My Top Places to Visit in January
Happy New Year Everybody! Starting the New Year as I mean to go on with my top five places to visit in January post. January is a great time for a getaway. Christmas is over and done with, we’re all partied out, and of course, the weather tends to be a bit bleak! January always feels like the longest month EVER, so why not break it up with a trip somewhere? Whether you fancy escaping the UK winter for sunnier climes, or you love to embrace the winter weather. This month’s list has something for you…
Thailand
The first destination on my list of top places to visit in January is Thailand. While January in Thailand is still busy, it marks the tail end of the peak season. The crowds of the Christmas and New Year seasons are gone. This makes it a much more relaxed time to explore some of the main tourist attractions.
It’s the perfect time to visit the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Koh Lantra with average temperature highs of 32 degrees. Temperatures rarely drop below the mid-20s. Perfect for a bit of winter sun, and escaping the UK winter! If the East islands of Koh Samui, Phangan, and Tao are your preferred destination, there is more chance of catching a rain shower. Monsoon-worthy rains can blow in at this time of year. However, they rarely last long, and you can be back on the beach within an hour. You may be lucky enough to catch some of the preparations and events leading up to the Thai New Year (Songkran). This doesn’t take place until April; however, preparations can start in late January in some parts of the country.
January is a great time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit Thailand. The month coincides with the migration of several bird species. And you can also catch the annual bird migration in Khao Sok National Park. If marine life is more your thing, the water visibility at this time of year is excellent. It’s a great time to go snorkelling or on a diving trip, particularly in the Southern Islands. The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are known for their diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
Val d’Isere
If skiing and snowboarding are your winter holiday of choice, January is a great time to visit one of the most popular ski resorts in Europe. The New Year crowds have gone, and children are back at school so most of the family crowd has also left. Val d’Isere has some of the most reliable ski conditions in the world. It’s also home to some of the best ski hotels and chalets in the region. It is renowned for its extensive and varied ski terrain. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, there are slopes for every ski level.
January sees a decrease in visitor numbers, post-Christmas. This means shorter lift queues, more available accommodation options, and a generally quieter atmosphere on the slopes. This allows you to take advantage of both the groomed slopes, and more challenging off-piste areas. Although not the cheapest ski resort, it is possible to find more affordable accommodation options than during the holiday periods. Head out there after the New Year period, but before the February half term when families return, for more choice.
Val d’Isere has a vibrant après ski atmosphere. There are numerous restaurants, bars, and nightclubs for those who want to dance the night away. In January the atmosphere is still lively but not quite as manic as during the peak holiday periods. You can still enjoy the apres-ski scene but without some of the crowds and queues. Val d’Isere often hosts various winter events and festivals during January which include ski competitions, cultural events, and other festivities. Giving you even more entertainment options for your next ski holiday!
Lanzarote
Next up on my top places to visit in January is Lanzarote. The Canary Islands are one of the most popular winter sun destinations. Thousands of holidaymakers choose to escape the UK winter there. While it may not be quite as warm as during the summer months, daytime highs range from 18 to 22 degrees. Perfect temperatures for exploring a bit more of the island.
The landscape in Lanzarote is unique with volcanic craters, lava fields, and beautiful beaches. The winter season is a great time to explore Timanfaya National Park. Temperatures are warm but not too hot for hiking. The Jardin de Cactus, which was designed by local architect Cesar Manrique, is another great place to visit at this time of year. January also sees various festivals and events on the island. The main event in January is the Fiesta de San Gines. The festival takes place in the island’s capital Arrecife, and celebrates the patron saint of the city. There are processions, music, and traditional activities to enjoy.
If you want to hit some of Lanzarote’s beaches, the warm temperatures are perfect for a walk or maybe grabbing a drink and a bite to eat on the seafront. The water temperatures are definitely cooler than summer and will be too cool for some. However, if you can brave slightly cooler seas, the temperatures, and water conditions make it a great time to take part in diving or snorkelling. And in some parts of the island, the surf conditions are perfect for those who want to get out on a surfboard!
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a group of ten volcanic islands 350 miles off the coast of Senegal and has quickly become a favourite winter holiday destination. January falls in the dry season for the islands, with average temperatures of 25 degrees. With miles of uninterrupted sand, the temperatures are perfect for a relaxing break to recover from the Christmas madness. The weather is also suitable for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. The islands are known for their miles of uninterrupted powdery sands and clear waters.
If lying around and relaxing is just too calm for you, there are plenty of opportunities for getting active on the islands. There are many opportunities for hiking through rugged terrain, exploring valleys, and climbing volcanic peaks. January is the start of the whale-watching season in Cape Verde. You may have the opportunity to witness humpback whales migrating through the waters surrounding the islands in late January.
January is not peak season for Cape Verde meaning there’s more available and fewer crowds on the beaches. There’s a range of accommodation to suit all budgets from large hotels, to small guest houses and villas. Several of the main Cape Verde islands are popular with visitors and all offer something slightly different. If you want to explore more of Cape Verde. you could also combine a visit to several of the islands for an island-hopping trip!
Bruges
Finally on my list of top places to visit in January is Bruges. Now Bruges is a beautiful city at any time of the year, but if snow, beer, and chips are your thing, you have to visit in January. Bruges is known for its medieval architecture, canals, and atmosphere. In January you can see the city in a brooding light, and if you’re lucky enough to visit when there’s snow on the ground, this makes the atmosphere even more wintery and cosy.
January is considered off-peak season in Bruges so the city tends to be a little quieter. This makes it the perfect time to visit if you want to explore more of the city’s attractions and landmarks. Some attractions and boat tours may not be available if the weather is particularly bad. You should plan to wrap up warm and take waterproof/weatherproof coats in case of rain or snow. The good news is the city is full of bars serving Belgian beer, and candlelit restaurants serving moules frites and comforting puddings. Perfect for hiding in and warming up if the days are cold and wet!
My Top Places to Visit in January Round-Up
January offers a world of diverse travel experiences, from embracing the snow for a ski break, to relaxing on a tropical beach. January is also the off-peak season for many destinations, so if you like peace and quiet while you’re away, it can be a perfect time to travel. It gives you more opportunity to explore, get a table in that restaurant you fancy, or just not have to fight for a sun lounger by the pool!
If you’re inspired to get away this January for a last-minute break, or you want to get super organised for next January, get in touch! You can find me on Facebook here or fill in my quote request form here.
If you’re looking for all the best travel deals at any time of the year, then you need to join my Facebook Group – Michelle Davison Travel Deals
For more general winter travel inspiration, why not check out my Top Winter Sun Destinations here
I hope the upcoming year is filled with new travel experiences and memory-making for you all! Michelle x
