January is an optimal time to travel for jet-setters wanting to start their year off doing something they love. Post-New Year’s travel in January means you’ll avoid the airport hecticness of the holiday season. Moreover, your vacay will also save you from spring breakers later in the early portion of the year.

An escape to a sunny, beachy vacation destination might be what’s needed to combat seasonal depression. That said, many contrastingly wanderlust about a snowy January getaway that resembles a winter wonderland. Whatever your preference, there are fantastic destinations for both warm and cold winter travel in the United States and abroad. Some destinations will be in peak season, and others will be in the off-season, so choose wisely.

Below, you’ll find a list of some of the best places to travel in January.

The Best Places To Travel In January For Warm Weather

Jamaica
Mexico
The Maldives
Chile
Tanzania

Jamaica

Jamaica is a tropical Caribbean island nation with lush rainforests, all-inclusive resorts, and a thriving culture. In January, travelers flocking here can avoid the island country’s sweltering summer heat, which reaches the low 90s. During winter months, visitors can expect weather between 80 and 70 degrees.

The cost of travel goes up during Jamaica’s peak season from mid-December to mid-April. Travelers should plan their trip beforehand since it is a tourist hotspot. Hotel rates and airfare prices increase due to the many beachgoers flocking the coasts. Despite the likely crowds and higher prices, January is still one of the best times to enjoy the white sand and turquoise waters of spots like Seven Mile Beach and Doctor’s Cave Beach. Reggae lovers should attend the Rebel Salute, an annual music festival held during the middle of the month celebrating musician Tony Rebel.

Mexico

Cancun aerial veiw — Spencer Watson / Unsplash

Mexico is a great place to visit in January from the U.S. due to the consistently warm weather south of the border. During winter, the weather in Mexico is around 70 degrees depending on the region. Also, January is outside the country’s hurricane season, making conditions ideal.

There are some deals on accommodations and flights during January, so traveling here at the beginning of the year could provide significant savings. Winter travelers to Mexico have plenty of regional options to consider exploring. That said, Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination because of the ideal warm days and cool nights. Moreover, January is prime time for whale watching in the Pacific Ocean off Puerto Vallarta’s coast.

The Maldives

Maldives villas — Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels

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, it’s a peak season month to travel there. However, since the Maldives are composed of different islands (1,190 coral islands) — some remote — it’s possible travelers won’t encounter crowds. With average temperatures of 80 degrees, the Indian Ocean-based island country provides a perfect tropical vacation for the beginning of the year.

Travelers should book their trip in advance. While there, visitors might enjoy embracing water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, or surfing. Relaxing things to do include going to spas, beachside dinners, and soaking up sunshine in overwater bungalows.

Chile

Chile Andes Mountains — André Ulysses De Salis / Pexels

The high temperatures in Chile in January will be in the 80s, as the country will be at its summer peak. The South American country is lovely to visit in January because travelers can trek the Andes Mountains, party in Santiago, or enjoy a coastal beach with waters of the Pacific Ocean. This will be an amazing time to soak up the country’s natural beauty by visiting Torres del Paine National Park, the Atacama Desert, Patagonia National Park, and the Valley of the Moon.

Peak summer will also be the peak season, so travelers should be mindful of that.

Tanzania

Zebras on safari — Regal African Safaris / Unsplash

Tanzania is good to visit in January if you want a unique safari experience and wildlife viewing. The month is calving season for zebras and wildebeests, so you might see newly born offspring, as well as the predators who hunt them. Moreover, January is outside the peak season, so you’ll likely avoid crowds. Tanzania has a diverse climate, so expectations for temperatures, rain, and humidity levels will ultimately depend on where exactly you’ll visit.

If all else isn’t alluring enough, travelers can’t miss with a beach holiday in Zanzibar. However, note that local prices and accommodations near the beach might be pricier than usual near the New Year’s holiday.

The Best Places To Travel In January For Cold Weather

Iceland
Canada
Japan
Switzerland
The United States

Iceland

Iceland in January is perfect for a wintery escape. It’s Iceland’s coldest month, and the average daily temperature will be around freezing, at 32 degrees.

This is the off-season, so there will be fewer crowds. One of the most critical things travelers should know about visiting during January is that Iceland will be experiencing very short days. Daylight will usually be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, it’ll be one of the more ideal times to see the Northern Lights during late night hours. Other activities you might do are ice cave exploring, a winter driving tour, hiking glaciers, and dipping in hot springs.

Canada

Toronto ice skating — Brendan Church / Unsplash

Canada gets lots of snowfall in January, so travelers should consider that even if they like cold weather. Winter vacationers can enjoy outdoor activities like dog sledding, skiing, and sleigh rides. January and February have the most biting cold temperatures – from around 20 degrees to the single digits. The temps are so low that they can be a repellant to some tourists, but it also makes January one of the least expensive months to travel to Canada.

Visitors to Toronto can enjoy winter activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, or skiing. Canada has plenty to do, and some activities are free. 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. The Toronto Island Park or High Park are popular spots for skiers or snowshoeing lovers. Of course, travelers can also visit the classic attraction Niagara Falls, which is around one hour from Toronto.

Japan

Japan is a great place to visit in January if you want colder weather. Visitors can really enjoy the country’s snow sports scene, as the first month of the year is peak ski season. Those wanting to hit the slopes and tackle the prime snowfall should venture to the northern part of the country. Ski towns in the Japan Alps worth considering are Niigata, Myoko, and Nagano. Quality powder might also be found in Hokkaido.

Travelers should keep in mind that flights to and accommodations in Japan might be expensive around the New Year’s holiday. Overall though, January through March is a low season for tourism. The perk is that you’ll get to experience fewer crowds and, generally, lower prices.

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 pack their best outwear. During the day, there are about nine hours of daylight. At night, temperatures fall to around 20 degrees.

Visitors to Switzerland can enjoy the World Snow Festival or International Hot Air Balloon Festival in January. The first month of the year is also peak ski season, so travelers can visit the Swiss Alps and enjoy the full glory of the freezing temperatures. January is the peak tourist season for Switzerland since the country’s snow sports are so popular.

The United States

Times Squares with snow — Matthew LeJune / Unsplash

The United States shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to winter destinations with cold weather. Ski resort towns across the country are obvious favorites. In Colorado alone, travelers can hit the slopes and enjoy après ski vibes in Aspen, Breckenridge, and Vail. Other locations to consider for January ski trips include Fairbanks, Alaska; Big Sky, Montana; and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

While New York City is a popular tourist destination year-round, January offers a uniquely wintry experience when “chilly” feels like an understatement. There’s a decrease in visitors so you might be able to book cheaper flights and accommodations. Winter Jazzfest, the Central Park Ice Rink, and the start of NYC Restaurant Week are popular activities and events during January.

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