The Best Countries To Visit In January

January is the month of resolutions, getting back to work, and, unfortunately for many, a bit of a slump — which is why planning a trip during this time is a great idea. We're all coming off the high of the holiday season and entering what can be a long, cold, and gray month in much of the world. What better way to kick the mid-winter blues than escaping to somewhere much more fun than the office or your apartment?

If you're looking to literally escape the grimness that can be many places in the first month of the year, consider one of the 11 countries below. We've chosen each as one of the best destinations to visit in January for specific reasons. Some are known for just doing winter better, with epic snowfalls perfect for winter sports and overall attitudes that will turn anyone into a cold-weather fan. Other places are the complete opposite, selected due to the absence of anything frost-adjacent, so head to these countries if you just want to skip freezing temps altogether. Finally, some countries made the list not due to climate-specific grounds but rather for the absence of crowds and lower prices, as January can be a fantastic off-season month in certain countries. No matter where you choose for your beginning-of-the-year escape, we're sure you'll have a great time in all of the countries that follow.

January might not be the most obvious time to visit Greece. The Mediterranean is warmer than the rest of Europe during this month, but the temperatures won't be hot enough to swim or sunbathe. However, it is a tremendous time of year to visit if you want to avoid crowds and what can be a high-cost Greek vacation. According to Statista, visitors to the country more than doubled between 2005 and 2019. Of course, the past few years saw a drastic decline, but 2022 showed levels near those pre-pandemic.

Most assume it's necessary to save for years and expect many others to be on holiday along with you, and these assumptions can be true if you visit during the peak months of June through August. Alternatively, data from CEIC shows tourist numbers in Greece begin to taper off in September and are at their lowest in winter, including January. Thus, this is the time to go if you want to enjoy popular destinations such as Santorini or the Acropolis without being elbow-to-elbow with other visitors. As for cost, that's another benefit of visiting in the off-season, as airfare and hotels will be cheap after the winter holidays. A roundtrip flight from JFK to Athens costs $865 in August versus $488 for the same route in January. Similarly, accommodation costs drop in January, with hotels and apartments costing nearly double in the summer versus wintertime.

Most travelers to the Emerald Isle understandably visit in the summer in search of nicer weather in a country famous for rain. However, before you jet off in the peak seasons, consider that there isn't really a proper summer here. Temperatures in the country only average in the high 50s to low 60s degrees Fahrenheit – not exactly bikini weather. Additionally, while June is considered the driest month, rainfall is common most of the year. So before you turn your nose up at a winter trip to Ireland, remember the climate and the fact that this month comes with perks — like smaller crowds.

In between the December holidays and February school breaks, January sees the least amount of tourists, so if you're hoping to catch the Cliffs of Moher or drive the Ring of Kerry in the most pleasant of circumstances, this is the month to go! Additionally, it is a more affordable time to visit as flights from the U.S. are cheapest in November, January, and February. As is accommodation, although if you prioritize B&Bs and avoid hotels, that can also help. And the temps typically stay around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, just with more rain, but honestly, that's more of an authentic Irish trip than sunny skies the whole time!

Winter isn't the standard season to visit Nepal, but it brings clear blue skies, many sunny days, and fewer crowds, a fabulous recipe for avid hikers to have the most pleasant experience. However, if you're a novice or not very experienced in the mountains, winter isn't the best time to visit. For those confident hitting the trails amid heavy snow, keep treks shorter and at lower elevations. You'll still reap the benefits of cool and clear skies as the visibility will be much better than at other times of the year.

Additionally, while there is quite a lot of snow up in the peaks, it isn't actually that cold when you aren't at higher elevations. Even in January, parts of the country can see highs around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. And, for those interested, there are two major festivals around the country during the month. The Tharu community celebrates Maghe Sankranti, marking the end of the winter solstice with numerous sweet treats as well as parades and decorations all over towns. Lhosar is a fete for the Tibetan community in Nepal, beginning in January and running through February, to purify and renew for the upcoming year.

Maybe you don't ski, or you've had enough of frigid temps and putting on a minimum of three layers before leaving the house. January is a rough month to feel motivated to get out of bed, let alone voluntarily go outside into peak (ahem, well, really low) winter temps. A trip to Mexico could be just what you are after! January is the perfect time to head south of the border as the rainstorms of monsoon season have long gone, and clear skies and beaches await you. Sure, it's one of the "cooler" times to visit the country, but with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on where you visit), it will still beat defrosting your car every morning.

Additionally, it's also less busy than December and February, with fewer people to contend with for a spot on the beach or space on tours. And since you aren't fighting rain all the time, hiking, surfing, and any other activity will be much more enjoyable. Additionally, January is a great time to visit popular places in the country, such as Cancun, Tulum, Los Cabos, and Mexico City, due to lower visitor numbers.

January is peak summer in South Africa, which means high temps and crowds, but the country truly comes to life during the season and makes all of that more than worth it. The trifecta of a South African summer are beach days, road trips, and wine tasting, and this is the prime time to do all three. The country's now Insta-famous beaches may be busy during this time, but that translates to most amenities being available for travelers. It's also a great time to go on a famous road trip like the Eastern Cape or the Garden Route. Summer weather means no rain, flooding, or storms to contend with along the coast. Don't miss a detour into the internationally renowned wine country, as long sunny days call for tasting with vineyard views.

Keep in mind that South Africa's fascinating safaris can be a bit challenging during this period as the animals aren't congregating around water sources. While the verdant vegetation makes for a breathtaking backdrop, it is quite thick and can make visibility poor for spotting game. However, it's the time of the year with the most baby animals out and about, which is always a fun thing to spot. Finally, January is also a big month for festivals in South Africa. Check out Kaapse Klopse and the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival, as well as numerous outdoor concerts.