Looking for the best places to travel in January 2027? From snow-covered trails in the Dolomites to tropical escapes in Thailand, Hawaii, the Galápagos and New Zealand, these five destinations offer unforgettable ways to start the year.
Each January brings a familiar mix of feelings: relief that the holidays are behind us, a little exhaustion from the season’s whirlwind and fresh motivation to start the year strong. It’s also when we begin looking ahead, imagining the grand experiences we want to make room for in the months to come.
With crowds fading and winter settling across much of North America, January is an ideal time to get away. Whether you’re seeking sunshine on a tropical isle, scenic snowy trails in the mountains or an amazing life-affirming adventure in nature, these five destinations offer inspiring ways to kick off 2027—and set the tone for a year of meaningful travel.
Where to Go in January
January travel welcomes the new year with fresh perspectives and plenty of active adventure. Here are some of our January favorites.
The Italian Dolomites
How’s the weather? January is the coldest month of the year, which creates and maintains optimal snowy conditions. The town of Ortisei (elevation 4,055 feet) sees an average high of 30 degrees Fahrenheit, a low of 14 degrees and 12 snowy days.
Highlights: This UNESCO-listed area is truly a winter wonderland in January, when snowshoeing is at its best. Make tracks on single-file trails that wend across pristine, sparkling snowfields, casting your eyes up to the iconic spiky limestone peaks, which glow a soft pink at dawn and dusk. Then trade the quiet woods for the aromatic scent of a hay or Alpine-herb sauna before the evening passeggiata (stroll) in a charming mountain town lined with stone chalet-like structures. For dinner, pop into a cozy, wood-paneled restaurant serving hearty, Tyrolean fare like bubbling cheesy polenta or canederli (dumplings), finishing your meal with a glass of locally produced grappa. And then, relaxed, full and toasty, head back to your duvet-topped bed. Another spectacular high-country route and gondola ride to still more unbelievable Alpine panoramas of hard rock and soft snow await.
Trip Talk: “Experiencing Val Gardena in the heart of winter was truly magical—snow-covered peaks rising all around us, crisp air, and the quiet beauty that only the mountains can offer,” said Keaton.
Thailand
How’s the weather? January falls squarely into Thailand’s dry season. The northernmost city of Chiang Rai only experiences two days of rain on average and enjoys highs and lows of 84 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. On the large southern island of Phuket, it’s a little wetter, with an average of six days of rain and high and low temperatures of 86 and 79 degrees.
Highlights: A combination mountain-and-sea vacation in Thailand shows off the diverse natural beauty and cultures of this popular Asian destination. In January you can comfortably hike or bike the misty highlands, past emerald tea plantations, unique hill-tribe villages and gilded wats (temples), and wander a lantern-lit night market in search of an aromatic curry dinner. On hikes, keep your eyes out for macaques and great hornbills. Then fly south to the islands of the Andaman Sea and spend time swimming in blue-green waters, boating or kayaking around the towering limestone pillars of Phang Nga Bay and snorkeling just off white-sand beaches in calm waters.
Trip Talk: “I am blown away by how many varied, rich experiences we had—biking through a range of beautiful scenery, eating everything from street food to elegant meals, learning how to cook pad Thai, jumping off a yacht and swimming, kayaking in the Phang Nga Bay, morning yoga on the beach, purchasing food and giving alms to the monks... a terrific itinerary,” said Hali.
The Galápagos Islands
How’s the weather? Most January days in the Galápagos are sunny, with average highs in the mid 80s, lows in the low 70s and the occasional short-lived tropical shower. Seas are moderate to calm and surface water temperatures vary but tend to be warmest around Darwin Island—about 77 degrees—this month.
Highlights: One of the most remarkable destinations for wildlife encounters on earth, the Galápagos are worth the journey in January. Looking to be there with fewer crowds? Visit the last two weeks. Hike the craggy lava-sculpted coastlines on Española Island in search of marine iguanas, which can grow up to four feet long, basking on the rocks; mating season begins this month, and you can easily pick out courting males—their normally gray skin has turned vivid red and green. On San Cristóbal and Santa Fe, sea lions frolic in the shallows and sometimes approach snorkelers with curiosity. Giant tortoises can be seen lumbering down from the lush highlands of Santa Cruz looking for a partner, and green sea turtles nest in the sand at night. Birders will have their fill of fascinating sights, from red- and blue-footed boobies and flamingos to frigatebirds (inflating their throat pouches to woo a mate) and Darwin’s finches. And divers have opportunities to witness eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks and fish found nowhere else, including the Galápagos sailfin grouper. In this archipelago, never a day goes by without an amazing animal encounter.
Trip Talk: “An overall amazing combination of luxury and adventure,” wrote Jill, who visited in January. “It is absolutely the best way to view and experience birds, reptiles, marine life and sea lions.”
Choose from Three Galápagos Adventures
Hawaii
How’s the weather? Although temperatures vary from island to island, this month the Big Island is warmest, with highs of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of about 70 (with more comfortable temps on western Kona), followed by Oahu. Surface ocean temperatures for both islands is about 76 degrees.
Highlights: America’s paradise is the sunny escape mainlanders are looking for come January, when brief rain showers end in rainbows and the hillsides are electric green. If you’re here to snorkel, head to the sheltered western side of the Big Island, where clear visibility yields sightings of turtles, octopuses and humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, (the state fish). Whale-watching is a highly anticipated highlight of any January visit: thousands of humpbacks gather off the Kona and Kohala coasts, mothers can be spotted with their calves and breaching is common. For another unique adventure off Kona, muster your courage to head out after dark for the manta ray night snorkel, watching in awe as these gentle giants glide magically beneath you. Inland, the Big Island’s dozen different ecosystems mean you can wander to waterfalls—especially thunderous on the wetter east side this month—sunbathe on black- or green-sand beaches, discover the wonders of a lava tube and drive to the Mauna Loa Visitor Information Station, located at 9,200 feet, for stellar stargazing.
Trip Talk: “From the private cave tour through a lava tube, the stunning rides through the rain forest and steaming volcano vents, to the snorkeling with turtles and octopi, this trip had the sights. Our knowledgeable guides also brought into focus important history,” said Mary Ellen. “We'll never again think of Hawai'i as just a beach vacation with pineapple drinks!”
New Zealand
How’s the weather? January is midsummer in New Zealand. On the North Island, the average high is 75 degrees Fahrenheit, while the South Island is cooler, with average highs between 65 and 72 degrees, depending on location. The Northland region, Doubtless Bay and the Bay of Islands report water temperatures of up to 75 degrees.
Highlights: Budget at least a week of travel to experience the multitude of landscapes across the remarkably varied Kiwi kingdom. On the North Island, trek the volcanic terrain of Tongariro National Park, kayak to hidden coves along the Coromandel Peninsula or cruise the Bay of Islands in search of bottlenose dolphins and, offshore, orcas. Love to bird-watch? Native species such as the tūī and the kiwi are frequently sighted on Rotorua and Kapiti Island, respectively. The South Island is also a stunner, home to the Southern Alps, with numerous 10,000-foot-plus peaks, and Fiordland National Park, one of the largest tracts of protected wilds in the Southern Hemisphere, with waterfalls, rainforests and three Great Walks (get a taste of all three on our new Fiordland Hiking & Walking Tour). Thanks to 15 hours of sunlight in January, you can fit all kinds of exploration and activities into each day and take advantage of the mild climate, not to mention outdoor concerts and markets.
Trip Talk: “I am certain I have never said ‘Wow!’ as frequently and enthusiastically as I did on this trip. I cannot imagine a better way to experience the South Island. Each day felt like an incredible privilege to see the expansive views. And off-the-beaten-path rides/hikes/lodges make the trip feel even more special,” said Colleen.
Tasha Zemke is a marketing writer and editor for Backroads. While she prefers warm-weather vacations in winter, one of her all-time favorite trips was to the Italian Alps for the New Year, where she was utterly charmed by the near constant snowfall, massive mountains, rich and creamy cuisine and locals’ love of outdoor recreation.
