10 Best International Places To Visit In January 2026

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Sydney, Australia

Sydney's summer in January makes it ideal for beach days, harbour sails and other outdoor activities. Warm nights make for warm strolls following sun-soaked evenings.

View of Sydney Opera House with surrounding building in a sunny morning | Shutterstock

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland receives mild summer in January and remains ideal for island-hopping. Its harbours, vineyard and coastal trails make for languorous outdoor exploration.

A view of the Auckland cityscape | Shutterstock

Kyoto, Japan

With mild winter light giving temples a soft glow, January in Japan is when the crowds thin out and seasonal cultural centres around gardens and tea houses are best toured.

A shot from Kyoto | Unsplash

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland's capital gives travellers a prime northern light view, geothermal pools and dramatic winter landscape in January, appealing equally to adventure lovers and Arctic enthusiasts.

Reykjavik, capital city of Iceland | Shutterstock

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a summer town in January. It's all about beaches, wine tours, Table Mountain hikes, making it an ideal destination to escape the frost.

An aerial view of Cape Town | Unsplash

Lisbon, Portugal

Mild winter dominates Lisbon in January. Riverfront streets and budget-friendly city sights make it a gentle January European getaway with fewer crowds.

A historical tram in Lisbon, Portugal | Unsplash

Phuket, Thailand

Dry season and sunny skies dominate Thailand in January. Explore Phuket's beaches, offbeat quaint towns and family-friendly attractions dotting the country.

A shot of Old Town Phuket | mohammed_arafath/instagram

Dubai, UAE

Relatively bearable temperatures prevail in Dubai in January. You can go for desert safaris, indulge in New Year festivities or go on city trails exploring futuristic attractions.

Museum of the Future in Dubai | Shutterstock

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Summer warmth, tango culture and open-air cafes turn Buenos Aires a captivating city in January. You can also head out for coastal trips and beachside fun.

A cityscape of Buenos Aires | Shutterstock

Miami, USA

January brings warm breezes, Art Deco charm and beachside festivals, making Miami a lively winter escape for sun and culture seekers.

A view of Miami, Florida | Pixabay

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Sun-kissed Barbados | Unsplash
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