January is the most atmospheric, rewarding month for winter travel. Holiday crowds thin out, snow capitals become fully frozen, and a number of places come alive with special cultural events, crisp weather and peaceful scenery. Whether you are dreaming of snow-covered mountains, world-famous cities transformed by winter magic, or isolated icy wildernesses that transport you to another world, January is rich with places to visit.
January travel in January is an equally cozy, adventurous and restorative experience, from classic European ski villages to dramatic icy fjords in the Arctic Circle. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit in January, the reasons they are so special in this season, what to expect, and how to make the most of your trip.
Why Is January a Great Month for Winter Travel?
January is a fantastic month to visit winter destinations for the following reasons:
The crowds are smaller.
By the first week of January, peak holiday travel is long gone. Many cities, resorts and attractions become quieter, allowing visitors to easily enjoy sightseeing, skiing and winter activities with shorter wait times and fewer crowds.
Prices are cheaper.
Flight and hotel prices drop substantially after the holidays in many destinations. Ski resorts tend to still be more expensive in January, but city breaks, countryside getaways and escapes to the North become more affordable than December.
Seasonal identity is clear.
January has a strong and reliable winter identity in all regions where winter weather is expected. Snow levels tend to be high in cold-climate destinations, and festival and event calendars tend to be jam-packed with winter celebrations.
Natural wonders and unique events.
January is one of the peak months for viewing the Northern Lights, watching polar wildlife and exploring Arctic and subarctic destinations. January is also a strong month for unique winter-only activities, such as dog sledding, glacier trekking, ice hotel and castle stays, ice skating, and bathing in natural hot springs among snowy scenery.
Top 10 Winter Destinations to Visit in January
1. Lapland, Finland: The Archetypal Arctic Wonderland
Few places transport you into the heart of an Arctic winter like Lapland. Snow blankets the ground, a blue twilight fills the sky and this northern part of Finland has a magical winter charm.
Reasons to Visit in January
January is smack in the middle of the polar winter in Lapland. Nights are long and dark, and perfect for chasing the Northern Lights. Snow conditions are superb, and the area’s cozy glass igloos and wooden cabins become even more enchanting against a stark icy background.
Best Things to Do
Sleep in a glass igloo and gaze at the Northern Lights from your bed.
Try husky sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, or snowmobiling.
Visit Santa’s home at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
Spend the night in an ice hotel or snow castle.
Explore national parks on snowshoes or skis.
Lapland is a great place for families, couples and anyone seeking an off-the-grid, bucket-list winter destination.
2. The Swiss Alps: Classic European Ski & Snow Village Experience
Sophisticated, scenic, and superbly organized, the Swiss Alps are home to some of the best winter landscapes in Europe. January is the high point of ski season, but outside of New Year’s week the resort towns become less crowded and more relaxed.
Reasons to Visit in January
Snow is deep, temperatures are cool, and slopes are in excellent condition. The region’s villages glow with winter lights, mountain views take on a surreal quality under fresh snow, and signature trains like the Glacier Express run in full steam.
Best Places to Go
Zermatt for iconic views of the Matterhorn
St. Moritz for the ultimate luxury winter experience
Grindelwald for a traditional Swiss village feel
Davos for winter festivals and long ski runs
Activities to Try
Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, winter hiking, spa retreats, fondue dinners, and scenic train rides are all highlights.
3. Iceland: Volcanic Fire Meets Arctic Ice
The wild, mysterious beauty of Iceland in January is unforgettable. The drama of the volcanic land colliding with the ice is a feast for the eyes.
Reasons to Visit in January
Long nights mean increased Northern Lights visibility, and the tours are fully operational. Flights and accommodation rates tend to be much cheaper than in Iceland’s busy summer season.
Activities to Try
Explore glacier ice caves
Soak in geothermal hot springs like Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
Photograph frozen waterfalls like Gullfoss or Skógafoss
Join a Northern Lights tour outside Reykjavik
Drive Iceland’s Golden Circle while the area is blanketed in snow
Iceland is ideal for adventurous types who are after dramatic, awe-inspiring winter beauty.
4. Banff and Lake Louise, Canada: Iconic Winter Wilderness
In January, the Canadian Rockies become an iconic winter paradise. Snowfall blankets evergreen forests and sharp mountain peaks. Lakes freeze into glassy ice plains, and the region’s star attractions take on a fresh look under the clear blue skies.
Reasons to Visit in January
Crowds are thinner than in December, and temperatures provide consistently snowy landscapes. It’s also the prime time to go skiing or snowboarding and take photos.
Top Highlights
Ice skating on Lake Louise
Skiing and snowboarding at Banff Sunshine or Lake Louise Ski Resort
Ice walks at Johnston Canyon
Hot springs soaks at Banff Upper Hot Springs
Winter wildlife spotting, including elk, bighorn sheep, and other wild animals
Nature lovers and active travelers will feel at home here.
5. Tromsø, Norway: The Northern Lights Capital of the Arctic
Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. In January, the city and surrounding region are in the heart of the polar night, which provides a mysterious blue light that reflects over the landscape.
Reasons to Visit in January
Cold weather stabilizes, long nights are the longest, and there are fewer tourists. Winter festivals and Arctic cultural activities add excitement to the city.
Top Activities
Northern Lights boat or minibus tours
Whale watching in January
Reindeer feeding and Sami cultural experiences
Fjord cruises to see winter landscapes
Dog sledding in snow-covered countryside
City comforts and Arctic adventure combine in Tromsø.
6. Japan’s Hokkaido Island: Powder Snow, Hot Springs, Winter Festivals
Japan’s northern island Hokkaido is one of the best places to visit for soft powder snow. It draws skiers and snowboarding fans from all over the world.
Reasons to Visit in January
January is prime time for the best quality snow, and avoids some of Hokkaido’s heavy festival crowds of February and March. Flights and hotels are generally cheaper in the winter than in summer.
Activities to Do
Visit ski resorts like Niseko and Furano for powder
Take in onsens (hot springs) with mountains covered in snow
Explore Sapporo’s restaurants and food scene
See Hokkaido wildlife like red-crowned cranes
Visit Otaru’s historic canal area lit with winter lights
Snowy adventure meets Japanese culture and cuisine in Hokkaido.
7. The Dolomites, Italy: Alpine Splendor with Italian Flavor
If you are after winter scenery with excellent food, stylish mountain lodges, and quieter slopes than the Alps’ most popular regions, the Dolomites in northern Italy are a top destination.
Reasons to Visit in January
The ski season is in full swing, and visibility is often excellent. Prices drop after New Year’s, and crowds are thinner than summer.
Best Experiences
Ski Sella Ronda circuit
Stay in cozy rifugios (mountain huts)
Explore winter hiking trails
Enjoy Ladin cuisine and Italian mountain food
Capture dramatic sunrise photos on pink-tinged mountain peaks
Adventure and culture mix perfectly in the Dolomites.
8. Quebec City, Canada: Enchanting Winter City
Dreaming of charming streets, historic architecture, and European-style winter magic without having to take a transatlantic flight? Quebec City has what you need.
Reasons to Visit in January
Snow transforms the old city into a living postcard. Winter festivals start in late January and early February, but there are still plenty of comfortable spots to visit and short lines at attractions.
Top Experiences
Wander through Old Quebec City under twinkling winter lights
Visit Ice Hotel (Hôtel de Glace)
Ice skating at Place D’Youville
Go toboggan riding on Dufferin Terrace
Sample French-Canadian comfort foods like tourtière and maple goodies
Quebec City is ideal for couples, culture seekers and winter romantics.
9. Austria: Timeless Winter Glam
our in Alpine Cities and Villages
Austria is a mix of alpine landscapes and classical European culture. If you want both mountain adventure and elegant city experiences, Austria in January is a great place to travel.
Where to Go
Vienna for museums, palaces and winter concerts
Salzburg for baroque charm and mountain views
Innsbruck for a mix of city life and ski areas
Alpine villages like Kitzbühel for skiing
Reasons to Visit in January
Tourists thin out, and snow conditions are also excellent in mountain regions. Vienna’s winter season offers a sophisticated blend of indoor cultural attractions.
10. The Scottish Highlands: Rugged Beauty in Midwinter
Have you been dreaming about jagged mountain peaks, cozy pubs, misty lochs, and snowy mountains? If so, the Scottish Highlands provide a unique midwinter escape.
Reasons to Visit in January
The Highlands is the quietest month of the year, so the rugged scenery feels even more atmospheric and dramatic. It is a great time to explore the area via a road trip and taste whisky.
Activities to Try
Explore the snowy valleys of Glencoe
Drive the North Coast 500
Visit winter waterfalls and dramatic landscapes on Isle of Skye
Enjoy cozy nights in traditional inns
Experience Hogmanay that lingers into early January
Short daylight hours, but an unforgettable mood and scenery.
Planning Tips for January Winter Travel
Traveling in winter destinations in January is more satisfying and safer when it is well-planned. Check these tips:
1. Bring winter cold-weather gear
Essentials include:
Waterproof and windproof outer layer
Insulated boots
Thermal base layers
Wool sweaters and coats
Warm gloves, hats and scarves
Moisturizing skincare products and lip balm for dry winter air
2. Prepare for weather-related travel delays
January weather may affect your travel plans in northern destinations. Build in some flexibility to your schedule.
3. Book Northern Lights tours in advance
If viewing the aurora is a priority, book your tours or accommodations early in Lapland, Tromsø, Iceland and other destinations.
4. Check daylight hours
Daylight is very limited in Arctic destinations in January. Plan your activities accordingly, especially if you are interested in photography.
5. Get travel insurance
Pick a policy that covers weather delays, winter sports, and trip cancellations.
Who Should Visit Winter Destinations in January?
Winter travel is a wonderful experience for the following types of travelers:
Adventure lovers seeking skiing, snowboarding, glacier trekking or polar wildlife adventures
Romantic travelers enjoying snowy villages, cozy cabins, and firelit nights
Budget travelers seeking off-season savings in major cities and flight deals
Families who love winter activities like dog sledding, skating and sleigh rides
Photographers in search of crisp winter light, snow-covered landscapes and aurora magic
Final Words on Traveling to Winter Destinations in January
January is a month when winter destinations are at their very best. Untouched snow, crisp winter landscapes, clear blue skies, warm indoor culture and experiences that you cannot get in other seasons make January the finest month for winter travel.
If you picture yourself under the aurora in a snow-covered forest, skiing down powder-filled slopes, soaking in hot springs, or wandering historic European cities under a blanket of snow, January is your chance to make that dream come true.
Find your own perfect winter spot, make the right preparations for the season, and let winter inspire you in the New Year.
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