Best Places to See in January Outside India

It’s January , and we just celebrated our New Year! The winter vibe is in full swing in India, but some foreign countries offer a lovely escape from your winter chills. There are the best countries to visit in January that have warm tropical climates, snow-kissed natural wonders, or bustling cultural festivities. Therefore, January is an ideal time to travel. The other advantages are fewer crowds, off-season discounts, and unique seasonal attractions.
If you’re planning an international vacation from India, January is an excellent time to explore some destinations with its unique winter experiences or sun-soaked retreats.
This article is a sorted list of the best places to see in January outside India. It includes highlights of the weather, must-visit attractions, and activities that make each destination special this time of year.

Best countries to visit in January

Here is the list of countries you can try visiting in January:

Australia

Sydney lies in the Southern Hemisphere of Australia . So, the famous city of Australia experiences summer in January. It makes a perfect place and time to escape the winter chills in India. The warm, pleasant weather and outdoor festivals create a beautiful and vibrant atmosphere. The weather is also perfect for exploring the city. It’s also the time when the famous Sydney Festival is held. The festival offers a lot of cultural performances and events for you to enjoy.

Weather in January
Sydney experiences warm, sunny weather in January. The temperatures range between 19°C to 26°C. The days are long and perfect for enjoying the beach sports, sightseeing, and outdoor activities. The pleasant climate makes it one of the top places to visit during January.

Top Tourist attractions in Sydney, Australia

• Sydney Opera House
• Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Bondi Beach

Things to do in Sydney

• Go for A harbour cruise
• Visit the Taronga Zoo
• Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Average Expenditure for 2-day trip
The average expenditure in Sydney should be approximately $200–$350 per person, including accommodation, meals, and activities for a 2-day trip.

Thailand

January is one of the best times to visit Bangkok due to its pleasant warm weather. The cooler and dry temperatures make it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. You can check out the historical temples, markets and the delicious cuisine. The city is busy and lively with cultural events and festive celebrations like the Chinese New Year during this peak tourist season. It is also a good time to enjoy various activities in January like boat trips in Chao Phraya River.

Weather in January
Bangkok in January has a cool and dry weather. The average temperatures range between 21°C to 32°C. The humidity is lower compared to other months, which makes it comfortable to explore the busy streets, markets, and other sites. There is minimal rainfall too, which allows you to sightsee comfortably.

Top Tourist attractions in Bangkok

• Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
• Wat Arun
• Chatuchak Market

Things to do in Bangkok

• Go for a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River.
• Explore the floating markets like Damnoen Saduak
• Enjoy the traditional Thai massages

Average expenditure for 2-day trip

The average expenditure in Bangkok should be approximately $150–$250 per person, including mid-range accommodation, food, and activities for a 2-day trip.

Seychelles

January is an excellent month to visit Seychelles because the weather is pleasant, and the islands are lush following the rains. You may visit the beaches, attractions, and restaurants without the typical crowds. The warm and sunny weather provides an ideal opportunity to experience the Seychelles’ natural beauty, which includes hiking routes, clean beaches, and rich marine life.

January is an excellent month for whale viewing in Seychelles, as humpback whales travel across the oceans. Take a boat cruise to see these amazing creatures.

Weather in January

Seychelles gets warm tropical weather in January. The temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C. The occasional rain showers keep the islands fresh.

Top Tourist attractions in Seychelles

• Anse Lazio
• Vallee de Mai
• La Digue Island

Things to do in Seychelles

• Snorkelling and scuba diving
• Sunset cruises
• Hiking on the nature trails

Average Expenditure for 2-day trip

The average expenditure in Seychelles should be approximately $400–$600 per person, including accommodation, meals, and activities for a 2-day trip.

European countries to visit in January

The following European countries are the best to holiday during January:

Netherlands

Amsterdam turns into a magical winter wonderland in January. The city has less tourist crowds during January. It is therefore a great time to explore the city’s beautiful canals, comfortable cafés, and historic streets. The highlight of January is the Amsterdam Light Festival, where various creative light installations light up the whole city, creating a memorable ambiance.

If you are an adventure, you should  enjoy ice skating at Museumplein. Don’t miss out on the warm, filling Dutch treats like oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) and stroop wafels. It’s a peaceful time to experience Amsterdam’s beauty without the tourist rush.

Weather in January

January is the coldest month in Amsterdam. The temperatures range between 0°C to 5°C. Although it is freezing outside, the cozy indoors of museums, cafés, and shops offer a respite. Don’t forget to wear warm clothes to enjoy lovely walks and outdoor activities. You might experience occasional snowfall, which adds a magical charm to the cityscape.

Top Tourist attractions in Amsterdam

•  Anne Frank House
• Van Gogh Museum
• Rijksmuseum

Things to do in Amsterdam

• A canal cruise to enjoy the light decorations during the Amsterdam Light Festival.
• Visit the Jordaan district to explore all its art galleries, boutiques, and cozy restaurants. 
• Enjoy the lively nightlife of Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.

Greenland

Ilulissat offers an out-of-the-world experience in January. It is situated on Greenland’s west coast. It is also known as the “Iceberg Capital of the World”. This town is a haven for adventure and nature lovers alike. The dark, winter skies are lit up by the beautiful northern lights.

Another lovely sight is that of the ice fjords, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You should not miss out on activities like Dog sledding and snowshoeing, as it is another unique way to explore this Arctic paradise.

Weather in January

Ilulissat is freezing in January. The temperatures range between -20°C to -10°C. Please dress in multiple thermal clothing, including windproof and waterproof outerwear, to fully enjoy the icy landscapes. It is a dry month, and you can expect mostly daylight throughout the month.

Top Tourist attractions in Ilulissat

• Ilulissat Icefjord
• Knud Rasmussen’s Birthplace
• Sermermiut Valley

Things to do in Ilulissat

• Witness the mesmerizing northern lights from the Ilulissat Icefjord.
• Enjoy Dog sledding in the Arctic wilderness.
• A boat tour to overview the tall icebergs and glacial beauty.

Malta

Malta becomes a Mediterranean heaven in January. It has a mild weather and a peaceful atmosphere in January. This off-season weather allows you to discover the island’s excellent architecture, medieval ruins, and lively culture without the hustling summer crowds. The Highlights of the city include the ancient streets of Valletta, the ancient city of Mdina, and the beautiful Blue Grotto. It’s also a great time to enjoy the famous warm Maltese soups and traditional pastries.

Weather in January

January in Malta is cool and pleasant. The temperatures range between 10°C to 15°C. Please pack light clothing. Malta also experiences good rainfall during January. Please bring a waterproof jacket for the occasional showers. You can expect 5 hours of sunshine. 

Top Tourist attractions in Malta

• Valletta 
• Mdina
• The Blue Grotto and its surrounding cliffs

Things to do in Malta

• Walk through Valletta’s ancient streets and visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
• Discover the ancient temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra.
• A boat trip to see the Blue Grotto’s crystal-clear waters.