If you’re pondering warm places to visit in January and are keen on swapping your chilly winter mornings and overcast skies for sunshine and adventure, there’s no shortage of warm-weather destinations to consider.
Whether you seek tropical beaches, cultural experiences, or vibrant festivals, January is the perfect time to pack your bags and explore destinations like the white sand beaches of Koh Samui, the bustling streets of Tangier, or sun-filled St. Thomas. Or, for a more far-flung escape, look to the tropical white shores of Indonesia or the extraordinary Galapagos Islands.
From temples and markets in Bali to the Bahamas’ paradise beaches, escape the cold in favor of one of these warm destinations in January.
The Bahamas

Pearl Island, Bahamas
This string of around 700 coral islands, scattered across 5,382 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean close to Florida, makes for a mood-lifting January getaway. With little rain, warm days, and plenty of sunshine, January is a failsafe time to visit the Bahamas.
You could spend time exploring downtown Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, on New Providence. The city’s National Art Gallery and swashbuckling Pirates of Nassau Museum are a short walk from the John Watling’s Distillery for sips of velvety rum.

Queen’s Staircase in Nassau, Bahamas
Climb Nassau’s Queen’s Staircase, too. This 66-step, 102-foot steep staircase, carved out of limestone rock by 600 slaves between 1793 and 1794, offered a direct route from Fort Fincastle, above, to the city. Tropical plants and vines line this hand-carved staircase, which still leads to the 18th-century limestone fort on Bennet’s Hill.
Head to Paradise Island for a day of aquatic fun on some of the best beaches in Nassau. Connected to Nassau by the Atlantis Bahamas Bridge, it’s home to the pink-hued Atlantis Resort that towers over the island.

Atlantis, Bahamas
Here, travelers can snorkel among the replicated ruins of Atlantis. Swim alongside spotted rays, barracuda, eels, sharks, and the endangered smalltooth sawfish within the Ruins Lagoon. If you’re not keen on snorkeling, marvel at the lagoon’s tropical sea life from within the Great Hall’s marine exhibit.
Spend a day having fun in the sun at the exclusive Royal Beach Club℠ Paradise Island, opening December 2025, where you’ll have access to three spectacular pools and two private beaches.
Dance to DJ tunes at The Floating Flamingo, the world’s largest swim-up bar, and enjoy Bahamian-inspired snacks at the club’s three Paradise Grills. There’s entertainment for the whole family here, including The Shallow End, an inviting, child-friendly pool with gently sloping edges.
A short boat ride from Nassau, you could dig your soles into the soft sand on Pearl Island, home to curly-tailed lizards, hermit crabs, and the Antillean nighthawk. Enjoy a swim in the mellow water, try paddle boarding or kayaking, and savor a Bahamian lunch of fried fish with peas and rice.

Blue Lagoon, Bahamas
Blue Lagoon, also known as Salt Cay, is just a three-mile boat trip from Nassau and home to more gorgeous beaches and snorkeling in the Bahamas. The pull here is a gorgeous cyan-hued lagoon with enticing crystalline water and a coral reef teeming with tropical fish.
Bimini, too, is a Bahamian paradise, with superb snorkeling and a laid-back lifestyle. Relax in a hammock, or go big-game fishing, following in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, who loved fishing here.
You could join a snorkeling tour to swim among reef sharks, too. Or head out on a local fishing boat to see how conch is harvested.
If you have family in tow, there’s no better January Bahamas destination than CocoCay. With spectacular waterslides, the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean, a zipline, and a tethered hot air balloon, the thrills come thick and fast here. Parents can join the fun—or perhaps relax in a luxurious overwater cabana for the day.
Cozumel

Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, Cozumel
With piercing turquoise water, palm tree-lined shores, and temperatures hovering around 80°F, Cozumel, an island off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is a haven of tranquility in January.
Enjoy tacos and tequila beneath swaying palms on a trip to Playa Mia Grand Beach Park on the island’s west coast. There’s a waterpark, swim-up bar, kayaks, an over-the-ocean inflatable park, and a recreated underwater Mayan city to explore.

Punta Sur, Cozumel
In-the-know snorkelers head straight for Punta Sur, an area rich in marine life enveloping the southern tip of Cozumel. Look for turtles, clawless lobsters, and rays among the psychedelic coral reef, where a staggering 262 species of fish and 105 types of coral are found.
Take a slow-paced but exhilarating boat ride into Punta Sur’s lagoon and you might spot more wildlife, including basking crocs and exotic birds.

San Gervasio, Cozumel
To learn about pre-hispanic Cozumel, bookmark a visit to the San Gervasio archaeological site, where Mayan women once worshiped Ixchel, the goddess of love and fertility. Join a guided tour at the site to learn about the various temples and look out for darting iguanas and green lizards as you explore the crumbling Mayan ruins.
Read: Best Babymoon Destinations in Winter
Belize

Caye Caulker, Belize
Belize is among Central America’s best warm destinations in January, with the country’s dry season perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, rainforest hikes, and nature-watching.
Explore Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a vast UNESCO-protected landscape of mangrove forests, atolls, coastal lagoon, sand cays, and estuaries, with wildlife including American marine crocodiles, manatees, eagle rays, and marine turtles.

Corals in Belize
Caye Caulker Island, roughly 21 miles northeast of Belize City, is a tropical paradise with sun-warmed aquamarine water and bright-white sand. It’s an idyllic spot for snorkeling in Belize and swimming among the ocean life and is the second-largest atoll in the marine reserve, with colorful houses, food shacks, beach bars, and watersports available.

Crystal Cave, Belize
For the ultimate adventure in Belize, travelers could embark on a visit to Crystal Cave, found amid a jungle trail within St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. Opt for a guided tour, with guides equipped to lead travelers into the cave via a moderate ramble beneath a canopy of tropical broad leaves.
You’ll then need to climb into the cave, and with its narrow pathway often slippery, it’s essential to wear the correct footwear, such as sturdy hiking boots. Inside, you’ll be greeted by a remarkable display of rock columns, stalactites, stalagmites, and the diamond-bright crystalline formations that give the cave its name.
Grand Cayman

Stingray City, Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is one of the best warm destinations in January, as it’s right in the midst of the island’s dry season, with little rainfall.
Relax on the powdery Seven Mile Beach, which unfurls along the island’s west coast. With watersports, sun loungers, restaurants, and bars, this beautiful Grand Cayman beach is the perfect day trip.
Experience bucket list-worthy Stingray City, a series of shallow sandbars surrounded by coral reefs that see travelers waist-deep in clear water, snorkeling, and swimming with beautiful stingrays.

Hell, Grand Cayman
For an adventure on dry land, one of the best things to do in Grand Cayman is to go to Hell. This millions-of-years-old geological site is made up of serrated, smoke-gray rock formations, in stark contrast to the lush greenery that surrounds it. Wander among the curious spiky rocks and send a postcard back home—straight from Hell.

Cayman Turtle Centre, Grand Cayman
Another popular Grand Cayman attraction is the Cayman Turtle Centre, where visitors can feed and snorkel with these gentle marine creatures in a man-made lagoon. The center is home to a green sea turtle breeding program, with the beach by the center’s breeding bay a nesting site for female turtles.
Galapagos Islands

Bartolome Island, Galapagos
A trip to the protected Galapagos Islands offers the opportunity to kick start your year with an unforgettable wildlife experience.
January is the perfect time to visit this Pacific Ocean volcanic archipelago, some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. At the start of the year, the waters begin to warm up, sea turtles nest, and marine iguanas flex their vibrant colors.
Snorkel, hike, and swim among the islands that influenced Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Charles Darwin Research Station in Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
The Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island, provides the opportunity to learn more about the wildlife of the Galapagos, including giant tortoises, waved albatross, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, Galapagos penguins, and flightless cormorants.
Look to the sapphire-blue waters around the Galapagos to spot some of the region’s famous marine life, including hammerhead sharks, manta rays, sperm whales, and bottlenose dolphins.

Las Bachas Beach in Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Go in search of flamingos, iguanas, mockingbirds, and Darwin finches in the salty lagoons behind Santa Cruz’s sandy Las Bachas beach, one of the best Galapagos beaches.
Search for Galapagos hawks on Bartolomé Island. There’s a small breeding colony of Galapagos penguins here, too, located in a cave behind the shard-like Pinnacle Rock on the north of the island. The penguins can often be seen frolicking in the water around Pinnacle Rock.
Swimming is permitted on the northern beach, adjacent to Pinnacle Rock, where green sea turtles nest from January to March. From here, visitors can follow the trail that leads to the southern beach. Though swimming is not permitted, black-tipped sharks can often be seen close to the shore.

Blue-footed booby in the Galapagos
On the arid island of Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos, Vicente Roca Point is a haven for bird life, including brown pelicans, nazca, and blue-footed boobies. It’s also one of the best places to go snorkeling in the Galapagos with penguins, green sea turtles, sharks, rays, parrotfish, and wrasses forming an underwater wonderland.
Puerto Rico

Isla Verde Beach, Puerto Rico
This Caribbean island offers dreamy beaches, lush rainforests, and a vibrant capital, San Juan. Puerto Rico also happens to be one of the best warm destinations in January, with sunny temperatures in the 70°s and early 80°s.
Hike some of the 25 miles of trails within El Yunque National Forest—the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System—in the east of Puerto Rico.

El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico
This sacred forest spans 28,000 acres of emerald-covered mountains, laced with Puerto Rican waterfalls, lagoons, natural pools, and bamboo groves. Start at El Portal Visitor Center to figure out which route best suits your ability. You may even spot the endangered Puerto Rican parrot on the trail that circles the visitor center.
El Yunque is a wildlife lover’s dream, with a dazzling display of birds, trees, bats, and lizards, including the onomatopoeic coquí, a native tree frog species named after the “co-kee” sound it makes.

San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico
If this is your first visit to Puerto Rico, you may want to spend it soaking up Old San Juan. Located on an islet connected to the main island by three bridges, Old San Juan is a time capsule of Puerto Rico’s past, centered on the San Juan National Historic Site. Here you can discover the centuries-old San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal fortresses wrapped within the old city walls.
The 16th-century Bautista Cathedral is a must-visit, too. It’s the oldest church in the United States and the resting place of San Juan’s founder, Juan Ponce de León.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Stroll San Juan’s cobblestone streets, lined with rainbow-colored buildings with charming bars and restaurants. The city is considered the birthplace of the coconut-infused, rum-laced piña colada cocktail—a must-drink when in Puerto Rico (if you’re teetotal, it’s just as delicious without the rum).

Isla Verde Beach, Puerto Rico
If your idea of a relaxing vacation involves relaxing on a pristine beach, you won’t be disappointed in Puerto Rico. The island boasts almost 300 beaches, including Liquillo on the northeast coast.
This silky shore, popular for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in Puerto Rico, is flanked by soaring palm trees, with a playground and a selection of restaurants and bars for a laid-back Puerto Rican lunch.
Bali, Indonesia

Uluwatu Temple in Bali, Indonesia
If you’re in search of a far-flung January vacation, Bali, known as the island of the gods, offers just the ticket.
This Indonesian island is, in fact, a year-round destination, with always warm temperatures, attracting travelers for its colorful temples, golden beaches, and jungle-covered volcanoes.
Consider combining a trip to the soul-stirring Uluwatu Temple, a Hindu temple perched on a cliff, with a visit to Jimbaran Beach in southwest Bali.

Jimbaran Beach in Bali, Indonesia
Among the best places to visit in Bali, Jimbaran’s golden shore is lined with fishing boats and a bustling fish market to one end, where the island’s bounty of seafood is on display. After lazing on the languid shore, stop by one of the restaurants lining Jimbaran to sample a variety of barbecued seafood.
Further north, seek out spiritual Ubud, with its Hindu temples, sacred monkey forest, and green rice terraces. There are art galleries, markets, museums, cafes, and restaurants serving authentic Balinese food. Ubud has plenty of spots to indulge in a relaxing Balinese massage, too.
Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca, Morocco
This city by the sea is situated on North Africa’s Atlantic coast and makes for a wonderful wintertime escape. Temperatures are mild in January and allow for exploring the city’s energetic old town and modern architecture.
One of the best things to do in Morocco is to enjoy a stroll through the Medina, the labyrinthine old town, where visitors can pick up everything from scarves to leather goods, jewelry, and ceramics, dotted with cafes and restaurants.
Wander along Boulevard Mohammed V towards Cinema Rialto, the famous Art Deco movie theater in Casablanca, before continuing to the Quartier Habous. This charming district is a melting pot of French and Moroccan culture that’s fantastic for shopping and dining. Make sure to stop by Pâtisserie Bennis Habous for its hand-made Moroccan pastries.

Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco
You can’t miss Hassan II Mosque, with its soaring 689-foot minaret. Completed in 1993, it’s the largest mosque in Morocco and one of the largest in Africa, with guided tours available outside of prayer times.
Make a lunch reservation at the legendary Rick’s Café, next to the Medina. Run by American Kathy Kriger, there’s a piano bar with brass lighting, leafy corners, and an indulgent menu of Champagne oysters, grilled steak, and lava cake. Touristy? Yes, but it’s a fabulous ode to the 1940s and well worth a visit.

Aïn Diab in Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca also has a selection of buzzy Moroccan beaches, including the sweeping Lalla Meryem and Aïn Diab. Both offer plenty of space for sunbathing, with surf schools, cafes, and restaurants dotted along La Corniche.
Read: Best Things to Do in Casablanca
Barbados

Barbados
This speck of an island is one of the best warm destinations in January thanks to its sunny climate. Travelers to Barbados are naturally drawn to its beaches and coral reefs, though there are rainforests, historic plantation houses, and rum distilleries, too.
Delve into the UNESCO-listed Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, an area rich in British colonial architecture in the capital. Tour the mustard-yellow George Washington House, named after the first President of the United States, who is said to have stayed here in 1751, before becoming President.

Carlisle Bay, Barbados
In Bridgetown’s half-moon Carlisle Bay, several sandy beaches merge into one. Carlisle Bay is part of a protected marine reserve and, with calm, clear water, it’s perfect for snorkeling in Barbados. Don a mask to look for parrotfish, sea turtles, stingrays, and snappers.
Amenities include sun loungers, watersports, food shacks, restaurants, and bars. Try the tasty fare at Lobster Alive, where dishes include conch samosas, lobster spring rolls, and the day’s freshest catch.

Harrison’s Cave, Barbados
In Barbados’ central uplands, you could visit Harrison’s Cave. This network of limestone caves was discovered in the 18th century, with streams, a deep pool, and still-growing stalagmites inside.
Further north, St. Nicholas Abbey is a former plantation estate, home to a magnificent house surrounded by formal gardens and shaded green gullies. There’s a working distillery, St. Nicholas Abbey Rum, where you can pick up a bottle of the amber-hued libation. Tour the estate via its heritage railway, which passes through the grounds on a steam locomotive.
Key West, Florida

Duval Street in Key West, Florida
If you’d like to experience sunshine and refreshing ocean breezes in January, consider Key West as your next getaway.
Key West experiences comfortably warm January temperatures, averaging around 75°F, or 24°C, and lower humidity levels than the summer months. This is ideal for walking along Duval Street, which features cool art galleries, live music bars, and some of the best shopping in Key West.

Key West, Florida
Make your way to Mallory Square to check out the street performers and food vendors hawking items like conch fritters, coconuts, and flavored popcorn, all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.
If you adore literature, drop by the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to discover more about the author’s island life and its strange six-toed cats.
If you’re up for some adventure, venture out to Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles west of Key West, to snorkel over colorful coral, or kayak through lovely mangroves in and near Key West.
Phuket, Thailand

Patong Beach in Phuket, Thailand
Of the many warm places in January, Phuket should be high on anybody’s list. The island pulses with activity thanks to January’s beautiful weather and sparkling atmosphere. Average temperatures are around 82°F, or 28°C, give or take a few degrees.
Phuket’s beaches shine as its main attractions, whether you’re drawn to Patong’s lively vibe, Kata Noi’s sublime views, or Nai Harn’s tranquil sands. The latter is home to the fetching Wat Naiharn Buddhist temple, with its distinctive tiered red roof.

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
When not sunbathing, you can explore the nearby Phi Phi Islands on a day trip via an island-hopping adventure or snorkeling excursion.
Phuket isn’t just about the beaches. The old town features colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture and markets that sell spices, handmade crafts, and delicious street food, such as the spicy green papaya salad.

Big Buddha in Phuket, Thailand
For some culture, hike up to the Big Buddha, which offers outstanding views, or visit Wat Chalong Temple, which contains a bone relic of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Magens Bay in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Come January, St. Thomas, with its pleasant weather and soothing trade winds, will treat you to a quintessential Caribbean setting.
The temperatures stay near 80°F, or 27°C, allowing you to lounge on the powdery white sand at Magens Bay or Sapphire Beach, some of the best beaches in St. Thomas. The clear water beckons you to swim or snorkel.

Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Set aside time to roam around the capital, Charlotte Amalie, and its historic streets, where colonial architecture and 18th-century stone warehouses provide insight into the island’s Danish heritage.
Explore duty-free shops, art galleries, and markets that sell fresh fruit, trinkets, and other goods in locales such as Vendor’s Plaza and Market Square. Be sure to try some local dishes, too, such as callaloo soup, johnnycakes, and fresh conch fritters.
Singapore

Singapore
If you arrive in Singapore in January, you will be coming during the rainy season, which usually brings showers followed by sunny conditions. It will certainly be hot—but a light waterproof is a good idea.
Singapore still offers a dynamic blend of high-end modern attractions and cultural heritage in January, which is considered the low season, resulting in fewer tourists.
Chinese Lunar New Year preparations typically begin in late January, with Chinatown featuring red lanterns and traditional snacks such as pineapple tarts and barbecued bak kwa pork slices.

Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
January is also a great time to take a leisurely walk through the Gardens by the Bay, with its environmentally friendly Supertree Grove, or to visit the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which is home to the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders, where you can meet red pandas, manatees, and playful otters.
Other things to do in Singapore in January include appreciating the panoramic city views by heading up to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, which is spread across three hotel towers, or riding on the spectacular Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel.
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Playa del Inglés in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Spain’s Gran Canaria is a sun-soaked locale, making it particularly appealing in January compared to some of North America’s and Europe’s colder northern regions.
During the winter, the island has a sense of being in constant spring time, with desert-like microclimates in the southern stretches, near Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. Some of the best things to do in Gran Canaria include spending time on sunlit beaches, strolling across dunes, or biking along the coast.
Gran Canaria also offers attractions beyond its beach lifestyle. Trek around mountain villages such as Tejeda or hike to Roque Nublo, an impressive volcanic monolith offering breathtaking views.

Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
The capital’s carnival season in Las Palmas often begins in January and features parades and music events that lay the foundation for the main celebrations.
Gran Canaria’s blend of African and Spanish influences, evident in cities like Las Palmas and the charming fishing village of Puerto de Mogán, with its small canals, imparts a distinctive island character worth exploring.
Ko Samui, Thailand

Chaweng Beach in Ko Samui, Thailand
In January, Ko Samui showcases the best of Thailand’s dry season, characterized by sunny days and warm temperatures.
Enjoyable Asian beach visits await in vibrant spots like Chaweng Beach, with its white sand, or tranquil oases like Lamai and Bophut.
The nearby Ang Thong Marine Park archipelago is perfect for aquatic adventures if you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and paddle-boarding.
Cultural experiences abound, too. The Big Buddha Temple, also known as Wat Phra Yai, features a large golden Buddha statue that shines brightly in the sunlight.

Wat Plai Laem in Ko Samui, Thailand
Wat Plai Laem, which also features some giant statues, offers the opportunity to examine its fascinating blend of Thai and Chinese architectural styles.
Visit the Bophut Fisherman’s Village for fresh seafood and beach cafés, and book some time at one of the island’s numerous yoga retreats or spas to rejuvenate body and spirit.
Tangier, Morocco

Tangier, Morocco
Mild winter temperatures make Tangier an excellent addition to any list of warm places to explore in January.
Tangier is known for its fusion of European and North African influences, which is evident in its French-style cafés, which sit alongside Moorish architecture, Andalusian courtyards, and Hispano-Moorish building influences.
The old medina invites you to wander through its snaking, narrow pathways, guiding you between souks filled with handwoven textiles. The rich aromas of spices and freshly baked bread fill the air.

Kasbah Museum in Tangier, Morocco
Another one of the best things to do in Tangier is to visit the Kasbah Museum, also known as Dar al-Makhzen, located in the upper reaches of the medina. Here, you can discover more about Tangier’s captivating historical narrative while enjoying panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Be sure to drop by Café Hafa, where you can sit on the stepped terraces overlooking the ocean. This café was once a favorite haunt of artists, musicians, and intellectuals, making it an ideal spot to soak up the city’s atmosphere while savoring a cup of mint tea.

Caves of Hercules, Morocco
If you’re willing to take a short drive, the limestone Caves of Hercules and the Cape Spartel Lighthouse are also worth exploring. Both provide dramatic vistas across the Strait of Gibraltar.
St. Kitts

St. Kitts
The ideal season to visit St. Kitts in the Lesser Antilles is January, when this island nation, part of the Commonwealth of Saint Kitts and Nevis, experiences warm and dry conditions.
If you arrive shortly after New Year’s Day, you can revel in the lingering celebrations of St. Kitts National Carnival, or Sugar Mas. This carnival blends Christmas and New Year’s festivities and typically extends into early January.

South Friars Bay, St. Kitts
For swimming and snorkeling, head to the golden sands at South Friars Bay or Cockleshell Beach. Both beaches in St. Kitts are ideal spots for enjoying the water.
If you’re in decent shape, consider hiring a guide to trek up the volcanic Mount Liamuiga. Hike through the dense rainforest canopy for sublime views of the leafy crater and try to spot some green vervet monkeys along the way.
For an insight into history, hop on the narrow-gauge St. Kitts Scenic Railway tour to pass by sugar cane fields and ocean cliffs. Later, sample the local cuisine, which blends British and Creole influences, evident in dishes like slow-cooked goat water stew or black pudding.
Hong Kong

Hong Kong
If you book your travels to Hong Kong in January, you will enjoy a memorable holiday. The city prepares for Chinese New Year celebrations, typically at the end of the month or the beginning of February. Red lanterns, plum blossoms, and golden decorations create a blaze of color.
January offers a range of reasonable temperatures, too, typically in the low to mid-60s Fahrenheit, providing a comfortable environment for exploring the city on foot.
Begin your sojourn by climbing Victoria Peak via the world’s longest outdoor escalator to enjoy panoramas of the city before taking the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour for water-level views.

Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
Explore bustling markets like Temple Street Night Market, where shops begin to open in the afternoon, and the Ladies’ Market, where you can bargain for souvenirs and clothing and sample street food, including sweet egg waffles, fish balls, and crispy roast goose.
Head to the Wong Tai Sin Temple to learn about the region’s Taoist traditions. For nature lovers, visit the forested Lantau Island, often called the “lungs of Hong Kong,” where you’ll find the massive Tian Tan Big Buddha statue, a whopping 112 feet tall.
Read: 3 Days in Hong Kong
Bangkok, Thailand

Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand
January is Bangkok’s dry season, with comfortable temperatures and relatively low humidity.
Bangkok maintains its lively atmosphere during the winter. You can visit temples, markets, riverfront areas, and the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the revered Emerald Buddha.

Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, is also worth exploring due to its distinctive Khmer- and Thai-inspired architecture, prominent prang spire, and views of the Chao Phraya River.
If you adore shopping, Bangkok is the place to be. At Chatuchak Weekend Market, you can find vintage clothing and handmade crafts, while Siam Paragon and Iconsiam malls showcase luxury brands in air-conditioned spaces.
January is also a time of festivals. The Bangkok Bestival—and that’s not a misspelling of the word “festival”—is a festival of happiness held in city parks. And like many other places in Asia, preparations for the Lunar New Year begin in Chinatown.
Brisbane, Australia

South Bank in Brisbane, Australia
January in Brisbane is marked by long days and a fair amount of rain, yet plenty of fun remains to be had. Head to Brisbane’s South Bank, enjoy the Streets Beach artificial beachside lagoon there, and then have brunch or lunch at one of the riverside cafés.
If you arrive on Friday or the weekend, you can visit Stanley Street Plaza’s Collective Markets, which are filled with art, fashion, and food.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Australia
For wildlife, visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in the Fig Tree Pocket area to see koalas, kangaroos, and other native Australian animals. Consider exploring South Bank’s GOMA Gallery of Modern Art, too.
The low season in Brisbane offers fewer crowds, hot and occasionally wet weather, and the opportunity to explore areas like the City Botanic Gardens, filled with greenery, or kayak along the Brisbane River downtown.
Mumbai, India

Mumbai, India
In Mumbai, January’s sunny yet comfortable temperatures allow you to make the most of the city’s bustling streets and markets, such as Crawford Market, renowned for its food and spices, or Colaba Causeway, filled with textiles and handmade crafts.
Start your day at the Indo-Saracenic Gateway of India arch, which boasts a complex colonial history. It marks the point where the British arrived and departed from India.

Elephanta Island, India
You can then take a ferry to Elephanta Island to explore ancient rock-hewn cave temples and learn about their connection to the Hindu god Shiva.
Later, unwind at Girgaon Chowpatty, a bustling beach area, where you can enjoy zesty snacks, such as spicy bhel puri made with puffed rice.
Mumbai’s food scene is legendary. The variety of dining options, from the street food of Mohammed Ali Road to the high-end spots in trendy Bandra West, offers an endless culinary journey. Save room for local favorites, such as vada pav—a spicy vegetarian “burger” made from potatoes and bread, pav bhaji, a hot curry, and the delicious minced keema pav.

Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas
Discover the best warm places in January on a premium cruise. Browse our January cruises to destinations from the Bahamas to Bali and book your next dreamy vacation.