Best Places To Visit Early 2026: Top Picks For January–March Travel

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Tokyo, Japan

Early March brings the first cherry-blossom hints and cooler, uncrowded streets. Ideal for quieter hanami strolls, cultural festivals, and urban exploration before peak spring tourism arrives.

The Senso-Ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo | Shutterstock

Amsterdam, Netherlands

January–March offers uncrowded canals, lower prices and early spring bulbs. City gardens and nearby Keukenhof fields begin to show tulip colour by March — perfect for calm sightseeing.

A view of canal with boat passing under bridge and old houses, Amsterdam | Shutterstock

Vienna, Austria

Winter calm makes Vienna’s coffee houses, palaces and museums especially inviting. Fewer crowds, crisp air and cultural events create a cosy, contemplative city experience in Q1.

A street in Vienna | Pixabay

Prague, Czech Republic

January–March brings lower prices and more local life. Historic lanes, castle views and quiet museums are ideal for those who prefer atmosphere over peak-season crowds.

Christmas time in Prague | Unsplash

Seoul, South Korea

Late March ushers in cherry blossoms across parks and palace courtyards. The blend of modern cityscapes and bloom-filled public spaces makes Seoul photogenic and lively.

A street in Seoul | southkorea.explores/instagram

Marrakech, Morocco

January delivers mild sunshine and comfortable sightseeing weather. Gardens, souks and historic palaces are more pleasant to explore when crowds thin and temperatures are gentle.

Market in Alleyway with red walls in Marrakech Medina souks | Shutterstock

Sydney, Australia

Southern-hemisphere summer peaks in January; beaches, festivals and outdoor culture shine. January events and long daylight hours make Sydney vibrant and activity-packed.

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

Buenos Aires, Argentina

January is high season with summertime energy, festivals and open-air cultural life. It’s a vivid time for tango, theatre and lively neighbourhood exploration.

A street view of Buenos Aires | Shutterstock

Cape Town, South Africa

January–March is summer: clear skies, warm seas and outdoor vineyards. Coastal hikes, Table Mountain and beach days are at their best during this period.

An aerial view of Cape Town | Unsplash

Kyoto, Japan

Late March offers a quieter cherry-blossom window compared with peak weeks; temples, gardens and traditional streets present poetic spring scenes with fewer tourists.

Philosopher's Path, Kyoto | Shutterstock

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A snow-clad house in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir | mahmood.a.shah.5/Instagram
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