January brings with it a fresh start and endless travel possibilities around the globe. It is a month when destinations worldwide reveal their most captivating sides,some wrapped in sparkling snow, others basking in warm sunshine. From scenic mountains and lively cities to serene beaches and cultural hotspots, January offers ideal weather and unique experiences for every kind of traveller. With fewer crowds and exciting seasonal activities, this month is ideal for planning a well-balanced getaway. Discover the best places to visit in the world in January and begin the year with journeys worth remembering!
Where to Travel in January: 8 Must-Visit Destinations Around the World
Scroll down the list below to find the best destinations to spend your January this year:
1. Seychelles
If there is a place on the Earth that is truly blessed by nature, then it has to be Seychelles! Away from the hustle and bustle of city’s life, Seychelles welcomes travellers in the lap of nature. Serene islands, pristine beaches dotted with azure waters, exotic marine life, verdant forests, lofty peaks and balmy weather are what make Seychelles one of the best places to visit in January. This African gem is also among the most beautiful honeymoon destinations in the world, offering couples privacy and romance amidst mesmerizing scenery. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, deep-sea fishing, and snorkelling with vibrant marine life.
Reason to Travel in January: Balmy weather and New Year celebrations
Season: Winter (27°C to 30°C)
Top Attractions: Ste Anne National Marine Park, Mahe Island, Morne Seychellois National Park, La Digue Island, Cousine Island, Moyenne Island, Praslin Island, Aldabra Island, Anse Lazio, Aride Island, Anse Source D’Argent
Ideal Duration: 6 to 7 Days
Nearest Airport: Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)
Best Places to Stay: Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Constance Ephelia Mahe Seychelles, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Dhevatara Beach Hotel
2. Sri Lanka
Seeking a warm escape in January? Look no further than Sri Lanka, which experiences pleasant weather with an average temperature of around 27°C. Sri Lanka is a great country to witness incredible train rides through the lush green valleys, verdant tea estates, and rugged hills. It also houses some great heritage sites that have significance in Hindu mythology along with golden sandy beaches. In short, Sri Lanka is nothing short of a heavenly land that is full of stunning delights to marvel at.
Reason to Travel in January: Dry and sunny days with less humidity and rain, festivities of Duruthu Perahera and Thai Pongal
Season: Dry (20°C to 28°C)
How to Reach: The best way to reach here is by taking a flight to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), which is the main airport in the country
Top Attractions: Nuwara Eliya, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Ella, Colombo, Adams Peak, Arugam Bay, Mirissa, Yala National Park, Unawatuna Beach
Ideal Duration: 7 to 8 Days
Best Places to Stay: Elephas Resort & Spa, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Kalundewa Retreat, Heritance Kandalama
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3. Switzerland
In winter, Switzerland is pure paradise! Listed among the best countries to visit in January, Switzerland transforms into a winter wonderland with snow covering every nook and cranny, making it picture-worthy. The weather gets extremely chilly, so do not forget to pack some warm woollens to keep yourself covered. There is no dearth of magnificent places to visit in Switzerland, but the best one is the snow-capped Swiss Alps, which is a sight to behold.
Reason to Travel in January: To enjoy snowfall and snow adventures
Season: Winter (2.9°C to -2°C)
How to Reach: Take a train from places like Italy, Austria, Germany, France to Switzerland or book a flight and land at Zurich or Geneva Airport.
Top Attractions: Jungfrau region, St. Moritz, St. Gallen, Zermatt, Arosa, Lucerne, Interlaken, Lake Geneva, Oberalp Pass, Staubbach Falls
Ideal Duration: 6 to 7 Days
Best Places to Stay: Park Hotel Vitznau, Grand Hotel National Luzern, Bürgenstock Alpine Spa, Hotel Château Gütsch
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4. Phuket, Thailand
If you want to start the year with a beach holiday, fly to Phuket! This stunning gem in Thailand is one of the most popular holiday destinations in January. Famous for its dry, sunny weather in the month of January, Phuket offers excellent opportunities to explore vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches and enthralling scenery. A great place for relaxation in utmost serenity, Phuket is definitely one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Reason to Travel in January: Warm and dry days with cool evenings
Season: Dry (23°C to 31°C)
How to Reach: The easiest way to get to Phuket is by taking a flight to Phuket International Airport (HKT).
Top Attractions: Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Phuket Big Buddha, Karon Viewpoint, Old Phuket Town, Surin Beach, James Bond Island
Ideal Duration: 4 Days
Best Places to Stay: The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort
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5. India
Avoid scorching heat by visiting India during the winter season, which falls in January. India is one of the most popular destinations to visit in January, where you can witness snowfall in the northern regions while enjoying pleasant weather in other parts of the country, including Goa and Kerala.
Reason to Travel in January: For snowfall in northern parts of India and cool, pleasant weather in south India
Season: Winter (5°C to 42°C)
How to Reach: Fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi or any other international airport in India.
Top Places to Visit: Kerala, Goa, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh for snow, Delhi
Ideal Duration: 15 to 20 Days
Best Places to Stay: The Oberoi - New Delhi, Amarillas Palace - Agra, Taj Lake Palace - Udaipur, Rambagh Palace - Jaipur, Taj Mahal Palace - Mumbai
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6. New Zealand
A one-stop destination that offers diverse landscapes makes New Zealand one of the best places to go in January. From stunning beaches to hot water springs, geysers to Fjords, New Zealand is a nature’s delight and offers access to a myriad of outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife spotting, cycling, kayaking and surfing. From the unusual topography of Rotorua to the picturesque islands in Auckland, there are many amazing places to visit in New Zealand in January.
Reason to Travel in January: Warm weather and dolphin spotting off the coast of South Island
Season: Summer Season (12°C to 20°C)
How to Reach: The best way to reach New Zealand is by taking a flight to Auckland Airport or Queenstown International Airport
Top Attractions: Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Bay of Islands, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Fiordland National Park, Queenstown
Ideal Duration: 14 Days
Best Places to Stay: InterContinental Wellington, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences, Rainforest Retreat
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7. Laos
Laos is probably one of the best places to travel in January 2026, which will offer you pure bliss through its enchanting landscape. Cascading waterfalls, mesmerizing rivers, natural caves and World Heritage Sites make Laos a great destination to explore. It is a perfect place for a quaint expedition and to feel connected with nature.
Reason to Travel in January: Warm sunny days with low amount of rainfall
Season: Dry season (24°C to 30°C)
How to Reach: From Thailand, you can reach Laos via waterways or else take a flight to Wattay International Airport from various international destinations.
Top Attractions: Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfall, Vang Vieng, Nong Kiau, Vientiane, Plain of Jars, Tham KongLo Caves
Ideal Duration: 6 to 7 Days
Best Places to Stay: Crowne Plaza Vientiane, Sofitel Luang Prabang, Riverside Boutique Resort, La Residence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang
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8. Dubai, UAE
Always had Dubai on your dream bucket list? January is the best time to make your most anticipated holiday a reality. Boasting a scintillating skyline, vibrant souks and extravagant experiences, Dubai is one of the best places to travel in January. From amazing amusement parks to enthralling beaches, there is no dearth of fancy places to visit in Dubai, especially in the winter season when the temperatures are pleasant for all sorts of activities.
Reason to Travel in January: Pleasant weather
Season: Winter season (14°C to 24°C)
How to Reach: Taking a flight to Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the best way to reach Dubai.
Top Attractions: Global Village, Legoland Dubai, Dubai Miracle Garden, Burj Khalifa, Ski Dubai, Dubai Marina, Kite Beach, Dubai Fountain
Ideal Duration: 5 Days
Best Places to Stay: Five Jumeirah Village Dubai, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Staybridge Suites Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
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Our planet is incredibly diverse, with every corner offering unique beauty and memorable experiences throughout the year. January stands out as a perfect time to explore, bringing together a variety of destinations at their seasonal best. From the breathtaking snow-laden scenery of Switzerland to the sun-soaked beaches of the Seychelles, there are so many amazing places to visit in January in the world. What are you waiting for? Book your flight tickets, pack your bags and start the year by creating beautiful travel memories in some of the most beautiful destinations across the globe.
FAQ's - Best Places to Visit in January in the World
Tourists must visit these scenic beaches in Phuket which are Freedom Beach, Ao Sane Beach, Kata Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Bang Tao Beach and Paradise Beach.
Switzerland experiences winter season in January so you can expect the temperatures to be high, somewhat ranging between 2.7°C and -2°C.
With an amazing weather in Sri Lanka in January, tourists can enjoy family activities:
- Take a train ride from Kandy to Ella
- Explore various tea estates
- Enjoy vibrant nightlife in Colombo
- Delve into watersports in Madu River
- Get a relaxing spa at Ayurvedic Spa Center
Yes, January is one of the best months to visit Seychelles with an average weather of 27°C to 30°C, ideal for beach activities and island hopping.
Some of the best places to visit in India in January are Rajasthan, Goa, Kerala, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh.
Some of the major tourist attractions in New Zealand include Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Bay of Islands, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Fiordland National Park, Queenstown.
Dubai experiences the winter season in January, which is considered one of the best months to plan a trip to Dubai owing to the pleasant weather.
Plan a trip of around 6 to 7 days to explore the best of Laos.
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