Best places to visit in January

January is about new beginnings. With the Christmas and New Year holiday season behind, the cost of flights and hotels go down, crowds at destinations become thinner and you can embark on a holiday at a more relaxed pace. January is the month when you can have adventures in the snow, beaches also have great weather and it’s ideal weather at many places for cultural festivals, city tours and heritage walks. No matter what you are looking for, January is a wonderful month to plan your holiday.

In this blog we will discuss the most amazing places to visit in January in different parts of the world. It can be the Arctic scenery or the tropics, vibrant local festivities, or a natural marvel; all these places have been carefully chosen by us. These places do not witness overwhelming tourist footfall nor can you call these off-beat. But these are places that are perfect for your January travel plans.

You may also read: Best countries to visit in February – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Place	Weather	Top Things to Do
Svalbard Norway	–20°C to –10°C (extreme cold)	Northern Lights, snowmobiling, dog sledding, glacier hiking, ice cave walks
Shetland Islands Scotland	2°C to 6°C (cold & windy)	Up Helly Aa fire festival, coastal walks, Viking sites, birdwatching
Baja California Mexico	12°C to 24°C (pleasant to warm)	Whale watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, desert adventures, beaches
Salta and Jujuy Argentina	15°C to 28°C (warm)	Salt flats, Train to the Clouds, vineyard tours, colorful hill hikes
Danakil Depression Ethiopia	20°C to 30°C (hot but manageable)	Erta Ale volcano, salt mines, sulfur springs, camel caravans
Kerala Backwaters India	22°C to 30°C (pleasantly cool)	Houseboat cruises, canoe rides, village walks, Ayurveda, birdwatching
Madeira Portugal	15°C to 20°C (mild & pleasant)	Mountain hikes, coastal walks, dolphin/whale watching, wine tours
Oman Empty Quarter Desert	15°C to 25°C (cool desert)	Desert safari, dune bashing, camel rides, camping, sandboarding
El Chaltén Argentina	10°C to 20°C (cool & pleasant)	Trekking Mount Fitz Roy, glacier walks, mountain lakes, hiking trails
Taiwan Pingxi and Jiufen	12°C to 18°C (cool)	Lantern festival, Jiufen old streets, tea houses, temples, nearby trails

Why you must travel in January

January is not only the month of discounted flights or less traffic, it is also the month of experiences which you will never find in any other month. Here’s why exploring the best places to visit in January feels extra rewarding:

Winter wonderlands: It is time to watch the Northern Lights, frozen scenery and snow magic.
Sunny escapes: In January, when it is cold, tropical beaches and warm deserts are ideal; not too hot, not too humid.
Special festivals: In Scotland, there are fire festivals, and in Asia, there are lantern festivals in January.
Wildlife at its best: January is typically the month of birdwatching, whale watching, or safaris in many regions of the world.

Top 10 places to visit in January

In the Northern Hemisphere January has snowy winters and in the Southern Hemisphere it’s summer with plenty of opportunity to spend time at the beach or embark on tropical adventures. In some places January is about very pleasant weather allowing you to go for long walks in the lap of nature or exploring the heritage and architecture of cities and towns.

We have curated a list of some amazing places best suited for your January holiday.

Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard is one of the best places to visit in January since it is situated in the high part of the Arctic Circle. It is snow-white and icy, a country of polar nights when the sun is barely visible and which, in fact, makes the Northern Lights brighter. This is the northernmost town on the planet and is an intriguing combination of nature, wildlife and Arctic culture.

What to do: Northern lights, sightseeing, snowmobiling across icy valleys, dog sledding, walking in ice caves, glacier hiking and a boat trip through frozen fjords.
Local experience: Watch polar bears, reindeer and arctic foxes, explore the town of Longyearbyen and eat local arctic food in warm cafes.
Weather: Extreme cold (–20°C to –10°C)
Stay duration: 4 to 6 days
Budget: ₹2.5 – 3 lakhs

Shetland Islands, Scotland

One of the best places to visit in January is the Shetland Islands in Scotland, which is very unique. These islands are rough and untamed. While the topography is marked by rugged terrain and jutting cliffs, every nook and cranny of the island screams of dramatic Viking history. The month of January is also the month of the popular Up Helly Aa fire festival, and it is a good month to visit.

What to do: Attend the Up Helly Aa fire festival where the locals dress like Vikings and thousands take part in a procession with flaming torches. Hiking on coastal cliffs, ancient Viking sites, birdwatching, and finding hidden beaches.
Local experience: The friendliest locals, traditional Scottish music, fresh seafood, Lerwick town and museums.
Weather: Cold and windy (2°C to 6°C)
Stay duration: 3 to 5 days
Budget: ₹2–2.5 lakhs

Do check this: Best Countries to Go in April: Top 20 Destinations for Every Kind of Traveler – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Baja California, Mexico

Baja California is sunny, colourful and is one of the best places to visit in January if you like beaches and wildlife. It has deserts, rugged mountains and a long coast along the Pacific. The grey whales, sea lions swimming around and relaxing on the coast of Mexico are the best reasons to visit here. Hot days and nights are cooler, so it is a nice retreat during winter.

What to do: Whale watching tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, boat rides, adventure in desert landscapes and white-sand beach relaxation.
Local experience: Sample local fish tacos, visit local markets, local colonial towns and Mexican festivals.
Weather: Pleasant warm (12°C to 24°C)
Stay duration: 5 to 7 days
Budget: ₹2–2.5 lakhs

Salta & Jujuy, Argentina

Some of the best places to visit in January include Salta and Jujuy in Northwest Argentina, which are extremely colourful. These areas offer you nature and culture with painted mountains, salt flats and vineyards. Here it is summer in January and the streets are filled with people enjoying the lively festivals.

What to do: Holy salt flats, Train to the Clouds is a stunning train journey through the landscapes of Argentina, vineyards, hiking colourful hills and colonial towns.
Local experience: Try traditional empanadas, attend local summer festivals, Andean craft shopping, folk music and dance.
Weather: Warm (15°C to 28°C)
Stay duration: 5 to 7 days
Budget: ₹2.5 – 3 lakhs

Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

Danakil Depression is among the most unique locations to visit during January. It is considered one of the hottest and lowest places on earth and has great landscapes with active volcanoes, colourful salt lakes and lava fields. January is among the limited months during which the heat is tolerable by travellers.

What to do: See the Erta Ale volcano, salt mines, bubbling sulfur springs, walk over lava fields, ride camel caravans.
Local experience: Get to know the Afar people, salt trading, local Ethiopian food and local villages.
Weather: Hot but manageable (20°C to 30°C)
Stay duration: 3 to 4 days
Budget: ₹2–2.5 lakhs

If you are planning a trip in January, tell us what’s on your mind, and we will curate the itinerary for you

Kerala Backwaters, India

The backwaters in Kerala is one the most serene, green and calm places but it can get really hot during summer. The weather is cool and pleasant in the winter months in India, so it is one of the best places to visit in January. It is also the ideal time when one can enjoy a houseboat cruise, go floating by palm trees and observe village life along the canals.

What to do: Houseboat cruise, canoe ride, walking the village, birdwatching, Ayurveda spa treatments.
Local experience: Stay in local homestay, enjoy Kerala style sea food, Kathakali dance performances, local village life.
Weather: Pleasantly cool (22°C to 30°C)
Stay duration: 3 to 5 days
Budget: ₹50,000–1 lakh

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is one of the most beautiful places to visit in January, which is also referred to as the island of eternal spring. The Portuguese island has a cool climate, green mountain ranges, and a beautiful ocean. In January you can go hiking, lounge by the calm beaches and make the most of the island when it’s not crowded with tourists.

What to do: Hiking in the mountains, walking along the coast, dolphins and whale watching, botanical gardens and local wine tours.
Local experience: Visit Funchal town, Funchal wine, taste Madeira wine, sample espetada (skewers of meat), folk music and festivals.
Weather: Mild pleasant (15°C to 20°C)
Stay duration: 4 to 6 days
Budget: ₹2–2.5 lakhs

Check this out: Best Countries to visit in May – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Oman, Empty Quarter Desert

The largest sand desert in the whole world is the Empty Quarter, also known as Rub’ al Khali, which is also one of the most interesting places to visit in January. Yellow dunes go on and on, and the winter nights are pleasant. January is the perfect time to discover this desert marvel.

What to do: Desert safari, dune bashing, camel rides, camping under the stars and sandboarding.
Local experience: Visit Bedouin tribes, experience Omani coffee and dates, go to desert oases and visit local souks around.
Weather: Cool desert (15°C to 25°C)
Stay duration: 3 to 4 days
Budget: ₹1.5–2 lakhs

El Chaltén, Argentina

El Chaltén is known as the trekking capital of Argentina and one of the best places to visit in January. The setting of this small town in Patagonia is ethereal. It is enclosed by glaciers, turquoise lakes and mountain peaks. Here, it is summer in January and therefore, the weather is ideal to have outdoor adventures.

What to do: Hiking up Mount Fitz Roy, hiking tracks around the Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Capri, walks along the glaciers, mountain lakes and boat-hikes.
Local experience: Spend the night in rustic lodges, eating Patagonian lamb dishes, meeting with local climbers, and enjoying craft beer at local pubs.
Weather: Cool and pleasant (10°C to 20°C)
Stay duration: 4 to 6 days
Budget: ₹2.5–3 lakhs

Taiwan, Pingxi & Jiufen

January in Taiwan is magical around Pingxi and Jiufen. These are the most beautiful towns to see in January due to the lantern festival, the mountain and the old world. It is a great place to explore because of the cool weather.

What to do: Visit the Pingxi lantern festival, stroll on the old streets at Jiufen, go into tea houses, visit temples in the mountains and explore the surrounding trails.
Local experience: Release sky lanterns, enjoy Taiwanese street food, visit night markets, and enjoy local teas.
Weather: Cool (12°C to 18°C)
Stay duration: 3 to 5 days
Budget: ₹1.5–2 lakhs

Must read: 25 best countries to honeymoon – romantic escapes for every couple – Flying Squirrel Holidays

How to choose your destination

Not every trip is the same; it depends on what you wish for your holiday. When deciding on the ideal places to go in January, you should take into consideration the kind of experience you desire:

Adventure: Go to Svalbard in Norway, El Chalten in Argentina or in the Empty Quarter in Oman and do the outdoor adventure and go on a trek on the snow and take part in outdoor activity.
Relaxation: In case you are just aiming to relax, go to places like Kerala backwaters or Madeira in Portugal where you can have the best time under the sun.
Cultural immersion: Go to Taiwan if you appreciate traditions and festivals. Go to the Lantern festival in Tan and Pingxi in Taiwan or learn about the fire festival in the Shetland Islands in Scotland.

Tips for planning a January trip

A trip in the month of January is fantastic, but with the help of a little preparation, the trip will be even better. Whether you are going on a trip to the icy deserts or to the sunlit beaches, the tips below may help you organize your trip to the most significant places to visit in January:

Packing: Pack according to the weather.Thermal clothes, jackets, gloves and boots in case of the cold. All it takes in tropical destinations are light cottons, hats and sunscreen. Don’t forget essentials like medicines, a power bank, and travel documents.
Budgeting: Have your budget sorted out when you start to book. Add some extra money for activities, shopping and a local food experience.
Early reservations: January in one country is low season, and high season in another country. Book flights, hotels, and tours at least 2-3 months early and specifically those experiences that are favoured, like the Northern Lights or other major events.
Travel insurance: It would always be worthwhile to buy travel insurance cover. It covers medical emergencies or delays, or cancellations and gives a sense of security.
Local research: Study on local practices, food and transportation prior to visiting. This will make you enjoy the journey and have no surprises.
Currency & payments: While traveling outside the country, make sure to keep an eye on the exchange rates and carry a mix of cash, a forex card, and international debit/credit cards.

Plan your journey with Flying Squirrel Holidays

Dreaming of your next trip? We can assist you to make it come true. At Flying Squirrel Holidays we build a travel plan according to your aspirations and budget. We do the visa, bookings and curated itineraries so you don’t have to worry about anything but enjoy the experience. Get to know the best places to visit during January with us and have a lifetime of memories.

Call us at +91 33 4052 5777 or email us at [email protected]

FAQs

Where should I go in January?

Choose cold places if you want to do activities on snow and warm places if beach and city tours attract you.

Why is January a good time to travel?

The Christmas and New Year rush is over so it’s less crowded and you can also get better deals.

Is January a good time to visit Europe?

Yes, if you love fewer crowds, winter markets and snow sports.

Which unique festivals happen in January worldwide?

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (China)
Up Helly Aa Viking Festival (Scotland)
Thaipusam Festival (Malaysia)
Australia Day (Australia)