The Best Vacation Destinations for January

There are plenty of warm-weather destinations that are great for a January escape, but Hawaii has one particular and significant draw during this month: it’s peak whale watching season. Hang out at Poipu Beach for a glimpse of North Pacific humpback whales as they rest in warm Hawaiian waters. Rent a catamaran or zodiac boat tour to get even closer to the action.

If you don’t mind battling the blistering winds as they whip between downtown skyscrapers, Chicago could be your perfect January destination. It’s the cheapest month to visit the city, with deep discounts available on hotels and airfare. We recommend spending the trip dipping around Chicago’s fantastic restaurant and bar scene. Just remember to pack warm and consider a significant taxi allotment in your travel budget.

Those up in Montreal don’t let a little (read: a lot of) snow and below-freezing temperatures stop them from having a good time. Every January, the city hosts an epic music festival called IglooFest that brings in big acts like Diplo, Kaytranada, and Bonobo to fuel the party. Be prepared to eat gallons of poutine and inhale Tim Horton’s coffee to stay warm.

The annual winter Harbin Ice Festival produces a veritable winter wonderland every year. Since 1963, artists have come to Harbin to carve magnificent ice sculptures that are, quite literally, larger than life. It’s become the largest snow and ice festival in the world and routinely creates some of the world’s largest ice sculptures.

Get some perspective on the world by seeing it from above. Join the flock at the Dolomiti Balloon Festival for one of the most majestic sights in the world. At the beginning of January, balloons from all over the world take off and add some color to the skies over the snow-covered Dolomites. Even if you can’t book a ride, it’s still fantastic to watch from the ground.

This small country in West Africa, sandwiched between Togo and Nigeria, is most often mentioned as the birthplace of voodoo. For all those intrigued in this side of Benin’s heritage, there is no better month to visit than January when the city of Ouidah hosts its Voodoo Festival. Beautiful coastal beaches, warm weather, and an expansive national park make Benin a unique destination to beat the winter blues.

Visit the Great Wall at its most serene: covered in a layer of snow and without the typical madhouse rush of tourists. January is the perfect month to book a grand tour of China. Lower hotel rates mean you could book a luxury trip for a song—all while avoiding the throngs of tourists that can clog up historic landmarks.

Depending on whom you ask, Dubai is known for luxury and material possessions. For those who visit Dubai for this reason, there is no better month to visit than January. During the first month of the year, the city hosts a month-long shopping festival. The Dubai Shopping Festival is renowned for its deals, prizes, and extravagance. Your credit card will get a workout.