When to go
Where to go in January
No country on the list is at its best this month; the ones that still work are at the top.
-
Fine · North Africa
Fes
Marrakech is mild by day and cold at night. The Atlas is snowy; desert nights approach zero.
-
Fine · Nearby routes
Georgia
Tbilisi is cold but the table is warm; Gudauri and Bakuriani open for skiing.
-
Fine · Asia
Japan
Dry and cold with clear skies. Snow in Kyoto is rare and beautiful; many places close over New Year week.
-
Fine · Europe
Portugal
Mild and rainy. Lisbon still walks well in winter; Porto is grey but its table is at its best.
-
Fine · Europe
Spain
Seville and Andalusia are mild in winter; Barcelona cool but calm. Hotels are at their cheapest.
-
Hard season · Europe
Greece
Most island businesses close and ferries thin out. Athens in winter is a museum and neighbourhood city.
-
Hard season · Europe
Italy
Short days, empty squares, low hotel rates. Venice may have flood weeks; Rome is still good for walking.
-
Hard season · Nearby routes
Turkey
Istanbul is grey and rainy, Cappadocia snowy and quiet. Balloon mornings get cancelled more often.
Good to know
Where should I go in January?
Countries at their best in January: —.