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If you're looking for a quieter and more peaceful vacation, January may be the perfect time to travel. During this time of year, many destinations are less crowded, which can make for a more enjoyable and relaxing vacation. Additionally, travel prices are often lower in January due to the off-peak season, so you may be able to save money on flights and accommodations. Traveling in January can be a great way to kick off the new year and start it off with a new adventure. Let’s review my top picks for where to travel in January for your upcoming vacation!

Abisko, Sweden

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 20°F high; 5°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in January:

Located in the heart of Swedish Lapland, Abisko is known for its stunning natural beauty and winter activities. In January, the area is blanketed in snow and is the perfect place to go skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. The Northern Lights, or Aurora borealis, are also a major draw for visitors to Abisko in January, as this is the best time of year to see them. In addition, the small town of Abisko has a cozy, charming atmosphere that is perfect for a relaxing winter getaway.

Atlanta, Georgia

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 53°F high; 34°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in January:

Atlanta is known for its mild winters, making it a perfect escape from colder climates. In January, Atlanta is host to a number of events and festivals, including the Atlanta Winter Beer Fest and the Atlanta Film Festival. Additionally, the city is home to a number of popular attractions, including the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. These attractions are all open year-round and can be enjoyed during a January visit.

Key Events:

Atlanta Winter Beer Fest
Atlanta Film Festival

where to travel in january - baja california

Baja California, Mexico

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 73°F high; 66°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in January:

January is a great time to visit Baja California as the weather is generally mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s. January is the peak season for whale watching in Baja California, as it is the time of year when gray whales migrate from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California to mate and give birth. Outdoor adventures: Baja California is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a number of activities to enjoy, such as surfing, snorkeling, and hiking. January is a great time to take advantage of these activities, as the weather is generally good for outdoor pursuits.

Key Events:

Todos Santos Music Festival
San Felipe Art and Wine Festival

Banff, Canada

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 25°F high; 7°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in January:

Banff is known for its ski resorts and winter sports, and January is a great time to visit for these activities. The ski resorts in Banff are well-equipped with modern facilities and offer a variety of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Banff is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and in January, the landscape is blanketed in snow, making it a picturesque time to visit. Banff is located in a prime viewing area for the Northern Lights, and January is a good time to see them as the nights are long and the sky is often clear.

Key Events:

Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival
Banff Winterstart Festival

Big Sky / Whitefish, Montana

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 32°F high; 9°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in january:

Montana is known for its beautiful, rugged landscapes, and this is especially true in the winter months. The snow-covered mountains and forests provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. Winter is a great time to see wildlife in Montana, as many animals are more active during the colder months. Big Sky and Whitefish are both located in areas with a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, bison, deer, and wolves.
Both Big Sky and Whitefish are known for their excellent ski resorts, and January is a great time to hit the slopes. The resorts typically receive a lot of snow in January, providing excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are many other winter sports to enjoy in Big Sky and Whitefish, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

British Virgin Islands

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 82°F high; 71°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in january:

January is a relatively dry month in the British Virgin Islands, with lower humidity levels compared to the summer months. This can make for more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. The British Virgin Islands have a tropical climate with temperatures that remain warm and pleasant year-round.
The British Virgin Islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and January is a great time to enjoy them. The water is warm and crystal clear, and the beaches are uncrowded and peaceful. The British Virgin Islands are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities available, including snorkeling, diving, sailing, and kayaking. January is a great time to enjoy these activities, with calm seas and warm water.

Cape Verde, South Africa

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 74°F high; 70°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in january:

Cape Verde is a great destination for water sports enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities available, including snorkeling, diving, and surfing. January is a great time to enjoy these activities, with calm seas and warm water. Cape Verde is home to some beautiful beaches, and January is a great time to visit and relax on the sand. Cape Verde has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The water is warm and crystal clear, and the beaches are uncrowded and peaceful.

Key Events:

Cape Verdean Music Festival
Sal Carnival

Cayman Islands

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 83°F high; 72°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: high

Reason to Travel in january:

The Cayman Islands have a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. January is a great time to visit and swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the long stretch of beautiful beaches. Watersports enthusiasts will be pleased with the options of snorkeling, diving, kayaking and more in the calm seas.

Key Events:

Pirates Week Festival
Cayman Cookout

Chamonix / Courchevel, France

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 41°F high; 31°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in january:

Chamonix and Courchevel are located in the French Alps, and the surrounding mountains and forests are especially beautiful in the winter months. The snow-covered landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and more. Visitors to these destinations can expect lots of snow in January at the ski resorts in the area.

Chateau d'Oex / Gstaad, Switzerland

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 40°F high; 27°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in january:

Both Château-d'Oex and Gstaad are located in the Swiss Alps, perfect for skiing and other winter sports. Both Château-d'Oex and Gstaad are charming mountain towns with rich histories and cultural heritages. There are many interesting sites to visit, including the Swiss Museum of Transportation in Château-d'Oex and the Alpina Gstaad, a luxury hotel and spa in Gstaad.

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Dolomites, Italy

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 21°F high; 11°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in january:

January is a great time to get away and relax in a cozy cabin or lodge. The Dolomites have a variety of lodges and cabins available to rent, providing a comfortable and welcoming place to stay. The Dolomites have winter sports, snow-covered mountains, and cultural landmarks like Castello di Fiemme and Museo Ladino.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 0°F high; -15°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in January:

Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis). January is a particularly good time to see this natural wonder, as the nights are long and the skies are often clear. Fairbanks is located in an area with a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, caribou, wolves, and bears. Winter is a great time to see these animals, as they are more active during the colder months. Fairbanks has many opportunities for winter sports, such as cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing. The surrounding mountains and forests provide a beautiful setting for these activities.

Granada, Spain

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 54°F high; 30°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in january:

Granada has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters. While the weather may be cooler than in the summer months, it is still pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor activities. Granada is home to a number of fascinating cultural attractions, including the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of the most visited landmarks in Spain. Other interesting sites to visit include the Cathedral of Granada, the Royal Chapel of Granada, and the Capilla Real, which contains the tombs of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.

Key Events:

Three Kings Parade
Granada International Film Festival

Harbin, China

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 10°F high; -8°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in January:

Harbin is located in the northeastern part of China and is known for its cold winters, making it a great destination for winter sports such as ice skating and skiing. The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is one of the largest and most famous winter festivals in the world, and it takes place every year in January. The festival features massive ice sculptures, ice lantern displays, and other winter-themed events and activities.

Key Events:

Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival

Hoi An / Hanoi, Vietnam

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 77°F high; 66°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in january:

Both Hoi An and Hanoi are cities with rich histories and cultural heritages, and there are many interesting sites to visit. In Hoi An, some popular attractions include the Old Town, the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, and the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Hanoi, some interesting sites to visit include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Vietnam has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, and the average high temperature in both Hoi An and Hanoi in January. Both Hoi An and Hanoi host a number of festivals and events throughout the year, and January is a great time to visit and experience some of the cities' cultural traditions.

Key Events:

Hoi An Full Moon Festival
Hoi An Lantern Festival
Tet Festival
Hanoi Beer Festival

Innsbruck, Austria

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 39°F high; 24°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in january:

Innsbruck is a charming mountain town located in the Austrian Alps. There are many interesting sites to visit, including the Golden Roof, the Imperial Palace, and the Hofburg, a former imperial palace. It has a variety of lodges and cabins available to rent, providing a comfortable and welcoming place to stay, whether you ski, snowboard, or snuggle up indoors.

where to travel in january - new zealand

North Island / Wellington, New Zealand

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 70°F high; 58°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in january:

New Zealand is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and temperate climate with warm temperatures. Both North Island and Wellington offer many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming. January is a great time to enjoy these activities, with warm weather and long days.

Nicaragua

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 89°F high; 71°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in january:

With warm, tropical temperatures year-round, Nicaragua is home to a number of beautiful beaches, and January is a great time to visit and relax on the sand. The water is warm and crystal clear, and the beaches are uncrowded and peaceful. Enjoy plenty of outdoor activities such as surfing, biking, and hiking.

Rajasthan, India

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 7°5F high; 49°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: high

Reason to Travel in january:

Rajasthan offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as camel safaris, hot air balloon rides, and birdwatching. January is a great time to enjoy these activities, with warm weather, a dry climate, and long days. Explore interesting sites, including the City Palace in Jaipur, the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, and the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.

where to travel in january - shetland island — *Photo by Jeff Caven. Image courtesy of Sun Valley Idaho.*

Shetland Island, Scotland

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 44°F high; 39°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in January:

The Shetland Islands are located in the North Sea and are known for their stunning landscapes and rugged coastlines. January is a great time to explore the islands and appreciate their natural beauty. The Shetland Islands are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and whales. January is a great time to see these animals, as they are more active during the colder months.

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St. Kitts and Nevis

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 83°F high; 72°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in january:

Escape the cold and enjoy some sunshine in St. Kitts and Nevis with its tropical climate. Swim in the warm waters, relax on the beach, or snorkel. If land activities are more your thing, you can enjoy scenic hiking and biking.

Sydney, Australia

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 79°F high; 66°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in january:

January is summer in Sydney, which means you can enjoy warm, sunny weather and long days. It's a great time to spend time outdoors and enjoy the city's many beaches and parks. There are plenty of festivals and cultural events to enjoy this time of year. Be sure to visit the Sydney Opera House is a world-famous performing arts venue and one of the city's most iconic landmarks. January is a great time to visit and see a show or tour the building. Another great place to visit is Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most popular beaches.

Key Events:

Sydney Festival
Australia Day

Trancoso, Brazil

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 84°F high; 71°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in January:

Trancoso is located in the Atlantic Forest, which is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. The region is a popular destination for eco-tourism, and January is a great time to go hiking, birdwatching, or exploring the local flora and fauna. Trancoso is also a beach town, and its beautiful beaches are a major attraction. January is a great time to visit and enjoy the warm water and sand. Don’t miss the Carnaval celebrations, which take place in the weeks leading up to Lent. Trancoso is a great place to experience Carnaval, with parades, music, and dancing taking place throughout the city.

Key Events:

Carnaval

where to travel in january - tucson — *Image courtesy of WilliamsburgVacations.com.*

Tucson, AZ

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 66°F high; 42°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in January:

January is a busy time in Tucson, with a number of festivals and events taking place throughout the month. January is the middle of winter in Tucson, and the weather is generally mild and sunny, so it's a comfortable time to visit and enjoy the city's many outdoor attractions. Go golfing, birdwatch, or hike/bike in the Sonoran Desert.

Key Events:

Tucson Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Showcase
Tucson Rodeo
Tucson Festival of Books

Vail, CO

Temperature/Season:

Temperature: 29°F high; 6°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in January:

Vail is a popular ski destination, and January is a great time to visit and hit the slopes. The area receives an average of 350 inches of snow each year, so there is plenty of powder to enjoy. It’s located in the Rocky Mountains, and the area is known for its beautiful winter scenery. January is a great time to visit and enjoy the picturesque mountain vistas and winter landscapes.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding and other winter sports, Vail is home to a number of spa and wellness centers, and January is a great time to visit and relax and rejuvenate. The area is known for its natural hot springs, and many of the spas and wellness centers offer treatments that incorporate these therapeutic waters.