Quick answer: January is best for tropical sun (Thailand, Maldives, Caribbean), skiing (the Alps, Japan), Northern Lights (Iceland, Norway) and the southern-hemisphere summer.
January splits the world in two — deep winter up north, high summer down south. Here’s where to go, by what you want.
The 12 best January destinations
Thailand
Peak dry season — hot beaches and comfortable cities.
The Maldives
Sunny, dry and calm for the perfect winter escape.
The Caribbean
Dry-season sunshine across the islands.
The Alps (skiing)
Prime powder across France, Austria and Switzerland.
Japan (powder skiing)
Hokkaido’s legendary snow, plus snow festivals.
Iceland & Norway
Northern Lights and snowy landscapes.
New Zealand
High summer for hiking and beaches.
Patagonia
The southern summer for trekking.
South Africa
Cape Town’s summer of beaches and wine.
UAE (Dubai)
Perfect 25°C winter weather.
Sri Lanka
Dry-season beaches on the south and west coasts.
Australia
Summer in Sydney and along the coast.
How to choose
Chase warmth in the tropics (Thailand, Maldives, Caribbean) or the southern hemisphere (NZ, Australia, South Africa); chase snow in the Alps or Japan; chase auroras in Iceland and Norway.
Where to go in January
January is for chasing winter sun, snow or far-flung summer.
- Winter sun — Thailand, the Maldives, the Caribbean and the Canary Islands.
- Skiing — prime powder in the Alps, Japan and North America.
- Southern-hemisphere summer — Australia, New Zealand and Patagonia.
- Northern Lights — Norway, Iceland and Finnish Lapland.
January is quieter and cheaper after the holidays — great for both beach escapes and snow adventures.
Where To Go In January FAQ
Where should I travel in January?
Tropical sun (Thailand, Caribbean), ski resorts, the southern-hemisphere summer, or the Northern Lights.
Is January a good time to travel?
Yes — post-holiday prices ease, and it’s prime time for both winter sun and skiing.
Related travel guides
Planning a specific year? See our best places to visit in January 2027 picks.