10 Best Places to Visit in January
Overview
In this article
Top 10 Countries to Visit in January
January is a time for new beginnings and resolutions, making it the perfect month to enjoy new adventures and experiences. In January, the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter, while the Southern Hemisphere enjoys summer weather conditions, so where you want to travel depends on whether you prefer winter weather or want to escape it. Here are our top picks for the best countries to visit in January, including the weather, where to go, and what to do in each spot.
See also:
1. South Africa
Why we picked it:
- The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
- Hot, dry weather
- Beach and safari season
Climate range: 25°C to 30°C (Cape Town & Johannesburg)
January is the height of summer in South Africa, and the weather makes for an excellent time to explore the country’s outdoor attractions. Warm, sunny days are perfect for relaxing on the beach, wildlife safaris, and sightseeing. While the Western Cape basks in dry, sunny weather perfect for beach outings, hiking, and vineyard tours, the northeastern regions see warm days with occasional spectacular thunderstorms generally followed by clear skies.
South Africa in January also topped our list for the wide range of experiences this diverse country offers. From hiking up Table Mountain and tasting world-class wines in Stellenbosch to seeing the Big Five on safari in Kruger National Park, there are incredible experiences to be enjoyed in January!
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in South Africa in January
| Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How long to spend here |
| Cape Town |
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| The Garden Route |
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| Kruger National Park |
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See also:
2. Costa Rica
Why we picked it:
- Fiestas de Palmares
- Warm and dry weather
- Hiking season
Climate range: 21°C to 27°C (San Jose), 26°C to 32°C (Liberia), 25°C to 30°C (Puerto Limon)
Sunshine, natural beauty, and family-friendly adventures await in Costa Rica in January. This month is the dry season—warm, sunny, and dry—making it ideal for outdoor adventures such as hiking, zip-lining, and wildlife spotting in the country's numerous national parks. Lovely weather and plenty of outdoor fun make it one of the best places to visit in January with family.
January is also when the Fiestas de Palmares, one of Costa Rica's largest and most popular festivals, is held. For two weeks, Palmares comes alive with parades, concerts, rodeos, fairgrounds, and fireworks.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Costa Rica in January
| Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How long to spend here |
| Manuel Antonio |
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| Arenal |
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| Monteverde |
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3. Thailand
Why we picked it:
- Epic New Year parties and festivals
- Perfect weather
- Potential for island-hopping
Climate range: 21°C to 32°C (Bangkok), 14°C to 28°C (Chiang Mai), 23°C to 31°C (Phuket)
What better place to escape the winter blues than the Land of Smiles? Thailand has so much to offer, from bustling Bangkok and the buzzing nightlife of Phuket to idyllic island oases like Koh Samui, Koh Samet, and Koh Pha Ngan.
January is one of the best times to visit Thailand, and the weather is beautiful. Warm, sunny days make it ideal for exploring cultural and natural attractions. Nights are ripe for New Year parties or full-moon festivals. January also hosts the vibrant Bo Sang Umbrella Festival in Chiang Mai, showcasing traditional handicrafts and local culture.
With lovely weather, plenty of culture, and loads of activities, this sunny Southeast Asian gem is one of the best holiday destinations to visit in January. Despite being peak season, it’s still super affordable.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Thailand in January
| Destination | Major Attractions | Things to do | How long to spend here |
| Bangkok |
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| Chiang Mai |
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| West Coast Islands |
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4. Argentina
Why we picked it:
- Warm weather
- Great festivals
- Peak season for exploring Patagonia
- Hiking in the El Chalten mountain region
Climate range: 21°C to30°C (Buenos Aires), 18°C to31°C (Cordoba), 19°C to 33°C (Mendoza)
It's summer in the Southern Hemisphere, so January is a fantastic time to visit Argentina. The country is flooded with tourists as the weather is in its prime. The long daylight hours of summer are perfect for trekking in Patagonia and El Chalten, exploring the Andes, and enjoying beach activities along the Atlantic coast. In regions like Mendoza, January is a prime time for vineyard tours and wine tastings as the preparations for the grape harvest festival begin. It is also the start of the much-awaited annual Gualeguaychu Carnival. Held every Saturday in January through February, this carnival is all about extravagance, fancy parades, ande elaborate feasts. The most popular festival in Argentina, the Cosquin Folk Festival, also falls during the month.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Argentina in January
| Destination | Major Attractions | Things to do | How long to spend here |
| Buenos Aires |
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| El Calafate |
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| Mendoza |
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5. Vietnam
Why we picked it:
- Tet Festival celebrations
- Seasonal blooms at the Dalat Flower Festival
- Ideal weather for walking tours and beaches
Climate range: 15°C to 20°C (Hanoi), 19°C to 24°C (Da Nang), 25°C to 30°C (Ho Chi Minh City)
Boasting striking landscapes, dynamic cities, fascinating culture, and some of the world’s best cuisine, Vietnam is one of the best places to visit in January to kick off the new year. Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebration, the Tet Festival, also falls in January, which is reason enough to visit! Local festivities abound with traditional customs and special foods as Vietnamese families honor their ancestors and welcome the New Year.
January is the dry season in most of the country, with pleasant climes and little rain. Temperatures are cooler in the north, and if you’re trekking in the Highlands, nights can get quite chilly. Central and south Vietnam are lovely; a perfect time to visit the historical sites of Hue and Da Nang and Hoi An beaches.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Vietnam in January
| Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How long to spend here |
| Hanoi |
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| Hoi An |
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| Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) |
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6. Sri Lanka
Why we picked it:
- Dry and warm weather in the best sites
- Excellent beach season
- Thai Pongal Festival
Climate range: 28°C to 31°C (Colombo), 20°C to 26°C (Kandy), 27°C to 30°C (Galle)
Exotic and alluring, Sri Lanka has been seducing travelers for centuries, and January is an excellent time to be seduced! From exploring the lush tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya or climbing Adam’s Peak to joining in the festivities of the Thai Pongal Festival, January calls for getting out and about! It is also prime season for hitting the beaches of Bentota, Tangalle, and Weligama.
January is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka, as it falls within the dry season for most parts of the country. Expect plenty of sunshine with very little rain – although you might get an odd shower along the east coast.
With lovely weather, plenty of culture, and loads of activities, this sunny Indian Ocean Island is one of the best holiday destinations to visit in January.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Sri Lanka in January
| Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How long to spend here |
| Nuwara Eliya |
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| Galle |
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| Kandy |
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7. Switzerland
Why we picked it:
- The World Snow Festival and the International Hot Air Balloon Festival
- Fabulous skiing
- Winter hiking
Climate range: -2°C to 5°C (Zurich), 0°C to 5°C (Geneva), -1°C to 4°C (Bern)
Switzerland in January is a powder hound’s heaven with some of the world’s best ski slopes at their best! It’s the heart of the ski season, and resorts like Verbier, Zermatt, and St Moritz are heaving. Blanketed in snow, alpine landscapes are breathtaking and Christmas markets are often still running in early January, creating a festive atmosphere.
January is one of the snowiest months in Switzerland, creating perfect conditions for winter sports. Temperatures are cold, so pack your thermals and take an umbrella if you plan on exploring the cities.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Switzerland in January
| Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How long to spend here |
| Zermatt |
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| Lucerne |
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| St. Moritz |
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8. Mexico
Why we picked it:
- Warm dry weather
- Affordable beach holidays
- Wildlife-based experiences (monarch butterflies and grey whales)
Climate range: 6°C to 22°C (Mexico City), 20°C to 28°C (Cancun), 16°C to 29°C (Puerto Vallarta)
Mexico conjures images of ancient Aztec ruins, palm-fringed beaches, sprawling cities, fabulous festivals, and mouth-watering cuisine, and the reality is even better. From ancient Mayan temples and towering pyramids to the mountain cloud forests of Oaxaca, this vibrant country has something for everyone in January.
January is one of the best months to explore Mexico as you’ll have plenty of sunshine, balmy temperatures, and not a drop of rain in sight. Whether you want to relax on the beautiful beaches of Cancun, check out a monarch butterfly migration sanctuary, discover coastal towns like Puerto Vallarta, or explore archaeological sites in Oaxaca, Mexico is one of the best and cheapest countries to visit in January.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Mexico in January
| Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How long to spend here |
| Cancun and the Riviera Maya |
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| Mexico City |
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| Playa del Carmen |
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9. Australia
Why we picked it:
- Outdoor adventures
- Rainbow Spirit Festival
- Beach holidays
Climate range: 20°C to 26°C (Sydney), 14°C to 25°C (Melbourne), 21°C to 30°C (Brisbane)
Australia in January offers travelers the perfect combination of warm weather, outdoor adventures, beach holidays, and cultural experiences. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef to the rugged Outback and picture-postcard beaches, Australia is great for exploring in January, when the country is laid-back and on school holidays.
January falls into the Southern Hemisphere's summer season, offering warm temperatures and ample sunshine across much of the country. It’s generally hot and dry in the southern and central regions. However, tropical areas in the north, such as Queensland and the Northern Territory, might have the odd rain shower or thunderstorm.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Australia in January
| Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How long to spend here |
| Sydney, New South Wales |
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| Great Barrier Reef, Queensland |
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| Melbourne, Victoria |
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10. Tanzania
Why we picked it:
- Climbing season
- Wildebeest calving season
- Low season rates
Climate range: 24°C to 32°C (Dar es Salaam), 17°C to 28°C (Arusha), 24°C to 32°C (Zanzibar City)
The big five, great rates, and beautiful beaches–Tanzania is bliss in January! The dry season is in full swing, and this is a great time for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru and balloon safaris in the Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks.
January is part of the dry season with minimal rainfall across most of the country. Coastal areas like Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam may have the odd afternoon shower, but they are short and sweet and won’t disrupt travel plans.
It’s a good month to visit the popular northern national parks without the crowds of the peak season and to see an extraordinary natural wonder occur—the wildebeest calving season!
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Tanzania in January
| Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How long to spend here |
| Serengeti National Park |
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| Ngorongoro Conservation Area |
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| Zanzibar |
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From the tropical beaches of Costa Rica and the wildlife-rich savannas of Tanzania to the vibrant cultural celebrations in Vietnam and the scenic winter landscapes of Switzerland, January offers a world of adventures and experiences! Whether you're chasing the powder on the Swiss slopes, exploring ancient tea plantations in Sri Lanka, or diving into the festive spirit of Cape Town, these top 10 places to visit in January promise unforgettable adventures and memories.
Written by
Mia is a freelance travel writer with a passion for adventure, wildlife, and water (not necessarily in that order). She has traveled the globe to follow her dreams, fight for the environment, and swim in some of the world’s most beautiful places. When she isn't travelling around the world, she coaches swimming and teaches English to foreign language students.
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