Discover the top 10 destinations for January travel

While January might seem like the dreariest month, it offers fantastic travel opportunities, whether you crave snow, sunshine, or a safari adventure. Start your New Year off right by visiting one of January's premier travel spots.

In the US and Europe, the chilly weather invites ski enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking the beauty of winter landscapes. Meanwhile, Central and South America enjoy warm temperatures, offering a serene escape from the busy season. Africa bursts into life during this time, especially in the Serengeti, where birthing season makes January the perfect month for a safari. Here’s my guide to the best places to travel this January for more holiday inspiration.

Top 10 destinations for January travel

Best places to visit in January across the US

1. Sun Valley, Idaho

• Discover more: Ketchum travel guide
• Why January is great? Exceptional skiing for both novices and experts.

Beyond its abundant snow, Sun Valley is steeped in history. It holds the title of America’s first destination ski resort, having introduced the first chairlift in 1936. Nearly a century later, it remains my top choice for skiing in the US. Settle in the picturesque town of Ketchum, which combines charm and sophistication, with its array of hotels, restaurants, and bars serving as the heart of après ski culture.

Above Ketchum, a magical blend of terrains sprawls across two majestic peaks. The gentle slopes of Dollar Mountain are perfect for children and beginners to get accustomed to the snow. For the serious skier, Bald Mountain, affectionately known as Baldy, offers an experience renowned for its lack of lift lines and ideal slopes. With 65 distinct runs, it provides endless opportunities for trail riding—a true paradise for snow enthusiasts.

While visiting, seek out the serene spot above Seattle Ridge on Baldy’s southern slope. Dubbed the Sunrise Zone, it was unveiled in 2021 and boasts 380 acres of terrain adorned with well-spaced firs and steep chutes. Just be mindful of powder pockets and significant rock drops.

2. Montgomery, Alabama

• Discover more: Montgomery travel guide
• Why visit in January? Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Every third Monday of January, we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In 2024, this observance coincides with MLK’s actual birthday—January 15th. He served as the minister at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, where he led the bus boycott in response to Rosa Parks’ brave actions in 1955. 

MLK’s legacy endures in Montgomery, particularly through the work of the Equal Justice Initiative, which offers three impactful experiences. The Legacy Museum guides visitors through 400 years of American history, focusing on racial segregation, enslavement, and terrorism. 

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice is situated on a six-acre hilltop overlooking Montgomery, offering a profoundly reflective experience. Additionally, there is the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, a 17-acre site that honors the bravery and resilience of the enslaved, built along the banks of the Alabama River. This immersive journey delves into the lives of enslaved individuals, showcasing touching stories, original dwellings, and indigenous art.

3. Death Valley, California

• Discover more: Death Valley travel guide
• Why visit in January? Enjoy the valley without the intense heat.

January is an ideal month to explore Death Valley, as it allows you to escape the extreme summer temperatures. As America’s largest national park outside Alaska, covering over 5,300 square miles, it offers a wealth of adventures. And it’s not just about desolate, lunar-like scenery—ever heard of Desolation Canyon?

Death Valley is teeming with natural wonders and experiences. Your first stop should be the Badwater Basin salt flats, the continent’s lowest point at 282 feet below sea level. Be sure to glance east at the Black Mountains for a sign marking sea level, and to the west, Telescope Peak rises over two miles high.

Amidst the sand dunes, mountains, and salt flats, you'll discover oases. Tucked away in an inconspicuous canyon, Darwin Falls boasts a rare year-round waterfall in Death Valley, brimming with life including ferns, cattails, tree frogs, toads, and bighorn sheep.

For the ultimate experience, camping is the top choice for accommodation. Alternatively, if you prefer something more upscale, stay in Las Vegas and plan your visit as a day trip.

4. San Antonio, Texas

• Discover more: San Antonio travel guide
• Why visit in January? Experience exciting events from All-American Bowl Day to restaurant week.

As the oldest of Texas’ major cities, San Antonio welcomes the New Year with a vibrant spirit. Events fill the calendar all month, ranging from food festivals to sports competitions. With temperatures hovering in the mid-60s, it’s pleasantly mild, making it feel almost like spring as you stroll through its historic streets.

If you’re in town during the first week of January, be sure to experience the city’s iconic River Walk. The holiday lights will remain on until January 7th, providing a perfect opportunity to enjoy them without the Christmas crowds. Football enthusiasts should mark January 6 on their calendars for All-American Bowl Day, where you can cheer for high school all-stars in a game that might shape their NFL careers while enjoying a cold beer and hot dog.

Top destinations for winter sports in January

5. Arctic Circle, Sweden

• Why visit in January? Enjoy snowboarding without the hustle and bustle.

In the remote frozen expanse of Europe’s north, excitement awaits. The frigid landscapes of Sweden in January offer a serene escape for winter enthusiasts. Engage in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, or opt for reindeer and dog sledding, ice fishing, and for the daring, ice diving.

For a unique experience, venture to Uddjaure Lake and try ice driving. From January 6 through late March, Lapland Ice Driving transforms the lake’s expansive frozen surface into an incredible racetrack. In fact, there are 13 tracks, including five exact replica Formula One circuits. Choose from 30 supercars and put your skills to the test on this icy version of the Nürburgring.

Continue your lake adventure with a stay at the remarkable Arctic Bath, located a few hours east. Nestled in a surreal landscape, this floating spa is a sight to behold. Fly into Luleå and rent a car to explore the stunning surroundings, as the journey itself is part of the adventure.

6. Harbin, China

• Learn more: Harbin travel guide
• Why visit in January? Witness the world’s largest ice and snow festival.

For an unforgettable winter getaway, look no further than Harbin, China. Each January, this city in the northernmost province hosts the largest ice and snow festival in the world.

Starting on January 5th, this festival features ice sculpting on a grand scale. Discover life-sized castles, a giant sculpture island, ice slides, and a massive Ferris Wheel offering breathtaking views. Across the city, parks transform into stunning ice art installations. January is ideal for visiting, as crowds typically arrive in February for the Chinese Spring Festival.

While you’re in Harbin, seize the chance to explore the local food scene, blending Russian, Mongolian, and northern Chinese flavors. Enjoy hotpots and dumplings—stewed, smoked, or pickled—all the more delightful when served in an ice restaurant.

For classic winter sports, a quick 90-minute bullet train ride takes you to Yabuli ski area, China’s largest ski resort. Spread across three mountains and several smaller resorts, it boasts 49 trails with reliably excellent snow. For top-notch facilities, consider staying at Club Med Yabuli.

7. Zermatt, Switzerland

• Discover more: Zermatt travel guide
• Why visit in January? Experience a magical atmosphere, stunning views, and exceptional skiing.

Zermatt stands as one of Switzerland’s premier ski resorts, attracting those seeking adventure and a taste of luxury. At a high elevation, it is Switzerland’s highest resort, accessible only by train, ensuring a blissfully car-free environment.

Adventure seekers flock here for thrilling skiing and snowboarding, as well as to witness the Matterhorn, Europe’s most famous peak. You can explore trails, tackle its steep faces, or, if you’re daring, leap from its heights. Alternatively, enjoy a mulled wine at one of the picturesque mountain huts while admiring the view.

Beyond the slopes, a legacy of glamorous visitors has fostered an atmosphere of elegance, featuring upscale shopping, boutique hotels, Michelin-starred dining (be sure to reserve well in advance), and vibrant après-ski. While prices can be steep, they are offset by the enchanting ambiance and breathtaking vistas.

No visit is complete without experiencing a journey on the mountain train to the summit of the Gornergrat. At an elevation of 10,000 feet, the views are breathtaking, but the ride itself is truly exhilarating. Spanning 33 minutes, it offers a captivating journey through some of Switzerland's most stunning landscapes.

Top destinations to explore in January worldwide

8. Panama

• Discover more: Panama City travel guide
• Why visit in January? Attend the vibrant Panama Jazz Festival.

Panama, with its long and slender shape bordered by two stunning coastlines, may lack extensive facilities, but it more than compensates with its natural beauty. Begin your journey in the capital city, which offers plenty to see for a brief visit. Like many travelers, make sure to explore Casco Viejo, the historic district that has transformed from a former gangland into a bustling tourist hotspot filled with excellent restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels housed in charming colonial buildings.

January is an ideal time to visit as the city hosts the prestigious annual Panama Jazz Festival. This major event attracts international artists who come to perform, teach, and honor jazz legends. In 2024, the spotlight will be on Panamanian drummer and composer Billy Cobham.

Just a short flight away lies the archipelago of Islas Secas. This exclusive eco-retreat, owned by a billionaire conservationist, features 13 of its 14 islands that will remain forever undeveloped. Guests can book a stay on the 14th island for a sustainable getaway immersed in the area's breathtaking nature.

9. Southern Serengeti, Tanzania

• Why visit in January? It’s the ideal month to witness the birth of wildebeest and antelope.

What better way to ring in the new year than by experiencing birthing season in the southern Serengeti? Across the expansive savanna of Tanzania, signs of new life and opportunity emerge in every direction.

Between the rainy seasons, January provides a perfect window to see the region in its lush and vibrant glory. This abundant vegetation offers excellent nourishment for wildlife and their young.

Countless newborn wildebeest and antelope calves swarm the plains. They aren’t alone; lion and cheetah cubs, baby elephants, and zebra foals take their first steps close to their parents. The denser undergrowth might make them harder to spot on safari, so you’ll need to rely on your guide more than ever.

To make the most of your wildlife experience, book a roving safari trip with a trusted operator like family-owned Bushtops Safari Camps. This glamping experience at its finest features luxury tents that fold up and follow the action. To embark on this adventure, fly into Arusha Kilimanjaro airport and take a local flight to the closest airstrip.

10. Patagonia, Argentina

• Why visit in January? Experience a once-in-a-lifetime road trip with ideal weather conditions.

January marks the peak season in Patagonia, so expect some crowds. However, the vastness of the landscape makes it clear that the crowds are hardly a concern. Towering mountains, expansive valleys, vast lakes, and endless skies—nature here is truly grand.

I’ve chosen to explore Argentinian Patagonia over Chilean, mainly as an excuse to fly into Buenos Aires. From there, head west across the country towards the renowned RN-40 highway, then turn south and simply drive. This route leads you through expansive arid grasslands and steppes, with stunning Andean peaks in view. Keep an eye out for the impressive granite monolith of Monte Fitz Roy; you certainly won’t overlook it.

January is an ideal time to immerse yourself in the beauty of Los Glaciares National Park. Take a boat to get up close and personal with the Perito Moreno Glacier, and if you're adventurous, journey south to Ushuaia. This southernmost city is an excellent base for exploring the breathtaking Tierra del Fuego and for embarking on unforgettable ocean voyages deep into Antarctica.

How these destinations were selected

Dinogo’s travel articles are crafted by enthusiastic writers who share their personal experiences. The featured destinations are chosen based on factors like seasonal events, festivals, pricing, weather, and available activities.

Explore more of the finest travel spots

Explore my guide to the top destinations in December and the best spots to visit in February for more travel ideas. If you're looking for nearby options, check out the great winter getaways in the US. Want something warmer? Discover the 10 best warm destinations for January.