Best Places to Visit in January: Top Picks for Wildlife, Culture, Adventure & Relaxation

As a new year dawns, 365 days of extraordinary adventures, immersive cultural experiences, culinary discoveries, and unforgettable wildlife encounters await. Deciding where to begin can be daunting. Lonely Planet's travel experts have curated the top destinations for January, answering the timeless question: where to go when. Discover our handpicked recommendations to inspire your next trip.

Best Places to Visit in January for Wildlife and Nature

Africa stands as the epicenter of wildlife experiences, offering sightings year-round. January delivers prime conditions for trekking endangered mountain gorillas deep in Uganda's rainforests—permits are limited, so book well in advance. On Tanzania's Serengeti plains, witness thousands of wildebeest grazing ahead of calving season late in the month and their epic migration across crocodile-filled rivers in April.

In Poland's snow-covered wilderness, disconnect from devices and reconnect with nature on guided tracking expeditions following wolf, bison, and elk prints. At the world's edge in Antarctica, summer "warms" temperatures to freezing or slightly above, with near-constant daylight for spotting penguin colonies with fresh chicks, seal pups, whales, and sailing amid glittering icebergs.

Best Places to Visit in January for Culture

January's cultural calendar bursts with vibrant events worldwide. Extend the festive spirit at Vienna's elegant winter balls, donning formal attire to waltz among the city's elite. In Ethiopia, ancient sites come alive for Christmas (Gena or Leddet) on January 7, followed by Timkat—a spectacular commemoration of Jesus' baptism with overnight vigils and mass ceremonies.

For eclectic arts, join Sydney Festival's three-week extravaganza of burlesque, circus, dance, installations, and family fun in Australia's largest city. Prefer serenity? Cruise Myanmar's Ayeyarwady River or watch sunsets over Bagan's mystical temple spires.

Best Places to Visit in January for Adventure

Ignite the new year with global thrills. British Columbia transforms into a skier's paradise with heavy powder dumps, diverse resorts, uncrowded slopes, and unique ski safaris. Beginners on a budget should explore the Balkans' accessible mountains and lively après-ski scenes.

Swap winter for sun-soaked waves in the Canary Islands, ideal for surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing—or hike volcanic trails and lounge on golden beaches. In New Zealand, embark on a scenic South Island road trip along iconic coastal routes.

Best Places to Visit in January for Relaxation

Rejuvenate with these serene escapes. Combat Northern Hemisphere chills in Budapest's historic thermal baths and hot springs for ultimate self-care. Continue spa indulgence in St. Lucia's Caribbean paradise with Ayurvedic therapies, mud baths, and wellness programs.

Yoga enthusiasts will find bliss in Kerala's tranquil retreats amid backwaters, forests, and tea plantations. In Florida, beyond Miami's buzz, kayak the Everglades (watch for gators) or spot manatees in Crystal River's pristine waters.

Article originally published November 2018, last updated November 2019. Timeless recommendations by Lonely Planet experts.