Best places to visit in January

As a new year begins, the prospect of fresh travel adventures stretching across the next 12 months is genuinely exciting. However, deciding on your first journey can be challenging.

Whether you're looking for sun-drenched coastlines, historic city explorations, or snow-dusted mountain wildernesses, this guide covers the definitive list of the best places to go in January.

Evaluating your options early allows you to beat the seasonal rush and secure competitive rates. By choosing to travel during the post-holiday lull, you can enjoy popular landmarks with fewer crowds and lower prices. Here are the finest destinations to kickstart your winter travel calendar.

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Top winter sun destinations January options

Escaping the dark mornings and cold winds of northern Europe is a top priority for many travellers. Fortunately, several spectacular winter sun destinations are highly accessible in January, ranging from short-haul islands to distant tropical shores.

The Canary Islands, Spain

For UK travellers seeking mild weather without a long-haul flight, the Canary Islands are an exceptional choice. This Spanish archipelago sits just off the coast of West Africa, offering warm daytime temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Kitesurfers, windsurfers, and paddleboarders will find excellent conditions, while hikers can explore the dramatic volcanic terrain.

• Average temperature: ~16–21°C
• Flight time from the UK: ~4–4.5 hours
• Local currency: Euro (EUR)

January is a popular month in the Canaries, so booking your flights and accommodation early is highly recommended. If you want a quieter experience away from the main tourist hubs of Tenerife or Gran Canaria, consider visiting the smaller western islands of El Hierro, La Gomera, or La Palma.

Anguilla, the Caribbean

If you are dreaming of a classic Caribbean escape, the flat coral island of Anguilla offers pristine white sands and a highly relaxed atmosphere. Unlike some of its busier neighbours, Anguilla remains relatively low-key, preserving its natural beauty and peaceful charm.

• Average temperature: ~24–28°C
• Flight time from the UK: ~11–12 hours (typically via Antigua or St Maarten)
• Local currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

The island is famous for some of the finest beaches in the region, including Shoal Bay on the northern coast and Rendezvous Bay in the south. Food lovers can indulge in high-quality seafood, with fresh lobster and crayfish served at beachside grills and upscale resorts.

Southwest Sri Lanka

The island of Sri Lanka experiences different monsoon seasons across its regions, making January the perfect sweet spot for exploring the southwest coast. Here, you'll find golden beaches, historic colonial towns, and exceptional opportunities for viewing wildlife.

• Average temperature: ~22–30°C
• Flight time from the UK: ~11–12 hours
• Local currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Popular beach destinations like Bentota and Unawatuna offer lively watersports and coastal dining, while Hiriketiya provides a quieter retreat for surfers. Blue, sperm, and Bryde's whales can often be spotted cruising off the southern coast at this time of year, while elephant herds roam nearby Udawalawe National Park.

Budapest, Hungary

Hungary's grand capital is a beautiful winter destination, particularly famous for its rich thermal bath culture. The city is built on more than 120 natural hot springs, offering a warm sanctuary from the cold winter air.

• Average temperature: ~-2–3°C
• Flight time from the UK: ~2.5 hours
• Local currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)

You can relax in the Turkish-style Rudas Baths, admire the art nouveau architecture of the Gellért Baths, or swim in the vast outdoor pools of Széchenyi. Beyond the thermal waters, Budapest offers a vibrant nightlife with its famous ruin bars and cultural events at the Hungarian State Opera House.

Laos, Southeast Asia

January is the peak dry season in Laos, offering cooler temperatures and comfortable conditions for exploring the country's ancient temples and rugged mountains. The lack of rainfall makes it the ideal time for river travel and outdoor adventure.

• Average temperature: ~15–28°C
• Flight time from the UK: ~14–16 hours (with a transfer)
• Local currency: Lao Kip (LAK)

The UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang is the cultural heart of the country, home to golden-roofed monasteries and nearby natural wonders like the Tat Kuang Si waterfalls. Adventurous travellers can journey south to Champasak to view ancient Khmer ruins or visit the laidback islands of Si Phan Don on the Mekong River.

Best places to visit in January for snowy landscapes

For many, the ideal winter getaway involves embracing the cold weather and seeking out spectacular snow-covered landscapes. These destinations are among the best places to visit in January for dramatic winter scenery and seasonal activities.

Arizona and Utah, USA

The border region between Utah and Arizona features some of the most striking red-rock geology on Earth. In January, a dusting of white snow on the deep red sandstone creates an incredible visual contrast, with far fewer tourists than in the summer months. According to winter safety advisories on the National Park Service website, winter storms can occasionally close high-elevation trails, so keeping your itinerary flexible is highly recommended.

• Average temperature: -5–8°C
• Flight time from the UK: 10–11 hours to Las Vegas or Phoenix
• Local currency: US Dollar (USD)

You can explore world-famous national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef, or wander through the iconic landscapes of Monument Valley. While temperatures frequently drop below freezing, wrapping up in warm layers allows you to experience these dramatic canyons in absolute tranquillity.

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Chūbu, Japan

The Chūbu region of Japan's main island of Honshu is transformed into a snowy wonderland in January. The area is famous for its historic towns, alpine ski resorts, and thermal hot springs.

• Average temperature: -2–5°C
• Flight time from the UK: 12–14 hours to Tokyo, followed by a bullet train
• Local currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)

In the Japanese Alps near Yudanaka, you can watch the famous 'snow monkeys' (Japanese macaques) bathing in steaming natural hot springs. You can also visit Kanazawa, often called 'Little Kyoto' for its preserved samurai and geisha districts, or explore the fairytale thatched-roof villages of Shirakawa-go.

Svalbard, Norway

Located midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is the ultimate High Arctic destination. January falls within the Polar Night, a period of continuous darkness that provides exceptional conditions for viewing the northern lights.

• Average temperature: -15–-9°C
• Flight time from the UK: 6–7 hours to Longyearbyen (via Oslo or Tromsø)
• Local currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)

The snow-covered wilderness of Svalbard is best explored by snowmobile or dog sled, guiding you through silent valleys beneath star-filled skies. Clear winter nights frequently reward visitors with vivid displays of the aurora borealis dancing over the frozen landscape.

Mount Kenya, Kenya

While Mount Kilimanjaro in neighbouring Tanzania attracts more tourists, Mount Kenya offers a quieter, more scenic trekking experience. January is one of the driest months of the year, making it the prime season for attempting to summit Africa's second-highest peak.

• Average temperature: 5–15°C (summit temperatures can drop below -10°C)
• Flight time from the UK: 8.5 hours to Nairobi
• Local currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)

The trek to Point Lenana (4,895m) takes you through diverse ecosystems, from lush bamboo forests inhabited by elephants and colobus monkeys to alpine moorlands dotted with giant lobelia plants. Camping under the stars before your final sunrise climb offers an unforgettable start to the new year.

How to secure cheap January holidays

Finding competitive rates on flights and hotels is a major benefit of travelling early in the year. If you are looking to plan cheap January holidays, a few strategic booking habits can make a significant difference.

Flight booking and off-peak travel trends

Airlines and hotels often launch promotional sales immediately after the festive season to encourage bookings during their quietest months. To find the most competitive pricing, aim to depart mid-week, as weekend flights carry a premium. Booking your flights 3–5 weeks in advance typically yields the best value.

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Enjoy the best winter travel experiences with Revolut

Careful preparation is the foundation of the best winter travel experiences. By selecting destinations that offer a clear contrast to the damp British winter, you can start the year feeling inspired and refreshed.

From the steaming thermal waters of Budapest to the snow-covered peaks of Japan and the sunny beaches of the Canaries, the world is full of incredible winter destinations. Managing your spending, flights, and accommodation through a single, secure financial platform allows you to focus on the journey itself.

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