January is often when we plan and arrange our trips for the future year, not when we travel. But there are significant advantages to travelling during January. In addition to taking advantage of cheap airline deals, you may avoid the dreaded January blues by travelling.
Whether you’re looking for a short holiday, a cultural experience, or a nature wonder that can only be found at the beginning of the year, or you want to spend the entire month immersed in a new destination, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to visit this January. Here are the top 20 destinations for January…
Los Angeles, USA
In January, Hollywood’s house is a surprise. Temperatures range from roughly 8°C to 20°C and are neither hot nor cold. Ideal for taking a walking tour of the city, spotting celebs arriving for the Golden Globes in early January, or doing what Los Angeles locals do best: hiking!
Griffith Park, which is located to the east of the Santa Monica Mountains, is suitable for casual hikers. Mount Hollywood’s Charlie Turner Trail is a popular 40-minute trek that offers spectacular views of the city and a glimpse of the iconic Hollywood sign. The Griffith Park Observatory, a must-visit for stargazers, is located nearby.
Runyon Canyon, one of the most well-known paths in Los Angeles, is another alternative. This dirt trail is frequented by a large number of physically active individuals even in mild January. It rises steadily, but there are a few unexpectedly steep sections to keep you on your toes.
If you find the area to be too touristic, there is no better time to visit California’s neighboring regions. Malibu, Long Beach, and Santa Monica are some of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles County, while the neighborhoods of Burbank, Silver Lake, and Culver City are filled with cool bars, health-conscious restaurants, independent boutiques, and cultural treasures.
The islands of the Maldives
Malé, the capital of the Maldives, is densely inhabited, as will be evident from any guidebook. In addition, there are numerous local markets, mosques, and museums.
Malé is an ideal location for individuals who like to tour the entire archipelago. It is simple to move to the Atolls for scuba diving, water sports, and the opportunity to observe some of the Maldives’ most spectacular marine life, including reef sharks, hammerheads, dolphins, manta rays, and turtles on land.
Obviously, you will not be the only person to enjoy everything that Malé and the Maldives have to offer. January marks the beginning of the dry, sunny season and is the ideal time to travel, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 31°C. After a May-to-November tropical rainy season, it is only natural that locals and tourists alike will want to soak up the sun and clear skies.
Norway
Without a doubt, Norway is frigid in January. In reality, January is the coldest month of the year, with temperatures dipping to -2°C or lower in the extreme north. But it is also one of the most gorgeous months to visit if you’re looking for a snows cape unlike any you’ve seen or an unmatched winter sports adventure. So pack your heaviest winter travel gear and set out immediately.
Expect the majority of the country to be covered with fresh, white snow, and prepare for some breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Add to that the great probability of viewing the Northern Lights, a neon display made possible by the dark, clear winter night skies, and you have a photographer’s paradise.
Bonus? Given the chilly weather, there are fewer visitors, so the off-season photographs you can take will have few people in the way. It also makes this typically pricey nation slightly less dear.
