Best places to visit in

January

Did you know, January is a great month to go on holiday? Winter has settled over the northern hemisphere, so many countries are quieter and Europe and North America are dazzling winter wonderlands. And if you want to chase the sun and buzz of the holiday season, Southeast Asia, Central America, and South America are at their best.
But the world is big and the possibilities are endless, so read on to discover which country is the right one for your holiday!

Travelling to:

Hello 2

Europe

Popular High Season Destinations in January

  • Monaco
  • Get a taste of the high life in the second smallest country in the world. Winding streets and beautiful architecture charm wanderers, beautiful beaches inspire nature lovers, and glamourous restaurants offer the best brunch in Europe.

    Wander around the Old Town

    Tour the Palais du Prince

    Visit the Monte Carlo Casino

    A crisp 12°C is made for hot chocolate

  • Slovakia
  • Visit this off-the-beaten-track country for a taste of real European magic. Explore the vibrant city of Bratislava or be awed by historic architecture and Slovak folklore in Košice and Poprad. Slovakia is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered

    Sip on red wine and tasty Slovak beer

    Take in the view at Spis Castle

    Bask in a thermal spring in Trenčianske Teplice

    Pack warmly for a chilly 2°C

  • Switzerland
  • Switzerland is a country of alpine mountains and medieval towns that inspire and awe even the most seasoned travellers. Experience culinary indulgence in Zürich head to Geneva for a touch of culture, or go yodelling in one of the postcard villages.

    Go skiing on the famous Swiss Alps

    Indulge in amazing cheese and chocolate

    Witness the landscapes on a scenic train ride

    Experience a real European winter at 3°C

Popular Budget-Friendly Destinations in January

  • Greece
  • Greece is always a good idea, even with a slight chill in the air. Spend your holiday exploring the archaeological sites in Thessaloniki and Heraklion or just take it easy in Santorini. Greece never fails to dazzle with its beauty and mystical charm.

    Indulge in delicious Greek winter food

    Warm up with some traditional rakomelo

    Soak in Vouliagmeni Lake, a thermal spring

    Don’t forget a warm jacket at 13°C

  • Portugal
  • Head to Portugal for a holiday you won’t be able to stop gushing about. Wander around the picturesque towns of Sintra and Faro, search for pastéis de natas in Lisbon and sip Madeira wine in Funchal, or head to Porto for exquisite architecture.

    Listen to some Fado (Portuguese folk music)

    Wander around the Livraria Lello bookstore

    Visit the legendary Quinta da Regaleira

    A fresh 15°C was made for sipping port

  • Turkey
  • Turkey is a country bursting at the seams with rich culture, exotic food, and sublime experiences. Wander around Istanbul to feel the beating heart of Turkey, head to Antalya or Dalaman for a dose of history, or fall in love with artistic Ankara

    Visit the remarkable historic city of Cappadocia

    Try as many different Turkish dishes as you can

    Dip your toes in the Pamukkale Water Terraces

    Prepare for a frosty 10°C

Events in January

The Netherlands - Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual light art festival that transforms the city into a glowing dreamland of bright lights and vibrant colours. A cruise along the famous canals or a meander through the historic streets are the best ways to see the light installations and the city.

1-10°C daytime temperatures

The last Sunday before Ash Wednesday

Amsterdam

Croatia - Rijeka Carnival

Rijeka Carnival is an annual celebration that marks the end of the festive season leading up to Lent. To the pagans it represented redemption from immoral behaviour and a cleansing of bad luck and evil spirits. Today, it is the biggest carnival in Croatia and the last hoedown before fasting begins.

3-9°C daytime temperatures

17 January-14 February (dates may change)

Rijeka

Scotland - Up Helly Aa

Up Helly Aa is a celebration of Viking history and local traditions that has been happening in Shetland since the 1880s. It is a truly Scottish celebration that unfolds in a series of marches through the streets, visitations and parties, and torch-lit processions that culminate in the burning of a galley.

1-6°C daytime temperatures

The last Tuesday in January

Lerwick

Africa

Popular High Season Destinations in January

  • Morocco
  • For a truly unique travel experience, head to the edge of Africa where Morocco basks in sunshine and the exotic charm of the Mediterranean. Take your senses on a wild ride through Marrakech or search for romance in the legendary town of Casablanca

    Visit the Tanneries in Fes

    Explore the blue town of Chefchaouen

    Soothe your body in a traditional hammam

    Take it easy at a cool 17°C

  • Nigeria
  • Head to Nigeria to feel the heartbeat of West Africa. Lagos is the fashionable heart of Nigeria where something is always going on. Abuja seduces with its style and artistic soul. And then there is Kaduna, which charms with its food and culture.

    Soak in the Ikogosi Warm Springs

    Try unique Nigerian cuisine

    Experience the nightlife in Lagos

    The heat is on at 34°C

  • Seychelles
  • If a rustic tropical getaway sounds like your kind of holiday heaven, then the Seychelles is the place for you. Indulge in a slice of local island life and Creole cuisine in Mahé or hop on over to Praslin Island to experience a real island paradise.

    Visit a coconut farm on La Digue

    Snorkel around the islands

    Go ziplining through forests

    Beach days galore at 34°C

Popular Budget-Friendly Destinations in January

  • Mozambique
  • Visit Mozambique during January and you will encounter rainfall but also lush landscapes and a chance to explore the country without crowds and high prices. Eat all the seafood you can handle in Pemba or experience the exciting rhythm of Maputo

    Wander around the historic town of Inhambane

    Be awed by beautiful Gorongosa National Park

    Try some crab matapa for a taste of Mozambique

    Don’t forget the sunscreen at 30°C

  • Zambia
  • Head to Zambia for a chance to see the landscapes draped in beautiful green. Several camps are open during the rainy season and offer incredible intimacy and discounts for your African holiday. Or explore Lusaka to feel the big city vibe of Zambia!

    Try local cuisine at Dorphil Restaurant

    Go on a walking safari along Luangwa River

    Look out for adorable newborn baby animals

    The temperature is warm at 26°C

  • Zimbabwe
  • Make your way to Zimbabwe to experience the lush natural beauty of its landscapes, friendly vibe of its people, and magic of its precious cultural gems. Even during the rainy season, Zimbabwe is a place where the sun always seems to be shining.

    Try traditional Zimbabwean cuisine

    Visit the Khami Ruins in Bulawayo

    Experience the cosmopolitan bustle of Harare

    All you need is a light jacket at 26°C

Events in January

South Africa - Kaapse Klopse

The Kaapse Klopse (or Cape Town Minstrel Carnival) is an annual festival that sees thousands of minstrels marching through the streets of Cape Town a blaze of colour and music. The festival has roots stretching back to the time of slavery and is a celebration of liberation, self-expression, and tradition.

16-26°C daytime temperatures

21 January

Cape Town

Mauritius - Thaipoosam Cavadee

The Thaipoosam Cavadee festival is one of the most interesting religious festivals in Mauritius. It is a Hindu celebration that originated in Southern India and involves body piercing and bamboo cavadees decorated with bells, flowers, coconuts, peacock feathers, banana leaves, and icons of Lord Muruga.

22-29°C daytime temperatures

21 January

All over the island

Benin - Ouidah Voodoo Festival

The Ouidah Voodoo Festival will take you on a journey through history and the voodoo culture for which Benin is so well known. A feticheur (a sort of wizard / witch doctor) leads a procession along the old slave road to the beach, where the festival is celebrated with ceremonial drums, rituals, and performances.

24-32°C daytime temperatures

10 January

Ouidah

Asia & Oceania

Popular High Season Destinations in January

  • New Zealand
  • New Zealand is a country bursting at the seams with adventure. Auckland and Wellington are cosmopolitan cities overflowing with art and culture, while Christchurch and Queenstown will amaze and inspire thrill seekers and nature lovers.

    Go on a Lord of the Rings tour

    Bungee jump in the birthplace of the bungy

    Visit the Tamaki Maori Village

    Enjoy warm temperatures of 20°C

  • Thailand
  • Explore this Southeast Asian country which is famous for its secret beaches, exotic street food, and unforgettable energy. Visit Bangkok for mind bending nightlife, Chiang Mai for temples, or Phuket and Koh Samui for unreal island hopping.

    Indulge in the strange and wonderful cuisine

    Get an authentic Thai massage

    Let loose at a Full Moon Party

    Things are heating up at 32°C

  • United Arab Emirates
  • Go to one of the most unique countries in the world and finally understand what all the fuss is about. Explore cultural treasures in the glittering city of Abu Dhabi or indulge in the lavish lifestyle of Dubai, the iconic city that started it all.

    Visit a traditional Bedouin camp in the desert

    Wander around the Bastakia Quarter

    See the world from the Burj Khalifa

    The perfect warm weather at 24°C

Popular Budget-Friendly Destinations in January

  • China
  • Let China amaze you with its snowy landscapes and winter charm. Try skiing in Beijing, eat your way through Guangzhou,visit the temples in Jinjiang, or get lost in the energetic bustle of Shanghai for a classic experience in this legendary country.

    Go shopping in Hong Kong

    See the Great Wall of China covered in snow

    Head to Sanya, the Hawaii of the East

    Things are going to get a little frosty at 2°C

  • Israel
  • Be inspired and astounded by the magic of Israel. Tel Aviv is a modern city with a bit of everything you need for a sensational trip, while Eilat is a postcard-pretty holiday town. And of course, you have to visit the sacred city of Jerusalem

    Float on the Dead Sea

    Go skiing on Mount Hermon

    Explore the holy city of Jerusalem

    Be sure to pack a jacket at 13°C

  • Japan
  • There is no place in the world like Japan. From the bright lights and electric energy of Osaka and Fukuoka to the serene temples and traditions of Kyoto, this is a country that will take your breath away whenever you decide to go.

    Attend the Sumo New Year Basho in Tokyo

    Drink beer and eat miso ramen in Sapporo

    Ride the Hakone Tozan Railway

    Prepare for a nippy 7°C

Events in January

Japan - Wakakusa Yamayaki

The Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival celebrates a strange tradition that dates back to the 18th century. Every year, just after the dusk, the side of Mount Wakakusa is set alight and allowed to spread across the mountainside. The exact origins of the festival are a mystery, but it is a terrific sight to behold.

1-9°C daytime temperatures

The fourth Saturday in January

Nara City

Australia – Sydney Festival

The Sydney Festival is a major summer arts event that celebrates big ideas and cutting-edge art and performance. It is a massive three-week long event that transforms the city into a cultural wonderland with music, theatre, dance, circus, visual arts, opera, and family-friendly events.

19-26°C daytime temperatures

The second week of January

Sydney

Philippines - Sinulog Festival

The Sinulog Festival is one of the grandest and most colourful events in the Philippines. Locals dress up in bright costumes and dance in the streets to drums, trumpets, and native gongs to remember their pagan past and acceptance of Christianity. The festival draws local and foreign tourists from far and wide.

24-30°C daytime temperatures

20 January

Cebu City

North & Central America

Popular High Season Destinations in January

  • Cuba
  • Let yourself flow to the smooth rhythm of the Caribbean in Cuba. Immerse yourself in the cool charisma of Havana with its iconic vintage cars and café culture, explore the Cuban art scene in Camagüey, or be awed by the countryside charm of Viñales.

    Drink an authentic Cuban mojito

    Get lost in gorgeous Trinidad

    Swim beneath Vegas Grande Waterfall

    No need for a jacket at 26°C

  • Jamaica
  • Groove into your holiday in Jamaica, the Caribbean island paradise nobody is talking about. Miles of beautiful beaches, warm tropical weather, glorious natural landscapes, delicious food, and reggae. What more do you need for a great holiday?

    Try Ackee and saltfish, Jamaica’s national dish

    Go rafting down the Martha Brae River

    Attend a live reggae show in Kingston

    Experience the real Caribbean at 30°C

  • Mexico
  • Mexico is a fascinating place where you can fill your days with mystical Maya ruins and the beaches of Cancún, and your nights with mariachi music and margaritas in Mexico City. This is one country you need to experience at least once in your life!

    Explore the beaches of Cozumel

    Visit the ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá

    Try grasshopper guacamole in Guadalajara

    The perfect temperature for tequila at 21°C

Popular Budget-Friendly Destinations in January

  • Curacao
  • It’s a Caribbean island with the panache of Europe. Willemstad is the Dutch heart of the island where you can sip on blue Curaçao cocktails and watch the sun go down after spending the day lapping up the sunshine of this peculiar tropical paradise.

    Embrace nature in Christoffel National Park

    Head underground to explore the Hato Caves

    Go shopping on Breedestraat

    Things are going to get hot at 29°C

  • Canada
  • Canada has so much to offer and then some, even when the snow is falling. Witness the majestic natural beauty of Canada in Grande Prairie and Thunder Bay or stick to the humming cities of Toronto and Vancouver if you prefer the bustle of the city.

    Stroll through the quaint streets of Québec City

    Taste the French flavours of Canada in Montréal

    Witness the snowy magic of Banff National Park

    Get ready for some snow at -4°C

  • USA
  • The United States is a vast and varied place where anything is possible. From legendary cities such as New York City and Las Vegas to iconic holiday destinations such as Orlando and Honolulu the United States will take you on the trip of a lifetime.

    Drive down to Key West in Florida

    Head to Montana for a real winter getaway

    Visit Yellowstone National Park

    Witness a winter wonderland at 6°C

Events in January

United States - Havasu Balloon Festival

The Havasu Balloon Festival is a wonderful little festival that is centered around hot air balloons. Fulfill your bucket list dream of going on a hot air balloon ride, watch hundreds of hot air balloons float into the early morning sky, or wait for the sun to go down to witness the spectacular Night Glow.

6-19°C daytime temperatures

10-13 January
(dates may change)

Lake Havasu City

Bahamas – Junkanoo

Junkanoo is a national festival that is celebrated across the Bahamas on the 26 December and 1 January. It is a wild and colourful street party of elaborate costumes, hypnotic music, and spirited dancing. Junkanoo is known as one of the most entertaining street carnivals in the world.

18-26°C daytime temperatures

1 January

Nassau

Panama - Panama Jazz Festival

The Panama Jazz Festival is a musical extravaganza that brings together internationally-acclaimed musicians and devoted jazz fans for a week of soulful jazz in Central America. The festival draws huge crowds every year and is one of the major highlights on the Panamanian calendar.

24-32°C daytime temperatures

14-19 January

Panama City

South America

Popular High Season Destinations in January

  • Brazil
  • Brazil is a dream destination for many travellers. It is home to incredible natural landscapes, unique experiences, vibrant cities, and a culture that has captured the imagination of the world. A trip to Brazil will be your greatest love affair.

    Hang out on the beaches of Fortaleza

    Kayak through the wild Amazon

    Learn to samba in Rio de Janeiro

    The perfect weather at 27°C

  • Argentina
  • Argentina is all about the good life. Famous for its spectacular landscapes, fantastic wine, delicious local cuisine, and lively nightlife, it is the holiday of a lifetime for food lovers and travellers wanting a dose of South American culture.

    Wander around La Boca in Buenos Aires

    Watch a tango performance at Bar Los Laureles

    Visit Los Glaciares National Park in El Calafate

    Hello summer at 29°C

  • Chile
  • A narrow strip on the edge of South America, Chile is a country of immense natural beauty. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find heaven on earth in Patagonia, while foodies will be delighted by Chilean street food and cuisine in Santiago.

    Gaze upon the surreal Atacama Desert

    Experience the arts scene in Valparaiso

    Visit the strange Moai statues on Easter Island

    It’s definitely not chilly at 30°C

Popular Budget-Friendly Destinations in January

  • Bolivia
  • Whether it is its festivals or its natural treasures, there is no denying that Bolivia is one of the most interesting countries in the world. La Paz and Santa Cruz will charm you with their vibrant streets, beautiful architecture, and unique culture.

    Browse the Witches’ Market in La Paz

    Gape in wonder at the Salar De Uyuni

    Watching a Cholitas wrestling match

    Temperatures are comfortable at 22°C

  • Peru
  • Shrouded in mystery and home to some of the most impressive landscapes in the world, a trip to Peru is unforgettable. Explore the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu in Cusco or stroll through the historic streets of Lima for a taste of the local culture.

    Get an aerial view of the mysterious Nazca Lines

    Tour the floating islands of Lake Titicaca

    Get adventurous with Peruvian cuisine

    The perfect holiday temperatures at 27°C

  • Ecuador
  • Ecuador is a slice of South American heaven. Beautiful old cities such as Quito and Guayaquil give Ecuador its ancient mystical charm and an exotic landscape of volcanoes and mountains give it its beauty. Exotic experiences await in Ecuador.

    Straddle the equator at Ciudad Mitad del Mundo

    Gaze upon Laguna Quilotoa, a volcanic crater

    Cruise the remote Galápagos Islands

    No need to worry about the weather at 20°C

Events in January

Colombia - Blacks and Whites Carnival

The Blacks and Whites Carnival celebrates the coming together of different cultures and is the most famous festival in Colombia. Each day follows a different theme that honours its cultural diversity, but each is just as flamboyant and jubilant as the next, making for one truly unforgettable experience.

9-17°C daytime temperatures

2-7 January

Pasto

Chile - Santiago a Mil International Festival

The Santiago a Mil Festival is an annual performing arts festival that happens in the capital city, Santiago. It is the largest arts festival in Chile and features dozens of spellbinding theatre performances and dance and music shows in some of the most beautiful and unusual settings in the city.

12-30°C daytime temperatures

3-21 January

Santiago

Bolivia - Achocalla Festival

The Achocalla Festival is a charming little festival that offers a rare glimpse into Bolivian folklore. Each year, when the potato fields begin to bloom, locals come together to ask the Andean fertility goddess, Pachamama, for rain and plentiful crops by performing a traditional dance known as the tarqueada.

7-17°C daytime temperatures

First week of January

La Paz

When travelling, remember to book 3 months in advance to get the best deals.

Book in October to get great discounts on your January trip!
Not ready to travel in January? Book your trip in January and travel in April to get the best deals!



Download our app

Free for iPhones and Android