New Year is about to begin and everyone is likely to enter on a happy note. One of the finest ways to beat these winter chills is by visiting mesmerizing destinations. These locations should have a tropical climate, plenty of adventures, and eye-pleasing attractions. To make your hunt for the best places to visit in January a little easier, we have come up with this post.
So, keep on reading to know how you can quench the itch for wanderlust and find some solitude amid nature. Let us get started without any delay!
Best Places to Visit in January
1. Phuket
For the beginning of your New Year, you can visit this beautiful place. Famous for its golden beaches, you can enjoy exhilarating water activities and sports. When you are here in late December or at the beginning of January, you should not miss out on its amazing nightlife. Today, Phuket is a hot honeymoon destination for newlyweds.
Top Places to Eat: La Gaetana Restaurant, Suay Restaurant, and Raya Restaurant
Top Attractions: Soi Bangla Road, Old Phuket Town, Phi Phi, Patong Beach, James Bond Island, Kata Noi Beach, and Koh Panyee
Things to do: Scuba diving, water surfing, jungle safari, and snorkeling
Climate and Temperature: Dry and warm with temperatures between 23°C and 31°C
2. Bali
Not only for January, but Bali is one of the year-round destinations for tourists. People come here to find some peace on the ‘island of gods’. Even though you can come here at any time, January is a perfect time for so many reasons. The weather is pretty good and the beaches will be quieter. In addition to this, you can easily find luxurious accommodations at competitive rates. Hence, it is one of the best travel destinations in January.
Top Places to Eat: Warong Legong, Mauri Restaurant, and Kubu at Mandapa
Top Attractions: Gili, Seminyak, Kuta, and Ubud
Things to do: Bali swing, temple hopping, and surfing
Climate and Temperature: Sunny and warm with temperatures between 23°C and 29°C
3. Maldives
It is a hot destination to visit for celebrities these days. However, non-celebrities are also moving towards this picturesque ‘island’ country. The assemblage of the islands, lofty reefs, and sparkling beaches with clear blue water are some traits of Maldives. Winter months including January are the ideal time to visit and enjoy enthralling water activities.
Top Places to Eat: Reethi Restaurant, Paranda, and the Embassy Restaurant and Bar
Top Attractions: Male, Addu Atoll, and Maafushi
Things to do: Island hopping, fishing cruises, submarine rides, and snorkeling
Climate and Temperature: Cool but dry with temperature between 25°C and 29°C
4. Seychelles
When you want serene islands and lofty peaks with sizzling beaches, Seychelles should be your place to visit. It looks mesmerizing during winter, making it a perfect holiday spot for this January. Since this destination has numerous breathtaking scenic views, the tour packages are pretty popular.
Top Places to Eat: La Perle Noire Restaurant, La Goulue, and Del Place Restaurant
Top Attractions: Mahe, Vallee de Mai, Praslin, Beau Vallon, and La Digue
Things to do: Snorkeling, cruise rides, and scuba diving
Climate and Temperature: Warm with the temperature between 29°C and 32°C
5. Dubai
In recent years, Dubai has become a hotspot for tourists to enjoy their vacation. Famous for its classic souks, sizzling beaches, swanky malls, and amazing amusement parks, it is a must-visit place for you in January.
Top Places to Eat: The Talk Restaurant, Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant, and Armani
Top Attractions: Global village, Jumeirah Beach, Underwater Zoo, and Dubai creek
Things to do: Beachside experience and desert safari
Climate and Temperature: Warm with the temperature between 14°C and 24°C
6. Sri Lanka
Even though it is one of the warm destinations, you will surely fall in love with this place. It has lovely beaches, exciting wildlife, amusing hill stations, and historical monuments. All these things together make Sri Lanka one of the best vacation spots in January.
Top Places to Eat: Ministry of Crab, Golden Grill, and The Lagoon
Top Attractions: Kandy, Bentota, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Galle, Yala National Park, and Mirissa
Things to do: Wildlife safari, camping, and scuba diving
Climate and Temperature: Warm with the temperature between 20°C and 28°C
7. Switzerland
It is a dream destination for many avid travelers along with skiing and snow lovers. As soon as the climate becomes chillier, the snow turns its Alps into a magic world. When it comes to things you can do in Switzerland, the options are endless. Right from trying popular chocolates to exploring Christmas markets, fun activities never end here.
Top Places to Eat: Villa Schweizerhof, Quai 61, and Loft Five
Top Attractions: Mount Titlis, Jungfrau, Rhine Falls, Staubbach Falls, and Lake Lucerne
Things to do: Skiing, snow sports, swimming, party at popular clubs, exploration by feet
Climate and Temperature: Chilly with the temperature between -2°C and 2°C
8. Bruges
If you have not heard about this place, then it is high time to learn more about it. Bruges is best known for its picturesque views wherein you can take your partner for a never-ending romance. It is recognized as ‘one of the most beautiful canal cities in the whole world’. Here, you will get to see a perfect blend of modern and vintage structures. This stunning spot can be your destination in January 2023 to explore the history, architecture, romance, and so on.
Top Places to Eat: The Olive Tree Brugge, Pomperlut, and Park Restaurant
Top Attractions: Canal cruises, the Lake of Love, vintage horse carriages, and Boudewijn Seapark
Things to do: Walk on the local streets and explore the Brugge market
Climate and Temperature: Winter season with the temperature between 2°C and 6°C
9. Cambodia
This place is such an authentic heritage spot. The list of top attractions will go and go. Along with this, serene beaches, fabulous temples, and outstanding landscapes make Cambodia a must-visit. This spot is worth exploring but in January, the weather is pretty pleasant. So, you can plan your new year this time in Cambodia.
Top Places to Eat: Cuisine Wat Damnak, Embassy Khmer Gastronomy, and Marum
Top Attractions: Tonle Sap, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh
Things to do: Jungle safari and cruising
Climate and Temperature: Sunny and warm with the temperature between 20°C and 26°C
10. Australia
This country not only looks beautiful in winter but summer days also make it look mesmerizing. Here, you can enjoy a lot of things including parasailing, scuba diving, hiking, etc. In case you are interested in wildlife, you will also get the same here. However, it is good to do your bookings in advance for January as you might not get flight tickets and accommodations at the last minute.
Top Places to Eat: Momofuku Seibo, Quay Restaurant, Marque, Tetsuya’s, and Vue de Monde
Top Attractions: Kangaroo Island, Great Barrier Reef, and Whitsunday Island
Things to do: Shopping, driving, hiking, wildlife safari, and parasailing
Climate and Temperature: Sunny and warm with the temperature between 26°C and 30°C
11. South Africa
Well! South Africa is always at the top of the list of all wildlife lovers. If you are planning to have some out-of-the-world experience this New Year, why not visit South Africa? In addition to this, you can have crazy adventures (shark cage diving), stunning beaches, and a long drive here. When it comes to the best time to visit South Africa, most people say that January is the most ideal time. So, it is like icing on the cake when you visit here to celebrate your new year.
Top Places to Eat: La Colombe Restaurant, Restaurant Mosaic, and Camphors
Top Attractions: Cape Winelands, Kruger National Park, and Table Mountain National Park
Things to do: Cable car ride, visiting mountains, hiking, wildlife safari
Climate and Temperature: Sunny and warm with the temperature between 18°C and 21°C
12. Costa Rica
is Costa Rica safe to visit? It is a stunningly beautiful place that is home to luxuriant rainforests and rich biodiversities. Since 1949, it has always been on the list of the ‘happiest places to live’. Whether you want to explore nature or simply want to sip fresh coconuts, it is just perfect. And yes, how can we forget to mention the sun-kissed beaches, sparkling waterfalls, forest trails, and numerous other attractions? Hence, it is among the best places to travel in January 2023.
Top Places to Eat: Enea’s La Vera Cucina Italiana, La Pecora Nera Ristorante, and Tin Jo Asian Restaurant
Top Attractions: Turrialba rafting center, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and Nicoya Peninsula trek
Things to do: Hiking in cloud forests, walking on the beaches, swimming, kayaking, and local exploration
Climate and Temperature: Sunny and dry with the temperature between 24°C and 29°C
13. Morocco
It is yet another best place to travel in January. Looks charming in winter, and January is a perfect month to plan your visit. Hence, you can visit this vibrant city and explore its colorful markets. In addition to this, it is one of the countries with great traditional values. So, if you are more interested in knowing a country and its cultural aspects, you should visit Morocco this January.
Top Places to Eat: Terrace des Epices, Al Fassia, Grand Cafe de la Poste, and La Maison Arabe Restaurant
Top Attractions: Medina Souks, Majorelle Gardens, Tizi-n’Test Pass, Menara Gardens, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, and the Atlas Mountains
Things to do: Explore local attractions and attend local events and festivals
Climate and Temperature: Winter days with the temperature between 20°C and 23°C
This is just an indicative list of the best places to visit in January. But with these names, you will now have some great options in your hands. You can visit one of these places to make your upcoming trip memorable and beautiful. But yes, make all your arrangements (flight and hotel booking) in advance. It is the best way to avoid overly-priced tickets and crowded hotels.
