21 Best Countries to Visit in January for a Perfect Vacation

As we prepare ourselves for the new year, one common resolution that we all seem to share is to travel and explore new destinations. Whether you are seeking snow-capped peaks, sun-drenched beaches, or cultural immersion, these places to visit in January offer a diverse range of experiences to make an unforgettable getaway. From Australia's mesmerising landscapes to Thailand's vibrant streets, prepare for a lifetime journey that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and eager to plan your next adventure. This blog lists the 21 best countries to visit in January. Read on!

21 Best Countries You Can Visit in January

Many countries around the globe offer great, unforgettable experiences. 

1. Japan

January in Japan brings a magical winter season with snow-covered landscapes, especially in the northern regions and the Japanese Alps. Japan celebrates New Year's traditions in January, with temples and shrines bustling with festive activities. If you head north, you will see a winter wonderland, offering you a peaceful escape. Towards the south, you can enjoy several cultural festivals in the cities of Japan. 

Places to visit: Tokyo Skytree, TeamLabs, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Sapporo Snow Festival venues, Lake Ashi in Hakone, and viewpoints of Mt. Fuji.

Things to Do: Explore Tokyo’s Shibuya & Akihabara, Kyoto temples, Mt. Fuji views, vibrant festivals in Hokkaido, onsen hot springs, Skii in Hokkaido.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹4,500–₹6,000/day
• Mid-range: ₹10,000–₹14,000/day
• Luxury: ₹25,000+/day

2. Thailand

January is a peak month in Thailand, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius. It is the perfect time to visit the pristine beaches and golden beaches while enjoying the vibrant nightlife. The dry season provides excellent conditions for island-hopping and relaxing on the beach. January is a peak month for cultural festivals in Thailand, attracting travellers from around the world.

Places to visit: Phi Phi Islands, the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Railay Beach in Krabi, Wat Arun, and Phang Nga Bay.

Things to Do: Island hopping (Phuket/Krabi), Bangkok nightlife, Chiang Mai temples, Thai cooking classes.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹3,500/day
• Mid-range: ₹8,500/day
• Luxury: ₹17,000+/day

 

3. Australia

Australia experiences summer in January with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. You will find long days full of sunshine and sunny skies, and cities bursting with activity. The vast array of experiences around the country will appeal to almost every type of traveller. With beautiful blue water and warm temperatures, it is the perfect time for nature lovers to experience the country’s marine attractions.

Places to visit: Sydney Opera House, Great Ocean Road, Great Barrier Reef, Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach, and Melbourne’s Federation Square.

Things to Do: Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef diving, Great Ocean Road, Gold Coast beaches.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹6,800/day
• Mid-range: ₹14,500/day
• Luxury: ₹34,000+/day

 

4. Switzerland

Switzerland transforms into a winter wonderland in January, with snowy landscapes and mountain tops dotted with stunning alpine villages. With the cool, crisp air and peaceful, serene scenery, January creates a perfect atmosphere for winter sports and showcases the snow-covered landscapes during day trips. Also, many lakeside towns have easy access to top ski resorts.

Places to visit: Zermatt, Lake Lucerne, Jungfraujoch, Interlaken, Zurich Old Town, and the Glacier Express route.

Things to Do: Skiing in the Alps, scenic train rides (Glacier Express), Lake Geneva, chocolate & cheese tours.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹7,500/day
• Mid-range: ₹15,000/day
• Luxury: ₹35,000+/day

 

5. South Africa

January brings warm weather and clear blue skies, showcasing the coastal beauty and making it the perfect time to take advantage of the wildlife safaris. The country's varied environment, from the coastline to its many national parks, makes it a wonderful destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. January is a time for vibrant festivals in South Africa, showcasing the country's diverse cultures and traditions.

Places to visit: Cape Town’s Table Mountain, Kruger National Park, Boulders Beach, Garden Route, Robben Island, and Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

Things to Do: Cape Town beaches, Table Mountain, Garden Route, Kruger safari.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹5,900/day
• Mid-range: ₹12,700/day
• Luxury: ₹25,500+/day

 

6. New Zealand

New Zealand's summer brings an abundance of greenery and dramatic landscapes, combined with comfortable temperatures and many outdoor activities. The extended daylight hours in summer make it possible to maximise your time exploring New Zealand's scenic countryside. Over the course of New Zealand, you will find a variety of terrain, from volcanic mountains to serene lakes.

Places to visit: Milford Sound, Queenstown, Rotorua geothermal parks, Lake Tekapo, Auckland Harbour, and Hobbiton Movie Set.

Things to Do: Milford Sound cruise, Hobbiton, Rotorua geothermal parks, Queenstown adventure sports.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹6,800/day
• Mid-range: ₹14,500/day
• Luxury: ₹34,000+/day

 

7. United Arab Emirates

The January temperatures in the UAE are mild. This makes it a great time to experience desert tours, luxury accommodations, and modern attractions in the UAE. You will be able to enjoy visiting traditional souks as well as many futuristic attractions. The various amusement parks here are a dream for all adventure seekers.

Places to visit: Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Dubai Marina, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Beach, Al Fahidi Historic District, Ferrari World, and Global Village.

Things to Do: Desert safaris, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and shopping festivals.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹5,900/day
• Mid-range: ₹12,700/day
• Luxury: ₹25,500+/day

 

8. Vietnam

The geography of Vietnam, along with its vibrant culture, makes it an ideal destination for travel. The terrain ranges from the misty mountains of northern Vietnam to the warm sandy beaches of Southern Vietnam. The mild humidity and pleasant weather make outdoor activities more enjoyable.

Places to visit: Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Hanoi Old Quarter, Da Nang beaches, Mekong Delta, and Ho Chi Minh City landmarks.

Things to Do: Ha Long Bay cruise, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoi An lantern town, Mekong Delta.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹3,000/day
• Mid-range: ₹7,000/day
• Luxury: ₹17,000+/day

 

9. Maldives

The Maldives is an ideal tropical paradise destination to visit in January, thanks to its stunning sunny weather, vibrant coral reefs, blue skies and peaceful waters. You can swim or snorkel in crystal clear lagoons or relax on the white sandy beach at a luxury hotel, and everything in between. The Maldives has a mild climate in January, with daytime temperatures around 29ºC and nighttime lows around 25ºC, making the region's abundant marine life very active.

Places to visit: Male Island, Maafushi, Vaadhoo’s glowing beach, Biyadhoo Island, Sun Island, and Addu Atoll.

Things to Do: Snorkelling, diving, sunset cruises, spa retreats, island hopping, scuba diving.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹9,000/day
• Mid-range: ₹25,500/day
• Luxury: ₹68,000+/day

 

10. Iceland

Iceland is a magical place to visit in January. Its jaw-dropping beauty contrasts with serene beaches, which are hard to match. With its breathtaking winter wonderland scenery and snow-covered mountains, Iceland offers the best chance to see the northern lights. The country is well known for its many geothermal sites, which are great places to relax in warm water.

Places to visit: Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle sites, Vik Black Sand Beach, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Reykjavik city, and Vatnajökull National Park.

Things to Do: Northern Lights, Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, glacier hikes.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹7,500/day
• Mid-range: ₹15,000/day
• Luxury: ₹35,000+/day

 

11. Singapore

Singapore's beautiful weather in January allows tourists to enjoy a variety of activities. It can be visiting beautiful gardens and waterfronts, exploring cultural districts, and enjoying delicious food at a variety of restaurants. Visitors can experience several modern developments and natural beauty in Singapore, as well as a wide range of cuisines. This makes it a great location for different types of travellers.

Places to visit: Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa Island, Singapore Zoo, Chinatown, and Little India.

Things to Do: Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, street food tours.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹5,900/day
• Mid-range: ₹12,700/day
• Luxury: ₹25,500+/day

 

12. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka in January offers ideal conditions for scenic coastal drives, visiting ancient temples, and cultural exploration, as well as opportunities to view wildlife. Its lush green jungle, ancient cities and beautiful, tranquil beaches can be enjoyed throughout the month. Sri Lanka is also compact and offers a wide variety of sights and experiences for visitors with little time to travel long distances.

Places to visit: Galle Fort, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Ella Tea Plantations, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Mirissa Beach, and Yala National Park.

Things to Do: Beaches (Mirissa), Galle Fort, tea plantations, Sigiriya rock.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹3,400/day
• Mid-range: ₹7,500/day
• Luxury: ₹17,000+/day

 

13. Egypt

Egypt in January has a very mild climate, making it one of the best months to visit for archaeological exploration. You can explore historical sites and other treasures in the ancient lands without facing the extreme heat of an Egyptian summer. Visibility for diving in the Red Sea will be much greater than in other months, thanks to cooler temperatures.

Places to visit: Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel, Alexandria Corniche, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts.

Things to Do: Pyramids of Giza, Nile cruise, Luxor temples, Red Sea diving.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹4,200/day
• Mid-range: ₹9,350/day
• Luxury: ₹21,250+/day

 

14. Portugal

Portugal in January offers mild weather, beautiful coastal towns, and some of the most important cultural urban centres. Touring Portugal is best in January, when crowds are smaller. You can fully appreciate Portugal's rich gastronomy and winemaking while exploring the country at your own pace.

Places to visit: Lisbon’s Alfama district, Porto’s Ribeira, Algarve beaches, Sintra’s Pena Palace, Douro Valley, and Belem Tower.

Things to Do: Lisbon tram rides, Porto wine tours, Algarve beaches.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹4,500/day
• Mid-range: ₹9,500/day
• Luxury: ₹21,000+/day

 

15. Kenya

Kenya is one of the best safari destinations, and January is the peak of the dry season. You can see wild animals very easily, and take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can also find many different landscapes in Kenya, from the highlands to the tropical beaches, and everything in between.

Places to visit: Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Nairobi National Park, Diani Beach, Lake Nakuru, and Mount Kenya foothills.

Things to Do: Maasai Mara safari, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹5,900/day
• Mid-range: ₹14,450/day
• Luxury: ₹34,000+/day

 

16. Mexico

Mexico is very colourful and busy, with plenty of activities to do during January. With its warm climate and beautiful beaches, Mexico offers both cultural exploration and relaxing beach time. The dry season allows for comfortable sightseeing all across the country.

Places to visit: Tulum ruins, Chichen Itza, Cancun beaches, Mexico City’s Zócalo, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel Island.

Things to Do: Chichén Itzá, cenotes, Mexico City museums, and beaches.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹5,100/day
• Mid-range: ₹11,000/day
• Luxury: ₹25,500+/day

 

17. Spain

Spain has a mild climate in January, making it a great time to visit for architecture, artworks, coastal towns, and beach parties. There is a wide variety of regions and cultures in Spain, and you can leisurely explore them in January. Moreover, if you are a Football fan, Spain should definitely be on your trip wishlist. 

Places to visit: Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, Madrid’s Prado Museum, Seville Cathedral, Costa del Sol, Valencia City of Arts and Sciences, and Park Güell.

Things to Do: Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, Madrid museums, Flamenco shows, tapas tours.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹4,500/day
• Mid-range: ₹9,500/day
• Luxury: ₹21,000+/day

 

18. Philippines

The Philippines will be warm and sunny in January, with many places to enjoy swimming in clear blue waters on vibrant beaches and walking in lush green forests. The islands of the Philippines will be delightful in January due to the weather. It is an ideal time for water sports and natural exploration. 

Places to visit: El Nido, Coron, Boracay White Beach, Cebu Kawasan Falls, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Intramuros, and Manila.

Things to Do: Island hopping (Palawan, Cebu), diving, and beaches.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹3,800/day
• Mid-range: ₹8,500/day
• Luxury: ₹19,500+/day

 

19. Morocco

Morocco is an ideal destination in January, with mild weather, allowing you to explore its vibrant cities and desert landscapes. Morocco contains both ancient architecture and cultural experiences from around the world, and its coastal regions maintain the beautiful weather of January.

Places to visit: Marrakech Medina, Chefchaouen (Blue City), Sahara Desert dunes, Fes Old Town, Casablanca's Hassan II Mosque, and Essaouira.

Things to Do: Marrakech souks, Sahara camel trek, Chefchaouen blue city.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹3,800/day
• Mid-range: ₹8,500/day
• Luxury: ₹19,500+/day

 

20. Cambodia

Cambodia is generally much cooler than the peak summer months due to less rainfall and cold fronts. It offers a variety of things, given its rich culture and heritage. Travellers like to visit the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites in Cambodia, such as Ondong, for their scenic beauty and architectural magnificence.

Places to visit: Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bayon Temple, Tonle Sap Lake, Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, and Kampot.

Things to Do: Angkor Wat sunrise, Phnom Penh Royal Palace, and floating villages.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹3,000/day
• Mid-range: ₹6,800/day
• Luxury: ₹15,300+/day

 

21. Brazil

January finds Brazil with warm weather and celebrations of life all over the country. There are also great places to enjoy the weather and scenery, from Brazil's stunning coastline to its warm tropical rainforests. It is the perfect destination for beach lovers who want to soak up the sun, making it a dream vacation.

Places to visit: Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, Iguazu Falls, Salvador’s Pelourinho district, Sao Paulo museums, Copacabana Beach, and Ilha Grande

Things to Do: Rio beaches, Christ the Redeemer, Iguazu Falls, and Amazon tours.

Budget:

• Backpacker: ₹5,100/day
• Mid-range: ₹11,000/day
• Luxury: ₹25,500+/day

Read Also: Emergency Travel Situations: How to Get Fast Travel Financing When Time is Running Out

To Conclude

January has beautiful weather, wonderful scenery, and incredible cultural diversity around many parts of the world. Whether your preference is snowy mountains or peaceful tropical beaches, January provides some of the most favourable climate conditions for travel. Taking the time to plan your trip for your dream holiday carefully will help you maximise your enjoyment.

 If you would like to travel without the financial burden, consider taking out a holiday loan to cover your travel costs. Poonawalla Fincorp’s loan for travel offers quick loan disbursal and flexible repayment tenure, allowing you to enjoy your dream vacation stress-free!

FAQs

What is the best time to book flights for January travel?

It is best practice to purchase a flight ticket 2 to 3 months before your travel date, especially if you want the best available price.

Which countries offer warm weather in January?

Thailand, Sri Lanka, Australia, Mexico, and the Philippines have excellent weather and are the best destinations for a warm-weather vacation in January.

Is January a good time for winter sports?

You can participate in skiing, snowboarding, or glacial hockey in Switzerland, Japan, and Iceland during January because of the cooler weather.

How many days should I plan for an international trip in January?

Most international travellers usually plan a 5 to 10-day trip, depending on their destination and budget.

What documents are required for international travel in January?

You usually need a valid passport, travel insurance, flight tickets and hotel confirmations. Some countries may require visas or additional bank statements depending on their entry rules.