If we’re honest January can feel like the longest month ever. The Christmas decorations come down, the credit card bill arrives, and suddenly you’re staring at four weeks of grey skies and early sunsets. But January can actually be the best time to travel.
Nobody has any money after the Christmas, so flight prices drop. Tourist hotspots that were rammed in summer? Empty. And if you’re strategic about where you go, you can swap British drizzle for proper sunshine or find some of the best snow conditions of the year.
I was scrolling through TripAdvisor one January evening, feeling a bit fed up, when I stumbled across someone’s post about escaping to the Caribbean for less than a thousand pounds. Since then, I’ve made it a bit of a mission to explore different corners of the world during this weird post-festive window, and I’ve found some absolute gems.
Whether you’re after 28°C beaches, proper winter wonderland, or just somewhere different to shake off the January blues, this guide pulls from real experiences, mine and loads of other travellers who’ve shared their stories online.
So grab a cuppa, and let’s talk about the best places to visit in January instead of putting up with grey skies and drizzle.
Warm Beach Destinations – Swap Your Coat for a Bikini
Right, let’s start with what most of us are actually dreaming about in January: beaches. Proper, warm, don’t-need-a-wetsuit kind of beaches.
Caribbean Classics – Where Everyone’s Got It Right
I’ve got to say, there’s a reason people bang on about the Caribbean in January. It’s not just hype, it genuinely is amazing.
We’re talking consistent 27-28°C temperatures, barely any rain, and that perfect balance of warm without being unbearably hot.
Aruba keeps popping up in my research, and after visiting last January, I get why. The island sits outside the hurricane belt, so you’ve got these reliably gorgeous conditions. What I loved most was how the trade winds kept things comfortable, you could actually lie on the beach without melting into a puddle.
One afternoon, I hired a beaten-up jeep (cost me about £30 for the day) and drove to Arikok National Park. The coastal trails were brilliant, and I ended up at this local seafood shack called Zeerovers where fishermen were literally pulling in the catch as I ate. No fancy tablecloths, just plastic chairs and the best grilled fish I’ve had in ages.
Budget-wise, I found an Airbnb away from the main hotel strip for under £60 a night. The tourist areas felt a bit soulless, to be honest, but venture out a bit and you’ll find the real island.
Jamaica’s another good choice, especially if you want a bit more energy than Aruba’s laid-back vibe. I’ve spoken to people who’ve done the all-inclusive thing in Montego Bay, they were paying around £800 return from London, and they raved about it.
One woman told me about this place called Rick’s Cafe where locals cliff-jump into the ocean at sunset. She said watching it was terrifying but also oddly mesmerising. The reggae scene, the jerk chicken (apparently the stuff at street stalls beats hotel food hands down), and the whole vibe just works in January.
Then you’ve got the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, all offering winter sun and a relaxed atmosphere. I watched a vlog recently where someone stayed in Punta Cana for a week, all-in, for under a grand. They went zip-lining through the forest and spent afternoons snorkelling.
One tip I picked up: pack reef-safe sunscreen. Some of these places are really strict about it, and you don’t want to be that person damaging coral reefs.
Exotic Alternatives – A Bit Further Afield but Worth It
If the Caribbean feels too obvious (or you’ve already been), there are some cracking alternatives that don’t get as much attention.
Belize came up loads when I was poking around Reddit. The Barrier Reef there is apparently incredible, people were calling it a “diver’s dream” with January’s calm seas making visibility as good as you get. I chatted with someone online who’d stayed in Caye Caulker in these little eco-lodges. She said the whole place ran on “island time”, no cars, just golf carts and bikes.
They saw manatees on a morning swim and ate lobster BBQ on the beach most nights. Costs were surprisingly reasonable too, especially compared to more polished Caribbean islands.
Fiji keeps tempting me, though it’s obviously a longer flight. But if you’re going to do long-haul anyway, January’s their summer and the weather’s gorgeous. One couple I read about did the Yasawa Islands and said the turquoise lagoons looked fake, like someone had Photoshopped the water. They hiked volcanic trails during the day and did kava ceremonies with locals in the evenings. It felt more authentic than your typical beach resort, which definitely appeals to me.
The Maldives sits at the pricier end, but January’s smack in the middle of their dry season. Overwater bungalows, snorkelling with manta rays, it’s the full luxury experience. Not really my budget bracket, but if you’ve been saving up or it’s a special occasion, you’d be going at the perfect time.
Sunny Urban and Warm-Weather US Spots
Sometimes you don’t want full-on beach mode. You want a bit of city energy, some decent food, maybe a hike or two, but still in the warmth. That’s where these US spots come in.
Southwest Gems – Desert Heat Done Right
I’ll admit, I was sceptical about desert destinations until I spent a few days in Scottsdale in January. The weather was absolutely perfect, sunny mornings around 18-20°C that warmed up to mid-20s by afternoon. I started most days hiking Camelback Mountain (not for the faint hearted), then spent afternoons exploring the craft beer scene and the art galleries.
The spas there are truly luxurious. One evening I booked into this place that did treatments using local desert ingredients, which sounds a bit strange, but it was actually lovely after a day of hiking.
Phoenix is right there too if Scottsdale feels too polished. Flights from the UK aren’t too bad, and you can do day trips to Sedona with its red rocks and spiritual energy that everyone talks about.
Palm Springs has this retro vibe that I found really appealing. It’s all mid-century modern architecture and classic American diners. Joshua Tree National Park’s close by, I’d seen so many Instagram photos of those twisted trees that I thought it might be overrated, but wandering through there at sunset was actually pretty special.
Florida and California Coasts – Beaches Meet Adventure
Key West in January is perfect. It’s sitting around 21-24°C, which is warm enough for beaches but not oppressively hot. You can spend a day just cycling around the island, it’s only about four miles long, so easily achievable. Duval Street at night has a carnival energy with live music spilling out of every bar.
The drive down through the Keys is worth doing too. You’re basically island-hopping on bridges, with turquoise water on both sides.
San Diego’s another winner if you want beaches plus other stuff. January’s when grey whales migrate past the coast, so you can do whale-watching tours. The zoo there is massive, I’m not usually a zoo person, but this one’s supposed to be ethical and really well done. Someone told me they combined it with trips to Laguna Beach for sunset hikes and it made for a very diverse week.
And here’s a tip I wish I’d known earlier: US Virgin Islands don’t require a passport if you’re an American. For Brits it’s still international obviously, but if you’ve got US-based friends, it’s a handy option for them. St. John apparently has some lovely trails and beaches that aren’t too developed.
Wintery Adventures – For When You Actually Want the Cold
Not everyone’s trying to escape winter. Some people actually want more of it. If that’s you, January’s your peak time for great snow conditions and winter festivals.
North American Snow Havens – Powdery Snow and Après-Ski
Whistler comes up constantly when people talk about January skiing. The snow conditions are apparently at their best, and one person I spoke to described tackling black diamond runs in the morning then sitting in outdoor hot tubs at the village in the afternoon. The whole après-ski culture there is big, live music, mulled wine, that whole cosy winter feeling.
Lake Louise in Canada is on my list. I’ve seen photos of the ice skating they do on the frozen lake with mountain views behind it, and it looks unreal. One woman told me she went in January, stayed at the Fairmont, and basically lived in her puffy coat for a week. Said the crisp air and complete stillness of the place was exactly what she needed after a manic December.
Jackson Hole in Wyoming does this thing where you get incredible skiing but also wildlife spotting. Yellowstone’s nearby, and apparently in winter you can see wolves and bison without the summer crowds.
Montreal’s good if you want winter city vibes without committing to full outdoor sports. The igloo bars, the poutine (chips, gravy, and cheese curds, sounds grim, tastes amazing), and just wandering around when it’s all snowy and atmospheric. There’s something quite romantic about it, actually.
Cosy US Retreats – Winter Without the Extreme Sports
Asheville in North Carolina keeps popping up for people who want winter but not skiing. It’s in the mountains, so you get that crisp air and cosy atmosphere, but it’s more about the Biltmore Estate (this massive historic mansion), craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants. The temperatures hover around 5-10°C—chilly enough for scarves and hot chocolate but not brutally cold.
The Everglades are a bit of a wildcard for January. You’re getting mild 20-22°C weather, which is perfect for airboat rides spotting alligators without being eaten alive by mosquitoes.
One person described it as “weirdly peaceful” gliding through swamps with cypress trees and birds everywhere. Not your typical winter escape, but pretty unique.
For When You Want Proper Far-Flung
If you’re willing to commit to a longer flight, January opens up some brilliant options that are either having their summer or their dry season.
Asia and Oceania – Temples and Beaches
Thailand in January is perfection. The rainy season’s over, temperatures sit around 28-30°C, and everything’s lush and green without being soggy. Bangkok’s temples are incredible, Wat Pho with the giant reclining Buddha is breathtaking. Then you’ve got Phuket for beaches, Chiang Mai for elephant sanctuaries (ethical ones, not the sketchy riding ones), and street food that costs about a quid a plate.
One tip: January’s high season there, so book accommodation ahead. But even with that, it’s ridiculously good value compared to Europe.
Kangaroo Island in Australia is having its summer, and from what I’ve read, it’s wildlife heaven. Wallabies, sea lions, koalas just hanging in eucalyptus trees, one person described it as “like a safari but Australian.” They did barbecues on the beach and watched the sunset with a beer which sounds pretty amazing to me.
Africa and South America – Safaris and Adventures
Cape Town in January is summer, so you’re getting warm weather for climbing Table Mountain or visiting the penguin colony at Boulders Beach (yes, African penguins are a thing, I had to Google it to check). The city’s supposed to have this really vibrant energy with outdoor markets and vineyard tours in the surrounding areas.
Costa Rica’s dry season is January through to April, making it ideal for rainforest adventures. Zip-lining, cloud forests, hot springs, someone told me they did a week there for under £1,500 including flights, and they were busy basically every day.
And if you’re after European cities without the summer crowds, January works too. London’s markets are still going in early January, Barcelona’s Gaudí architecture is there without the queues, and everything’s just a bit calmer. It’s cold, obviously, but sometimes that’s part of the charm.
So, Where To Then?
The thing about January is it doesn’t have to be grim. You’ve got options ranging from lying on Caribbean sand to skiing in Canada to exploring temples in Thailand. It really just depends what you’re after, relaxation, adventure, or maybe a bit of both.
What I’ve learned from all this researching and poking about online is that January’s actually one of the smartest times to travel. Prices drop, crowds thin out, and weather-wise, loads of places are at their absolute best. Whether you’re escaping the UK drizzle or leaning into proper winter, there’s somewhere out there that’s perfect for you.
Book ahead for the popular spots, pack sensibly (reef-safe sunscreen for beaches, proper layers for snow), and maybe consider offsetting your carbon footprint if that’s something you’re into. The world’s big, and January’s a brilliant time to see a bit of it.
What’s your pick for this year? Personally, I’m eyeing up Belize or maybe embracing the cosiness of a snowy city break.