While the stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is peak travel season for many, January offers a quieter, often cheaper reset. Airlines, hotels and cruises commonly lower prices, making it a smart month for deals. Whether you want powder skiing in the Northern Hemisphere or beach weather below the equator, January has options for every traveler. Here are 10 top January destinations.
Cape Town
January is Cape Town’s hottest, driest month, with daytime highs in the mid- to low-80s—ideal for outdoor activities. Visit Boulders Beach early to see African penguins and their chicks, and Duiker Island in Hout Bay for Cape fur seals. Sunbathe at Camps Bay, Clifton or Muizenberg beaches. Wine lovers should consider the Stellenbosch Wine Tractor Wine Tasting Tour to sample local cabernet sauvignon and pinotage. Don’t miss the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (Kaapse Klopse) on Jan. 2, a historic celebration dating to post–New Year’s freedoms for enslaved people. TPG tip: Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof (City Bowl) from $204 or 54,000 Hilton Honors points per night in January.
Pyeongchang, South Korea
Famed as the 2018 Winter Olympics host, Pyeongchang sits in the Taebaek Mountains about 110 miles east of Seoul and offers top ski resorts—Yongpyong, Phoenix Park and Alpensia. For quieter winter hiking, explore Odaesan National Park and the historic Woljeongsa Temple with its stone pagoda. TPG tip: InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort, inspired by Alpine villages, from $152 or 26,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Oahu, Hawaii
January brings occasional brief showers, lower hotel rates, fewer crowds and average highs in the low 80s. It’s whale-watching season for humpbacks. Avoid the North Shore’s big winter surf unless you’re an expert; stick to south-shore beaches like Waikiki’s Duke Kahanamoku Beach and Fort DeRussy Beach Park. Hikes range from the rainforested Manoa Falls Trail to the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail. TPG tip: Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore (opened April) lists January rates from $312 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Expect mild, dry weather in the low 80s on this 200-mile Pacific coastline north of Puerto Vallarta. Riviera Nayarit is a less-touristy alternative to Cancun or Cabo, with many certified-clean beaches and clear water; Playa Destiladeras is a popular choice. January marks the start of local whale-watching season. TPG tip: Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, from $748 or 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in January.
Punta del Este, Uruguay
Known as “The Riviera of South America,” Punta del Este is a summer hotspot in January with beaches, a lively city scene, polo and art. Visit the Ralli Museum (works by Dalí and Botero) and Le Mano, the famous giant hand sculpture emerging from the sand. TPG tip: Fasano Punta del Este, noted for secluded luxury and an Arnold Palmer–designed golf course, from $966 per night in January.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is a premier winter destination; early to mid-January offers excellent skiing, heavy snowfall and fewer crowds than peak February. Resorts and backcountry deliver fluffy powder; après-ski options include local favorites like Teton Thai and Bin22. TPG tip: The Cloudveil (Autograph Collection) near Town Square, from $550 or 73,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in January.
The Bahamas
January falls in the Bahamas’ dry season with low humidity, pleasant low-80s temperatures and calmer seas—great for snorkeling and scuba diving with improved underwater visibility. It’s also humpback-watching season. Cultural highlights include the Museum of Junkanoo, Arawak Cay for Bahamian food, the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas and cocktail bar Bon Vivants. TPG tip: The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, from about $1,965 per night; book via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for extras like daily breakfast and late checkout.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona offers cooler, quiet winter days (highs in the low 60s), discounted hotel rates and stunning red-rock hikes. Popular activities include jeep tours (Pink Adventure Tours) and spa experiences at independent wellness centers. As one of only 20 certified Dark Sky communities, Sedona is excellent for stargazing—bring warm layers for chilly nights. TPG tip: Sky Rock Sedona, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, from $193 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Banff, Alberta
January is prime for skiing at Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise when snowfall is abundant. The SnowDays Festival (Jan. 16–Feb. 8, 2026) enlivens downtown Banff with snow carvings and skijoring demos. For relaxation, soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs, ride the Banff Gondola for panoramic mountain views, or hike Johnston Canyon to see frozen waterfalls. TPG tip: Fairmont Banff Springs, the “Castle in the Rockies,” from about $433 per night; Accor Live Limitless bookings or American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts offer perks.
Sydney, Australia
January is peak summer in Sydney, with average highs in the low 80s. Enjoy Bondi Beach, the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and coastal walks. The Sydney Festival (Jan. 8–25, 2026) celebrates its 50th anniversary with more than 100 performances and events across the city. TPG tip: Kimpton Margot Sydney (art-deco building) from $190 or 35,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Whether you want to chase sun, snow, wildlife or culture, January offers quieter travel, off-peak pricing and choices for every kind of getaway.
