Best places in January
Destinations ranked by overall draw and how well January fits each.
Best picks for January
Mexico
Mexico City is world-class. Add the coast, ruins, and food culture.
Thailand
The complete package for warm-climate travel.
The Alps
The ski and alpine benchmark — every other mountain range is measured against this.
Australia
Vast, varied, relaxed. Reef, Sydney, and proper wilderness in one.
Hawaii
A handful of islands where the landscapes and the ocean genuinely earn the flight.
New Zealand
Fjords, volcanoes, glaciers, beaches — in one country.
Switzerland
The most concentrated mountain scenery in Europe — and you'll pay for it.
United Arab Emirates
Dubai and Abu Dhabi: superlatives, desert, and a stopover worth a few days of its own.
Argentina
Buenos Aires has the best steakhouses and nightlife in South America.
Austria
The Alps done properly — skiing, hiking, and Vienna for the culture.
Brazil
A continent of a country. Pick two or three things and commit.
Colombia
Medellin is one of the most exciting cities in the world right now.
Trending in January
Underrated spots having a moment this January.
Thailand
The complete package for warm-climate travel.
Colombia
Medellin is one of the most exciting cities in the world right now.
Maldives
One island, one resort, almost nothing to do. That is the point.
Canary Islands
Year-round warm weather, volcanic landscapes, easy from Europe.
Skip in January
Off-season for these places — rainy, too hot, or limited access.
Frequently asked
Where's best to go on holiday in January?
Mexico leads our January list — Mexico City is world-class. Add the coast, ruins, and food culture. For a holiday you also want Mexico or Thailand; the full ranking above is sorted by how well January fits each place.
Where's the best place to travel in January?
Mexico. Mexico City is world-class. Add the coast, ruins, and food culture. January is peak season there.
Where should I avoid in January?
Places like Greece, Bali, Indonesia, China are off-season — rainy, too hot, or limited access. Worth checking the calendar on the destination page before you book.
What's a good budget destination in January?
Mexico, Thailand, Argentina all sit in the budget-to-mid range and work well in January.
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Personal match
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