11 Best Places to Travel in January

Temperatures:  Low 60°F • High 79°F

Highlights: Warm weather, water sports, wildlife, culture, beaches

Other recommended travel times: February • March  • May • June • August • September

South Africa offers an incredible combination of scenery, captivating wildlife, and unique urban expression, with a culture shaped by diverse traditions. Each city radiates a different character and the coastline gives way to rugged cliffs and colorful coral reefs.

With golden beaches, legendary surf breaks, and wide-open plains on which rhinos, elephants, and lions roam, the rainbow-like national flag embodies the diversity of South Africa.

Learn more:  South Africa Tours & Vacations • South Africa Travel Guide

Temperatures: Low 54°F • High 97°F

Highlights: Hot weather, culture, water sports, scenery, Great Barrier Reef, beaches

Other recommended travel times: February • March • April • October • November • December

In Australia, you should always expect the unexpected. The scenery's exceptional beauty stems from a landscape of extremes, with unique ochre plains that give way to shimmering blue water.

Home to the world’s oldest cultures, ancient natural beauty, urban splendor, and a contemporary spirit, Australia belies its reputation as a gorgeous destination.

A dreamscape accentuated by some of the world’s quirkiest wildlife spans ancient rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, islands framed with powdery white sands, red desert, and celebrated winelands.

Learn more: Australia Tours & Vacations • Australia Travel Guide

Temperatures: Low 84°F • High 70°F

Highlights: Wildlife, seclusion, water sports, marine life

Other recommended travel times: March • May • September • October

Each of the Galapagos islands possesses its own distinct character. From imposing volcanoes to idyllic beaches, you will find some of the world’s most exotic wildlife reserves.

The inspiring combination of protected land and sea will surprise, with some islands devoid of any vegetation at all, while others overflow with greenery.

The isolated and fragile ecosystem has grown to mythological proportions, where black-rock and white-sand beaches support giant tortoises, while shimmering blue waters offer views of penguins and iguanas.

Learn more: Galapagos Islands Vacations & Tours • Galapagos Travel Guide

Temperatures: Low 32°F • High 43°F

Highlights: Snow, wildlife, scenery, water sports, scientific excursions

Other recommended travel times: November

Antarctica is the only place on Earth that envelops you in remote wilderness and the drama of natural elements shaped by snow, ice, water, and rock.

By land and sea, exploring the region is the ultimate adventure as you take in the surreal extremes of mountain ranges and coastlines that are home to a multitude of unique wildlife.

Emperor penguins, Weddell seals, and enormous whales only scratch the surface of the natural wonders, adding to the pancake ice and marine mists, each possessing its own distinct rhythms during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.

Learn more: Antarctica Tours

Temperatures: Low 28°F • High 45°F

Highlights: Culture, scenery, museums, historical towns, snow sports, horseback riding

Other recommended travel times: April • June

Tradition meets avant-garde in Switzerland, a place where glacial alps sweep down into lush valleys. Chocolates, clocks, and watches have their place as artisan masterpieces, but beyond the essential traditions, the country offers a refreshing combination of rural charm, customary towns, and contemporary chic.

Lavish castles and delectable vineyards, the spice of folkloric towns, and the flavors of celebrated cheese represent the journey of a lifetime, especially for snow sports in winter beneath the famous Matterhorn.

Learn more: Switzerland Tours & Vacations • Switzerland Travel Guide

Temperatures: Low 50°F • High 84°F

Highlights: Warm weather, wildlife, birding, scenery, beaches

Other recommended travel times: March • July • August • October • November

Let the wildlife take center stage in Tanzania in January, when summer in the Southern Hemisphere sees smaller crowds, but offers huge rewards. The diversity of the natural splendor across the country could take you from the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro to the soft golden shores of Zanzibar’s beaches to find coral gardens and colorful fish.

Tanzania is an escape for adventurers, romantics, safari-goers, or those looking for a relaxing coastal getaway. Look for stampeding wildebeest or lounging lions, or dive into crystal-clear waters, with each experience encapsulating Tanzania’s endless allure.

Learn more: Tanzania Safaris & Vacations • Tanzania Travel Guide

Temperatures: Low 46°F • High 69°F

Highlights: Culture, museums, palaces, historical cities, scenery, cuisine

Other recommended travel times: February • March • May • September • October

Tradition and modernity offer an unforgettable clash of cultures in India. The Taj Mahal may be the country’s most iconic image, but India abounds with rich heritage and a long history of cultural encounters.

India is a treasure trove of historical proportions, with lush national parks, wildlife sanctuaries hosting tigers or elephants, gold-sand beaches, and a seemingly endless collection of spiritual centers. January offers surprising snowy encounters in the Himalayas and perfect tropical warmth along the southern canals.

Learn more: India Tours & Vacations • India Travel Guide

Temperatures: Low 77°F • High 54°F

Highlights: Warm weather, water sports, culture, scenery, hiking

Other recommended travel times: February • March • June • July • August • December

January is the heart of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, underscoring New Zealand’s zest for adventure amid a surreal natural landscape.

With coastal glaciers, glistening coves, geothermal geysers, picture-perfect bays, ancient forests, dazzling fjords, and charming cities, you could easily spend months crisscrossing the islands and still have more to experience.

Hike winding trails, cycle along craggy mountain terrain, sail shimmering waters, or embrace the powerful Māori culture in one of the world’s most attractive countries.

Learn more: New Zealand Tours & Vacations • New Zealand Travel Guide

Temperatures: Low 72°F • High 90°F

Highlights: Warm weather, culture, wildlife, beaches, water sports, museums, cuisine

Other recommended travel times: March • April • May • November • December

Thailand is the perfect destination for pristine beaches, tropical forests, colorful architecture, and bountiful cuisine.

The culture mirrors the climate: warm, refreshing, and generous. Aromas of lemongrass melt into a breeze spiced with sea salt, and an abundance of culinary classes represent the historic mastery of melding spicy, sweet, salty, and sour flavors.

From waterfalls to honeycombed karsts, elegant temples to exotic island sands, Thailand is an experience that rewards you with memories.

Learn more: Thailand Tours & Vacations • Thailand Travel Guide

Temperatures: Low 78°F • High 86°F

Highlights: Warm weather, culture, beaches, water sports, trekking, cuisine

Other recommended travel times: March • August • November

Exotic is the best way to describe Brazil’s unique medley of rainforests, beaches, historic culture, and cosmopolitan cities. Decorative arts exude proud histories representing integral cultures and the nation’s greater heritage.

The country pulses to a distinct rhythm, with world-class art museums, eclectic cuisine, idyllic coastlines, and immersive jungle explorations. In January, you can experience the heart of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer to enjoy the legendary scope of Brazil’s biodiversity, finding scarlet macaws, thundering waterfalls, and white-sand beaches.

Learn more: Brazil Tours & Vacations • Brazil Travel Guide

Temperatures: Low 79°F • High 61°F

Highlights: Culture, historical towns, scenery, museums, beaches, water sports

Other recommended travel times: March • April • November

Vietnam is a marvelous representation of natural wonder and complex cultural heritage, megacities roaring with life, and hill-tribe villages brimming with tradition.

Exotic landscapes and compelling customs can create deep sensory connections, with limestone islands soaring above crystalline waters or small restaurants sizzling with the sounds of authentic cuisine.

The tropical winter month of January offers a perfect climate in which to plunge into oceanic waters, travel evergreen hills, visit marble temples, or witness the green paddy fields.

Learn more: Vietnam Tours & Vacations • Vietnam Travel Guide

January is a fantastic time to travel the world, and you can find the right destination for you no matter the type of vacation you want to experience.

Zicasso’s guide to the best places to visit by month is a great source for finding new insights into select destinations. You can also explore new inspiration on where to go for with our travel guide.