Where to travel in January 2025?

While January doesn’t usually immediately come to mind as one of the top months for going on holiday, it comes with its own advantages for travelling. It’s the tourism low season at many major destinations around the world, allowing you to visit major landmarks more easily, and, if you are experiencing a harsh winter, travelling in January gives you the chance to escape somewhere sunnier.

With that in mind, we have gathered some of our favorite choices for where to travel in January. This is one of our monthly guides featuring our favorite destinations for each month of the year along with the main attractions available at each one of them. Feel free to check out any of our guides when planning different holidays—NH Hotels is always here to help.

So, here’s our list of the best places to travel in January: from major European capitals to warm cities in South America as well as snowy destinations to enjoy winter sports, we are sure we have something on our list to suit your personality. It’s not a question of whether or not to travel in January but of which of the many amazing destinations available will you choose.

Andorra

Andorra is a winter wonderland that should not be missed. The snow-capped peaks and crisp mountain air provide the perfect backdrop for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. The world-renowned ski areas of Granvalira and Vallnord are easily accessible and offer a range of slopes to suit all skill levels.

Our hotels NH Andorra La Vella and the NH Collection Andorra Palomé stand out for their prime locations and top-notch amenities. The NH Andorra La Vella, situated in the heart of the city, offers easy access to the shops, restaurants, and the lively nightlife area. On the other hand, the NH Collection Andorra Palomé, nestled high in the mountains, offers a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views of Vallnord. Booking your stay at either of these hotels and get ready to carve some fresh tracks in the snow!

Berlin

While the weather can be cold (average daily high of 3ºC), January is a great time to travel to Berlin and visit the city’s many fantastic museums, restaurants, and architectural landmarks outside of the high tourism season. Take in some of the rich culture of Berlin with a trip to Museum Island, an impressive museum site that includes the Altes Museum and the Neues Museum with its impressive collection of ancient art.

You can also take advantage of the fewer crowds present throughout the month and go sightseeing through the city’s marvellous landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, and the Bebelplatz public square. If Berlin sounds like your idea of a city where to travel, check out our hotels in Berlin at convenient central locations.

Geneva

The second largest city in Switzerland, Geneva is a beautiful destination (it features stunning views of the Alps mountain range) and it is filled with culture. Not only does it host the United Nations European headquarters, but it also has an amazing historical center with landmarks like the Reformation Wall and plenty of interesting museums like the Rath Museum, the Ariana Museum and the House of Rousseau and Literature.

January brings about average daily high and low temperatures of 5ºC and 1ºC along with a fair share of snow in Geneva, making it a great place where to travel in January for winter sports enthusiasts. Travelling to Geneva will leave you close to destinations for winter sports like skiing and ice skating, for beginners and pros alike.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is an incredibly lively city with something to offer to a wide range of visitors. From iconic sights like the Amsterdam Canal (for which tours are available) to unique museums like the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House along with other leisure options including the ARTIS Royal Zoo, there’s always a fun activity available in Amsterdam.

January (with average daily high and low temperatures of 6ºC and 1ºC) comes with its own unique set of events. If you’re in Amsterdam to begin the year you can witness the New Year’s Dive where locals and tourists alike go on swims along with other unique New Year’s celebrations. National Tulip Day, where Dam Square turns into a large tulip garden to celebrate the coming of tulip season, happens on the third Saturday of January. If you´d like to enjoy all that the city has to offer, check out our many hotels in Amsterdam.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of most important cities in the Netherlands and travelling there will leave you impressed by its many architectural landmarks. We recommend sightseeing through iconic sights like its Cube Houses, the Erasmus Bridge, and the Rotterdam Centraal Station.

The average daily high and low temperatures in January are of 7ºC and 2ºC. However, it offers a great opportunity to enjoy indoor attractions like the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen (exhibiting one of the most important art collections in Europe) or the Markthal, a large indoor market hall with a unique design.

Brussels

Brussels is a magical city where to travel in January, regardless of the season. It features beautiful landmarks ranging from the Grand Place central square to the stunning Atomium Building and attractions like the Tintin Museum (the character first appeared in a Brussels newspaper) and the Brussels City Museum.

January in Belgium features average daily high and low temperatures of 6ºC and 1ºC along with special events and festivities. Through the first week of January, you can still visit the city’s famous Christmas Markets, filled with local holiday dishes and celebrations. For music lovers, the Brussels Jazz Festival takes place every January and usually features an all-star line-up.

Milan

Milan is an incredible destination with some of the most sought-after attractions in all of Europe. Travel in January, when the crowds are fewer, for easier access to popular points of interest such as the Basilica of Santa Maria de Gracia (which is home to one of the most famous works of art in existence in The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci) and the Sforzesco Castle. Milan is also one of the fashion capitals of the world and a great place to go shopping at any time of the year.

The January weather in Milan comes with average daily high and low temperatures of 7ºC and 2ºC and you might be lucky enough to enjoy a snowy day during your stay, enabling you to enjoy the beauty of the snow falling on the Milan canals. Hole up at one of the many great cafés in Milan, like those around the Duomo Square, where you can enjoy traditional Italian pastries and hot chocolate.

Frankfurt

Located in the heart of Germany, Frankfurt is a deeply historical city with a lot of charm. It features one of the largest varieties of museums in Europe, with options like the German Architecture Museum, the German Film Museum, and the Caricatura Museum of Comic Art. It also has many beautiful architectural landmarks like the Römer city hall and the Frankfurt Cathedral.

The weather in Frankfurt during January presents average daily high and low temperatures of 5ºC and 0ºC, appropriate to enjoy the traditional apple wine (or hard cider) along with other warming local foods like frankfurter würstchen and a variety of sausages.

Madrid

The capital of Spain is famous around the world for its impressive culinary offer and its many amazing museums. Visit in January when the temperatures (average daily high and low temperatures of 10ºC and 3ºC) are warmer than in other major European destinations, you are unlikely to experience any snow, and the touristic crowds are at a low. Check out our hotels in Madrid to stay at convenient locations around the city.

The fewer crowds in January make it an ideal month to visit some of the most famous museums and attractions in Madrid, which include the Museo del Prado, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and all the theatres, stores, and restaurants along the bustling Gran Vía.

Mexico City

Mexico City is one of our favorite places where to travel in January because it features pleasant weather (the average daily high temperature is of 22ºC) and special events that offer a unique glimpse at Mexican culture. The King’s Day, traditionally the date when children used to get their presents, is celebrated on January 6th and is one of the most significant events throughout the country.

Mexico City also features many incredible attractions like the Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor, the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, museums like the Dolores Olmedo Museum and the National Anthropology Museum, and several national parks to explore the city’s nature and wildlife.

Bogota

Bogotá is another great destination if you are looking for an escape from cold winter temperatures: the pleasant January weather in Bogotá features an average daily high temperature of 20ºC. Also, if you visit during the early parts of the month, you´ll get to witness the beautiful holiday lights that decorate the 3,000-meter-tall Mount Monserrate during the holiday season.

January is also a great time to enjoy all the attractions available in Bogotá, which include the La Candelaria historic center, interesting museums like the Botero Museum, and beautiful parks like the Metropolitan Simón Bolívar.

Cali

Cali offers amazing weather throughout the month of January with average daily high and low temperatures of 30ºC and 18ºC along with plenty of sunshine. You’ll also have plenty of natural sights to enjoy: walk by the Cali River or the Cauca River and visit the nearby Farrallones de Cali Natural Park.

Also, if you visit Cali, indulging in the delicious local cuisine is a must. Local staples include sancocho de gallina (a traditional stew), arroz atollado (a rice dish with pork, chicken, and vegetables), and sweets like cholado (fresh fruit covered in sweetened condensed milk).

New York

One of the best destinations where to travel in January (or, really, any time of year) is, without a doubt, New York City. The Big Apple has an enormous amount of touristic attractions that you can enjoy. We suggest taking advantage of the January winter weather (average daily high temperature of 4ºC), to go ice skating at rinks like those located at the Rockefeller Center and Central Park.

Can’t-miss landmarks include Time Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, Fifth Avenue, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and the city’s many museums, like the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Vienna

The capital of Austria offers many different attractions to enjoy the city during January. Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and it counts with a rich historical heritage. Despite the low temperatures throughout January (with an average daily high temperature of 4ºC), the fewer crowds mean you’ll enjoy privileged access to the city’s fascinating landmarks and museums.

Some of the must-see places in Vienna include the Schönbrunn Palace, the Naschmarkt (one of the city’s oldest and most famous markets), the Hofburg Palace, the Sigmund Freud Museum, the Beethoven Museum, and the Vienna State Opera.

Three reasons to travel in January

1) It’s tourism low season at many destinations in Europe and in America, including Mexico City, Madrid, and Milan. This means is one of the best times of the year to conveniently access the museums and many attractions in these cities.

2) Winter sports! The snow and weather at destinations like Geneva make it prime season for winter sports including skiing and ice skating.

3) Escape the cold. If your hometown is experiencing freezing winter temperatures, why not escape to a warmer destination in countries like Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina?

Where to travel in January as a couple?

Berlin is one of the best places to visit in January to enjoy romantic, intimate dinners with your partner. World-famous classy restaurants and bars to enjoy a romantic evening include Neue Odessa and Café Mano, which offers many in-house cocktails and fine wines.

Milan is also a great destination to visit as a couple. Get lost together among the beautiful historical buildings, enjoy the incredible dining options, or go shopping with your partner (the Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II is the oldest shopping mall in the world and is housed in a stunning building.)

What are the best places to go in January with kids?

Mexico City is one of the best places to travel in January with kids. Not only does it offer pleasantly mild weather, but the city also has plenty of family-friendly leisure options. The ancient ruins and museums like the National Museum of Anthropology are great to visit with the entire family as are the national parks, which include Cumbres del Ajusco and Nevado de Toluca.

Cali is another great place where to travel in January with kids, particularly if they are nature lovers: you’ll enjoy amazing warm and sunny weather plus beautiful natural sights in Cali’s rivers and the nearby Farrallones Natural Park.

You may also be interested in the following destinations:

• Best places to visit in February
• Best places to visit in March
• Best places to vitit in April
• Best places to visit in May
• Hotels for your Winter Holidays