JANUARY OFF-SEASON TRAVEL

DEEP OFF-SEASON
SWEET SPOT

January is tough for finding off-season travel with good weather and fewer crowds in popular spots. It’s peak winter in the Northern Hemisphere (great for winter sports, deep off-season for general tourism) and peak summer holidays in the Southern Hemisphere (maximum crowds, highest prices).

For value in January, consider:

  • Northern Hemisphere areas in deep winter, if you don’t mind the cold.
  • Southern Hemisphere destinations just after the New Year’s rush.
  • Tropical spots in their dry season that see a brief dip in crowds post-first week.

Main Regions & January Seasons:

Northern Hemisphere:

    • Temperate (e.g., Europe, US/Canada): Deep winter; largely off-season for general tourism, but peak for ski/winter sports.
    • Tropical/Subtropical (e.g., Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Middle East): Peak dry/cool season; warm, sunny, comfortable – generally peak season.
    • Arctic/Far North (e.g., Iceland, Norway, Alaska): Deep winter, very cold, limited daylight; peak for aurora viewing.

Southern Hemisphere:

    • Temperate (e.g., Southern South America, Australia/New Zealand): Peak summer; warm to hot, long daylight – generally peak season.
    • Tropical/Subtropical (e.g., Southern Africa, parts of South America): Peak dry season or warm summer; warm, sunny – generally peak season for safaris.