17 Hottest Places to Travel in January Outside of the US
One of my favorite times to travel is in January. I mean, is there a better way to kick off the New Year? Plus, prices are usually pretty reasonable since most people just traveled over the holidays. If you’re craving a warm-weather vacation for the New Year, this list of the hottest places to travel in January is for you.
With a few travel blogger friends, we crowdsourced this list of the best hot places to travel in the winter all around the world. I don’t pick favorites, so the below list is in alphabetical order.
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1. Argentina
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 70°F / Low 40°F
Argentina is a great place to visit if you want to escape the cold winters in the Western hemisphere.
The Argentine summer is at its peak in January, and you are guaranteed pleasant weather almost anywhere you visit in Argentina!
Some of the best things to do in Argentina in January are hiking in Patagonia, visiting Iguazu Falls, and exploring Buenos Aires and its nearby beaches.
The hiking trails in Patagonia are preferred during the Argentine summer when the weather conditions are better than during the harsh Patagonian winters.
The famous Iguazu Falls on the Argentine border with Brazil is another popular destination to visit in Argentina during January.
January is also a great time to visit Buenos Aires with plenty of things to do. In January, the temperatures in Buenos Aires get well above 30C (86F), and many locals escape to the beaches near Buenos Aires.
The only downside of visiting Argentina in January is that it is the summer holiday time in Argentina where many locals are off, and popular destinations around Argentina might be extra busy.
Recommended by Rebecca from Becci Abroad
2. Australia
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 75°F / Low 50°F
January is summer in Australia, meaning warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It’s a great time to experience Australia’s beach culture, outdoor and adventure activities, and festivals. Having lived in Sydney for a decade, I have experienced countless Australian summers, and January is a vibrant, sunny month full of energy.
The cities like Sydney and Melbourne are buzzing with events, including New Year celebrations and the Sydney Festival. Coastal areas like the Great Barrier Reef and the Gold Coast offer perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
Additionally, national parks like the Blue Mountains and the Grampians are ideal for hiking and exploring the outdoors.
As the weather is sunny and beautiful, there are many outdoor activities that can be done during this time. You can do the 6-kilometre easy Bondi to Coogee coastal walk in Sydney that provides breathtaking ocean views.
January is also best dive and explore the underwater world at the Great Barrier Reef. Melbourne also hosts the Australian Open in January and hence the city is busy with visitors from all around the world.
The main downside of visiting Australia during January is the occasional heatwaves the cities experience. The temperatures can sometimes rise up to 40 degrees Celsius. And as January is the peak season, there will be lot of people, and the prices of accommodations and flights can be expensive.
Recommended by Raksha from Solopassport
3. Brazil
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 85°F / Low 65°F
Rio de Janeiro is the ultimate warm-weather destination that’s perfect for a January trip. It’s the height of Brazil’s summertime, so it’s the best time to soak in all that Rio has to offer, from taking in the amazing views from Sugarloaf Mountain, to relaxing at iconic beaches like Copacabana or Ipanema, requirements of any Rio de Janeiro itinerary.
Temperatures are typically sunny and in the 80s, but as a tropical climate, humidity can be intense and there’s the potential for some rainy days. Luckily, Rio has plenty of museums and indoor sightseeing too, from the futuristic science museum, the Museum of Tomorrow, to the historic Royal Portuguese Reading Room.
But apart from sightseeing, much of Rio’s charm lies in relaxing with a beer, a caipirinha, or a fresh coconut, and enjoying the beautiful views (especially at sunset) from places like Urca, Mirante do Leblon, or Aropoedor.
Plus, Rio’s largest celebration, Carnival, is coming up in February, so an added bonus of visiting in January is that you can catch many pre-Carnival celebrations and parades, without the intense crowds and higher prices of actual Carnival.
Recommended by Tess Kazenoff from Tess the Traveler
4. Chile
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 70°F / Low 40°F
When thinking of warm weather destinations, Chile may not be the first place that comes to mind. But January is actually the height of the Chilean summer, and it’s one of the best times of year to visit this fascinating country!
As the longest country in the world, Chile is extremely geographically diverse and stretches through several different climates. The northern and central regions are the hottest, including the country’s capital city, Santiago, which averages highs of 30°C (86°F) throughout January.
And, in under 2 hours from the capital by car, you’ll find some of Chile’s most popular beachside towns, including Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, and Algarrobo, where you can cool down in the Pacific Ocean.
Or, if you prefer mountain landscapes for your warm weather break, Chile is also one of the best places in the world for outdoor adventure. The Andes mountains are within easy reach of Santiago. And January is a fantastic time to head further south to explore Chilean Patagonia.
This remote region is generally a lot cooler than Santiago and its surroundings, but it can still get hot in the mountains, especially if you’re hiking and backpacking. The only downsides to visiting during January is that this is also the windiest time of year – but that’s just part of the Patagonia experience!
It’s also worth keeping in mind that January is peak tourist season in Chile, so you should expect high season prices and for the parks and attractions to be at their busiest.
Recommended by Chanelle Rosenbaum from Chasing Chanelle
5. Costa Rica
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 80°F / Low 65°F
Costa Rica is one of the best vacation destinations for outdoor and wildlife lovers. There are endless options to experience lush landscapes, sandy beaches, and thrilling activities.
The best things to do include a trip to Corcovado National Park, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions as well as surfing in Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula. In Tamarindo you can witness stunning sunsets, and in La Fortuna, Costa Rica’s hub for adventure and wellness, you can hike along the foot of a real Volcano.
Costa Rica’s dry season is from December to April, making January an ideal time to visit the country’s beaches and national parks without heavy rain. It is the perfect time to go surfing, enjoy outdoor activities, or experience a whale watching tour on the Pacific coast, which is one of the best things to do in Uvita.
However, when visiting Costa Rica in January, please consider that January falls in Costa Rica’s peak tourist season and many popular areas like Puerto Viejo, Tamarindo, and La Fortuna can be crowded. Hotels and tours tend to be more expensive and are booked out faster than usual.
Recommended by Carolin from happywhenabroad
6. Curacao
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 89°F / Low 77°F
Visiting Curaçao in January is the perfect way to escape the winter blues! With its year-round warm weather, this Caribbean gem offers perfect beach days, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture.
January is a fantastic time to visit, as it’s outside of hurricane season and averages temperatures in the 80s, perfect for snorkelling, diving, or exploring the colourful streets of Willemstad.
Top things to do in Curaçao include relaxing on stunning beaches like Porto Playa Mari, hiking to the highest peak on Mount Christoffel, feeling the force of nature at Shete Boka National Park, and exploring old forts.
The island’s blend of Dutch and Caribbean influences also makes for an amazing place for foodies, history lovers, and adventure seekers. Curacao is easy to drive around with a rental car which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
There is also an abundance of water activities available, including diving and snorkelling trips, or a sailing adventure over to Klein Curacao, a pristine, uninhabited island with an amazing white sandy beach and bright blue water.
January is considered part of the high season, so prices may be higher. Fortunately, the island, while small, is large enough to accommodate all its visitors and it never feels crowded. Just be sure to book your accommodations, car rental, and flights well in advance!
Recommended by Sarah from In Search of Sarah
7. Cuba
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 85°F / Low 70°F
As one of the most popular winter destinations, Cuba is one of the places that you must visit in the Caribbean. Visiting Cuba in January is a great idea for travelers who love warm weather, white beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
The temperatures average around 25°C (77°F) with lower humidity which are great conditions for exploring cities like Havana. The capital is known for its colorful colonial architecture, classic cars, and lively streets.
Since January is the dry season, rainfall is minimal, making it great for sightseeing. For beach lovers, the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of Varadero, Cayo Coco, and Cayo St. Maria offer a relaxing escape, where swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing are top activities.
Also, the drier conditions make outdoor adventures more enjoyable, from visiting a cigar factory to visiting the stunning waterfalls of El Nicho (close to Cienfuegos).
However, one potential downside is that January is peak tourist season, so popular spots might be crowded, and prices for accommodations and tours may be higher. Additionally, travelers might experience delays or sold-out flights due to the demand.
Despite this, Cuba in January offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and great weather, making it a top winter vacation destination.
Recommended by the Travel Addicted Unicorn
8. El Salvador
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 85°F / Low 65°F
El Salvador might not immediately spring to mind when thinking of holiday destinations. Emerging from an era of rampant gang crime, El Salvador was often skipped over by travellers as it was considered too dangerous.
Fortunately, this is all changing and tourism in El Salvador is rapidly growing. Not only does it have some of the most beautiful and dense jungle in Central America, its world-class surf beaches and incredibly friendly locals make it a perfect place for adventure seekers and holiday makers alike.
Spend some time relaxing or learning to surf at El Tunco, El Salvador’s most famous beach town. Head into the hills to the beautiful colonial town of Santa Ana to learn about the area’s prosperous coffee producing history. For hikers, perhaps climb the stunning Santa Ana volcano, considered one of the highlights of El Salvador.
Visiting El Salvador in January you will enjoy warm weather and sunny skies. January is the middle of the dry season, providing weather perfect for everything from volcano hikes, jungle walks and beach days.
Recommended by Liza from Atlas Rambler Travel Guides
9. Guatemala
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 80°F / Low 60°F
If you’re looking for a unique destination to enjoy the winter months, consider heading to the colorful country of Guatemala. There’s endless things to explore in this Central American country—charming colonial cities, erupting volcanoes, laidback surf towns, and some of the most impressive Mayan ruins on the planet.
With its volcanoes, lakes, and beaches, Guatemala is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers. January is an excellent time to visit—it’s squarely within the country’s dry season, with highs in the mid-70s.
The charming city of Antigua is a popular destination and the perfect springboard for some of the country’s famed volcanic adventures, including hiking up the Pacaya or Acatenango Volcano.
Alternatively, Lake Atitlan is a sprawling body of water, surrounded by 11 unique Mayan villages. Don’t miss doing the Indian Nose hike at sunrise here, where you’ll hike through coffee fields to a summit overlooking the stunning caldera below, and taking a yoga class at Eagle’s Nest, with an open air yoga platform that provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Tikal Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also worth including on your itinerary, with over 3,000 structures remaining from the ancient Mayans—many of which you’re welcome to climb on and explore.
Recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
10. Maldives
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 88°F / Low 77°F
The Maldives is the perfect place to escape the winter blues of January in search for sun and warm temperatures! The Maldives is a chain of 1,200 islands located southwest of Sri Lanka and India.
Tourist resorts are located on 160 islands, so there is quite a selection of where to stay. Most islands have beach bungalows, but the overwater bungalows are amazing.
They are situated on wooden decks jetting out over the turquoise waters. These luxurious accommodations usually have a private deck with access to the water. If you’re lucky, you can get one with a glass floor to watch the fish below.
Most people go to the Maldives for a relaxing vacation. Other than walking around the island and swimming in the crystal-clear water, most resorts offer activities including snorkeling, wind surfing, scuba diving, water skiing, and fishing trips.
Be sure to book a resort that has a house reef which allows you to snorkel right off the island. There are so many colorful fish and coral in the Maldives. You’ll be in total amazement!
Recommended by Jan from JanAdventures
11. New Zealand
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 70°F / Low 40°F
New Zealand is an incredible warm destination for a January vacation. Having lived here for six years and traveled extensively, I can vouch for it as the perfect time to visit. January is the height of summer, offering long sunny days and ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Whether you’re exploring the breathtaking Fiordland, soaking up the sun on the golden beaches of Abel Tasman, or hiking the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the landscapes are stunning and vibrant.
After the first week of January, Kiwis return to work, making it an ideal time to travel. You’ll get the beauty of summer without the busyness, giving you more space to enjoy popular spots like the iconic Milford Sound, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, the stunning Coromandel Peninsula, and adventurous Queenstown. It’s also a great time for outdoor sports, including mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking.
Recommended by Zi from Craving Adventure
12. Philippines
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 90°F / Low 75°F
The Philippines is one of my favorite destinations to visit in January, and I’m trying to escape the winter season. I’ve been here so many times that I know exactly where to go and what to expect, especially if I’m planning an itinerary for the Philippines.
The Philippines is great in January because it is the driest and coldest month of the year. The funny thing is, it’s not cold at all. On average, the temperature would be between 23°C (73°F) and 27°C (81°F), depending on where you go in the country.
During this month, it’s not as humid, and the breeze is much cooler while the water stays warm, and the chance of rain is practically zero. Water activities such as diving, snorkelling, and boat tours across 7,000 islands are fun to do here – specifically in Boracay and Palawan.
This month is also right after the big Christmas and New Year holidays. This means that most people have gone back to work the hotel prices are much more affordable, and there are fewer people on the beach.
The only downside is that since there aren’t many tourists during this month, socialising can be a challenge. If you’re a person who enjoys joining group tours where you can meet other travellers, that can be challenging.
Recommended by Charlotte from 10-Day Traveller
13. Singapore
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 89°F / Low 77°F
Singapore is a great warm vacation destination offering a beautiful city skyline, unique attractions and tasty food. The top attractions in Singapore include Supertree Grove, which is made up of huge tree-shaped vertical gardens, and Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Walk along the waterfront promenade while enjoying the views and passing by landmarks such as the Marina Bay Sands complex, Helix Bridge and the Merlion statue. Singapore has diverse neighborhoods worth exploring including Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India which are full of temples, restaurants and street art.
The temperature in Singapore is hot year round but January is one of the slightly cooler months. Since Singapore has a tropical climate, there is a chance of rain in January but any rainfall is usually brief.
There are plenty of museums and other attractions to visit when it rains or feels too hot including the indoor conservatories at Gardens by the Bay.
Recommended by Matilda from The Travel Sisters
14. South Africa
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 85°F / Low 45°F
Cape Town in January is just heaven. Well, it’s pretty much always heaven, thanks to its stunning beaches, dramatic mountains, and gorgeous wine farms, but January is the very best month to enjoy it all! The weather is fantastic, with cloudless blue skies and average temperatures of 75-80 degrees.
Thanks to the amazing weather, you can craft a pretty incredible Cape Town itinerary in January. Enjoying the Clifton beaches, hiking Lion’s Head, and riding the cable car up Table Mountain are all absolute must-dos.
And of course, no trip to Cape Town is complete without a ride on the Franschhoek wine tram! There are also some very adventurous experiences on offer, such as paragliding, kayaking, and shark cage diving.
The nightlife scene is abuzz in January, too, which is great if you like to party. The only downside is that Cape Town is quite busy at this time of year, so you’ll need to book tours and accommodation in advance.
Recommended by Hannah from the Cape Town Blog
15. Sri Lanka
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 90°F / Low 75°F
For a small country, Sri Lanka offers so much—stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, natural beauty, and rich cultural sites. January is the ideal time to visit, with hot days, cool nights, and no rain.
My favorite experiences included getting a bird’s eye view of Colombo from the Lotus Tower and exploring the coastal city of Galle. A wildlife safari in Yala National Park, climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and marveling at the Buddhas in Dambulla Rock Cave Temple were unforgettable.
Stay in Weligama to learn to surf, take the scenic train from Ella to Kandy, or bike through the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Don’t forget to try kottu, a delicious local dish found everywhere!
There is so much to see and do on Sri Lanka. And after Sri Lanka, you can take a short flight to Mumbai or Delhi and round out your South East Asia adventure!
Recommended by Suzanne Hooker of Suzanne Wanders Delhi
16. Thailand
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 95°F / Low 75°F
hailand, the Land of Smiles in Southeast Asia, is a fantastic destination for travel in January. The rainy season has ended, and the “cool season” begins, bringing pleasant temperatures around 27 to 30°C (81 to 86°F). In the north, temperatures can even drop below 20°C (68°F).
Thailand is famous for its incredibly friendly locals (hence the nickname) and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The food is delicious, though often on the spicy side.
Visitors to Thailand shouldn’t miss the chance to visit one of the stunning, golden temples, like Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The night markets scattered across the country also offer amazing culinary experiences.
For wildlife lovers, the north—Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai—are the best place to visit, with many ethical elephant sanctuaries to explore. If you’re after relaxation, head to one of Thailand’s idyllic islands like Koh Phangan, Koh Yao Yai, or Koh Phi Phi for a beach holiday.
However, if you’re traveling to Thailand in January, be prepared for crowds. It’s high season from December to the end of February, and popular tourist spots like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi can get very busy.
Recommended by Lulu from Nomad Mum
17. UAE
🌡️ Average Temperature: High 105°F / Low 60°F
Dubai is a great destination for a holiday in January. Winter time is the peak season due to pleasant weather. You can enjoy time on the beach or sightseeing outdoors without being too hot.
There is so much to do in Dubai. The number one thing is to go to the Top of Burj Khalifa and watch the Dubai Fountain.
Admire extravagant shopping malls, relax on the beach, go to the desert, and visit Global Village and Miracle Garden.
Don’t forget to see the old part of Dubai, the Deira District, where you can visit the traditional souks and Bur Dubai with the Al Fahidi Historical neighborhood.
For fun activities, go to waterparks like Wild Wadi or Aquaventure, or any amusement park.
The downsides of visiting Dubai in January are higher prices as it is the peak season and with these global changes, there is a chance of rain, which has never been in Dubai in the past.
However, even when the rain occurs, there are plenty of things to do indoors.
So if you love to see Dubai but you don’t like very hot weather, January is the best time to visit.
Recommended by Nat from Natstravel
Related Posts:
- 19 Best Places to Travel in January in the US (Warm & Cold)
- The 18 Best Warm Places in March in Europe for Vacation
- 30 Best Countries to Travel in June: Fun Summer Trip Ideas
- 21 Best Countries to Visit in July Around the World
- 14 Best Places to Visit in the US in November 2024
- 19 Best Places to Visit in Europe in December for Holiday
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