When you travel in January, you either want to escape the cold or embrace it. I’m more of a spend-the-winter-on-a-beach gal, but this list has options for both preferences. So I’ve rounded up the best places in the world to visit in January!

Where To Go In Each Month

January is a peak travel month for the Caribbean, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and ski resorts in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. So book in advance, and be prepared for crowds and higher prices.

Here are the best places in the world to visit in January!

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has excellent weather and prices in January. The average temperature is 86°F (30°C), so you’ll have warm, but not stifling weather.

For snorkeling and diving, you’ll want to visit Unawatuna beach this time of year. And if you’re a surfer, then Hikkadua is where you’ll want to be.

The coasts are most popular in January, but the entire island is accessible during this month. So you can also enjoy Sri Lanka’s national parks, wildlife spotting, and ancient sites.

Sri Lanka is one of my Top Budget Destinations Around The World!

Costa Rica

January is an incredible time to visit Costa Rica because this is the cheapest month in the dry season when you can score some relatively good deals on the best hotels and vacation homes!

Tips for Traveling To Costa Rica on a Budget

You’ll have sunny days with a low chance of rain, the rainforest will be lush, and the waterfalls and hot springs will be flowing at some of their best levels.

When you’re in Costa Rica, I recommend splitting your time between the jungle interior and (at least one) of the coasts with one of my itineraries. I’ve also got the top things to do for a solo, girls, and romantic trip to Costa Rica.

United States Ski Resorts

Ski trips in the U.S. can be expensive and crowded, but you can avoid some of the winter prices and crowds by planning a getaway in January. The holiday tourists will be gone, and spring break hordes won’t come for another two months.

Planning a trip during the week and avoiding the long holiday weekend are other ways to beat some of the crowds and higher prices.

The middle of January is when temperatures are coldest, crowds are at some of their lowest numbers, and snow can be at its best.

Western ski resorts, such as Breckenridge and Vail in Colorado, Alta and Park City in Utah, and Jackson Hole in Wyoming, have the highest January snow scores. High-altitude resorts in the Mid-Atlantic and New England also have high chances of snow this month.

Rwanda

January is one of the rainiest months for many safari destinations, but Rwanda is one of the few exceptions. This is the dry season for Rwanda, so gorilla trekking and sightings will be easier than during the rainy months.

I highly recommend visiting Volcanoes National Park and staying at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest!

Pro Tip: Still bring your raincoat because the “dry season” in Rwanda still has a lot of rain in the jungle.

Panama

Panama is one of the best destinations to visit in January because of its weather – lots of sunshine and a low chance of rain. Morning and evening temperatures will be in the mid-70s to low-80s (24-27ºC) but plan to stay indoors or in the water during the afternoons when it’ll be closer to 90ºF (32ºC).

The best places to visit in Panama are Boquete, Panama City, Bocas del Toro, the San Blas Islands, Santa Catalina, and Portobelo.

The Panama Jazz Festival is held every January in Panama City. And the town of Boquete in western Panama has its annual Feria de la Flores y del Café (Flower and Coffee Festival) in mid-January, which showcases the region’s produce and traditional dancing.

January is the beginning of Panama’s peak season, so if you avoid the New Year’s holiday and the very end of the month, prices and crowds won’t be at their highest.

Dubai

The highlight of January in Dubai is the Dubai Shopping Festival. Tourist numbers will be higher because of this festival, but it’s worth it.

Dubai has it all. You can head into the desert, lounge on the beach, dine on a rooftop restaurant, or visit a luxury spa. The city is also known for its adventure sports such as sand surfing and skydiving.

If you’re in Dubai, then I’d also recommend visiting nearby Abu Dhabi while you’re in the area.

Galapagos Islands

If you’re looking for a warm exotic spot in January, look no further than the Galápagos Islands! This month is a peak tourist and price time for the Galápagos, but for a good reason.

January is when the Galápagos Giant Tortoise eggs hatch! And seeing this natural phenomenon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I highly recommend exploring the Galápagos via an eco-friendly cruise. You’ll be able to explore the islands easily and have knowledgeable guides for diving, wildlife interactions, and other excursions.

Miami

If you need a U.S. destination to escape the cold, Miami in January is for you. Because the weather is at its best and hurricane season is over, January is a peak travel month for Miami, so avoid some of the crowds and high prices by booking in advance and going during the week.

Miami is one of the best getaways in the Southeast U.S.

Miami has incredible beaches, international cuisine, clubs, and music festivals. When you’re here, make sure you sail along the coast and take a day trip to Everglades National Park.

British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia is the perfect “Winter Wonderland” in January. Tourist numbers and prices temporarily drop in the first weeks of January after the holiday season, so this is an excellent time to enjoy the slopes.

The Best Ski Resorts in Canada

In this province, you’ve got Whistler and other ski resorts for snowboarding, skiing, and every kind of snow sport. Plus, you’ve got Vancouver to explore. The city is known for its food trucks, breweries, ice skating, and hockey, so there’s something for everyone here.

You should also visit Victoria Island. The city of Victoria is beautiful, and it’s got some great spas to escape the cold. You can visit Victoria as a day trip from Vancouver or spend a few nights here.

New Zealand

January is a peak summer month in New Zealand. Prices and tourist numbers will be higher, but January has the best weather of the year. So for you outdoor enthusiasts, New Zealand is worth visiting this month.

You can enjoy hiking, sailing, swimming, diving, surfing, and biking at their best! Plus, you can visit all of the Lord of the Rings filming sites.

To offset the higher costs in January, here are some budget tips for New Zealand:

Travel in a camper van.

Cook your own meals.

Drink local beer and wines.

Do free outdoor activities.

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What do you think are the best places in the world to visit in January? Tell us in the comments below!

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