Best Places to Visit in January Outside India

Searching for a place to visit outside India in January for 2026? 

January marks the start of the year, with a New Year vibe and enthusiasm. It is the perfect time to explore the outside of India and explore the warmer places, as India is extremely cold in winter. That said, continue reading the article to learn about the 20 best places to explore, budget-friendly and famous travel destinations abroad. 

Top 20 Places to Visit in January Outside India 2026

Travel is the best way to start the year. Whether a couple or a family trip, both can recharge you with a lot of memories from your favourite part of the world. Choose one of the January international destinations from the list below, from ecstatic beaches to mountains, plains, etc.

• Bhutan

January in Bhutan feels like stepping into a living postcard. It is a pleasant experience to begin with. The picturesque surroundings feel like stepping into a living postcard, with snow-capped mountains. 

• Moreover, the ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and the peaceful atmosphere is a cherry on top.
• Bhutan offers tourists the perfect opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation in January, with fewer crowds and better opportunities to explore.
• The weather remains around 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, which is pleasant for visiting the various places, including Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
• Bhutan is the most preferred and recommended destination for spiritual travellers, photographers, and culture lovers.
  

  Sri Lanka

If travelling from India, the nearest country to discover is Sri Lanka. People who are afraid of Jet lag and are beginners for starting outside India, Sri Lanka is best for them.

• January is the peak travel season for Sri Lanka. It offers sunshine-filled days and peaceful seas along the southern and western coast.
• Tourists from India can experience familiar weather conditions, making it a comfortable place.
• Discover the big fat Whales by the Mirissa sea, lush tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and picturesque surroundings. The country is vibrant and lively with a variety of activities and experiences.
• The country is best suited for a family-and-friends vacation and is a paradise for beachgoers and wildlife lovers.
  

  Bali 

January brings occasional rain, but it makes the weather lush and refreshing. Experience the emerald rice terraces, waterfalls that roar to life, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings while doing Yoga. 

• Apart from the rain, the second thing to consider when visiting Bali in January is the lower tourist footfall. Therefore, there is an opportunity to explore the culture, cuisine, and quiet beach sunsets without the hassle.
• The weather remains pleasant, with temperatures spanning from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for early morning and evening sightseeing.
• It is an ideal country to visit outside India for honeymooners, wellness travellers, and slow explorers.
  

  Thailand

Love beaches? Consider visiting Thailand for beach adventures—it is the most famous international destination in January. It is an absolute paradise place for beach lovers, party poopers, and crystal-clear water for relaxation and rejuvenation.

• The weather in the area is delightful for sightseeing and exploring Thailand’s various tourist attractions. The temperature remains around 22 to 30 degrees, which is again neither harshly hot nor cold.
• Solo travellers prefer to visit here. Additionally, it is ideal for couples, party lovers and youngsters.
  

  Maldives

Starting with the country’s weather, which is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 29 degrees, January is considered an ideal time to visit here.

• It is the best place to visit outside India for honeymooners, luxury travellers and divers. There is world-class snorkelling available here, which makes it a dream escape from the hustle and winters back home.
• The beautiful Oceans turn to a shade of blue, and the underwater visibility becomes clearer. Moreover, the sunset and the overwater villas add to the charm of the Maldives.
  

  Mauritius

People who are into adventure are going to love this place, as it is a paradise for them, with several activities. The temperature is warm compared to the chilly winters back home.

Pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and cultural exploration are among the must-do activities when visiting here in January. 

Island Creole festivals add the vibrant hues to your journey, making it a memorable experience for you and your family. Moreover, the waterfalls in Mauritius are at their best during this time period, again making it ideal for a January visit.

• Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku is a dramatic and fantastic city with its artistic and centuries-old heritage. Surrounded by the Caspian Sea, Baku is your laid-back retreat, with festive vibes and a tea culture. 

The temperature in Baku in January ranges from 1 to 8 degrees Celsius. Since it is peak winter, snowfall and windy days are expected. The winter snowfall is the perfect opportunity to try winter sports on trips to Shahdag/Tufandag.

When in Baku, explore the Old City – Icheri Seher, Flame Tower, and Highland Park- and savour traditional local dishes like Pakhlava (Azerbaijani Baklava).

• Vietnam

Vietnam is also a backpackers’ paradise. The temperature remains between 18 and 26 degrees. January is one of the most comfortable months to explore various places. 

From cruising in Halong Bay to wandering lantern lit streets in Hoi An, it is going to be a memorable experience for you. It is a budget-friendly option and one of the most preferred January international destinations.

• United States of Arab

Tourists visiting in January can explore the Dubai Shopping Festival, a Desert Safari, and beach days. With temperatures around 14-25 degrees Celsius, it is ideal for your explorer soul to sightsee. 

India is at its chilliest in January, and visiting Dubai at this time will be delightful due to the pleasant weather.

Usually, it is best for family vacations; however, people also visit for shopping and luxury experiences.

• London

London is one of the beautiful place to visit during January winters. With fewer crowds, lower prices, and big winter sales. Perfect for enjoying museums, theatre, and unique events like the New Year’s Day Parade, Burns Night, and late-season Christmas lights. 

Despite cooler, shorter days, it is ideal for indoor cultural deep dives and a less rushed sightseeing pace. You visit in January for a quieter, cheaper, culturally rich London experience. What’s better than avoiding peak tourist hustle while still catching winter magic?

While on the journey to explore London, enjoy the Italian food at ‘Carbone’, American and Indian cuisine(The Tamil Crown) at the restaurants.

•        Egypt 

Famous for its ancient civilisation, iconic pyramids, majestic temples and the timeless legacy of the Pharaohs. It is an excellent choice for visiting in January from India, thanks to its comfortable climate. 

In this country of an extraordinary blend of history, culture and desert, tourists can explore various places. Some of the most majestic places in Egypt are the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel temples, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Red Sea Resort, and the Luxor and Karnak Temples.

Egypt offers ample activities for adrenaline junkies and highly enthusiastic people. A Nile River cruise between Luxor and Aswan, a desert safari, camel rides, snorkelling, scuba diving, and exploring culture and cuisine are some of the things to do in Egypt.

The weather in January is comfortable, with the temperature hovering around 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. Your sightseeing experience will be enhanced with the cool mornings, sunny days and mild evenings.

• South Africa

Visit South Africa in January for warm summer vibes, vibrant beaches (Cape Town, Garden Route). Lush green landscapes, festivals, and exploring wine regions, though northern safari areas get rain; it’s ideal for coastal exploration. 

Other activities for hiking, and Cape Town’s dry heat, but expect peak-season crowds/prices early on, before settling into a great mix of activities.

Offering incredible value for luxury or budget travel, with diverse options from Cape Town’s city life to Kruger’s bushveld and the Garden Route’s coasts. Visit South Africa for amazing experiences like Big Five game drives, hiking on Table Mountain, exploring the Winelands, and relaxing on beautiful beaches. 

• New zealand 

The January temperatures in New Zealand are pleasant, ranging from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius.

It is the best and ideal food for all Nature Lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Moreover, road trips in New Zealand in January are a refreshing experience for people who enjoy them.

• Australia

Australia welcomes travellers in January with its golden beaches, sun-soaked cities, and the vibrant energy of peak summer. 

While India is cold as ice in January, visiting Australia will bring warmth and adventure to your body. 

It offers opportunities for watersports, including sea surfing, which is a great pleasure.

• Seychelles

Visit Seychelles for its unparalleled tropical beauty, unique wildlife (like the Coco de Mer), pristine beaches with granite boulders, year-round warm weather, and luxury relaxation, making it perfect for honeymoons. 

• Oman

January is perfect for Oman’s pleasant weather. It’s stunning natural diversity, ancient forts, authentic Arabian atmosphere, safety, and legendary hospitality. 

Visiting all these places offers enough adventure to fulfil the fun requirements of the trip. The best part? Relaxed and less crowded exploration of restaurants, historic places and the modern architecture.

Wadi Shab offers hiking, touring the Wahiba Sands for its desert dunes, and diving into the spiritual vibe of Muscat’s mosques and souqs.

• Paris

January, February, and March are the cheapest months to visit Paris, with the lowest tourist traffic. January in Venice offers cosy winter classics like rich French Onion Soup, game meats, chestnuts, and oysters. 

You are going to get seats at the most famous restaurant, which would otherwise be so busy that you would have to wait hours for a table. 

So pack your warm, fuzzy dress, bright-colour socks, gloves, scarves, and jackets to roll in Paris, as the temperature will be 2 to 35 degrees. 

• Venice

Venice in January offers fewer crowds, making it perfect for enjoying hearty seafood and local winter cuisine. Additionally, iconic spots like St. Mark’s Square and Rialto are free of peak-season throngs.

Since it is not yet tourist season, you will find many things at lower prices than during the peak season. Another advantage is the opportunity to explore the quiet canals, enjoy warm indoor activities, and benefit from lower stay charges.

Furthermore, visiting Venice in January can give you the chance to attend local events such as La Befana and the traditional witch gondola race. 

So you are sorted for fun events, canal discoveries, ancient architecture and droolworthy delicacies.

• Bulgaria

Bulgaria is famous for its rich history and well-preserved medieval towns. January in Bulgaria offers charming landscapes ranging from mountains to Black Sea Beaches. 

It offers tourists the best European travel experience, with attractions like Sofia, the Rila Monastery—a UNESCO World Heritage Site— and Plovdiv, the oldest European city.

People visiting here have a fun time exploring the mesmerising ancient ruins, skiing, and wandering through the old towns. 

The weather is offering a charming and cold experience. The temperature in January stays around 5 degrees Celsius.

• Phuket

For an Indian traveller, Phuket is the best option to travel outside India. It has sun, beaches and warm weather in January. The weather is comfortable for enjoyment, with clear skies and water sports. 

Patong, Kata, and Karon are all lively beaches famous among tourists. As for activities, calm seas offer snorkelling, diving, swimming, and beach relaxation. Other than these, visit markets for a shopping experience and rooftop bars for some fine wine.

The most popular market among tourists is the Naka Market, open on weekends, and the Chilva market, for food cafes operating from Monday to Saturday. 

The lip-smacking Thai food can’t be missed, such as Tomyum and Southern Fried Chicken.

Summing Up!

We have suggested the best places to visit in January for winter travel abroad based on the least crowded places. 

Some of these destinations have delightful, pleasant weather which is neither hot nor cold. In comparison, other places are better for winter sports during snowfall.

Pick one that best meets your requirements for the January international destinations exploration.

Frequently Asked Qusetions

Q1. Which travel destinations are better in Asia?

Answer : Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand are among the destinations tourists visit in Asia. They offer vibrant and beautiful natural views.

Q2. Which country is best for international destinations in January?

Answer : Bhutan is near India and is a memorable experience due to it’s majestic treks along the breathtaking views of the valleys and cliffs.

Q3. Which country is warm in January to visit outside India?

Answer : The Maldives, Mauritius, and other Southeast Asian countries are warm in January. Moreover, Sri Lanka is warm in January, making it a good time to visit for a retreat. 

Q4. Why is January the best time to visit outside?

Answer : January is the best time to visit abroad, as it isn’t peak season and there’s less crowd. 

Q5. Which country is budget-friendly to travel to?

Answer : Vietnam and Cambodia are budget-friendly places to travel outside India.