Quick Picks for January
January is the heart of northern-hemisphere winter, which makes it a good month for either escaping the cold or leaning into it. Holiday crowds disappear in many places after the first week, which can help with prices and availability.
- For warmth: Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Thailand, and southern-hemisphere summer destinations such as South Africa.
- For snow: the Alps, the Rockies, Hokkaido, Quebec and Lapland.
- For culture and quiet: cities such as Lisbon, Seville, Vienna or Rome, where there are fewer visitors than in summer.
Warm Places to Go in January
If you are wondering where it is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (about 27 degrees Celsius) in January, tropical and subtropical destinations are the likeliest answers.
- Hawaii. Temperatures near the coast are typically warm, though January is also a wetter month and busy over the holidays. It is also the humpback whale season.
- South Florida and the Florida Keys. Often drier and more comfortable than in summer, though cold fronts can bring cooler days.
- Caribbean islands. The dry season runs through the winter months, making January popular. Book early for popular islands.
- Mexico. Beach destinations on both coasts are usually dry and sunny, though sea temperatures can be a bit cool in the Pacific.
- Thailand and Southeast Asia. January is typically dry and warm in much of the region. Our Southeast Asia route ideas show how to link stops.
- South Africa, Australia and Argentina. Summer there means long days, but also high local holiday demand.
Weather averages are only a guide, and individual days can differ.
Snow and Winter Sports
January is generally a reliable month for snow in higher-elevation resorts. Alpine resorts in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy are at their busiest in the weeks around Christmas and again in February school breaks, so mid-to-late January can be less crowded. Our guide to the top winter destinations in Europe compares the main options. In North America, Colorado, Utah and the Canadian Rockies are popular. Beginners may prefer resorts with good learning areas and gentler slopes.
For those who want snow without skiing, think of Quebec City for winter atmosphere, or northern Norway and Finland for northern lights and winter wildlife experiences.
Culture and City Breaks
Some cities are at their best when they are not crowded. Southern European cities tend to be mild compared with the rest of the continent, though they can be rainy. Our Lisbon tips for first visits cover hills, trams and day trips. Museums and restaurants are often easier to book. In Asia, the Lunar New Year can fall in late January or February, which affects prices and crowds across China and many neighbouring countries, so check the date for your year. If China is on your list, our China travel checklist covers visas, payments and getting online.
Cheapest Places to Travel in January
The weeks right after New Year are often cheaper than late December for flights and hotels. Some general patterns:
- Cold-weather European cities outside ski areas.
- Warm destinations in their shoulder weeks, particularly early in the month or late in it.
- Parts of Southeast Asia, where costs on the ground are generally lower than in the Caribbean or Hawaii, though flights can be pricey.
Compare dates with flexible search tools to find the cheapest days. For broader ideas, see our winter travel overview, or look ahead to places to travel in February.
Best US States to Visit in January
Which state is best depends on what you want:
- Hawaii for beaches and whales.
- Florida for beach weather and theme parks.
- Arizona for desert hiking in mild daytime temperatures, though nights can be cold.
- Colorado and Utah for skiing.
- California for a mix of mild coastal cities and mountain snow, though January can be rainy.
Planning Notes
- Book winter-sports accommodation and lift tickets in advance for weekends and holiday periods such as Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in the US.
- Pack for the climate and the plane; a warm layer is useful even on tropical trips.
- Check visa and entry requirements well before travel.
FAQ
Which country is best to travel to in January? It depends on your goal. Thailand and South Africa are common picks for warm weather, and Austria, Switzerland or Japan for snow.
Where is the cheapest place to travel in January? Often cold-weather cities outside ski seasons, or Southeast Asia once you are there. Flights are what vary most, so compare dates.
Where is it 80 degrees in January? Parts of Hawaii, the Caribbean, southern Mexico, Thailand and the southern hemisphere summer destinations can fall in that range, though not every day.