10 Best Countries to Visit in January

January is a surprisingly great month to travel, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. The summer is just starting to kick in, so the temperatures are hot but not scorching!

In the Nothern Hemisphere it gets cold and icy, the perfect destination for those looking for an idyllic winter escape. On the other hand, the Southern Hemisphere is gloriously sunny and warm. The perfect place to Travel to if you’re tired of the cold and want to suNBAthe your winter blues away.

From beach resorts in the Maldives to ice caves in Iceland, there’s something for everyone. Each of these ten January destinations offers culture, stunning landscapes, and a unique winter experience.

Iceland

Cold and frosty, Iceland in winter is picturesque and enchanting.

You can’t miss the waterfalls on the South Coast, like Seljalandsfoss which plummets 60 meters before landing on the icy rocks below.

Another top winter attraction is Iceland’s majestic ice caves. Vatnajokull’s are particularly impressive because of the blue hue that lights up the caves. You will have to book a tour to see them though!

Seeing the Northern lights should be at the top of your Iceland bucket list. There are a number of spots you can see them from, like Borgarfjorour and Thingvellir National Park.

To finish off your Iceland trip, spend a day relaxing in the country’s iconic natural hot springs like Askja.

Mexico

January is a great time to visit the coastal and southern parts of Mexico. Whilst they can get too hot and humid during the summer months, the temperatures are cooler in January.

Beach destinations along the Yucatan Peninsula like Tulum and Cancun bring Travelers in from around the World.

Their white sand beaches and cool cenote pools, coupled with Mayan temples like Chitchen Itza and Coba make it an unforgettable destination.

If you want to dive into Mexican culture, head to San Cristobal. This colorful colonial town still has a vibrant Indigenous culture and is dotted with artisanal markets.

Ethiopia

January is one of the driest months in Ethiopia, when temperatures are warm and sunny. Riddled with historical sites and breathtaking natural landscapes Ethiopia is the trip of a lifetime.

Some of the most spectacular lakes are in the Rift Valley, which is flanked by the Bale Mountains. Lake Langano and Chamo to mention some. Be aware of the hippos and crocodiles that live there!

Next, pick amongst the country’s spectacular historical sites. Like the 11 rock-cut churches of Lalibela. The fortified historic town of Harar Jugol which has 82 mosques, or Yeha Temple built in 700 BC.

Gambia

Sunny and dry, why not escape the cold winter season with a trip to Gambia?

With more than 600 species of birds calling Gambia home, it’s a hotspot for birdwatchers. Not struck on birds? Then why not visit the adrenaline-inducing crocodiles in Kachikally Crocodile Pool instead.

The Abuko Nature Reserve is also a must for wildlife lovers.

There’s a whole host of World Heritage Sites in the country too, like the stone circles of Senegambia and Fort James (Kunta Kinteh) Island. Sitting along the Gambia River, the island and fort have a legacy wrapped up in the slave trade.

Uruguay

January is part of Uruguay’s summer season, the perfect time to get away and soak up some sun.

As well as the country’s glistening beaches, if you visit at the end of January you’ll catch the start of carnival season. The streets come alive with music and Candombe dancing!

Uruguay is also something of a hidden gem for art lovers. Visit the famous La Mano en la Arena (the hand in the sand) sculpture that erupts out of the sand on Playa Brava.

Next, check out the gleaming white Casapueblo villa built by Carlos Paez Vilaro on a stark cliffside. It’s now home to an art gallery too!

Want to get a feel of Uruguay’s culture? Markets are always the place to immerse yourself in Latino culture. The Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo is no exception. You’ve got to stop for lunch at one of the parrilla stalls for some of the best BBQ steak in the world.

Cuba

No trip to Cuba is complete without a visit to the Malecon in Havana. This oceanside boulevard is filled with music and culture, especially at sunset.

Stroll around Habana Vieja, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Home to baroque architecture and Gaudi-inspired art nouveau. Some of the coolest plazas are the Plaza Vieja and Plaza de la Catedral.

Tired of the city? Then bask in the glorious January weather on the white sand Playa Varadero. Or lounge the day away at the El Nicho waterfalls surrounded by vibrant nature.

Andorra

Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra is a tiny country famous for its winter Sports. In January the slopes of the Andorran Pyrenees get covered in thick white snow, perfect for skiing.

Or hire a pair of snowshoes and head out on a winter hike to catch the country’s scenic mountain views. If you don’t want to walk far, Llac d’Engolasters is the best choice!

Before you leave you have to go on the world’s longest alpine slide. The Tobotronc is in the Naturland Park and drops 400 meters over 5.3 kilometers.

New Zealand

Auckland is a great place to start your trip. You can enjoy the panoramic harbor views and lazy days on the city’s beaches, like Mission Bay.

Once you’ve slept off the likely jetlag, get outdoors! Milford Sound is a stunning fjord surrounded by the peaks of Fiordland National Park and cascading waterfalls. You can hike around it, go on a cruise, or kayak!

Another unforgettable experience New Zealand offers is the mystical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through the caves and be awed by the mesmerizing light display above you.

Maldives

One of the driest and sunniest times of the year, January in the Maldives is beach season. This cluster of islands in the Indian Ocean live up to the hype.

It’s pretty much the case that each beach resort has its own island. Lay back and enjoy the peaceful ocean waves with little to no neighbors.

The islands in the Maldives are surrounded by picture-perfect white sand beaches and pristine ocean.

In January the waters are calm and clear, so going on snorkeling trips around your island resort is a must. Or take it a step further and go scuba diving – the Maldives have some of the most spectacular corals in the world.

United Arab Emirates

The summer heat can get really overwhelming in Dubai, so visit in January when it’s cooler. Start your trip with a visit to the Burj Khalida, the World’s tallest building!

Book a cruise down the Dhow River to soak in picturesque views of the city from a distance. Not a fan of boats? Then check out the Dubai Marina on foot. It’s especially impressive at night when all the skyscrapers light up.

Once you tire of shopping and exploring the city, head on a desert safari on camel-back. Skydiving is also popular in Dubai!