Where To Go In January
January means a new year, new start, and for many of us, a refresh of our annual leave. To start 2025 as we mean to go on, it’s tempting to jet away to foreign climes for a holiday to remember.
A trip away is also something to look forward to as the long nights and frosty days start feeling relentless. Whether you lean into the winter weather or seek to escape it for a dose of sun, there’s a world of possibilities for a January escape. Here are our recommended places to go.
The Japanese Alps, Japan
January is a fine time to hit the slopes in Europe, but it doesn’t quite have the bragging rights of flying to Japan for their ski season. January is when you’re guaranteed the best of the snow in resorts like Hakuba, Nagano, and Shiga Kogen, and away from the slopes, catch sightings of Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, at Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Instead of a traditional European apres-ski, in Japan, expect to soak those tired muscles in an onsen: mineral-laden hot springs that you’ll find dotted around the alps. Comfort food is still a must, but here, it’s satisfying sushi or soba. And if you need to let your hair down, head to a karaoke bar – and bear in mind it’s taken very seriously in Japan!
Baja California, Mexico
Seeing majestic humpback whales in real life is a real pinch-me moment. These incredible mammals can reach up to 17m in span (that’s the size of a five-storey building). When they breach and show themselves above water, it feels like they’re putting on a show as they flip and turn in the air before going below surface with a splash. It’s rare to see them, but you stand a great chance on the Pacific side of Mexico in January, when the whales migrate from the poles towards the equator.
Fly in to San Diego – it’s easy to cross the border into Mexico at Tijuana, where you can explore the peninsular state of Baja California. Like the name suggests, it was the lower part of a historically bigger California.
North Island, New Zealand
There’s no better time to visit New Zealand than in January, its warmest and driest month. The North Island gets the better weather, so that’s the place to be for the sunniest backdrops to their incredible scenery. Whether you’re splashing about in the crystal clear Lake Taupo, hiking up Mount Maunganui for magnificent views of the Bay of Plenty, or imbibing in city life in Auckland or Wellington, the T-shirt weather will certainly be appreciated. Of course, it’s a long journey to get there – expect a 25-hour flight and at least one stop – but it will be worth it to see this enchanting island at its best.
Barbados
You can expect glorious blue skies, tropical heat and dazzling sunsets if you visit the Caribbean in January. Indeed, far from the chilly weather at home, it’s 29C and perfect sailing weather in Barbados, which is why 17th-21st January 2025 is Barbados Sailing Week. There’s plenty of incentives to take to the water, from complimentary docking to speedy immigration. But the main draw is the fun and games that take place both in the balmy sea and on land. Expect plenty of sailing-related races, celebrations and activities, in addition to everything that a Caribbean paradise has to offer.
Abisko, Sweden
January is the last excellent month for catching the Northern Lights, before the hours of pitch-darkness begin to shorten, and the chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis dissipates. As it’s last chance saloon, give yourself the best shot by hunting the lights in northern Scandinavia. Abisko, an hour and a half from the airport of Kiruna, is famed for its frequent sightings. It’s caused by the mountains in the area creating a microclimate that often leads to clear skies – one of the most important factors in seeing the Northern Lights. While you’re there, find out more about the native Sami culture, hop on a snowmobile or hike in the arctic beauty of Abisko National Park.
If you’re heading away on a trip, whether it’s to enjoy the winter sun or the thrill of the slopes don’t forget to pack Switched On Travel Insurance. Find out more here.