Planning a trip at the beginning of the year is exhilarating and refreshing, and there are several places that offer incredible experiences in January.

The UNWTO reported that early 2023 saw a significant recovery in tourism numbers, with international arrivals reaching 80% of pre-pandemic levels.

Be it an escape from winter or embracing it, this is the perfect month to explore some of the best countries to visit in January.

Be it tropical paradises, snow-covered wonderlands, or even remote islands, January has something for everyone.

16 top countries to visit in January

This is the list of 16 top countries to visit in January, making your trip memorable, every one of which provides unique conditions weather-wise, activities, and cultural experiences.

1. Thailand

Thailand is one of the most attractive countries to visit in January.

It has beautiful beaches, exciting cities, and wonderful food.

The good thing about islands such as Phuket, Koh Samui, or Krabi is that the weather is really perfect for enjoying the cool and dry climate for visiting temples in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

2. Australia

Australia is a fantastic country to visit in January, especially if you appreciate beaches.

Summer here means it is the perfect season for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, making a road trip through the Great Ocean Road, or having fun along Sydney's lively beaches.

Being also the month when the Australian Open tennis tournament takes place, it promises to be an exciting time for sports fans.

3. New Zealand

For the adventurous, January is the perfect time to visit New Zealand.

The whole country is embracing warm, sunny days-it is a great time to roam in fjords and mountains and revel over majestic lakes.

Hike in Queenstown, kayak in Milford Sound, or experience a little Maori culture-the tour is a must-have experience, especially at this time in New Zealand.

4. Mexico

The country that provides the most friendly environment to tourists during January, with appropriate warmth and sunny weather, is Mexico.

For all those beach-lover people, Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen are excellent options; on the other hand, Mexico City offers a visit for cultural purposes.

During this time, you can watch whales off the coast of the Baja Peninsula.

5. United Arab Emirates

If one is looking for luxury and marvellousness then, of course, the UAE has to make it to the list.

January is rather pleasing for tourists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The time for feeling the glories of their skyscrapers, shopping malls, and historical monuments is during the month of January.

Desert safaris and luxury resorts add glory to the country.

6. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the best places to go to in January if you are looking for an escape to a tropical haven.

With tea plantations, beautiful beaches, and ancient temples, it offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.

January would be an excellent time to consider travelling down along the southern coast, to Galle and Mirissa, where you can spot blue whales or explore historical sites.

7. Japan

If one is looking for a wonderland in winter, then surely January is one of the best times to visit Japan.

With some of the best ski resorts in the world located in Hokkaido, Japan has great traditional onsen hot springs for a relaxing experience.

It also hosts special winter festivals. Japan has the Sapporo Snow Festival - making it a popular destination for the winter season.

8. South Africa

This is also the month when South Africa has its summer, thus making it one of the pleasant countries that attract wildlife enthusiasts during the month of January.

One can visit Kruger National Park for a safari experience or visit the vineyards in Stellenbosch at this time.

The beaches and Table Mountain here are the best combinations of adventure and relaxation in Cape Town.

9. Vietnam

Vietnam is among the best travel destination countries for January, with diversified lands and rich culture.

Conditions are cool and dry, perfect to visit a city in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City or even a beach town vacation in Phu Quoc.

You may also enjoy some cruise travelling on Halong Bay with its limestone karsts and calm waters.

10. Iceland

As much as one might imagine having the privilege of seeing the Northern Lights, going to Iceland is one of the world's top bucket list places for a January visit.

The landscape here includes icy plains of a glacial landscape, geothermal hot springs, and stunning waterfalls that make it an entirely magical winter wonderland.

Visiting here for January will not be complete without experiencing the Golden Circle, lapping in the Blue Lagoon, and hunting for the aurora borealis.

11. Brazil

Brazil is one of the best places to visit during January as it is at the peak of summer.

One can enjoy a lively beach scene in Rio de Janeiro or get wild with a wildlife adventure into the Amazon Rainforest.

This is the perfect weather to explore the great cultures, festivals, and natural wonders of Brazil.

12. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the finest eco-friendly destinations and a beautiful place to visit in January.

With dry and warm weather, it is ideal for exploring the country's parks, rainforests, and pristine beaches.

Costa Rica is a haven for surfers, hikers, and wildlife watchers owing to the limitless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

13. Switzerland

Switzerland is such a fantastic place to visit and enjoy winter sports.

One of the best countries to go to in January is Switzerland because here, one can undertake winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

Besides the ski resorts, the Swiss Alps are a breathtaking view.

Both Zurich and Lucerne would have a magical atmosphere in January with their respective winter markets, and Lake Geneva offers a peaceful retreat.

14. Morocco

Most countries have mild weather and fewer tourist crowds in January, and Morocco is no exception.

Cultural sightseeing by visiting old medinas in Marrakech and Fes, trekking to the Atlas Mountains, or sitting at the majesty of the Sahara Desert are some examples.

Markets, culture, and historical sites are all treasures in Morocco.

15. Egypt

Egypt is a very good destination for January as it has started cooling up and becomes tolerably inviting for seeing the historical landmarks like Pyramids of Giza and Luxor Temples.

A cruise up the Nile or a visit to the vibrant bazaars of Cairo can make for an exciting expedition.

Egypt is after all one of the most interesting destinations for history lovers who visit in January.

16. Argentina

Argentina is a haven for visitors to escape the cruel winter in January. Enjoy the unbeatable summer moments: Patagonia, wine yards, and vibrant Buenos Aires.

It's a great destination for all types of travellers, from amazing landscapes to a kaleidoscope of culture.

With many fantastic destinations yet to be discovered, January is a good time to kick off the new year with a really memorable adventure.

For a warm beach or snowy mountains, or for an experience steeped in culture, some of the best places to visit in January truly provide options for every kind of traveller.

Each of these destinations has a charm to it, allowing one to ensure that the memories crafted there will be memorable for a lifetime and with no fear of harsh weather or tons of other tourists.

Plan your next trip now, and Visa2fly will help you to make your journey smooth and hassle-free with our easy visa services.

Pack your bags and get ready to experience the best that these countries to visit in January have to offer!

16 Best Countries to Fresh Start Your New Year in January