Winter travel is a great idea for those looking to avoid crowds and save money. January is considered an optimal time for travel, being that it is the least expensive month to book flights and lodging. Travelers wanting to start their year off right will find that planning for the beginning of the year is perfect; plus, traveling during this time means missing Christmas and spring break crowds.
An escape to a sunny destination or snowy getaway is an ideal way to capture the winter wonderland or beach vacation that many wanderlusts envision. Whatever your preference, here’s a list of some of the best places to travel to during the month of January. These tropical and snowy destinations will make the new year feel rejuvenating and exciting, for both cold-weather lovers and those that enjoy soaking up the sun.
Destinations To Visit To Escape the Cold
Travelers who go abroad during the winter are often looking to escape the chilly weather of their home. A winter trip can be enough to alleviate seasonal depression or revive an avid traveler’s inspiration in life. Escape the seasonal dread of winter in these warm and sunny destinations.
Jamaica
Jamaica is a tropical Caribbean island nation with lush rainforests, all-inclusive resorts and a thriving culture. The peak season in Jamaica is winter, since the island country has such hot weather year round and travelers want to avoid the sweltering heat. During the cooler winter months, Jamaica experiences weather between 80 and 70 degrees. Compared to the regular temperatures of 90 degrees, this temperature range is an improvement since the country is so hot.
During the peak season, from mid December to mid April, the cost of travel goes up. Hotel rates and airfares increase in price since a large number of beachgoers flock to the Jamaican coasts. January is not the ideal time to visit Jamaica because travelers are more likely to encounter crowds or higher prices. Travelers should be sure to plan their trip ahead of time since it is a popular destination.
The beach is one of the most alluring attractions of Jamaica. Seven Mile Beach and Doctor’s Cave Beach are some of the top beaches in the area, known for their white sand and turquoise waters. Jamaica also has engaging cultural and historical sites. For example, most tourists do not want to miss the Bob Marley Museum or the only UNESCO site in Jamaica, Blue and John Crow Mountains. For music lovers, the Rebel Salute is an annual music festival held in the middle of January that celebrates Tony Rebel, the promoter.
Mexico
Mexico is a common vacation destination that many travelers visit during the summer months. But, Mexico is a great place to visit during winter due to its consistently warm weather. During the winter season, the weather in Mexico is around 70 degrees, depending on the region. January is outside of the area’s hurricane season, so the conditions in Mexico are ideal during this time.
There are some deals on accommodations and flights during January, so the month may lead to significant savings. December and February are busier months for Mexico tourism because of the school holidays.
Travelers of Mexico during the winter months have plenty of options for the region they want to visit. But Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination that is nice for the winter. Especially for animal lovers who may enjoy whale watching or surfing. There are ATV tours, snorkeling adventures, mixology and culinary tours, boat tours and even zip lining in the forest.
Maldives
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, since the weather is warm. January is one of the driest months, so along with the warm weather, this month is a peak season to travel to the Maldives. With average temperatures of 80 degrees, the Maldives will make the perfect tropical vacation even in the winter.
Unfortunately, November through April are the busiest time of year. So, travelers may experience higher rates for accommodations. But since the Maldives are composed of different islands (1,190 coral islands) which are somewhat remote, travelers most likely will not have to deal with crowds.
The Maldives are highly rated as one of the best destinations for a secluded tropical getaway. Travelers should book their trip in advance, since flights and accommodations can be booked months ahead of time. Visitors looking to adventure the islands of the Maldives can scuba dive, snorkel or surf. Some popular relaxing activities include the spa, a beachside dinner, soaking up the sun on an overwater bungalow deck or even a scenic flight over the Indian Ocean.
Destinations for Lovers of Snow
For travelers that adore the snow and cozy aesthetic of cabins, these winter wonderlands will be a great fit. Winter sports and experiencing new landscapes (like thick snow) are just some of the benefits of traveling to cold regions during the winter.
Canada
Canada is very snowy in January. Since Canada is a cold destination, travelers will find that traveling during the winter is no feat. Getting around during the winter is comfortable and locals are friendly. Winter vacationers can enjoy outdoor activities like dog sledding, skiing and sleigh rides. Especially considering that January and February have the most biting cold temperatures, from around 20 degrees to the single digits.
There is heavy snowfall in Canada during the month of January, so travelers should take that into consideration even if they like cold weather. Since the biting cold is a bit of a repellant for some travelers, January is actually one of the least expensive months to travel to Canada.
Visitors to Toronto can enjoy picturesque winter activities like ice skating, snowshoeing or skiing. Since Canada is a destination that has plenty of winter activities, there are some activities that are available free of charge. The Bentway Skate Trail and Nathan Philips Square Ice Skating Rink are popular spots in central Toronto. As long as travelers bring their own skates, skating is free at select locations. For skiing or snowshoeing travelers, the Toronto Island Park or High Park are popular spots. Of course, travelers can also visit the classic attraction Niagara Falls, which is around one hour from Toronto.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a country at the heart of Europe that many travelers consider a picture perfect winter getaway. The average daily temperature in Switzerland during January is 39 degrees, so travelers should be sure to pack their winter’s best. The area has winter sports but there are limitations due to the weather. At night, temperatures fall to around 20 degrees and there is about nine hours of daylight.
Visitors to Switzerland can enjoy the World Snow Festival or International Hot Air Balloon Festival in January. The month of January is also the peak ski season so there are festivities and events throughout the country. Travelers can visit the Swiss Alps during January and enjoy the full glory of the freezing temperatures. January is the peak tourist season for Switzerland since snowsports are so popular.
The United States
The United States has its fair share of chilly yet attractive winter destinations. Locations like Pennsylvania and New York are some of the top locations that travelers visit during the winter. Both states have harsh winters, but Pennsylvania sees anywhere between 18 to 36 inches of snow per year (on average). New York, on the other hand, sees around 7 to 36 inches of snow on average. These locations have cold temperatures around 30 degrees during January.
Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania has over 1,000 acres of gardens and meadows. It is located in Kenner Square and is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. The attraction has gardens, dining options and the Garden Shop. Daily tours are available for travelers (which can take up to four hours since the site is large) who want to take in all the sights at the gardens.
New York, the city that never sleeps, is a popular tourist destination during winter. Many visitors of the city cite that the big city is even more stunning with snowflakes descending all around. During the cold season, there is a bit of a decrease in visitors. This means travelers may be able to book cheaper flights and accommodations. New York has many winter experiences, like the Ice Castles at Lake George or Governors Island Winter Village. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Bryant Park Ice Rink are also popular activities during the month of January.