Language 
The best places to visit in January in 2026
Discover the best places to visit in January, including Hawaii, Sydney, Cancun, Lake Tahoe, Big Sky, Banff, Zermatt, Vienna, Quebec, and more!
January is the time to shake off the post-holiday blues and plan an escape. In this guide, we share the best places to visit in January: USA beach towns and ski resorts, European cities in festive mode, and budget-friendly spots in Asia and Mexico.
From the sunny Florida Keys to icy Banff, there is something for every type of traveler. We also show you how a Holafly travel eSIM keeps you connected with unlimited data wherever you land.
Limitless data, endless adventures
Stream, scroll, and share as you please. With Holafly, your data is always unlimited.
Best warm destinations to travel in January
January is the perfect time to escape winter blues and head to vacation spots with warm temperatures. If you’re looking to relax, explore, and sip on a tropical cocktail (or twelve) — a sun-soaked getaway is unbeatable. Let’s take a look at the best warm-weather destinations to visit in January.
1. Florida Keys, USA
The Florida Keys is a string of tropical islands stretching about 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida. Known for crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, it is one of the best places to visit in January for warm weather.
A shot taken from a sandy beach on Key West, with the Atlantic Ocean on the left and palm trees towering on the right. Source: Vincent Gerbouin on Unsplash
Temperature
Mid-60s to mid-70s°F (18 to 24°C).
Top activities
- Snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. With three trips a day, tickets range from $75 to $297.
Exploring the historic streets of Key West, the southernmost point of the continental US, where you’ll find the Ernest Hemingway House, the Truman Little White House, the Key West Cemetery, and the Lighthouse. An eSIM for Florida keeps your map and sharing apps connected while exploring.
Catching the sunset at the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, Fort Zachary Taylor, or the Truman Waterfront.
💡 Local tip: Manuela Oswald, a Holafly content writer who lived in Florida for several years, recommends ordering fresh stone crab claws, which are in season from October to May, and finishing with Key lime pie, Florida’s official state pie.
Average travel cost
Starting at $150 to $250 per night for mid-range accommodations. Traveling in September and November could be more affordable, though these months tend to see more rain.
2. Hawaii, U.S.A.
Hawaii maintains a tropical climate year-round, and January is considered the “winter” season in the islands. With a diverse array of activities on land and in the water, it is one of the best tropical places to visit in January.
Temperature
70s to 80s°F (21 to 27°C), cooler in the evenings and at high-elevation spots like Haleakala on Maui. January falls within the rainy season on the northeastern side of the islands.
Top activities
- Surfing at Waikiki Beach, an ideal location to learn the basics of surfing.
- Hiking to Diamond Head Crater, a moderately difficult walk with stairs, tunnels, and bunkers. Entry starts at $5, and guided tours run from $45 to $150.
- Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay for $25 with a booking reservation.
- Whale watching around Maui, as whales migrate to Hawaiian waters this month.
Average travel cost
Starting at $250 to $350 per night. Dining can be more affordable at local cafes compared to resort prices.
3. Sydney, Australia
Sunny Sydney is a classic vacation destination and one of the best places to visit in January in the world, combining landmarks, beaches, and a world-class food scene. The beginning of the year means summer in Sydney, so expect long, sunny days perfect for exploring late into the evening.
Temperature
Around 67 to 79°F (19 to 26°C).
Top activities
- Visiting the Sydney Opera House on a guided tour or for a performance. Tickets range from $29 for a single visit to $170 for a show.
- Relaxing on Bondi Beach with a coastal walk and trendy cafes. Speedos Cafe, Promenade, and Crabbe Hole are some of the top cafes recommended by those who visit.
- Viewing native Australian wildlife at Taronga Zoo, a 12-minute ferry ride away for $5 to $12, where you’ll see local species such as kangaroos and koalas.
Average travel cost
Ranging from $150 to $300 per night. Dining ranges from affordable street food to high-end restaurants.
4. Cancún, Mexico
Cancún is one of the best places to visit in Mexico in January if you’re craving Latin culture, authentic Mexican tacos, and a fresh michelada, a classic drink that combines beer and spicy sauces. Pack your bags for Cancun and get ready for sunny skies, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
Temperature
Around 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).
Top activities
- Swimming in cenotes. These natural pits are considered sacred by the ancient Maya, and they offer a calm escape with a chance to snorkel, swim, or even scuba dive.
- Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza. Both sites are a couple of hours’ drive from Cancún, so organize transportation or a tour in advance.
- Diving into Cancún’s nightlife, from big festivals to private parties at the beach. Coco Bongo, Mandala Night Club, and Amma Club are some of the best clubs, with tickets starting at $60.
Average travel cost
Starting at $100 to $200 per night. Dining options span from street tacos to upscale beachside restaurants.
Best winter destinations to travel in January
Not fussed about sun, sea, and sand between your toes? A cozy, winter getaway could be a better option for your January travels. Here are some après-ski destinations for winter sports enthusiasts, or just hot chocolate lovers!
5. Lake Tahoe, USA
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to visit in the US in January for skiers and snowboarders looking for more active holidays. Expect expansive slopes, stunning views, and plenty of après-ski options.
Temperature
Around 18 to 42°F (-8 to 6°C) at lake level.
Top activities
- Skiing and snowboarding at Heavenly and Palisades Tahoe, which usually get heavier snowfall at this time of the year.
- Snowshoeing at Camp Richardson for scenic trails and lakeside views.
- Ice skating at Northstar California Resort on a cozy outdoor rink surrounded by fire pits. An Epic Day Pass for the slopes starts at $119 per day per adult.
Average travel cost
Ranging from $150 to $300 per night for mid-range to high-end accommodations. Daily ski passes average around $150.
6. Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky is known for its massive ski terrain and its lack of crowds, which makes it one of the best places to visit in January for nature lovers looking to reconnect with the landscape. This lesser-known gem offers a relaxed environment for winter activities.
Temperature
Average daily temperatures of around 20 to 22°F (-6°C). March is the snowiest month, but January is also an ideal time to visit.
Top activities
- Skiing at the Big Sky Resort, one of the largest in the country. Select the days you plan to ski and buy a lift pass on Big Sky Resort’s website.
- Snowmobiling through scenic lookout mountain trails and open powder fields. Though March is the snowiest season, January is also an ideal time to visit — with average daily temperatures of around 20°F to 22°F (-6°C).
- Exploring Yellowstone National Park on a winter tour, where you can spot diverse wildlife, frozen waterfalls, geysers, and stargaze on clear nights! It’s a mere hours’ drive away from Big Sky, making it the ideal day trip.
Average travel cost
Mid-range accommodations start at around $200 per night, with both more basic and more luxurious accommodations available. Ski passes vary in price depending on when you travel, but January prices tend to be around $170-$180 per day.
Left your January travel planning a little late? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other options for traveling later in the year, such as these top places to travel in March.
7. Banff, Canada
Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies, Banff is one of the best places to visit in January for its scenic, alpine landscape. It offers ample winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, ice skating, and even exploring frozen lakes.
Temperature
Around 5 to 23°F (-15 to -5°C).
Top activities
- Skiing at Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay their main locations. The tickets for a guided adventure with a local guide start at $710 per person.
- Visiting the Banff Upper Hot Springs, where mineral-rich waters are naturally heated and set against a mountain backdrop. Perfect when looking for some respite from the cold weather.
- Ice skating on Lake Louise’s smooth ice framed by towering, snow-dusted peaks.
Average travel cost
Ranging from $150-$350 per night for mid-range to high-end stays, with ski passes costing about $120 per day.
8. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is a Swiss village and one of the best places to visit in Europe in January. From skiing the slopes of the world-famous Matterhorn to gazing out at scenic views from picturesque chalets, it’s an alpine escape in a car-free destination.
Temperature
Around 16 to 32°F (-9 to 0°C) in the village.
Top activities
- Skiing and snowboarding at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest ski area in Europe.
Winter hiking along the Gornergrat Railway, the mountain rack railway that links the resort village of Zermatt to the summit of the Gornergrat.
Enjoying après-ski dining at Chez Vrony or Elsie’s Bar, where you can try gourmet Swiss cuisine for $12 to $65 per person. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
Average travel cost
Starting at $250-$500 per night for high-end accommodations, with lift tickets averaging around $100 per day.
Best locations for holiday festivities in January
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a little extra holiday cheer in the New Year, and these places offer just that. Here are three destinations that offer markets, events, and cultural experiences to keep the holidays going.
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is one of the best places to visit in January for post-holiday winter celebrations. The Hogmanay Festival is one of the world’s biggest New Year festivities, which makes it a must-visit destination in early January.
Temperature
Around 34 to 45°F (1 to 7°C).
Top activities
- Celebrating the New Year at Hogmanay with events like the Torchlight Procession. For the best experience, arrive at the tail end of December and stay for the first couple of days of January.
Exploring Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress with views of the city and insights into Scottish history, including the Crown Jewels.
Strolling along the Royal Mile, the city’s most famous street, full of medieval architecture, local shops, and historic landmarks. - Main events in January include Scottish Ballet’s winter season at the Festival Theatre and Burns Night celebrations, an evening of drams of whisky, kilts, and sporrans, plus a dramatic reciting of Rabbie Burns.
Average travel cost
Ranging from $100-250 per night for moderate accommodations, with festival tickets starting at $30 to $38, depending on the seat location.
Edinburgh’s winding, cobbled streets and picturesque backdrop make it a perfect fall destination, too. If you’re all about that crisp fall air, check out some other great places to visit in October and November.
10. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one of the best places to visit in January for New Year concerts and winter markets. It’s a destination to experience cultural heritage while indulging in classic holiday festivities.
Temperature
Around 28 to 38°F (-2 to 3°C).
Top activities
- Touring Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, for a glimpse into the grandeur and history of Austria’s imperial past during the winter months.
Visiting one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, the Vienna State Opera.
Exploring the Winter Market at the Riesenradplatz, open until early January, where you’ll find festive decorations and handcrafted gifts. - The Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert on January 1st.
Average travel cost
Ranging from $150 to $300 per night, with entry fees for top cultural attractions adding around $20 to $50 per attraction.
11. Québec City, Canada
Québec City is one of the best places to visit in January for a European-style experience. The cobblestone streets and historical sites add to the old-world charm of this destination.
Temperature
Around 1 to 18°F (-17 to -8°C).
Top activities
- Exploring Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, through cobblestone streets lined with 17th- and 18th-century architecture.
- Visiting the Ice Hotel, crafted entirely from ice and snow, where you can tour ice sculptures and themed suites.
- Experiencing dog sledding in Québec’s countryside.
- The Québec Winter Carnival (late January to early February), with parades, ice sculptures, and outdoor festivities.
Average travel cost
Around $100 to $200 per night for mid-range accommodations. Pricing for winter activities varies, and dog sledding, for example, costs around $90 per person.
Best budget-friendly January destinations
If you’re working with a limited budget, there are plenty of cheap options to visit in January. Here are the best vacation destinations to check out when traveling on a budget.
12. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s mild weather, colorful neighborhoods, and blend of history and architecture make it one of the best places to visit in January on a budget. This coastal capital offers a cultural experience even on a rainy winter day.
Temperature
Around 47 to 59°F (8 to 15°C).
Top activities
- Wandering the cobblestone streets of the Alfama district, with colorful houses, quaint shops, and the sounds of fado music drifting from local bars. Alfama is home to landmarks like the Lisbon Cathedral and St. George’s Castle.
Visiting the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site with views over the Tagus River. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $6 for children.
Trying Portuguese cuisine such as bacalhau à Brás, a traditional fish dish, caldo verde, a hearty kale and potato soup, and the custard tarts locals call pastel de nata.
Average travel cost
Around $50 to $150 per night for affordable accommodations, with budget-friendly dining at $10 to $20 per person. If you need an eSIM for Europe from Australia, factor in connectivity costs too. Holafly offers flat-rate unlimited data plans.
💡 Local tip: “Lisbon probably has the strongest café culture and street life in Portugal,” says Rita Sequeira, a B2B content specialist at Holafly who has spent a lot of time in Lisbon. She points to Chiado, Príncipe Real, Alfama, and Bairro Alto, which are full of terraces, cafés, and restaurants throughout the day and night.
13. Phuket and Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand is a budget-friendly destination and one of the best places to visit in January, thanks to its cool, dry weather. In the south, the island of Phuket has world-class beaches and vibrant nightlife. Further north, a visit to Chiang Mai offers a gateway to the country’s mountainous terrain, ancient temples, and ethical elephant sanctuaries.
Temperature
Phuket: around 75 to 90°F (24 to 32°C). Chiang Mai: around 59 to 84°F (15 to 29°C).
Top activities
- Visiting Chiang Mai’s temples. The city is home to over 300 Buddhist temples, known as “wats”, including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phan Tao.
Snorkeling in Phuket, where guided tours cost $26 to $114.
Shopping at Warorot Market (Kad Luang), one of the largest and oldest markets in Chiang Mai, with stalls selling flowers, spices, household goods, and street food.
Average travel cost
Ranging from $30 to $100 per night for affordable lodging, with meals available at budget prices. Stay online with an unlimited data eSIM for Phuket.
💡 Local tip: Our Holafly colleague who was born and raised in Thailand describes Chiang Mai as a calm and charming city close to the mountains and nature. For a local tradition, make merit to monks at dawn, which you can do at any local market.
14. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the best places to visit in January for a tropical destination on a budget of around $25 to $35 per day, with lush rice terraces, volcanic mountains, and white sand beaches. January is the wet season, which brings greener landscapes and fewer travelers. For the dry season, Bali is also one of the top places to travel in July.
Temperature
77 to 86°F (25 to 30°C), with high humidity and regular afternoon and evening showers.
Top activities
- Relaxing at Seminyak Beach, with golden sand, beachfront dining and bars, and a vibrant surf culture.
Visiting Uluwatu Temple, a Hindu sea temple perched on the edge of a steep cliff on the Bukit Peninsula, with views of the Indian Ocean and a popular spot to watch the sunset.
Exploring Ubud’s rice terraces, with tickets ranging from $24 to $42.
Average travel cost
Ranging from $20 to $80 per night for budget-friendly stays, with plenty of inexpensive meal options.
💡 Local tip: Saffron Wu, Holafly’s Content Manager, spends at least a month in Bali every year. For couples, she suggests a cliffside sunset dinner around Uluwatu or a quiet rice-field restaurant or café around Ubud.
15. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is one of the best places to visit in Mexico in January. The low season means you can enjoy its blend of ancient Aztec heritage, colonial Spanish architecture, and contemporary art without queues. It’s also one of the best destinations to visit in May and a top destination for August.
Temperature
Around 45 to 72°F (7 to 22°C).
Top activities
- Touring the National Museum of Anthropology, the largest and most visited museum in Mexico. Daily tickets are $5, and guided tours start at $25.
Visiting El Zócalo, the main plaza in the historic center, a vast public square surrounded by government buildings and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Discovering the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the “Blue House”, for an intimate glimpse into the life and artistic legacy of one of Mexico’s most celebrated painters.
Average travel cost
Starting at $40 to $120 per night for affordable accommodations, with dining available throughout the city for around $10 to $15 per person.
💡 Local tip: “It’s a city that has everything,” says Miguel Del Real Ramirez, Holafly’s Customer Director, pointing to its wide variety of gastronomy, many museums, and vibrant nightlife. For food, he recommends Centro, La Merced, Garibaldi, and La Lagunilla, and any corner taco stand.
Stay connected on your January trip with Holafly
Whichever of the best places to visit in January you choose, a Holafly travel eSIM gives you unlimited data, 5G speeds, and 24/7 support, so you can navigate, book, and share with peace of mind. Every Holafly eSIM also includes Always On: 1 GB of monthly backup data at no added cost, in 150+ destinations.
Holafly travel eSIMs cover 200+ destinations. For a single-country trip like Sydney or Cancún, choose the eSIM for that destination. If your January route crosses borders, a regional plan such as the eSIM for Europe or eSIM for Asia covers several countries with one eSIM. Buy yours from the Holafly online store or app (iOS or Android), scan the QR code, and install it before you fly.
For longer stays or several trips a year, Holafly Plans is a pay-monthly subscription with coverage in 160+ destinations on a single eSIM. Choose the Unlimited or Light tier and cancel anytime.
Stay connected no matter where you travel
FAQs about the best places to visit in January
It depends on the trip you want. For beach weather, Hawaii, Cancún, and Sydney are warm and sunny. For snow, Banff, Zermatt, and Lake Tahoe offer skiing and winter activities. For a city break on a budget, Lisbon and Mexico City are quieter and more affordable in January.
Bali and Thailand are among the cheapest places to travel in January. Bali can be enjoyed on around $25 to $35 per day, with stays from $20 per night, and lodging in Thailand starts at about $30 per night. Mexico City and Lisbon are budget-friendly city options, from $40 and $50 per night.
Hawaii and the Florida Keys are the warmest places in the US in January. Hawaii sees temperatures in the 70s to 80s°F (21 to 27°C), and the Florida Keys offer pleasant winter warmth for snorkeling and beach days.
Zermatt, Edinburgh, Vienna, and Lisbon are among the best places to visit in Europe in January. Zermatt suits skiers, Edinburgh and Vienna keep the festive season going with Hogmanay and New Year concerts, and Lisbon offers mild weather and lower prices.
Bali, Zermatt, and Vienna are among the best places to visit in January for couples. Bali offers cliffside sunset dinners around Uluwatu, Zermatt has car-free alpine views and après-ski dining, and Vienna pairs New Year concerts with evenings at the State Opera.
Plans that may interest you
With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.
