Always plan ahead before it is too late! This goes best when looking for the best places to go in January for holidays. The festive season can be challenging when it comes to finding flights and accommodation. January is surely an excellent time for holidays. It is the month when the festive bells ring throughout the world. Every country is on cloud 9 of joy and holds so many pleasing things and attractions for tourists to see and enjoy.
Wanderlust can take you to the most extreme corners of the world where the weather can be intensely cold. But surely, these will be the best places to go in January where you can satisfy your wanderlust. Other than ordinary tourist attractions and local markets, the holiday markets and special activities attract lots of tourists.
Rather than celebrating holidays in the usual way, you should experience different but unique holiday traditions. This holiday season, try something or visit someplace new to learn some unusual holiday activities and traditions. Consider some of the best holiday destinations in January where you can understand the local cultures and traditions.
The seasonal blessings are on their way to make you wonder how magical holidays can be. Are you ready? If you wish to know more about the best places to go on January holidays, this blog is for you. The blog mentions the 12 best places to go in January and enjoy the holidays. Read more to find out where you can enjoy your January holidays.
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of the best places to go in January and enjoy the pleasant weather. As a matter of fact, January is the busiest month and Cape Town expects lots of tourists. Exploring outdoors sounds extremely fun when the weather is warm and cosy. You can surely enjoy outdoor activities on the beach under plenty of sun. In addition, hiking to Table Mountain will be a fun thing to consider during the holidays.
Kitesurfing and wine tours are popular tourist activities in Cape Town. Clifton, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and Muizenberg are some notable best places to go on January during the holiday. January holds lots of cultural activities to try during the summer season in Cape Town. You should attend the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival. This colourful parade has lots of cultural references. Apart from that, Cape Town hosts several food festivals which are a must to attend during your holidays.
5 Best Places to Visit in Cape Town
- Table Mountain
- Robben Island
- V&A Waterfront
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Boulders Beach
5 Things to Do in Cape Town
- Hike or take the cable car up Table Mountain for stunning views.
- Visit Robben Island to learn about its historical significance.
- Explore the shops and restaurants at the V&A Waterfront.
- Stroll through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
- See the penguins at Boulders Beach.
Temperature in January
In January, the temperature in Cape Town ranges from a minimum of 18°C to a maximum of 28°C.
Flight duration from the UK
The flight duration from the UK to Cape Town is approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes.
2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best places to go in January and experience the festive spirit of a different culture. It’s a festive time in the city as the Vietnamese Lunar New Year enhances the holiday mood in every corner. The Vietnamese New Year is known as Tet and it is one of the busiest seasons in Vietnam.
January is a fantastic time to visit here as there are lots of unique cultural experiences for you to enjoy. The artistic displays are the highlights of the festival. The streets are decorated uniquely and the holiday markets are highly recommended to visit during this time. There are many seasonal things the tourists love and adore in Ho Chi Minh City. The holiday delicacies will surely be on top.
5 Best Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City
- War Remnants Museum
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Ben Thanh Market
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
- Jade Emperor Pagoda
5 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Explore the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history.
- Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
- Shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market.
- Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon for its stunning architecture.
- Enjoy a traditional water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.
Temperature in January
The temperature in January ranges from 22°C to 31°C.
Flight duration from the UK
The flight duration from the UK to Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes.
3. Akureyri, Iceland
Akureyri is one of the best places to go in January to enjoy a snowy holiday. It is known for being a fun getaway destination to the Northernmost part of the world. The snow-covered mountains make the place look beyond beautiful. The natural beauty looks even more beautiful under the Northern lights. Tourists from all over the globe visit Akureyri to experience this natural phenomenon.
Akureyri is an excellent destination for family holidays where you can enjoy snow sports as adults and kids. Ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more are some fun sports of the season. Moving on, the place has geothermal pools where you can enjoy saunas, hot tubs, slides, and more. The festive joy makes Akureyri the best place travel in January for holidays.
5 Best Places to Visit in Akureyri
- Akureyri Church
- Akureyri Botanical Garden
- Nonni's House
- Akureyri Art Museum
- Godafoss Waterfall
5 Things to Do in Akureyri
- Visit Akureyri Church for its stunning architecture.
- Explore the diverse flora at Akureyri Botanical Garden.
- Learn about local history at Nonni's House.
- Enjoy the exhibits at Akureyri Art Museum.
- Take a trip to the beautiful Godafoss Waterfall.
Temperature in January
The temperature of Akureyri ranges from a minimum of -6°C to a maximum of 0°C in January.
Flight duration from the UK
The flight from the UK to Akureyri takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
4. La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna might be a small town but it is surely one of the best places to go in January. Spending a holiday in a tropical climate in this tropical paradise will be worth giving a shot. There are lots of boutique hotels that offer a cosy warmth. Some hotels have a more relaxing vibe as they have their own hot springs.
There are lots of activities to entertain you during your stay. Ziplining, hiking, visiting hot springs, wildlife encounters, and more are some fun things to enjoy during your holidays. The Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall are the popular tourist attractions of La Fortuna and are highly recommended.
5 Best Places to Visit in La Fortuna
- Arenal Volcano
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
- Tabacon Hot Springs
- Venado Caves
5 Things to Do in La Fortuna
- Hike around Arenal Volcano for breathtaking views.
- Swim at the base of La Fortuna Waterfall.
- Walk across the Mistico Hanging Bridges for a unique rainforest experience.
- Relax in the natural hot springs at Tabacon.
- Explore the underground wonders of Venado Caves.
Temperature in January
The temperature ranges between a minimum of 23°C and a maximum of 29°C in January.
Flight duration from the UK
14 hours and 20 minutes is the expected time to fly from the UK to La Fortuna.
5. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is Thailand’s most amazing beach holiday destination. There are so many best places to go in January. The warm and sunny weather ensures a good time to enjoy outdoor activities and explorations. January is the perfect time to plan a beach trip to Patong Beach and Phi Phi Islands. The weather is ideal for sunbathing and island exploration. In addition, the sea is nice and warm, perfect for swimming.
Moving on, January is the time when Phuket shows lots of cultural experiences to tourists. It is the time of Thai New Year and the preparations for the festival are quite lively. The place is famous for its historic Old Town Phuket among the tourists. Other than that, there are many vibrant clubs, bars, beach clubs, etcetera that enlighten the nightlife in Phuket.
5 Best Places to Visit in Phuket
- Patong Beach
- Big Buddha
- Phi Phi Islands
- Old Phuket Town
- Phang Nga Bay
5 Things to Do in Phuket
- Relax on the sandy shores of Patong Beach.
- Visit the Big Buddha for panoramic views of the island.
- Take a boat tour to the stunning Phi Phi Islands.
- Explore the vibrant streets and markets of Old Phuket Town.
- Kayak through the limestone caves of Phang Nga Bay.
Temperature in January
The temperature in January ranges from a minimum of 24°C to a maximum of 32°C.
Flight duration from the UK
The flight duration from the UK to Phuket is approximately 12 hours and 49 minutes.
Read Also: Thailand in October
6. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is one of the best holiday destinations in January where travellers come to enjoy a sunny holiday. Many luxurious parts of Marrakesh are popular among the tourists. The palaces, restaurants, luxury spas, hammams, and hotels are some of the best places to go in January.
Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and more are popular tourist attraction sites. The infinity charm of these places is highly adored by tourists. Hammam is a traditional bath open to the public and is highly recommended to tourists. You can release the stress of your body via this traditional bath that dates back to the 7th Century AD.
5 Best Places to Visit in Marrakesh
- Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Bahia Palace
- Majorelle Garden
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Saadian Tombs
5 Things to Do in Marrakesh
- Wander through the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
- Admire the intricate architecture of Bahia Palace.
- Stroll through the beautiful Majorelle Garden.
- Visit the historic Koutoubia Mosque.
- Explore the ancient Saadian Tombs.
Temperature in January
In January, the temperature of Marrakesh ranges from a minimum of 6°C to a maximum of 19°C.
Flight duration from the UK
Flying from the UK to Marrakesh will take approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.
7. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is the cultural capital of the Middle East and is surely among the best holiday locations in January. This capital city of Egypt is known for its historical tours. You can explore a whole lot of ancient treasures on your visit. Take an intimate tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza, Cairo Tower, Opera House, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and more.
Other than historical landmarks, Cairo is popular for its traditional cuisine. It is soul-satisfying and rejuvenating in its unique way. Relish the delicious Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Watch the lively scenes of Cairo’s vibrant nightlife at the jazz clubs and rooftop bars.
5 Best Places to Visit in Cairo
- Pyramids of Giza
- Egyptian Museum
- Khan el-Khalili
- Cairo Citadel
- Al-Azhar Park
5 Things to Do in Cairo
- Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
- Explore the vast collection of artefacts at the Egyptian Museum.
- Shop for unique souvenirs at Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
- Visit the historic Cairo Citadel for panoramic city views.
- Relax in the greenery of Al-Azhar Park.
Temperature in January
A minimum of 10°C to a maximum of 19°C is the expected temperature of Cairo in January.
Flight duration from the UK
Flights from the UK to Cairo take around hours and 52 minutes.
8. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is one of the best places to go in January due to its warm climate. There are many best holiday locations in January where you can enjoy the warm and pleasing weather. Outdoor explorations like sunbathing and building sandcastles on the white sand beaches are possible. Snorkelling, swimming, and diving sound like the best things to try when the beaches are warm and welcoming.
Apart from beaches, the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum will be nice when it comes to city wandering. There are some popular theme parks, eco-parks, and outdoor markets that offer a promisingly fun environment during your holidays. Moving on, visiting the resort district, Zona Hotelera will be the best definition of enjoying the nightlife in Cancun. There are so many best places to go on January to enjoy the New Year’s Eve parties.
5 Best Places to Visit in Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Isla Mujeres
- Xcaret Park
- Tulum
- Cancun Underwater Museum
5 Things to Do in Cancun
- Explore the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Isla Mujeres.
- Enjoy the eco-adventures at Xcaret Park.
- Visit the Mayan ruins in Tulum.
- Snorkel or dive at the Cancun Underwater Museum.
Temperature in January
The temperature in January ranges from 22°C to 26°C.
Flight duration from the UK
The flight duration from the UK to Cancun is approximately 10 hours and 24 minutes.
9. Kerala, India
Kelara is one of the popular tourist destinations in India and is famous for its ecotourism and backwaters. There are some other names that best describe Kerala such as “God’s own country” and “Spice Garden of India”. Every year, thousands of tourists are attracted towards the natural beauty of Kerala. The local markets, Fort Kochi, bamboo crafts, etcetera are highly recommended during your holidays. Apart from that, Pongal is a Tamil festival which is quite popular in Kerala. This is a harvest festival that is celebrated in January. The festive decorations and local traditions will be fun to experience during your holidays.
Boat rides are popular here due to the vast river and backwater network. The backwaters and rivers promote water transportation in Kerala as it is efficient, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly. So you can take boat tours to explore the best place travel in January. You should also explore the Munnar tea gardens as the lush green hills look so divine. Kerala has a rich wildlife and you can encounter several animals. Bengal tigers, sambar deer, leopards, langurs, Asian elephants, flying squirrels, and more are found in the Western Ghats, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks of Kerala.
5 Best Places to Visit in Kerala
- Munnar
- Alleppey
- Kochi
- Wayanad
- Thekkady
5 Things to Do in Kerala
- Cruise through the serene backwaters of Alleppey on a houseboat.
- Explore the tea plantations and scenic beauty of Munnar.
- Visit the historic Fort Kochi and its Chinese fishing nets.
- Trek through the lush forests of Wayanad.
- Experience wildlife at Periyar National Park in Thekkady.
Temperature in January
In January, Kerala’s temperature ranges between a minimum of 21°C and a maximum of 30°C.
Flight duration from the UK
Approximately 10 hours and 49 minutes will take to fly from the UK to Kerala.
10. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is among the best destinations to visit in January where you can get plenty of sunshine throughout your holidays. Also, the crowds are not too much so you can enjoy the rich culture and history freely. The architecture is quite beautiful and praiseworthy. The water is nice and ideal for snorkelling, and diving. In addition, January is an excellent time when the water is warm and allows the tourists to swim along with the whale sharks.
While wandering, you can encounter unusual wildlife at Zanzibar’s Jozani forest reserve like red colobus monkeys, chameleons, lizards, frogs, bush babies, and more. Moving on, Zanzibar is famous for its rich plantation of spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, black pepper, cloves, and lemongrass. You can take a tour and learn about the history of the locally grown aromatic spices. Moving on, beach activities are not limited to daytime only. The bash also continues at night and entertains the tourists with unique night scenes and lively experiences.
5 Best Places to Visit in Zanzibar
- Stone Town
- Nungwi Beach
- Jozani Forest
- Prison Island
- Kendwa Beach
5 Things to Do in Zanzibar
- Explore the historic streets of Stone Town.
- Relax on the pristine sands of Nungwi Beach.
- Discover the unique wildlife in Jozani Forest.
- Visit the giant tortoises on Prison Island.
- Enjoy the sunset at Kendwa Beach.
Temperature in January
A minimum of 26°C and a maximum of 31°C is the expected temperature of Zanzibar in January.
Flight duration from the UK
The flight from the UK to Zanzibar takes approximately 9 hours and 42 minutes.
11. Japanese Alps, Japan
The Japanese Alps are one of the best places to go in January and enjoy many winter activities. The place is covered in plenty of snow which makes it a popular skiing destination. There are many ski resorts where you can enjoy a world-class skiing experience. This stunning winter wonderland is also perfect for snowboarding as the powdery snow makes the situation ideal for these outdoor activities. The mountain cities and hot springs make the holiday more comforting as you can relax after a horrendous ski adventure.
The Japanese Alps are popular for some of the best destinations to visit in January such as a well-preserved old town called Takayama. It is home to the Floating Festival Museum. Moving on, Shirakawago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best places to go in January. Other than ski mountains and the best destinations to visit in January, you will surely love the nightlife here. Many karaoke bars provide authentic Japanese karaoke experience to the tourists. The restaurants, bars, and dozens of food stalls have a lively atmosphere that gives a warm welcome to the tourists.
5 Best Places to Visit in the Japanese Alps
- Shirakawa-go
- Kamikochi
- Matsumoto Castle
- Takayama
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
5 Things to Do in the Japanese Alps
- Hike through the scenic trails of Kamikochi.
- Explore the traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawa-go.
- Visit the historic Matsumoto Castle.
- Enjoy the hot springs and local cuisine in Takayama.
- Experience the breathtaking views on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
Temperature in January
The temperature in the Japanese Alps is somewhere around a minimum of -6°C and a maximum of 2°C in January.
Flight duration from the UK
The flight duration from the UK to the Japanese Alps is approximately 13 hours and 35 minutes.
12. Havana, Cuba
Havana is one of the best places to go in January and enjoy some of the most celebrated events of the year. You can enjoy lots of cultural and historical celebrations in Havana other than New Year’s festivities in January. Liberation Day, Victory Day, Jose Martí birth anniversary, San Antonio festival, Sugarcane harvest festival, etcetera are popular January celebrations.
The festive atmosphere is quite a unique experience for you to enjoy. The street parades, exhibitions, dancing, traditional music, and more are some important elements of the celebration. You should visit Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets. The architecture of some of the finest monuments is worth the praise. Many outdoor dance nightclubs, bars, and restaurants will entertain you during the night.
5 Best Places to Visit in Havana
- Old Havana
- Fusterlandia
- El Malecón
- Plaza de la Catedral
- El Morro
5 Things to Do in Havana
- Explore the historic streets of Old Havana.
- Walk along the scenic El Malecón sea wall.
- Visit the vibrant art district of Fusterlandia.
- Admire the architecture at Plaza de la Catedral.
- Tour the historic fortress of El Morro.
Temperature in January
The temperature in January ranges from 18°C to 26°C.
Flight duration from the UK
The flight duration from the UK to Havana is approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes.
