Where to go on holiday in January

By Alice Tegg, Editorial & Marketing Assistant

Going away during the gloomiest month of the year makes a lot of sense. Beat the January Blues by visiting one of these beautiful destinations – all in their prime season.

Poor old January gets a bad rap, especially here in the UK, but December is a big act to follow. Many of us start the year on a festive comedown, and without the distraction of fairy lights, Christmas songs and too much chocolate, the winter blues hit hard by January 2nd. And let’s not even talk about the weather.

So, why not start the year in a place where January has an entirely different reputation? You could head into the mountains for a ski-and-spa break, explore ancient ruins without the risk of melting, or jet off to a sundrenched island to defrost in peace. It’s a tricky month to find somewhere worth travelling to that’s not in high season, so you may have to accept that you’ll be paying a little more for the privilege, but we think these destinations are well worth it.

1 Maldives

☀ Average January temperatures: Highs: 28°C; Lows: 23°C

To combat the January Blues, a desert island should help. January is considered the best month to visit the Maldives, when temperatures hover around the high 20s, sunshine is plentiful and rainfall is minimal. Stepping into this natural paradise will feel extraordinary at any time, but never more so than when you’re coming from the depths of a European winter.

Thanks to settled conditions, those iconic turquoise waters are postcard-perfect in January, which makes this an optimal time for snorkelling or diving. Expect kaleidoscopic coral and marine life, though be careful to choose resorts that protect these fragile environments (see recommendations below). Other activities include fishing, dolphin cruises, turtle expeditions and sailing, or just bliss out on your private slice of beach – you’ll never see whiter sand.

Such perfect weather makes this a popular time for visiting the Maldives, but privacy is prioritised wherever you stay, so the resorts rarely feel crowded. Bring a light jacket for evenings and, to respect the Muslim culture, some long shirts, blouses or pashminas. It’s easy to forget that life goes on outside the blissful bubble of your tropical island, but Maldivian culture is colourful and worth exploring – and the food is delicious (seafood in particular). Spend some time on Male, or sign up for an excursion to a local island (most resorts offer them) for a glimpse into real life here in paradise.

Where to stay in the Maldives

More places in the Maldives

2 The Austrian Alps

☀ Average January temperatures: Highs: 1°C; Lows: -8°C

Europe will be in the thick of midwinter come January, but it’s not all doom and gloom. The Austrian Alps will be transformed into a snow-laden wonderland that’s sure to inject some magic into everyone’s least favourite month. Think roaring fires in cosy chalets, trees stooping under the weight of fresh snow, and skiers cooly carving down the mountainside.

Temperatures are at their lowest, so it’s the best time of year for consistent snowfall and powdery slopes. Unsurprisingly, it is peak season, so you’ll want to book accommodation as early as possible. That said, January can often feel quieter than December and February, as these see an influx of families during the school holidays. Towards the end of the month, you can watch elite skiers hurtle down steep hills, fly over jumps and tackle tricky slalom courses at the annual Hahnenkamm Race in Kitzbühel, part of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup and the second oldest alpine skiing competition in the world.

If you’re not much of a winter sports aficionado, there’s still plenty of magic to be found off the slopes. Towns like Bad Gastein and Leogang are known for their excellent spas, thermal baths and saunas, perfect if you’re craving a post-Christmas pamper. The rich, hearty alpine cuisine – like cheese dumpling soup and sweet Kaiserschmarrn – feels most comforting in the cold grips of January, as does curling up in front of a fireplace with that book you had no time to read over the festive period.

Where to stay in the Austrian Alps

More places in the Austrian Alps

3 Goa

☀ Average January temperatures: Highs: 30°C; Lows: 20°C

Goa offers something for everyone in January. For those who like a bit of buzz and want to continue the frivolity of December, the vibrant beach party atmosphere in the north will be a hit. If you’ve partied a bit too hard over the holidays and now feel the urge to detox, head south for quieter beaches and a more local feel. Again, this is high season, so prices will be higher and hotspots will be busy, but India’s premier beach state comes into its own at the start of the year, promising dry, balmy days and comfortable nights.

The sea will be calm and bath-warm, great for swimming, snorkelling and diving. And thanks to a few months of dry weather, the roads are in good condition for reaching local villages and inland waterfalls by bike or scooter. Take advantage of the lack of humidity with a visit to the capital, Panjim, and admire the old Portuguese churches and colourful cobblestone streets. Or rinse out those toxins with a yoga flow – nothing says ‘new year, new me’ like a mindful retreat, and Goa is home to countless.

The world-famous International Kite Festival (part of the Uttarayan celebrations) takes place in Gujarat in the middle of January, but smaller versions of the spectacle are held all over the country, including on Goa’s golden beaches. Around the same time you can also catch the Goa Tribal Festival, a vibrant celebration of indigenous Goan culture, with traditional food, dancing, music and crafts.

Where to stay in Goa

More places in Goa

4 Egypt

☀ Average January temperatures: Highs: 22°C; Lows: 9°C

Sightseeing in Egypt is a magical experience, but nobody wants to explore a country that is 95% desert when it’s scorching hot, so come in January when it’s pleasantly cool and dry, and sandstorm risks are at their lowest.

This is a wonderful time to explore on foot in the Valley of the Kings or the Pyramids of Giza. Temperatures are perfect for Nile cruises too, while settled conditions make for stunning hot air balloon flights over Luxor – expect far-reaching views of river, mountain, valley and desert. The Red Sea can feel a little chilly in January but if you’re kitted out in a wetsuit you won’t feel it. Diving here is phenomenal, and because most wait until spring for temperatures to warm up, it shouldn’t feel too crowded in the water.

While January is considered peak season for visiting Egypt, there is a drop-off in visitors post the Christmas/New Year rush. But festivities continue on here, with Orthodox festival Coptic Christmas falling on 7th January and bringing celebrations and festive markets to the streets. That being said, most of Egypt’s population is Muslim, so religious events like Ramadan are observed, which in 2026 falls well clear of January, so no need to worry about restaurant closures or limited access to alcohol (unless you’re doing Dry January!).

Where to stay in Egypt

More places in Egypt

5 St Lucia

☀ Average January temperatures: Highs: 29°C; Lows: 23°C

January is the perfect time to reset and recharge, and where better to do that than St Lucia? The island will be experiencing its beautiful dry season: long, sunny days made for kicking back on the beach, punch in hand; humidity is minimal, so you can sunbathe, hike and explore for hours without getting sticky; and the shimmering Caribbean Sea will be calm and clear – optimal conditions for snorkelling or diving around colourful reefs – and a balmy 27°C. Heaven!

Active types can hike the island’s iconic pointed peak, Gros Piton, or follow trails through the rainforest to hidden waterfalls (there are a handful just in the hills around Soufriere), spotting lizards, snakes and native birds along the way. This is the time of year when Humpback, Sperm and Pilot whales return to the warm waters for mating, so a boat trip to spot them can’t be missed – keep an eye out for the elegant aerial displays by Spinner dolphins, too.

Although it’s high season, it will be quieter than the Christmas/New Year period or February half term, and hotels will generally be free of families. There’ll be a fun summer feel in the towns, bustling open-air markets and locals exuding positivity. And if you want to dial back the energy, there are quiet coves and wild corners to retreat to. So, for those seeking to start the year with a lively yet laidback getaway, St Lucia is calling.