Best Places to Travel in January 2027: 12 Destinations for Winter Escapes

Why January Is a Smart Travel Month

January is the cheapest month of the year for international travel. The holiday rush is over. Nobody is traveling. Airlines and hotels drop prices to fill seats and rooms. If you can travel in January, you will save 30 to 50 percent compared to December or July.

The other thing January has going for it is that the Northern Hemisphere’s winter is at its peak, which makes warm-weather destinations incredibly appealing. A beach in Thailand, a safari in Tanzania, or a road trip in New Zealand’s summer all hit different in January when you are escaping 5 degrees and snow at home.

12 Best January Destinations

1. Thailand (Bangkok and Islands)

January is peak dry season in Thailand. Weather: 30 degrees, low humidity, almost no rain. Flights from LAX: $620 to $890. Hotels: $25 to $45 per night. Pad thai: $2. A full 10-day trip costs $1,500 to $2,200 per person including flights. Thailand is the best January value destination in the world.

2. Costa Rica

January is the start of dry season in Costa Rica. Weather: 27 degrees, low rain. Flights from MIA: $280 to $420. Eco-lodges: $80 to $200 per night. Zip-lining: $50. Hot springs: $25. Costa Rica is the best January destination for nature and adventure.

3. Iceland (Northern Lights Peak)

January is peak Northern Lights season in Iceland. The nights are long (19+ hours of darkness) and the aurora is active. Weather: 0 to 5 degrees, pack very warm. Flights from JFK: $380 to $650. Hotels: $120 to $200 per night. Rent a 4×4 and chase the lights. The Blue Lagoon hot spring costs $80.

4. Vietnam (Dry Season)

January is dry season in northern Vietnam. Weather in Hanoi: 18 degrees, low humidity. Weather in Ho Chi Minh City: 30 degrees. Flights from LAC: $680 to $850. Hotels: $25 to $40 per night. Street food: $2 to $5 per meal. Vietnam is the cheapest country in the world for travelers.

5. Morocco (Shoulder Season)

January is shoulder season in Morocco. Weather in Marrakech: 18 degrees during the day, 5 degrees at night. Pack layers. Flights from JFK: $480 to $750. Riads: $40 to $80 per night including breakfast. The Atlas Mountains have snow. The Sahara is cold at night but manageable.

6. New Zealand (Summer)

January is peak summer in New Zealand. Weather: 22 to 28 degrees. Long days (15+ hours of daylight). Flights from LAX: $1,100 to $1,800. Campervan rental: $80 to $150 per day. New Zealand is the best January destination for road trips, hiking, and adventure.

7. Portugal (Mild Winter)

January in Portugal averages 15 degrees, mild by European standards. Lisbon hotels drop to $50 per night. Flights from JFK: $380 to $580. The crowds are gone. The food is still excellent. A pastel de nata costs $1.20. Portugal is the best January value in Europe.

8. Canary Islands, Spain (Eternal Spring)

The Canary Islands (Spanish territory off the coast of Africa) average 21 degrees year-round. January is peak beach weather. Flights from JFK via Madrid: $480 to $700. Hotels: $60 to $120 per night. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the best islands. The Canary Islands are the closest “guaranteed warm” destination for Europeans.

9. Mexico (Cancun and Riviera Maya)

January is peak dry season in Cancun. Weather: 27 degrees, low humidity, almost no rain. Flights from MIA: $180 to $320. All-inclusive resorts: $120 to $250 per night. January is the best weather month for Caribbean Mexico. Book 2+ months ahead, it is peak season.

10. Cape Town, South Africa

January is peak summer in Cape Town. Weather: 26 degrees, low rain. Flora in bloom. Flights from JFK: $780 to $1,200. Hotels: $90 to $150 per night. The wine regions (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek) are stunning. Table Mountain hiking is at its best. Add a safari for $1,500 to $3,000.

11. Bali, Indonesia

January is rainy season in Bali, but the rain is predictable (afternoon showers, not all-day). The advantage: fewer tourists and lower prices. Flights from LAX: $750 to $1,100. Hotels: $30 to $60 per night. If you do not mind afternoon rain, January is a great time to visit Bali on a budget.

12. Quebec City, Canada (Winter Carnival)

Quebec City hosts the Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Quebec) in late January to early February. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures, night parades, and ice canoe races on the frozen St. Lawrence River. Weather: -10 to -5 degrees, pack for arctic conditions. Flights from JFK: $280 to $420. Hotels: $100 to $180 per night.

January Budget Breakdown

Here is what a 7-day January trip costs per person, including flights from a US gateway city:

• Thailand (10 days): $1,500 to $2,200 (flights $620 to $890, hotel $25 to $45/night)
• Costa Rica: $1,200 to $2,000 (flights $280 to $420, lodge $80 to $200/night)
• Iceland: $1,500 to $2,500 (flights $380 to $650, hotel $120 to $200/night)
• Vietnam (10 days): $1,300 to $1,900 (flights $680 to $850, hotel $25 to $40/night)
• Morocco: $1,000 to $1,500 (flights $480 to $750, riad $40 to $80/night)
• Portugal: $700 to $1,100 (flights $380 to $580, hotel $50 to $90/night)
• Cancun: $800 to $1,400 (flights $180 to $320, all-inclusive $120 to $250/night)
• Quebec City: $1,000 to $1,500 (flights $280 to $420, hotel $100 to $180/night)

January Travel Tips

• Book 8 to 12 weeks ahead. January is low season for most destinations, so last-minute deals are available. But the best hotels still sell out 4+ weeks ahead.
• Pack for the destination, not your home. January in New York is 0 degrees. January in Thailand is 30 degrees. Check the destination weather before packing.
• Take advantage of post-holiday prices. January flights and hotels are 30 to 50% cheaper than December. This is the best value month of the year.
• Check visa requirements. Some countries process visas slower in January (post-holiday backlog). Apply 6+ weeks ahead if a visa is needed.
• Plan for short daylight in Northern destinations. Iceland in January has 5 hours of daylight. Plan outdoor activities for midday. Southeast Asia has 11+ hours.

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