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Is travel top of your New Year bucket list? You’re in luck as KAYAK knows all the best places to visit in January. The first month of the year is one of the best times to travel. As well as helping you beat the January blues, January holidays are often cheaper. A win, win.
Budget on your mind? Skip to KAYAK’s top data-backed picks based on popularity, flight, and hotel prices.
Where to go in January: long-haul
Craving some Southern Hemisphere sunshine? Or maybe you’re just keen for a complete change of scenery from Europe? Here are the best places to go in January that are 7+ hours away by plane.
1. Tulum, Mexico
- Learn more: Best places to visit in Mexico
- Why visit in January: dry weather and fewer crowds
Need some R&R? Tulum is one of the best places to visit in January to reset. Unwind at one of the city’s yoga and wellness retreats or visit Playa Paraiso or the Kaan Luum Lagoon.
For some culture, visit the ancient Mayan ruins or the Punta Laguna Reserve for a guided tour of a spider monkey reserve. If you’re not up for jungle exploration, the area is a great spot for dolphin and whale watching. Don’t miss the local cuisine of Tulum, I’d recommend Tacos al Pastor and Yucatan Antojitos.
If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in January for warmer weather, fascinating local culture and plenty to do, Tulum has you covered.
2. Los Angeles, USA
- Learn more: Best places to visit in America
- Why visit in January: cooler climes for hiking the Hollywood hills
Visiting Los Angeles in winter, when temperatures average 20°C, is a no-brainer. If you don’t fancy living it up in Beverly Hills or dining at the iconic Spagau on the Sunset Strip, you can always idle your days away on the beaches of Venice, Malibu or Santa Monica.
January is also a great time to try the city’s hiking trails. The Charlie Turner Trail in Griffith Park is a great hike that provides scenic views of the city and a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign. The less adventurous might fancy star gazing at the Griffith Observatory. Or how about a trip around the iconic lot at Warner Bros studios to relive the history of Tinseltown? Plenty of great road trips are possible from here too.
3. Phuket, Thailand
- Why visit in January: dry weather perfect for exploring
One of the oldest cities in Thailand, Phuket has a lively city centre and stunning views of the surrounding islands and sea. In January, Phuket is warm and dry with temperatures averaging around 27°C, so expect plenty of sunshine.
With such fantastic weather, outdoor adventures are a must. Hike up to Kata Viewpoint for incredible views of the Andaman Sea or spend the day wandering around Phuket’s Old Town.
The city also has some excellent markets, including the massive Naka Market and Chillva Market, which are both open in the evenings. Try the local fish dish Gaang sôm blah, for a taste of what’s caught locally, or O-Tao, a traditional fried seafood dish that usually contains oysters and has been enjoyed by locals for thousands of years. Visiting Phuket is a great way to start 2025.
4. Malé, The Maldives
- Why visit in January: enjoy paradise without the crowds
Get away from the cold and head out to the sunny islands of the Maldives, where temperatures average around 27ºC. In general, The Maldives and Malé are all about relaxation. Try a new activity such as snorkelling, jet skiing or a cooking class. Not your thing? Simply enjoy the incredible views.
But you don’t have to spend all your time in Malé at the beach or in the water. Visit local markets in the morning or spend the day island hopping. For a taste of the city’s history, visit the Old Friday Mosque (also known as Hukuru Miskiy) which dates back to 1658 or the National Museum which has artefacts dating back to the 12th century.
Visiting Malé is a great option for those looking for the best countries in January for warmer weather. The Maldives might certainly have a reputation as a luxury destination but going in January is a smart strategy. You’ll avoid the busiest parts of the tourist season, maybe get a great deal and enjoy excellent weather.
5. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
- Why visit in January: to witness the wildebeest calving season
Searching for the best holidays in January for animal lovers? In the first few months of the year, thousands of wildebeest gather in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. January is calving season, so you can expect to see young wildebeest taking their first steps into the world.
January is also an excellent time of year for bird watching in Ngorongoro and you might also spot gazelles, zebras and more on your safari trip. The days are warm, averaging around 28°C, and you’ll usually get about 10 hours of daylight. If you aren’t as keen to get up close and personal with the local wildlife, take the time to explore the area’s natural features. The Ngorongoro crater is one of the oldest volcanic formations in Africa and has incredible geological features.
Then for something different, visit the nearby city of Arusha. Africa is easily one of the best places to visit in January for any adventure but a trip to Ngorongoro offers so much in terms of exploration.
6. Hill Country, Sri Lanka
- Why visit in January: great weather for hiking
Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. The rolling hills and mountains are a spectacular sight, best enjoyed either by hiking or on the iconic railway that snakes its way through the heights of Hill Country.
Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka and an ideal start or ending point for a trip around the country. January temperatures average around 27°C and offer ideal conditions for hiking. When you hop off the train, you can immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture at the temples, museums, and giant Buddhas that can be found throughout Hill Country. Hike up Little Adam’s peak on the way from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.
You can zig-zag your way through Hill Country by train or on foot visiting many incredible sites, such as Uduwale National Park (and it’s a beautiful herd of elephants). There’s also Buduruwagala or you could leave the heights of Hill Country and head for the coastline. Top tip: relaxing on Mount Lavina Beach is a great way to end your trip.
In terms of food, dishes like Kiribath, Lamprais, and Kottu should all be on your list. With its incredible mix of stunning landscapes, culture and of course, agreeable weather, Sri Lanka‘s Hill Country is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in January.
7. Montreal, Canada
- Learn more: Guide to winter in Canada
- Why visit in January: frosty scenery and wintery activities
Montreal looks like something out of a fairy tale in winter, with pristine snow-capped houses from its colonial past and the frosted trees of the beautiful Mount Royal Park. The city is an incredible winter destination with a fascinating history, all of which you can enjoy whilst strolling through the beautiful snow-lined streets. Mount Royal is the best place in Montreal for fun winter activities. Think ice skating on Beaver Lake or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
The average temperature ranges from -4°C to -12°C during January. If you can’t stick it out above ground, then head down to the Underground City for some light shopping in this impressive shopping centre. Be sure to also check out the Notre Dame of Montreal, a strikingly faithful replica of the one in Paris, as well as the more contemporary Biosphere.
Best places to visit in January in Europe
Winter is one of the best times of the year to soak up amazing scenery in Europe. If you don’t fancy a long flight, check out one of these January holiday destinations instead.
8. Val d’Isere, France
- Learn more: Ski holidays for beginners in Europe
- Why visit in January: skiing with fewer crowds
If you’re looking for snow It’s hard to beat France and its magnificent alpine resorts like Val D’isere. As one of the highest ski resorts in France (the village is between 1600-1800m), snow is almost guaranteed. As part of the Espace Killy, which connects with the neighbouring resort of Tignes, it’s consistently ranked as one of the best ski areas in the world.
Of course, this also makes it one of the most popular and more expensive ski areas to visit. January though is a much quieter month, so you can expect cheaper flights and accommodation. Don’t expect total quiet though. After a day of skiing, you can party at iconic Apres Ski venues like La Folie Douce and Cocorico or famous nightclubs like Dick’s Tea Bar and Doudoune Club.
To get there, take a transfer from Geneva or Lyon or you can try a direct flight from London to Chambery Airport. (The only catch is flights are only able to land if the weather is good.)
Additionally, the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice at the bottom of the mountain has a Eurostar terminal for direct trains from London on the weekend. It also has fast connections to Paris on the TGV, making travel by rail a great option for those who are trying to reduce their air miles in 2025.
9. Kiruna, Sweden
- Learn more: Where and when to see the Northern Lights
- Why visit in January: to see the Northern Lights
If you’re looking for a picture-perfect winter wonderland, look no further than Kiruna, in the north of Sweden. Each January Kiruna hosts the Kiruna Snow Festival, and this year it’s they celebrate 40 years of celebrations.
For the anniversary there will be a host of events including ice skating, sleigh rides, folk parties and singalongs. There will also be special ice sculptures and unique competitions. January is also a fantastic time to experience the Northern Lights in the region.
Whilst Kiruna does have an airport, the best way to arrive is by train. If you time it right, you can see both sunrise and sunset over the stunning snowy landscape of Sweden as you journey through the northernmost part of the country in its most scenic season.
10. Lake Bled, Slovenia
- Learn more: Best ski resorts in Europe for all budgets
- Why visit in January: an affordable ski trip
If you’re looking for another spot for some winter fun in Europe, say hello to Slovenia. Sandwiched between Italy and Croatia, this country boasts some truly breathtaking scenery, including the magical Lake Bled.
While many choose to visit in the summer, Lake Bled is actually one of the best places to visit in January for an affordable ski holiday. It’s surrounded by the magnificent Julian Alps and is within easy driving distance of several major Slovenian ski resorts, including Vogel and Kranjska Gora.
Prefer a calmer activity? Stick to staying on the shores of Lake Bled itself. It’s a real-life winter wonderland by January, with photogenic scenery everywhere you look. As it’s outside of the peak tourist season, you can look forward to walking around the lake and the charming town of Bled in peace.
Best places to travel in January on a budget
Fancy a January holiday but running low on funds after the Christmas period? Never fear – there are plenty of places to travel to on a shoestring budget.
11. Agadir, Morocco
- Learn more: Where’s hot in January
- Why visit in January: for cheap winter sun
For a coastal escape not too far from home, put Agadir on your agenda. The resort is one of the best places to visit in January for those after some sunshine. While you won’t find a huge amount of history here – most of the city was destroyed in an earthquake in the 1960s – there’s plenty of opportunities for relaxation.
Stroll along Agadir’s sweeping beach promenade before parking yourself for the day on the soft, golden sand. The city’s swish marina is ideal for alfresco meals with ocean vistas. Or why not venture into leafy Jardin Ibn Zaidoun for a picnic beneath the palms? You can even spend the night camping under the stars in the nearby desert if you’ve always wanted to tick that off your bucket list.
When it comes to price, KAYAK data suggests average flight prices from the UK to Agadir sit at around £85 while you can get a hotel for under £40 a night. Perfect for some January sun on a budget.
12. Edinburgh, Scotland
- Learn more: 10 free things to do in Edinburgh
- Why visit in January: quiet streets and brilliant hotel deals
When it comes to places to visit in January in the UK, Edinburgh is always a great shout. January happens to be one of the cheapest months to visit for a weekend break, with hotels averaging £96, and if you choose to fly you can expect cheap flights around £82. Just make sure to avoid Hogmanay celebrations at the start of the month.
There’s no shortage of things to do in the Scottish capital. Checking out the historic Royal Mile – including Edinburgh Castle – is a must. You could also swot up on your medical history at the fascinating Surgeons’ Hall Museum or admire incredible art for free at the Scottish National Gallery. Speaking of free museums, some of the other’s worth checking out include The Writer’s Museum and the Museum on the Mound.
After other activities that are totally free? Definitely hike up Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill for epic views of the city (just wrap up warm first). It’s also worth checking out Dean Village – one of the city’s prettiest suburbs that’s full of charming old mill houses.
Data-backed picks from KAYAK
If seasonal events aren’t on your wishlist, why not consider one of the destinations below? These destinations are based on KAYAK flight and hotel data, taking into account budget, weather, and popularity (so you can avoid the crowds). For personalised recommendations based on your location and chosen destination check out the Best Time to Travel tool.
January holiday FAQs
There are loads of cities worth adding to your January holidays agenda. Why not check out Montreal for elegant, snowy streets and fun winter activities? Or book a cheap city break to Edinburgh for awesome architecture and oodles of history.
For a touch of romance in between New Year and Valentine's Day, consider a wintery escape to Sweden to glimpse the Northern Lights. Sri Lanka's stunning scenery is also a wonderful backdrop for a couples' adventure. Or go for total relaxation in the effortlessly dreamy Maldives.
Plenty of countries are blanketed in snow in January - especially in Europe. Check out the French Alps for snow-capped peaks and epic skiing. You could also venture to Slovenia to see picture-perfect Lake Bled enveloped by frosty scenery.
Other options for where to go this year
The following information refers to the destinations listed in the table.
Recommendation ranking within table:
Our recommendation ranking of where to go is calculated based on average flight prices, average hotel prices, popularity, average temperature, and average precipitation. Flight prices, hotel prices, popularity, and precipitation constitute inverse factors, meaning the lower the better. Average temperature optimal values are taken as the median for the destination, and a difference is calculated for the month from this reference point. The smaller the difference, the more desirable the city is to visit in this month. This temperature factor weighs twice as much as popularity and precipitation.
From the ranked destination lists, destination exclusions may have been applied in cases of insufficient data or according to the official travel advisory at the time when the data analysis was conducted.
Flight and hotel prices:
Average prices are estimated from KAYAK internal data from the search period ‘01-07-2024’ to ‘15-11-2024’ for the travel period ‘01-01-2025 - 28-02-2025'. Flight prices include economy class return trips for one traveller, and hotel prices represent the nightly rates for a standard double room for hotels with three stars or below. Price insights may vary depending on the exact departure airport and over time as travel dates are approaching.
Popularity:
Monthly crowd estimates for each destination are determined by internal flight and hotel search data. This incorporates the latest historical insights from the past year collected on ‘15-01-2024’. For each destination, this popularity estimate is pulled for the particular month to gauge where it might not be too crowded.
Weather (average monthly temperature and precipitation):
Weather data is pulled from a third-party site, Weatherbase, and has not been verified by KAYAK. Monthly average temperature and precipitation data isbased on historical insights from the past 102 years. Weatherbase data is updated in real-time from the US Census Bureau and other databases worldwide.
The post New year, new travel plans: the 12 best places to visit in January appeared first on KAYAK Blog UK.
