand shores of Cancún, Mexico and snowy spots like Tromsø, Norway and Interlaken, Switzerland in between, there are so many great places to visit during the month of January! 

With all your travel goals and needs in mind, you’ll be able to carefully narrow this list of the 15 best places to visit in January down to a single, amazing locale that will be perfectly suited for the trip you’ve got in mind. 

Whether that’s lounging on the beach with a cocktail far from the threat of snow and ice or carving your way down alpine ski runs beneath the dancing Northern Lights, you’ll treasure your chance to escape the January doldrums and find your own adventure.