Summary: Planning your next winter getaway? These top places to visit in January outside India 2026 ( Last Updated: December 2026)offer perfect weather, fewer crowds, and unforgettable experiences — from snowy European cities to sunny tropical beaches, wildlife safaris, and world-famous theme parks.
As we look forward to a brand new year in 2026, we want to spend the beginning of the year with our loved ones on a holiday vacation somewhere we have never been before. Deciding where to travel in the world in January might be tricky. Many places around the world enjoy great weather in January, so it’s a good time to travel.
But it can be hard to know where to kick off the year of travel in January. We have done the legwork for you. Here are the best places to visit in January outside India to kick off the New Year on a high note by satisfying your wanderlust.
Amongst the numerous places in this world, we have listed the best places to visit in January outside India as below:
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St Petersburg would be right up there if all the great European cities competed to be the most beautiful. Moscow is indeed Russia’s most modern, cosmopolitan city, but St. Petersburg is the cultural and historical center of the nation.
The mix of contemporary life, history, and culture is what makes visiting St. Petersburg so appealing and the best place to visit in January. St. Petersburg offers visitors a wealth of Russian tourist attractions and experiences.
You will find all sorts of museums in the city, from quirky and absorbing to spectacular imperial palaces and from canals to boat trips along the majestic rivers. St Petersburg is an integral part of most Russia Tour Packages.
St. Petersburg turns into a picturesque winter wonderland in January with snow-covered palaces, frozen canals, and magical European winter vibes. It’s also less crowded compared to summer, so you can explore museums and top attractions more peacefully.
Around –5°C, snowy, and chilly — perfect for winter lovers.
From India to St. Petersburg, the most popular air route taken by travelers is via Moscow. From India, there are no nonstop flights to St. Petersburg, Russia. The average flight time from India to St. Petersburg is around ten to twelve hours.
However, numerous connecting flights are equally simple and convenient. Rail is the most convenient way to travel between the capital city and St. Petersburg.
4–6 days
Couples, culture lovers, architecture enthusiasts, winter explorers.
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The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is a place of stunning views, abundant wildlife, and endless plains. This reserve is globally known for the annual wildebeest migration – the largest movement of wildlife on earth. Tourists will be able to see vast herds of wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras participating in the yearly wildebeest migration.
Masai Mara is one of the best places to visit in January outside India. It’s a great time of year to go bird-watching because there are so many migratory species to see. The Mara is the best place to visit if you want to observe young animals take their first steps because it’s also birthing season at this time. Explore this globally renowned national park with our Kenya tour packages.
January falls in the dry season, making wildlife sightings incredibly easy. Animals gather near water sources and vegetation is less dense, so safaris are more rewarding.
Warm and dry — ideal for safaris.
The quickest way to reach Masai Mara – Kenya from India is by taking a direct flight from India to Nairobi. Once you reach Nairobi – from here you can either opt to take a domestic flight or travel by road. You can fly into one of the several nearby airports to the Masai Mara.
Depending on where you stay on your safari, you can choose which one to fly into. The road journey takes around six to seven hours to reach the Masai Mara gate. The route is tarred and it may get dusty and bumpy.
Wildlife lovers, photographers, adventure seekers, families.
(Events are fewer, but January is peak safari season)
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Few nations in Latin America are as charming and unique as Mexico. It is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delicious food, all of which make it a top travel destination all year long. However, Cozumel in Mexico adds a little of its zest to give you a special experience that combines a Caribbean flavor with Mexican identity.
Although Cozumel boasts plenty of white sand beaches with palm trees and blue water, like most Caribbean islands, Cozumel is much more than that. With our Mexican Discovery Tour Packages, explore Cozumel. It offers a well-rounded location that can occupy and entertain you for days!
With warm weather and calm seas, Cozumel is perfect for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on Caribbean beaches.
Warm and sunny with occasional cool evenings.
There are no non-stop flights to reach Cozumel from India. The most preferred way is to fly from India to Cancun Airport. From Cancun, you can either opt to travel by air or by roadways. You can take a costly but quick flight to Cozumel International Airport.
A different option is to take a bus or a private vehicle on land to Playa del Carmen; from here, you will need to take a ferry over the water to reach Cozumel.
Beach lovers, divers, couples, honeymooners.
Also Read: 7 Famous Mexican Foods to Try On Your Trip to Mexico!
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The largest and capital city of Columbia – Bogota – is diverse and multicultural. Thanks to this blend of the past and present, Bogotá is an ideal location with entertainment, history, culture, delicious cuisine, and much more. Bogota in January is one big party. It’s the final week of the holiday season, and both locals and visitors are out and about taking advantage of their well-earned break.
The city offers its guests a wide range of artistic expressions, such as dance, museum displays, music, theatre, and delicious cuisine. Explore Bogota with our USA Tour Packages. It seems that every day here is a celebration in and of itself, spreading happiness and joy throughout the country.
Its bustling streets with its shopping centers, market areas, and eateries make it extremely appealing.
January offers mild weather ideal for city walks, museums, and cultural tours. Fewer crowds make exploring relaxed and enjoyable.
Cool and pleasant due to high altitude.
The best way to reach Bogota is by air. The flying time is around twenty-eight to thirty hours with one or two stopovers. Services are operated by Qatar Airways, KLM, Indigo Airlines, and others. The airport is thirteen kilometers away from the city center.
3–5 days
Culture lovers, backpackers, city explorers.
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A hidden gem in Costa Rica’s tropical paradise, San Jose is often overlooked due to its lush forests and amazing beaches. It offers magnificent architecture, friendly locals, and a wide variety of activities. San Jose is one of the best places to visit in January outside India. Expect low prices, cool temperatures, and fewer tourists.
With wildlife, volcanoes, cloud forests, and beaches, Costa Rica tourism offers a world of natural wonders. While San Jose has many museums, lovely squares, and cultural sites to enjoy, real treasures can be found in the forests, coastal towns, and small villages beyond the capital. Experience it all with our Costa Rica tour packages.
January is part of the dry season, making it ideal for volcano tours, rainforest experiences, wildlife spotting, and adventure activities.
Warm and mostly dry.
Few non-stop flights connect India with San José. It will thus be obligatory for you to take connecting flights. The average flying time is around twenty-five to thirty hours. You can opt for several airline carriers such as Air Canada, United Airlines, KLM, American Airlines, etc.
5–7 days
Nature lovers, adventurers, eco-travelers.
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Phuket, the largest island in the country, is where ancient legacy is in the form of a town. Some of the most stunning and unique beaches can be found there. Phuket is one of the best places to visit in January for a honeymoon, with golden sand beaches, turquoise water, architectural wonders, charming locals, and buzzing nightlife.
Phuket tourism is suitable for all types of visitors, such as honeymooners, families, couples, and groups of all budgets. Nothing beats our Thrilling Thailand (Phuket & Krabi) Tour Package, which highlights the vibrant and colorful culture of this country.
January is one of the best months to visit Phuket with sunny weather, calm seas, and perfect beach conditions.
Warm, sunny, and pleasant.
Phuket has its international airport. Several direct flights connect the country with India. The Phuket International Airport offers daily flights to Bangkok. You can fly from India to Bangkok and then opt for a domestic flight to Phuket. You can also commute from Bangkok to Phuket by car or bus.
Families, couples, solo travelers, beach vacationers.
Also Read: 7 Famous Thai foods To Try On Your Trip To Thailand!
Also Read: How to Plan A Fun Thailand Trip Under ₹60,000!
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In Malaysia, Genting Highlands is a stunning hill station; that is within one hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. The City of Entertainment is known for its vibrant nightlife, five-star hotels, massive shopping centers, and top-notch casinos. Only Genting in Malaysia has legal gaming together with cave temples, theme parks, and a water park.
Genting Highlands is a great tourist place in Malaysia for those who want to have a lot of fun in the excellent mountain weather while admiring some breathtaking valley vistas. After you have had your fill of Genting Highlands sightseeing, spice up your trip with some excitement and entertainment. Visit the Genting Highlands Theme Park, which is brimming with entertaining adventures.
A cool hillside escape with casinos, amusement parks, and scenic views — great for a short refreshing getaway.
Mild and cool.
Genting is an easy place to visit. Most visitors to Genting Highlands travel via Kuala Lumpur. Flights from most Indian cities to Kuala Lumpur are available. There is no airport at Genting Highlands, so from Kuala Lumpur, one can travel to Genting Highlands by road – either by bus or private car. The travel time is around two hours.
2–4 days
Families, groups of friends, leisure travelers.
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Due to its stunning natural surroundings, dynamic culture, and lovely location, Zurich is one of those cities that attract thousands of tourists every year. There is no denying that this city in the Alps is one of the liveliest and hippest cities in the world. Zurich is one of the Best Places to Visit in January outside India.
Zurich is famous for its unique location on Lake Zurich. The city is adapted seamlessly to modern life, as evident by its architecture and perspective. Switzerland Tourism promotes Zurich; for its charming alleyways, ancient churches, nightclubs, and stunning old museums. With our Switzerland tour packages, you can explore this beautiful city and truly understand the meaning of beauty.
Experience magical snowy landscapes, Swiss winter towns, skiing destinations, and cozy European charm.
Cold, snowy, and often below freezing.
Reach Zurich from India by air. When flying from India, Swiss Air operates four daily non-stop flights to Zurich from Mumbai and Delhi. Aside from that, numerous flights with one to two stopovers depart from various parts of India.
If you are traveling within Europe, Zurich is well served by the Euro rail network. You can also reach Zurich by road from various parts of Europe.
Winter lovers, luxury travelers, honeymooners, snow-adventure seekers.
Also Read: Best Indian Restaurants in Switzerland for Travellers!
Also Read: Switzerland in Winter 2026: A Fairytale Experience of Snow, Alps & Christmas Markets!
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London offers a wide range of experiences. There is something for everyone, from fine dining and fantastic bars to art, history, and culture. This is why London, the capital of England, is the most exciting and endearing city on the entire planet. London in January just starts to sizzle with tourism even with its winter season.
It is a city brimming with tourist attractions, such as beautiful architecture and historical sites. Visitors gasp in awe at the splendor of the charming streets that wind around famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. With so many places to visit in London, deciding what to see and not to see can be difficult.
The London Experience tour package from Flamingo Transworld provide a wonderful experience with attention to every detail.
January is one of the most enjoyable months to visit Orlando thanks to pleasant temperatures, low humidity, and fewer crowds at world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
The best way is to take a flight to reach London from India. Air India, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Jet Airways are the airlines that offer non-stop flights to London from India.
There are also flights to London with stops in Europe. You can also reach London by road and rail from any European city.
History and culture lovers, Families and couples, Museum and theatre enthusiasts, Shopping and winter experiences
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Theme park tourism in the world is centered in Florida. The capital is Orlando. Orlando is one of the Best Places to Visit in January outside India due to its near-perfect weather all year. Orlando tourism promotes the city as more than just a family destination; adults will also find plenty to keep them entertained. More things make the city well-known than a wizarding world or a happy mouse.
Both children and adults can visit the Kennedy Space Center to learn about the United States Space Program’s projects or they can spend the day relaxing in the sun at Lake Eola Park. Whatever you plan to do while you are here, be sure to take advantage of our American Experience West & Orlando Tour Packages to see the best of the area.
Orlando is well connected to all American states by land, but if you prefer to take the road, it is equally well connected. You can simply get shuttle and automobile services right there, and they will get you around the city.
5–8 days
Families with kids, Theme park enthusiasts, Adventure and entertainment seekers, Space lovers (Kennedy Space Center nearby)
These are some of the most popular passport fillers for January to get you in the vacation mood or to cross something off your list. I am sure you must be pepped up by now to take off.
Talk to destination experts at Flamingo Travels to plan the best international tour package for you.
Some of the top destinations to visit outside India in January include Phuket (Thailand), Zurich (Switzerland), Orlando (USA), London (UK), Cozumel (Mexico), San José (Costa Rica), St. Petersburg (Russia), Genting Highlands (Malaysia), Bogotá (Colombia), and Masai Mara National Park (Kenya).
Yes — January is an excellent month to travel internationally because many destinations offer pleasant weather, lower humidity, wildlife activity, winter festivals, snow experiences, and beach-friendly temperatures. It is considered a peak travel month globally.
Some affordable places to visit outside India in January include:
These destinations offer good weather, activities, and accommodation options suitable for budget travelers.
If you want a snowy winter experience, consider:
These destinations offer snowfall, winter markets, ski resorts, and festive vibes.
January is one of the best months for wildlife sightings. Top safari destinations include:
These offer great chances of spotting big cats, elephants, birds, marine wildlife, and more.
Top beach-friendly places in January include:
These places have warm temperatures and calm seas — ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and sailing.
Family-friendly destinations include:
Visa requirements depend on nationality and destination. Some countries offer:
Travellers should check the latest visa rules before planning.
Packing depends on the destination’s climate:
January is a high-demand month, especially for snow destinations, beaches, and theme parks. It is recommended to book flights, hotels, and activities at least 2–5 months in advance.
Hi, This is Mukti Solia (Social Media Head-Flamingo Travels) I can say I am a lawyer turned travel curator. I completed my BBA in Finance and Marketing from HL college, Ahmedabad University. Later on, I moved to Mumbai to pursue Law. Currently, I work as Social Media Head at Flamingo group of companies as I believe that the Travel and tourism industry is no exception to digital transformation. Social media platforms give travel operators the chance to improve the customer experience.
