The TOP 4 Destinations to visit in January

January is a month of contrasts, making it an ideal time to start the year somewhere completely different. Deep winter brings some of the best skiing of the season across northern Japan, while warmer regions enter their drier months and European capitals settle into a quieter rhythm after Christmas.

The best destinations to visit in January 2027 range from familiar city favourites to places worth discovering for a specific seasonal experience. This year’s edit combines fashion and culture, world-class powder, Caribbean sunshine and one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles.

PARIS, FRANCE

Paris feels noticeably different in January, once the Christmas crowds have dispersed and the city settles into winter. Museums, galleries, restaurants and neighbourhood cafés become the focus, while the annual winter sales add another reason to explore its department stores and boutiques. Fashion takes centre stage later in the month, with Paris Fashion Week Menswear running from 19 to 24 January 2027, followed by Haute Couture Week from 25 to 28 January.

Spend colder afternoons inside institutions such as Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée Rodin or Bourse de Commerce before heading into Saint-Germain or the Marais for dinner. The covered passages of the 2nd arrondissement are particularly atmospheric in winter, while major landmarks are generally easier to explore outside peak season. Towards the end of the month, Fashion Week brings an added energy to the city’s hotels, restaurants and nightlife.

CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

January brings together some of Cartagena’s strongest reasons to visit: drier Caribbean weather, historic architecture and a lively cultural calendar. The UNESCO-listed walled city is characterised by colourful colonial buildings, shaded courtyards and plazas that become particularly animated after sunset. Nearby beaches and islands offer an easy contrast, while the dry season makes this one of the most comfortable periods for exploring the city.

Culture takes on an even bigger role in January 2027, with the Cartagena Music Festival running from 9 to 17 January and Hay Festival Cartagena following from 28 to 31 January. Between events, explore the streets of Getsemaní, book a rooftop dinner overlooking the old city or take a boat to the Rosario Islands. The combination of culture, nightlife and Caribbean coastline gives Cartagena plenty of appeal beyond its historic centre.

NISEKO, JAPAN

For skiers and snowboarders, January is when Niseko delivers the conditions that built its international reputation. Cold Siberian weather systems regularly bring light, dry snow to Hokkaido, and January sits at the heart of its powder season. The resort connects Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri, combining extensive skiing with a growing collection of luxury hotels, chalets and restaurants.

The experience goes well beyond chasing fresh tracks. Spend the afternoon in an onsen, book a private chalet dinner or explore Hirafu’s increasingly sophisticated restaurant and bar scene after the lifts close. Those wanting something quieter can base themselves around Annupuri, while Hanazono has become a stronger option for contemporary luxury stays. January is one of Niseko’s highest-demand periods, so accommodation, lessons and restaurants are worth securing well in advance.

SERENGETI, TANZANIA

January reveals a greener side of the Serengeti, as migrating wildebeest gather across the southern plains following the short rains. Towards the latter part of the month, the calving period begins around the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, bringing increasing numbers of newborn animals and heightened predator activity. The greener landscape creates a striking alternative to the dry-season safari experience.

Base the trip in the southern Serengeti or around Ndutu to stay close to the migrating herds, ideally in a mobile or tented safari camp. Early morning game drives offer strong wildlife viewing, while a balloon safari provides a completely different perspective over the plains. Combining the area with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area adds further variety to a January safari itinerary.