For many people, January feels like the most depressing month of the year, so the best places to travel in January are the ones that pull you outside. They’re also split between two very different worlds. In the north, ski season is in full swing in Japan and the Alps. In the south, Patagonia and New Zealand are deep into summer, with long days and open trails.
If you’re not sure where to travel in January, start with the weather you want, whether that’s deep snow, glacier ice, a tropical river, or a mild island with a summit. Each is a different flight away, and each is on this list.
We picked 10 of the best places to travel in January. They range from ski weeks in Japan and Switzerland to summer treks in Patagonia and New Zealand. Warm escapes in Costa Rica, Southeast Asia, and Madeira round out the list. Guides lead nine of them, and the Madeira trip is self-guided with the logistics planned for you. One of the ski trips starts with a helicopter flight to the lodge.
Your Guide to the Best Places to Travel in January
Ranking January travel destinations is tricky, because the month looks completely different depending on where you land. That’s why we sorted the best places to travel in January into three groups: snow, Southern Hemisphere summer, and warm weather. Pick the group first, then choose your adventure.
The first seven are the best places to visit in January for an active week instead of a beach chair. Warm-weather fans get the final three, the best warm places to travel in January. They bring rivers, rainforest, and mild island trails.
Best places to travel in January:
Snow and ice:
- Myoko, Japan: Top choice for first-time Japan powder
- Verbier, Switzerland: Top choice for famous Alpine names in one week
- Golden, British Columbia: Top choice for a helicopter-accessed backcountry lodge
- Ring Road, Iceland: Top choice for ice caves and Northern Lights
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere:
- W Trek in Torres del Paine, Chile: Top choice for Patagonia’s greatest hits
- North Island, New Zealand: Top choice for volcanoes and glowworms with comfort
- Alps to Ocean Trail, New Zealand: Top choice for a bucket-list ride with full support
Rivers, rainforest, and mild weather:
- Costa Rica Adventure Tour: Top choice for rivers and rainforest with easy logistics
- Saigon to Bangkok, Southeast Asia: Top choice for three countries on two wheels
- Madeira, Portugal: Top choice for mild-weather hiking at your own pace
1. Myoko, Japan
Myoko Kogen is one of the best places to travel in January for powder, and the ski resorts known for heavy snowfall around it explain why. This week is designed for confident resort skiers who want to try off-piste terrain without a full backcountry commitment. With one certified local guide for every 4 riders, there’s plenty of room for coaching along the way.
Each morning, the guides pick the mountain based on the snow, which keeps the week flexible. Wide runs and tree skiing sit minutes from the lodge. Meanwhile, the gentle glades at Ikenotaira Onsen are ideal for finding your rhythm in deep snow. Seki Onsen takes a different approach by leaving its slopes ungroomed, and although the lifts are slow, the untouched snow more than makes up for the wait. On a good day, the group may even head to Lotte Arai for bigger lines.
The lodge deserves as much attention as the skiing. Six nights at a boutique lodge in Myoko Kogen come with a sauna, central heating, and a drying room. As a result, you return each evening to a warm base and dry gear. Dinners alternate between the lodge kitchen, where a chef cooks on 3 nights, and local restaurants on the other 3, which gives your appetite a tour of its own. Onsen visits then take care of the sore legs, a fair reward for a day of deep turns.
This is hands down the perfect place to stay in Myoko.
Myoko, Japan - Good to Know
Easy to Moderate
7 days (5 days of guided riding)
Groomed runs, tree glades, and lift-accessed sidecountry
Confident resort skiers and snowboarders who want to ride off-piste
Myoko-Kogen station, Niigata, Japan
December through March
2. Verbier, Switzerland
Most ski weeks stay loyal to a single resort. This one, among the best places to travel in January for variety, treats the Alps as one big playground. You sleep 6 nights in a 3-star or 4-star hotel in Verbier. Each morning, your guide or instructor decides where the snow is best.
The base is the 4 Vallées, Switzerland’s largest ski area, where lines like Mont Gelé are close at hand. When conditions favor it, the group heads out on safari to Chamonix, Zermatt, or Courmayeur. Quieter corners such as Crans-Montana and La Fouly are another option. The Vallée Blanche and the backside of Mont Fort are also on the list, so the week reads like a greatest-hits tour of the Alps.
Most of the skiing is lift-served, so you spend more time going down than going up, which is the right ratio. When a guide spots an untouched slope, a short skin or bootpack of 15 to 45 minutes gets you there. Après-ski then takes over, from a quiet drink at Pub Mont Fort to a livelier night at Farinet, so the day ends as well as it started.
Truly excellent experience being guided by this company.
Marcus Rose in Verbier Ski Holidays: Slackcountry Verbier to Chamonix
Verbier, Switzerland - Good to Know
Moderate to Challenging
7 days (5 days of skiing)
Lift-served pistes, off-piste runs, and short hikes to untouched snow
Skiers with good fitness who can link turns on red runs
Verbier, Switzerland
December through April
3. Golden, British Columbia
Some ski trips begin at a trailhead, but this one begins at a helipad. A helicopter takes you from Golden to a lodge at 2,200 m (7,200 ft) in the British Columbia mountains, with views of Rogers Pass and the Rockies arriving as a bonus. The setting feels remote, yet a chef and a sauna keep the stay comfortable, which suits skiers who want backcountry powder without the rough edges of a hut.
Each morning at breakfast, the guides lay out a few options, from gentle runs to steeper terrain, so you can pick the day that matches your energy. Beginners to the backcountry learn the basics on easier slopes, while stronger skiers can ask for bigger lines. Everyone completes an avalanche safety orientation before the first tour. Tours typically last 5 to 7 hours, and the guides hold ACMG certification, from Canada’s internationally recognized association of mountain guides.
Evenings are equally well planned. Happy hour brings appetizers, and a chef follows with a 3-course dinner paired with B.C. wines. Your room comes with a queen-size bed and a private patio, which leaves the sauna as the only remaining decision. A few practical points are worth knowing in advance. Helicopter luggage is limited to soft bags, and heli-evacuation insurance is mandatory. Flights also depend on the weather, so it pays to keep your schedule flexible.
This experience exceeded my expectations on all levels.
Kristina O. in Ski Touring Near Golden, BC: Heli-Accessed Lodge
Golden, British Columbia - Good to Know
Easy to Challenging (customizable)
4 or 5 days
Ski touring terrain around a high-alpine lodge
Strong resort skiers who are curious about the backcountry
Golden, British Columbia
December through March
4. Ring Road, Iceland
January in Iceland offers short days and long shadows, which suits a trip built around ice and night skies. This 9-day all-women tour follows the Ring Road, a 1,328 km (825 mi) loop around the island. Meanwhile, a guide handles the winter driving. That makes it one of the best places to travel in January for northern skies, with a comfortable pace throughout.
On winter departures, a super jeep carries you off-road to 700-year-old ice caves beneath Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, and a guided 3-hour hike on Sólheimajökull then puts you right on the ice. Along the way, you also stop at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs drift past, and at Diamond Beach. Whale watching from Dalvík adds some wildlife. Only 2 hikes last about 3 hours, so the rest of the itinerary leaves room to breathe.
After sunset, the focus shifts to the sky. Every winter departure includes Northern Lights hunts, and most overnight stops are in small towns away from city light. No guide can promise a sighting, because it depends on clear skies and aurora activity, which the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast covers. Still, comfortable hotels and soaks at the Secret Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon make the waiting easy. A group of women traveling together adds good company to the equation.
Iceland is even more beautiful than I imagined.
Susan R. in Ring Road Tour: All-Women Adventure in Iceland
Ring Road, Iceland - Good to Know
Easy
9 days
Short walks, a glacier hike, and long scenic drives by minivan
Women who want Iceland’s highlights at an easy pace
Reykjavík, Iceland.
Winter departures run October through April
5. W Trek in Torres del Paine, Chile
High summer arrives in southern Patagonia in January. That puts the W Trek among the best places to travel in January for trekking. The route takes its name from its shape on the map, and it links the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park in one continuous line. Over 5 days you cover 72 km (45 mi) and climb 2,147 m (7,045 ft). Patagonia expects some fitness in return.
The first day sets the standard. You follow the Ascencio Valley up to Mirador Base Las Torres, where three granite towers rise above a turquoise lake. The round trip covers 22.5 km (14 mi) and takes 8 to 10 hours, but the view repays every step. In the days that follow, the trail continues into the French Valley and along the base of Los Cuernos. It then reaches Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
You can sleep in mountain refuges or camp, because both versions follow the same route. Refuge rooms sleep 6 to 8 people, and campers share twin tents. Optional add-ons include kayaking on Lake Grey and an ice hike. Whichever you choose, pack for four seasons in one day. The weather changes quickly, and the wind rarely takes a day off.
The W Trek was challenging but invigorating hike.
Jordana W. in Hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine
W Trek in Torres del Paine, Chile - Good to Know
Moderate to Challenging
5 days
Forest paths, rocky valleys, and glacier viewpoints
2,147 m (7,045 ft) of gain across the trek
Fit hikers who want Torres del Paine’s classic route with a guide
Puerto Natales, Chile
October through April
6. North Island, New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the best places to travel in January for long summer days, and this trip’s season from November to March puts January right in the middle. Over 5 days you travel from Auckland to Wellington through volcanic country, ending each day in a hotel or lodge.
The early days pair gentle activities with geothermal scenery. You descend into Ruakuri Cave near Waitomo, where glowworms light the ceiling like a small night sky, then hike about 12 km (7.5 mi) along Lake Tarawera. After that, Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland shows off the volcanic side of the island, and an included Māori village experience in Rotorua adds cultural context. Meanwhile, your luggage travels in the van, so you only carry a daypack.
The highlight comes next with the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This hike of up to 21 km (13 mi) climbs 900 m (2,953 ft) past Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes. It’s a demanding day. If you’d rather save your knees, the village offers a relaxed alternative with walks to Taranaki Falls and Soda Springs. Mountain weather can turn quickly, and reviewers say the guides read conditions well and adjust the plan.
In 5 days there is a lot packed in, but the pace feels about right.
Linda M in North Island Hiking: Deluxe 5-Day Adventure
North Island, New Zealand - Good to Know
Easy to Moderate
5 days
Forest tracks, lake shores, and volcanic alpine terrain
Up to 900 m (2,953 ft) of gain on Tongariro day
Active travelers who want hotels and luggage transfers instead of tents
Auckland, New Zealand
November through March
7. Alps to Ocean Trail, New Zealand
Two itineraries follow the Alps to Ocean trail. The 6-day Classic covers about 230 km (143 mi) from Lake Tekapo. Meanwhile, the 7-day End to End takes in the full trail of more than 300 km (190 mi). The End to End starts at Aoraki/Mt Cook Village with a helicopter flight across the Tasman River. Both versions finish at the Pacific in Oamaru, a port town of Victorian stone buildings. Together they follow the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, New Zealand’s longest cycle trail.
The scenery does plenty of the work. Early on, you pedal beside Lake Pukaki with Aoraki/Mt Cook in view. Later, the trail follows canals, Lake Ohau, and the Waitaki Valley, passing vineyards and a Māori rock art site. The high point is Tarnbrae Saddle at 900 m (2,953 ft), which confident riders can tackle while everyone else takes the support van for an easier, mostly downhill route.
Days average 55 to 60 km (34 to 37 mi), and the accommodation makes the effort easy to justify. On the End to End, you spend one night at a high-country farmstay with views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. Another is at a lodge with hot tubs above Lake Ohau. A third is in a glamping dome in Kurow, complete with a king-size bed. Meals are included, and a support vehicle carries your luggage. Since the longest End to End day is 80 km (50 mi), those hot tubs arrive right on schedule.
An absolute must for your bucket list.
Alps to Ocean Trail, New Zealand - Good to Know
Moderate
6 or 7 days
Sealed roads, packed gravel, and some loose gravel with switchbacks
230 km (143 mi) or more than 300 km (190 mi) in total
Fit cyclists who want a supported long-distance ride
Christchurch (Classic) or Queenstown (End to End), New Zealand
November through June
8. Costa Rica Adventure Tour
This 8-day tour runs year-round, and January falls in the drier months of Costa Rica, which keeps the rain mostly in the background. It’s designed for active travelers and families who want adventure with a comfortable base. Six nights are in hotels, so the riverside camp feels like a highlight rather than a hardship.
The first full days belong to the Pacuare River, where the rapids progress from Class II-III to Class III-IV. You paddle 10 km (6 mi) on the first day and 25 km (16 mi) on the second, with hidden waterfalls along the way that make good hiking stops. Afterward, the route continues to the Arenal Volcano area. There, you cross hanging bridges and hike down to a 35 m (115 ft) waterfall. Volcanic hot springs then suit tired paddling arms.
From day 5, you choose between two endings. Monteverde Cloud Forest is cooler and misty, with orchids and giant trees. Manuel Antonio, by contrast, is hot and sunny, with white-sand beaches and plenty of monkeys and sloths. If you still have energy, optional add-ons include ziplining, mangrove kayaking, and surf lessons.
The adventures included in this tour were spectacular!
Mary Beth H. in Costa Rica Adventure Tour: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, and Wildlife
Costa Rica Adventure Tour - Good to Know
Easy
8 days
River rapids, forest trails, and hanging bridges
Active travelers and families who want adventure with hotel comfort
San José, Costa Rica
Year-round
9. Saigon to Bangkok, Southeast Asia
This 14-day ride crosses three countries and includes 10 cycling days, covering about 639 km (397 mi) in total. It begins in the Mekong Delta with river ferries, coconut groves, and a boat trip to the Cai Rang floating market. Riding days average 64 km (40 mi), with a longest stretch of up to 82 km (51 mi). Boats and a flight break up the route, so the legs get a rest while the itinerary keeps moving.
The Cambodian section is the highlight. You ride to the hilltop stupas of Oudong and then spend a full day cycling the Angkor temples, passing Ta Prohm, the Bayon, and Angkor Wat along 42 km (26 mi) of shaded paths. Few bike routes come with scenery like that. After that, a boat across Tonle Sap lake leads to the final stretch in Thailand, along the Gulf of Thailand.
There is one important note before booking. Because of the ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, the land crossing is closed, so guides may adjust the route or add a flight. They’ve prepared a contingency plan that keeps the spirit of the itinerary, but it’s still worth checking with the team before you reserve a January departure.
A perfect mix of visiting tourist sites and getting off the beaten track.
Rebecca Anne Stratford in Guided Bike Tour From Saigon to Bangkok
Saigon to Bangkok, Southeast Asia - Good to Know
Moderate
14 days (10 cycling days)
Paved roads, village lanes, and dirt paths
639 km (397 mi) in total
Riders with good fitness who love culture and food as much as cycling
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam
Year-round
10. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira isn’t one of the best places to travel in January for sunbathing, but it does offer mild weather and trails that stay open all year. This self-guided 8-day trip moves your luggage between hotels, so you only carry a daypack. It suits walkers who prefer to set their own rhythm and handle their own navigation.
Hiking starts on the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula, and later the route follows the Mimosas Levada, a flower-lined water channel with a level path that’s easy on the knees. The main highlight is the walk from Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 m (5,965 ft), to Pico Ruivo. At 1,862 m (6,109 ft), it’s the island’s highest peak. This trail reopened in 2026 after a 2-year closure, and hikes run up to 17.5 km (10.9 mi) with 900 m (2,953 ft) of climbing, so it’s a comeback worth earning.
Because the trip is self-guided, you receive a digital travel package and a map app, and the navigating is up to you. Some of the most popular trails require a paid reservation made in advance, including Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, so it’s best to book those early. A few levada sections have drops beside the path, which is worth knowing if heights make you uneasy.
Excellent service before and during our stay.
Bertrand Decoux in Self-Guided Walking Holidays in Madeira: 8-Day Adventure
Madeira, Portugal - Good to Know
Moderate
8 days (6 hiking stages)
Levada paths, coastal cliffs, and mountain ridges
Up to 900 m (2,953 ft) of gain in a day
Experienced walkers who like to set their own pace
Santa Cruz or Machico, Madeira
Year-round
Good-to-Know Info for Choosing the Best Places to Travel in January
If you’re still deciding where to go in January, the right trip comes down to weather, effort, and timing. These are some of the best places to go in January, and here are the questions travelers ask most.
Where is the best place to travel in January?
It depends on the weather you want. For snow, Myoko, Verbier, and British Columbia are strong picks. For summer hiking, head to Patagonia or New Zealand. For warmth, look at Costa Rica or Southeast Asia.
Which country is best to travel in January?
Japan, Switzerland, and Canada are strong picks for snow. Chile and New Zealand are strong picks for summer hiking and cycling. Costa Rica is a good choice for rivers, rainforest, and warm weather.
Where is it warm in January?
Costa Rica and Southeast Asia are the warmest places on this list. Manuel Antonio, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, is hot, humid, and sunny. The Saigon to Bangkok ride finishes along the beaches of the Gulf of Thailand. Madeira is milder, which is why it suits walking more than swimming.
Where can I find sun in January?
Head south, where it’s summer in January. Patagonia and New Zealand have long days and open trails, though the weather changes fast in both. For beach-style sun, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and the Thai coast are better bets.
Where can you find snow in January?
Japan, Switzerland, and British Columbia all run ski trips in January, and Iceland adds ice caves and glacier hikes. Their seasons run from December through March or April.
Where should you go in Europe in January?
For snow, Verbier in Switzerland is the pick on this list. For mild weather and trails that stay open all year, choose Madeira in Portugal. Iceland adds ice caves and Northern Lights, though it’s cold and dark.
Pick your ideal January
On the same January day, a skier is clicking into bindings in Myoko, a hiker is lacing boots in Torres del Paine, and a cyclist is rolling past coconut groves in the Mekong Delta.
None of them are waiting for spring.
That’s the quiet secret of the month: it only feels short on options if you stay put. If you came looking for January vacation ideas, you now have 10. The best places to travel in January aren’t hiding. They’re simply on opposite sides of the planet, waiting for you to pick a season.
Choose yours, and let January take care of the rest.
