Best Places To Travel in January
January is a reticent month for traveling. But this does not mean that the party is all over. Traveling in January has perks that are not imaginable in December when a majority of the citizens are out on a holiday. Traveling in January means cheap flights, unbelievably great deals on accommodation, and minimal crowds at some of the remarkable destinations across the globe. If you are trying to beat the numbing winter chills, you have plenty of options to escape to pristine beaches with sun, sea and sand in abundance. Alternatively, January offers ample of opportunity to take in the beauty of snow capped mountains and indulge in outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, et al.
Here is the list of 20 best places to visit in January.
| Quick Navigation |
| 1. Bali, Indonesia |
| 2. Miami, Florida |
| 3. Hokkaido, Japan |
| 4. Costa Rica |
| 5. Taos, New Mexico |
| 6. Kerala, India |
| 7. Palm Springs, California |
| 8. Nicaragua |
| 9. Dominican Republic |
| 10. Adelaide, Australia |
| 11. San Antonio, Texas |
| 12. Jaipur, India |
| 13. Park City, Utah |
| 14. Guadalajara, Mexico |
| 15. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada |
| 16. Byron Bay, Australia |
| 17. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire |
| 18. Manchester, Vermont |
| 19. Belize |
| 20. New Zealand |
1. Bali, Indonesia
There is a lot more to Bali other than just its turquoise water and gorgeous sandy beaches. Bali enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year, keeping it warm and beautiful. January, though is a wet season, has plenty to explore. One can typically do almost everything through this month – surfing, diving, spas and enjoy the beaches. The dense jungles filled with monkeys and stone temples make for a great exploration. The summit of Mount Batur is perfect for that hiking trip, and you are rewarded with a stunning view from the top. Though it rains in January, the showers do not last for more than a couple of hours, providing ample amount of sunshine.
2. Miami, Florida
Maimi is an ideal location to get away from stinging cold of north in January. With a bounty of sun and sea, Miami sizzles all around the year with great adventure sports, entertaining events, attractions, delectable food and unstoppable nightlife. The city boasts of cool and dry climate, making it a pleasant weather with amply warm temperatures. Soak yourselves at celeb-spotted South Beach, taking in the sun, reading a book and sipping on to margaritas. Head on to Art Deco District as it celebrates Art Deco Weekend in January, exhibiting Miami’s exclusive architecture, art, history and culture. The three day festival allows you to explore vintage photography, art, and tune in with live musicians. If art isn’t your thing, set out on a cruise as the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’ celebrates January as Miami Cruise Month, offering amazing deals.
3. Hokkaido, Japan
Hokkaido in January is all things white. The powdery snow slopes of Niseko make it a perfect spot for skiing. Finish off the long day on the slopes by soaking in the Onsen (hot springs), just as the Japanese do. There are several hot spring resorts across Hokkaiso, from Noboribetsu to Daisetsuzan National Park. The town of Sounkyo holds Ice Waterfall Festival every year, starting January. For a relaxed day, visit the infamous Sapporo Beer Museum at the capital city of Hokkaido. Also, don't forget to take a day trip to Otaru, a small harbor city, which has aesthetically preserved canal area and intriguing herring mansions.
4. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is best visited in January, the driest month of the year and undoubtedly the peak season. Offering relief from the spine numbing cold, this tiny country in Central America has lots of sunshine along with serene waters, hidden waterfalls, misty cloud forests, majestic volcanoes and deserted beaches. The thrill seekers can go for rainforest hikes, high altitude trails, white-water rafting, zip-lining, and surfing. Get a glimpse of seething volcanoes, crater lakes and lush rainforests at the national parks. There are also various traditional festivals – Fiesta de Palmares (a state fair where people come dressed as cowboys for rodeos and bull fighting), Santa Cruz Fiestas (paying homage to Black Christ of Esquipulas with folk music and dance), Copa de café (annual international event hosting best under-18 tennis players of the world) – in January from which one can learn a lot about the customs and traditions followed here.
5. Taos, New Mexico
Taos is a confluence of contrasting cultures and varied perspectives. This magical city is known for its majestic mountains, raw beauty, wild Rio Grande River and influences of various cultures, Spanish, Native American and Anglo, which has drawn artists from all over the world. The Native American culture can be experienced in Taos Pueblo where the ‘Tiwa’ tribe practiced their traditions for hundreds of years. The business district showcases the Anglo influence, which is buzzing with art galleries, museums, and the best of the restaurants in New Mexico. January draws a lot of crowd to Taos for skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and snowboarding.
6. Kerala, India
7. Palm Springs, California
With more than 350 days of sunshine a year, Palm Springs boasts of clear blue skies, beautiful warm, sunny and dry weather with low humidity, making it one of the most famous locales to visit in January. Some fantastic outdoor activities that Palm Springs boasts of are amazing hiking trails, sublime mountains, nature walks and world renowned golf courses. This desert town is also a favorite destination for celebrity getaway. Come January, the town hosts Palm Springs International Film Festival, where you can walk in with the Hollywood stars to see the magic of cinema’s best. The Annual Trail Ride that again happens in January sees people participating in special two-hour trail ride through Indian Canyons. And the Southwest Arts Festival is a four day celebration of art and craft such as pottery, glass bowling and painting exhibited by more than 200 famous artists from all over the world.
8. Nicaragua
Nicaragua enjoys tropical climate throughout the year. January is a cool season; however, warm enough to revel in the beauty of this mystic country with most of the places enjoying dry and sunny days. January is an ideal month to explore Granada, gazing at Spanish style colonial buildings, painted a myriad of shades. Surf at San Juan del Sur, one of the most popular beaches amongst backpackers and surfers, and also a hit for partying. And if your idea of holiday is to sit by beach and soak up the sun, head to Corn islands, off the Caribbean coast, to snorkel, fish, scuba dive and get that sun tan.
9. Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic is one of the quite diverse countries in the Caribbean, thanks to its large enough size. The inland area boasts of lush green mountain tops, mangrove lagoons and stunning waterfalls, while the coast line is full of myriad beaches. The northern town of Puerto Plata is known for its famous rum factories, the old quarter and you can reach up to Mount Isabel del Torres through the cable bar. Punta Cana, also called Coconut Coast is home to world class beaches, secluded islands and historical towns. January is a good time to visit northern Dominican Republic as it is a dry season then. It is also the breeding season of the humpback whales, so head to Bahia de Samana to see these giant mammals.
10. Adelaide, Australia
With hills on one side and the ocean on the other, this enchanting city is often referred to the capital of South Australia. Adelaide has undergone rapid transformation in the recent past, with its wine and food culture, bar scene, world class festivals and amazing outdoor activities. January sees the city hosting World Tennis Challenge with the tremendous flow of tennis players and fans alike. Take an art tour at the South Australian Museum, Art Gallery of South Australia and The University of Adelaide, go shopping at Rundle Street, relax at the gorgeous ocean beaches filled with wooden piers, beachside cafes and pubs, or have a tete-a-tete with more than 1800 animals like kangaroos, koalas and other species at the Adelaide Zoo.
11. San Antonio, Texas
Even though January is the coldest time of the year, San Antonio has comfortable weather with warm temperatures during the day. The rain showers are seldom and do not last more than a couple of hours, giving enough sunshine through the day. With low season, there is less crowd and hotel rates are lower. Boasting old world charm blended with hustle of contemporary city, San Antonio has history deep rooted in it while going the modern way hand in hand. The city makes for a great family holiday – with exhilarating as well as educational entertainment. Home to several theme parks like SeaWorld, Six Flags Fiesta and Hemis Fair Urban Park, there is something for everyone. And a walk down the River Walk, a 3 mile long path along the San Antonio River, is a must as the place bustles with several attractions.
12. Jaipur, India
In Jaipur, the winter season is at its prime in January making it an ideal time for tourists to explore the royal city beaming with its palaces and shop local handicraft and souvenirs. While the afternoons are comfortably pleasant, the temperature drops drastically at night in this desert city. in January, the Pink City hosts Jaipur Literature Festival. The world’s largest free literature festival has been a success since its launch in 2006 with eminent personalities such as Steve McCurry, Margaret Atwood and Stephen Fry being the guests over years. The historic Diggi Palace Hotel serves as the prime venue of the festival.
13. Park City, Utah
Photo by Michelle_Raponi at Pixabay
With thick snow covering the mountains and everything else you lay your eyes on, January is the best month to explore America’s largest ski destination. Once a mining village, Park City maintains its vintage charm of boutiques, the ski-in/ski-out distilleries, while including the perks of modernity at the same time. The restaurant and bar culture is outstanding so you can relish world class cuisine. Great resorts with amenities ranging from spas and health clubs will make your trip worthwhile. Open air concerts, events and festivals make Utah a must go for every genre. January also brings a 10-day Sundance Film Festival to Park City to celebrate the world's independent filmmakers.
14. Guadalajara, Mexico
The city of Guadalajara is brimming with culture and antique charm. The city’s historic centre along with its neighbor Zapopan is home to many attractions such as churches, parks, museums. Guadalajara’s architectural marvel, Instituto Cultutral de Cabanas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site having José Clemente Orozco’s murals and other inspiring artwork. Traversia Cuatro gallery and Casa Fayette hotel also exhibit impressive work of art. Nearby town of Tequila is the birthplace of the liquor with the same name, renowned all over the world. The scenic natural park, La Barranca de Huentitan is a treat for nature lovers. January is a good time to visit the city to take a break from torturous winter chills up north.
15. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
A true winter wonderland, Whistler is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders especially in January when there is heaps of powder. This pedestrian only village has picturesque landscape, and beautiful mountain culture that makes it a perfect place to rejuvenate. Besides skiing and snowboarding, there are plethora of winter activities one can enjoy - ice skating, ice climbing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice hockey, to name a few. Whistler is a family friendly destination with great restaurants, backcountry adventures, special holiday events and festivals and an amazing art culture with the Audain Art Museum showcasing fabulous works.
16. Byron Bay, Australia
This beautiful tropical town overlooking Pacific Ocean has beaches surrounded by sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, rays and whales. January is summer time, hence the busiest time of the year with people flocking to this surf town from all around the planet. The ocean water is warm to take a dip and perfect for lazy days on the beach. Adventure seekers can go kayaking with whales and dolphins, do snorkeling or try hang-gliding and skydiving. Walking up to the famous Cape Byron lighthouse is another activity visitors love to include in their itinerary. Byron Bay is highly influenced by its bohemian past boasting of hippie culture, where sarongs and dreadlocks are still common. At the same time it is cosmopolitan and diverse with great restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping boutiques and galleries, giving you a lot to explore in this coastal paradise.
17. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
With 464 acres of skiing area across 62 trials, and 35 glades over three terrain parks, Bretton Woods has New Hampshire’s largest ski area making it a Zion for the skiers. With plenty of powder in January, it is also one of the very few ski resorts that offers night skiing, so that one can indulge in their favorite pastime whenever they want. Kids to adults, tourists of all age groups can enjoy winter activities such as ice skating, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, tubing and a lot more. The winter carnival in Bretton Woods spread over three days in January is a complete package that includes indoor and outdoor activities for kids and adults alike.
18. Manchester, Vermont
Come January, Manchester is blanketed by powdery snow making it a sight to behold. With world class ski resorts such as Bromley, Stratton and Magic Mountain, there couldn’t be a better way to enjoy the day than hitting the slopes. After a long, tiring day full of activity, nestle up by the fireplace, reading your favorite book and sipping the wine. Whether you are an adventure seeker or looking for a quiet escapade, Manchester is the place for you. There are world class heritage sites, marvelous museums and galleries, award winning cultural venues and an array of activities, ascertaining there is something for everyone.
19. Belize
Belize is a perfect getaway for January to escape the winter chills of the north. This tropical paradise overlooking the Caribbean is exploding with dewy mountains, lush rainforests and golden sandy beaches. The days here are sunny and warm while the nights are cool and refreshing, making it an ideal holiday destination. The atmosphere is unhurried and easygoing, with plethora of wide open spaces, amazing restaurants serving local cuisine with karaoke and live bands. When not lounging by the beach, explore the Mayan ruins in Tikal in Guatemala, zip line in the forest or go canoeing down in jungle rivers.
20. New Zealand
New Zealand witnesses mid-summer season in January, and tourists throng all over the country making it one of the busiest travel months as well. At its peak season, all the tourist facilities and activities are open, so indulge in your favorite pastime ranging from hiking, swimming, kayaking, sailing, surfing, mountain biking, mountain climbing, bungy jumping, fishing, to camping by the lake. Some of the famous New Zealand lakes are Lake Taupo, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. New Zealand also has some of the most exquisite beaches that are perfect for a summer break. And, when you get tired of beaches go trekking over its famous mountains.
