Best places to visit in January

Hot on the heels of our run-down of the 23 best travel destinations in 2023, we’re thrilled to bring you a series of features covering the best destinations to go in each month.

With recommendations that’ll reward every type of traveller, think of this series as your one-stop travel planner. Not least because we also share top experiences to help you make the most of your trip, and suggestions for the best places to stay. Read on to discover the best places to visit in January. Chances are, there'll also be a Rough Guide to help you make the most of your trip.

1. Antarctica

Best for bucket list adventures

This means extended wildlife-watching stints during a month that’s also the best time to see penguin chicks at play. They're just beginning to find their happy feet.

January and February are also especially great for cetacean-sightings.

Make the most of your time in Antarctica

• You'll most likely board your boat trip to Antarctica from Ushuaia, While you're there, book a guided trip to walk the spectacular Tierra del Fuego nature trails to the Emerald Lagoon.
• To take the hassle out of planning, explore our customisable Southern Argentina and Antarctica itinerary.

Where to stay

• Best for couples: Hotel Canal Beagle. Smart and modern with a wellness spa.
• Best for families: Casa Magallanes. Three bedrooms, plus a fully equipped kitchen and patio.
• Best for rustic charm: Cabañas Bosque Del Faldeo. A lovely lodge with a garden.

Discover more places to stay in Ushuaia.

2. South Sri Lanka

Offering miles of soft-sand beaches and excellent surfing, it's a place to relax, recharge and take to the waves.

Sri Lanka is also ideal for getting back to nature. For example, the south coast is one of the best places to go whale-watching.

In addition, if you're based in one of the south coast resort areas, the wildlife wonders of Yala National Park are also within reach. Take an unforgettable Sri Lankan safari to see Yala's rich birdlife, along with elephants, crocodiles and — if you get lucky — leopards.

In grand news for culture-lovers, Galle’s architectural allures and cafe culture are second to none.

Top tip: at sunset, head to the clock tower of Galle's UNESCO-designated fort to be well and truly awe-inspired.

Make the most of your time in South Sri Lanka

• Book a whale-watching tour from Mirissa.
• Arrange a two-day safari to Yala National Park.
• Read our guide for first-time visitors to Sri Lanka and discover the best beaches in Sri Lanka.
• Be inspired by Rough Guides’ tailor-made trip to southern Sri Lanka. 
• Into independent exploration? Get yourself a Rough Guide to Sri Lanka, and Insight Guide Explore Sri Lanka.

Where to stay

• Best for surfers: The Green Rooms, Weligama. A family-run, sustainability-conscious surf camp.
• Best for luxury: Villa Vista, Mirissa. First-class facilities in sublime surroundings.
• Best for couples: Plantation Surf Inn, Midigama Beach. A beachfront beaut of guesthouse with bags of charm.

Find more places to stay in Galle and Mirissa.

3. Iceland — one of the best places to visit in January

Best for out-of-this-world nature

What's more, January means fewer crowds than December — all the better for romantic breaks, and for enjoying post-adventure soaks in some of our favourite hot springs in Iceland.

Given that this is also the top time to visit for ice-caving, Iceland is one of the best places to visit in January if you're into adventure and nature. Oh, and you also voted Iceland one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Make the most of your time in Iceland

• Head to the Silfra Fissure to snorkel between North America and Europe. 
• Find out about things not to miss in Iceland.
• Fancy exploring the waterfalls and geothermal pools of Iceland’s wild west? Or how about hiking the glacial valleys and lava fields of the enchanting east? Take a look at our Iceland itineraries.
• Read The Rough Guide to Iceland. For shorter breaks, try the Mini Rough Guide to Iceland, while walkers might want to check-out Insight Guide Explore Iceland.

Where to stay

• Best for couples: Hali Country Hotel. Rooms offer views of the Vatnajökull Glacier, or the Atlantic.
• Best for scenic style: Ekra Glacier Lagoon. A chic guesthouse with mountain views.
• Best for indie travellers: Skyrhusid. A cosy farmhouse with shared bathrooms and kitchenette.

Find more places to stay near Jokulsarlon lagoon.

4. Zermatt, Switzerland

Best for skiing, railriding and scenic chilling

Located in the Valais canton, Zermatt might be small, but it's massive when it comes to iconic landmarks — namely, the majestic Matterhorn.

Zermatt is also big on welcoming all kinds of travellers, regardless of budget. Expect to see the wealthy glitterati frequent the same bars and restaurants as backpackers and first-time family skiers.

If you're not a hardcore skiier, Zermatt has plenty of great places to eat, drink and shop, and the Matterhorn Museum makes for an immersive, family-friendly afternoon.

To escape the inevitable ski crowds, head to the surrounding wilderness via the Gornergrat railway. It takes you to a breath-taking viewpoint over the Monte Rosa massif. 

Make the most of your time in Zermatt

• Board the world's highest cable car to discover the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
• Got a head for heights? Book a tandem paragliding trip to see the Matterhorn from exhilarating angles.
• Read up on the best things to do in Switzerland, and the best outdoor experiences in Switzerland.
• Want more Swiss magic? Be inspired by our customisable highlights of Switzerland trip.
• Read The Rough Guide to Switzerland.

Where to stay

• Best for Alpine charm: Kulmhotel Gornergrat. Uniquely atmospheric, and the highest hotel in the Alps.
• Best for glamour: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. The grandest hotel in the canton, and one of the country's finest.
• Best for budget travellers: Jugendherberge. A large hostel, with dorms, private rooms, and Matterhorn views.

Explore more places to stay in Zermatt.

5. Rome, Italy

Best for romance, culture and cuisine without crowds

As a result, if you're looking for a rewarding break to start your new year as you mean to go on, the Eternal City is one of the best places to visit in January.

Picture yourself exploring this living, open-air museum without having to shimmy past hordes of harried coach-trippers. Imagine ambling those ancient, rambling streets and having the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain to yourself (well, almost).

Want even more space? Read up on the best places to get off the tourist trail in Rome.

Given that Rome is a great place to shop in style, the post-Christmas sales provide another top reason to visit Rome in January.

Make the most of your time in Rome

• Go underground on an atmospheric crypts and catacombs tour.
• Into food? Book a pasta-cooking class, and find out where to eat the best pizza in Rome. 
• Read up on the best things to do in Rome and fun facts about Italy.
• Read The Mini Rough Guide to Rome.
• Treat yourself to a customisable, cultured weekend in Rome.
• Why not combine the wonders of Rome with exploring the Amalfi Coast?

Where to stay

• Best for history buffs: Residenza Roma Imperiale. A gorgeous guesthouse close to the Colosseum and Forum.
• Best for luxury: NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento. A fancy 5-star with top food and service.
• Best for budget travellers: Roma Scout Center. Colourful dorms, and close to great transport links.

Explore more places to stay in Rome.

6. St Kitts and Nevis, the Caribbean

Best for blissful beaches and Caribbean culture

This dual-island Caribbean gem delivers laidback beach life, history and all-out luxury in equal measure. All of which means you can plan a trip according to your budget and interests. 

Fringing a 2-mile bay on its southwest coast, Basseterre — St Kitts’ historic capital — is enclosed by mountains and emerald hills. Quite a sight as you pull into you port.  

The port is also home to shops and stalls selling local arts and crafts, with the National Museum of St Kitts and a chocolate factory on site, too.  

Outside of town, St Kitts’ Brimstone Hill Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best-preserved forts of its era throughout the Americas. 

To see more of the island, you’ll want to hop aboard the heritage Scenic Railway. Delving deep into lush rainforest, it offers incredible views of Mount Liamuiga and neighbouring islands.

Talking of which, lying two miles south of its bigger sister, Nevis is something of an off-the-beaten-track Caribbean destination.  

Based on St Kitts? The inter-island ferry takes 45-minutes, or zip over on a 10-minute water taxi ride. 

Despite its standing as a destination beloved by celebrities looking for tropical tranquillity, Nevis has a distinctly laidback, understated vibe. 

It’s also home to beautiful beaches that’ll satisfy every mood. Notable highlights include Pinney’s, Oualie and Lover’s Beach.

If you’re feeling more energetic, you could always hike to the top of Nevis Peak.

Make the most of your time in St Kitts and Nevis

• From Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, to Carambola Beach, this Best of St Kitts tour packs in plenty.
• Planning to tackle Nevis? Read this first-hand account of climbing to the peak.
• Enjoy a sail-and-snorkel trip.
• Be inspired by the Insight Guide to the Caribbean.

Where to stay

• Best for couples: Oualie Beach Resort, Nevis. Cute beach cabins backed by lush gardens. 
• Best for luxury: Montpelier Plantation & Beach, Nevis. A 60-acre former sugar plantation at the foot of Nevis.
• Best for families: Bird Rock Beach Hotel, St Kitts. A friendly beachfront three-star.

See more places to stay in St Kitts and Nevis.

Want more seasonal inspiration? Discover the best winter sun destinations around the world.

Looking a little further ahead? Discover the best places to visit in spring around the world, and the best UK places to visit in spring.

And remember, wherever you're thinking of heading, there's likey to be a Rough Guide to enhance every step of your journey from the moment you start planning.

Not fond of planning? Browse our expert-curated tailor-made trips — 100% customisable, so you can create your perfect break.

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Header image: Northern lights in Iceland © Shutterstock