January marks the beginning of a new year and brings with it a multitude of opportunities for unforgettable travel adventures around the globe. We present the best travel destinations in January and provide you with plenty of inspiration.

How about a skiing holiday in the Alps, for example? An adventurous trip to the Orient? Or would you prefer a beach holiday in the Caribbean? While some regions transform into a winter wonderland, other sunny oases offer a welcome escape from the cold temperatures.

We provide you with winter city trips, exotic long-haul destinations, and sunny travel destinations in Europe. Which country can you recommend for January and why? Feel free to write it in the comments.

  • Overview map of travel destinations in January
  • 1. Austria
  • 2. Spain
  • 3. Greece
  • 4. Morocco
  • 5. Abu Dhabi
  • 6. Oman
  • 7. Thailand
  • 8. Philippines
  • 9. Vietnam
  • 10. Mauritius
  • 11. South Africa
  • 12. Sri Lanka
  • Other travel destinations in January
  • Destinations in January – Conclusion

Overview map of travel destinations in January

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1. Austria

Austria is a true winter paradise in January and offers a variety of activities for winter sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and connoisseurs. Regions such as Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and Salzburg offer excellent snow conditions. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, everyone will find the right slopes in the Austrian Alps.

The snow-covered mountain peaks, frozen lakes, and snow-covered forests provide a fantastic backdrop for snowshoe hikes, winter hikes, or simply peaceful walks in nature. In winter, we also enjoy the great spa and wellness offerings offered by the hotels, especially after long and exciting days on the slopes.

Quick Facts Austria

  • Type of trip: Active, wellness, enjoyment, relaxation
  • Climate: -2 °C – 3 °C (colder in the mountains than in the valley)
  • Price level: expensive! Expect to pay around €250 per person per day (middle-class traveler)
  • Travel guide: Travel Know-How Austria*

Blog posts and travel tips for Austria

Grasjoch Bahn Silvretta Montafon

2. Spain

January is the low season for many parts of Spain, meaning you can enjoy the popular attractions without the summer crowds. Whether you want to visit the Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, or the Palacio Real in Madrid, the queues are definitely shorter and the prices are often cheaper.

In regions like Andalusia, especially in cities like Seville, Málaga, Marbella, and Granada, daytime temperatures in January are often a pleasant 15-20°C. The Canary Islands offer an even warmer climate with temperatures around 20-25 °C, making them one of the best European winter travel destinations.

Quick Facts Spain

  • Type of trip: Active, road trip, beach, pleasure, sightseeing
  • Climate: 15 °C to 25 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect around €100 to €200 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guides: DuMont Andalusia*, Lonely Planet Spain*

Blog posts and travel tips for Spain

Andalusia-Sights-Nerja-Costa-Del-Sol-Beach

3. Greece

While the weather in Northern Europe is icy cold in January, it remains relatively mild in many parts of Greece. Athens and the southern regions have temperatures around 10-15°C, which is ideal for sightseeing. Especially in Crete and the southern islands, temperatures can even reach 18°C, which is pleasant for hiking and cultural exploration.

January is low season in Greece, meaning you can enjoy the popular sights without the usual tourist crowds. Places like the Acropolis or ancient Delphi are much quieter, and you have more time to soak up the atmosphere. In addition, hotel and accommodation prices are significantly cheaper in January than in high season.

Quick Facts Greece

  • Type of trip: Active, road trip, pleasure, sightseeing
  • Climate: 10 °C to 19 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect approximately €100 to €150 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guides: Marco Polo Greek Islands*, Lonely Planet Greece*

Blog posts and travel tips for Greece

Karydi Beach Sithonia Chalkidiki aerial view

4. Morocco

One of the best travel destinations in January is clearly the beautiful country of Morocco. If you’re looking for mild temperatures, cultural diversity, bustling markets, endless deserts, and great beaches, you’ll find it in Morocco.

In inland cities like Marrakech or Fez, daytime temperatures often range between 15°C and 20°C, while the desert areas and coast are also pleasant. It can be cooler in the Atlas Mountains and higher elevations, but this is ideal for trekking or even skiing at higher altitudes, such as Oukaïmeden (near Marrakech).

In January, the tourist hotspots are less crowded. Accommodation, flights, and tours are also significantly cheaper than during peak season. January is also an ideal time to visit the many beautiful places without the heat and hustle and bustle of summer. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

Quick Facts Morocco

  • Type of trip: Active, road trip, pleasure, sightseeing
  • Climate: 15 °C to 21 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect approx. €70 to €120 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Travel Guide Morocco*

Blog posts and travel tips for Morocco

Marrakesh-Souks-Street-Market-Morocco-Shopping

5. Abu Dhabi

Want to go a little further afield? Abu Dhabi is an excellent travel destination in January. January in Abu Dhabi offers mild temperatures between 20°C and 25°C, ideal for sightseeing, beach visits, and outdoor activities, without the oppressive heat of summer.

January is also a quieter time to travel compared to the winter holidays, so you can explore the sights at your leisure. For example, visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, or the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which impressively combines modern and classical art.

Activities such as desert safaris and sandboarding are also very popular. And the culinary scene in Abu Dhabi is also very diverse, ranging from luxurious restaurants to traditional dishes. Abu Dhabi is definitely worth a visit!

Quick Facts Abu Dhabi

  • Type of trip: Beach, sightseeing
  • Climate: 23 °C – 25 °C
  • Price level: Expect around €100 to €200 pp per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: Reise Know-How Abu Dhabi*

Blog post and travel tips for Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Skyline View

6. Oman

One of the best travel destinations in January is the Sultanate of Oman on the Arabian Peninsula. In January, temperatures in Oman are mild and pleasant, ranging between 22°C and 25°C in most regions. The weather allows for great outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing.

In our opinion, Oman is one of the most diverse and impressive countries in the world. Majestic mountain ranges, endless sandy deserts, Caribbean dream beaches, hospitable locals, a fascinating history, culinary highlights, and much more await you.

Quick Facts Oman

  • Type of trip: Round trip, beach, sightseeing, active
  • Climate: 23 °C – 28 °C (warmer in the south of the country around Salalah)
  • Price level: Expect to pay around €150 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Oman*

Blog posts and travel tips for Oman

Oman travel time Salalah palm trees

7. Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia. The south, in particular, is very popular in the travel month of January. January falls in the “cool” and dry season in Thailand. Temperatures are pleasant and usually range between 24°C and 30°C, which is perfect for a beach holiday and outdoor activities.

In January, there is little rainfall in most regions of Thailand, especially in the tourist hotspots. This means you can fully enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the beaches without constantly having to get your umbrella out.

How about Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or a trip to Phuket? The area around Krabi and Ao Nang is also very beautiful. Numerous islands in the south of the country await you, with plenty of beautiful beaches and cool activities. We’ll be heading back to Thailand soon to escape the winter.

Quick Facts Thailand

  • Type of trip: Round trip, beach, sightseeing
  • Climate: 25 °C – 30 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect to pay around €50 to €100 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Thailand*

Blog posts and travel tips for Thailand

Phang Nga Bay James Bond Rock Thailand Travel Destinations in January

8. Philippines

Perhaps you’ve already flirted with the idea of a trip to the beautiful Philippines? January falls during the dry season in the Philippines, especially in most regions, which means you can expect less rain and more pleasant temperatures.

Average temperatures range between 24°C and 30°C, ideal for beach holidays and outdoor activities. The water temperatures are also pleasant, which is especially beneficial for water sports such as snorkeling and diving. In January, you also have the unique opportunity to see giant whale sharks.

Visit various islands such as Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, and Siargao, each offering its own attractions and activities. Discover the diverse flora and fauna, go hiking in national parks, or visit waterfalls and rice paddies. January is a popular travel time, but many of the lesser-known islands and beaches are often less crowded.

Quick Facts Philippines

  • Type of trip: Round trip, beach, island hopping
  • Climate: 25 °C – 30 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Cheap! Expect around €50 to €80 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: Stefan Loose Philippines*

Blog post and travel tips for the Philippines

Philippines-Sights-Cambugahay-Falls

9. Vietnam

Vietnam is also an excellent travel destination in January! While the north of the country experiences cooler temperatures of around 15–20°C, the south, especially in regions like Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, enjoys warm and dry temperatures of around 25–30°C. Perfect for beach days or exploring.

January falls during the dry season in southern Vietnam, which means you can expect less rain – ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, boat trips in the Mekong Delta or a visit to the beautiful islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao.

Tip: Compared to other months, January is less crowded outside of the main holiday season (e.g. around Tet from January 29, 2025). You can explore many attractions such as Halong Bay, the ancient town of Hoi An or the temples of Hue in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Quick Facts Vietnam

  • Type of trip: Round trip, beach, sightseeing
  • Climate: 25 °C – 35 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: cheap! Expect to pay around €50 to €100 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Vietnam*

Blog posts and travel tips for Vietnam

Travel destinations in January Vietnam

10. Mauritius

We spent a full four months in Mauritius. During this time, we enjoyed life on this dream island to the fullest. Dream beaches, lush nature, great viewpoints, colorful markets, first-class hotels, and a diverse underwater world await you.

In January, it’s summer in Mauritius, with temperatures between 27°C and 30°C. The warm weather is ideal for beach visits, water sports, and outdoor activities. The water temperatures are also pleasantly warm, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and other water sports.

By the way, Mauritius isn’t as expensive as you might think. We answer the most important questions in our extensive Mauritius FAQ. Although January is peak season, the island is large enough to offer a sense of peace and relaxation even in busy areas.

Quick Facts Mauritius

  • Type of trip: Beach, sightseeing, round trip, relaxation, active
  • Climate: 27 °C – 30 °C
  • Price level: Expect approximately €100 to €200 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Mauritius*

Blog posts and travel tips for Mauritius

Destinations in January: Mauritius Beach

11. South Africa

South Africa is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world. We highly recommend a vacation in January, as temperatures are warm, especially around Cape Town and the Garden Route, between 25°C and 30°C.

You can also enjoy 11 hours of sunshine a day, little rain, and plenty of variety. The Western Cape (as this province is called in South Africa) awaits you with dream beaches, breathtaking landscapes, diverse national parks, lively cities, and numerous activities.

Since South Africans also have their holidays from mid-December to mid-January, the country is very busy at this time. We therefore recommend traveling from mid-January onwards. If you are in the region during peak season, it is best to book your accommodations in advance. Be aware that the tourist hotspots can be very crowded at this time.

Quick Facts South Africa

  • Type of trip: Beach, sightseeing, round trip, active, pleasure
  • Climate: 25 °C – 30 °C
  • Price level: Expect to pay around €100 to €200 pp per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont South Africa*

Blog posts and travel tips for South Africa

Travel destinations in January South Africa

12. Sri Lanka

How about Sri Lanka? In January, it is dry and sunny in most parts of Sri Lanka. The south and west coasts, as well as the central highlands, offer pleasant temperatures and are particularly recommended. In coastal regions, temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C, while it can be cooler at higher elevations (approx. 15°C to 25°C).

Enjoy the beautiful beaches in Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Hikkaduwa, and visit historical sites such as the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, and Kandy. Explore national parks such as Yala and Udawalawe, where you can spot wildlife. The central highlands with places like Ella and Nuwara Eliya offer great hiking and viewing opportunities.

Quick Facts Sri Lanka

  • Type of trip: Beach, sightseeing, round trip
  • Climate: 25 °C – 30 °C
  • Price level: Expect approximately €60 to €150 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: Stefan Loose Sri Lanka*

Blog posts and travel tips for Sri Lanka

Destinations in January Sri Lanka

Other travel destinations in January

Long-haul destinations

Ski & Wellness

City Trips

Relaxation

Destinations in January – Conclusion

January offers a variety of excellent travel destinations for different preferences and activities. In Austria, you can enjoy the snow-capped Alps, while Spain and Greece are ideal for cultural and city sightseeing. Morocco beckons with exotic culture and colorful souks, while Abu Dhabi and Oman combine modern life with traditional culture.

Prefer a beach holiday? Then Thailand, the Philippines, and Mauritius are perfect travel destinations for January. Vietnam offers a fascinating blend of nature, culture, and delicious cuisine, while South Africa promises adventure and impressive landscapes. You’ll be spoiled for choice! Enjoy your trip!