December is meant for getting together with friends and family, but after that, it’s time to find the best places to go in January so you can recoup and (if you’re from the northern hemisphere), take a break from the freezing cold weather.
If you’re trying to figure out where to vacation in January, look no further.
Time to book your trip for January!
There are many beautiful places to visit in January, but in this post, I’ll list the top 15 for 2022 based on price and things to do.
Plus, I’ll list a mix of beach destinations and winter holidays.
Update December 2022 : With the current situation in the world, you may not be able to travel to many of these destinations. However, I’ve done my best to add a few places to go in January that are open to travellers.
1. Argentina
Update January 2022: After closing its borders for almost 2 years, Argentina is open again for tourism!
Why is Argentina one of the best places to visit in January?
Weather is great
Costs are low in Argentina right now thanks to a recent currency drop
It’s hiking and fly fishing season
Having spent 3 months in Argentina in 2017, and the fact that we’ve been here for a month so far in December 2021/January 2022, it’s safe to say that we know a few things about this incredible (and large) South American destination.
Whether you’re into culture and history, nature and landscapes, lakes and fishing, or cities and wine, Argentina has something for you.
Since Argentina is such a vast country, with a wide variety of landscapes and regions, it can be visited year round. But, it’s one of the best places to travel in January if you’re looking to do some hiking and fly fishing.
In fact, it’s one of the best countries to visit in January no matter what type of trip you’re planning.
The northwestern region (around Salta ) might be a bit wet during this time, but the rest of the country is dry and warm.
Argentina is known for being one of the top fly fishing destinations in the world. If you’re an angler, you’ll be happy to know that fly fishing season in the Lake District of Patagonia is best in January and February due to the warm weather, and ability to fish all waters during this time.
There are some stunning lakeside and riverside lodges you can stay in. Don’t miss the famous Correntoso Lake and River Hotel , beautiful Faraway Hosteria and Rio Hermoso Boutique Hotel.
For trekkers, January is a good time to lace up your boots and hit the mountains of Patagonia.
El Chalten in the south is dry and has temperatures around 20°C (68°F), perfect for checking out the peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, exploring waterfalls, drinking beer on patios and much more.
Don’t miss nearby El Calafate and its popular Perito Moreno Glacier , which calves massive chunks of ice every few minutes!
Although January is high season at Perito Moreno Glacier, you can avoid the crowds by visiting before 9:30am or after 5:00pm — take the later shuttle bus, or rent a car to explore at your own pace.
El Chalten is a great place to hike in Argentina
While you’ll miss the grape harvesting in Mendoza (it happens in February), January is still a great time to visit because the vineyards are green and the grapes are everywhere.
Be prepared for hot temperatures (30°C / 80°F+), fantastic wines, great hiking around Parque Provincial Aconcagua (2 hours from Mendoza), picturesque parks and plazas, and some awesome restaurants. There are many things to do in Mendoza to keep you busy.
If all of these places to visit in Argentina aren’t enough to spark your interest, maybe the cost will.
When we first travelled to Argentina in 2017, we received around 18 Pesos for 1 US Dollar. In January 2021, the rate was 85 Pesos for 1 US Dollar.
Right now, in January 2022, the Argentine Peso has taken a huge dip and the economy is struggling.
The official exchange rate is: $1 USD = 102.69 Pesos
However, there’s a “blue dollar” here in Argentina. If you bring US Dollars (in cash) and exchange those at a cuava or exchange centers (such as Pago Facil, etc.), you’ll receive around 204 pesos for $1.
Another option is to send yourself money by Western Union and pick up cash pesos at a WU location. If you do this, you’ll receive around 207 pesos for $1.
This is a cash economy right now. If you pay with your credit card, you’ll pay the official rate, which is essentially double. If you use the ATM, you’ll pay huge fees and receive cash at the official rate.
In our on-the-ground experience, being here now, the entire country is approximately 75% cheaper than it was when we first visited in 2017.
Of course, restaurants and accommodations have adjusted their rates, but it’s still incredibly affordable and of excellent value right now.
Argentina isn’t known for being one of the cheapest countries to visit , but with the current instability of the peso, you can definitely save some money by visiting now and help out the local economy along the way.
2. Sri Lanka
Update January 2022: Sri Lanka is open for tourism again!
Why is Sri Lanka one of the best places to visit in January?
Great weather
Affordability
Numerous Historical Sites
This teardrop-shaped island located off the southeast coast of India is often overlooked by travellers.
If you’re searching for the best places to visit in January that offer national parks, wildlife spotting, pristine beaches, fantastic cuisine, ancient sites and friendly locals, then make sure you add Sri Lanka to your holiday list.
As a bonus, this country is very affordable.
Since the average temperature in January is around 30°C (86°F), you’ll want to hit up the coast!
Don’t miss the stunning Unawatuna beach, with its calm water and numerous accommodation options. Just 15 minutes away, the nearby fortified town of Galle is an amazing spot to sit and watch the sunset from the UNESCO listed fort walls.
Sri Lanka may be small, but it has a lot to offer travellers
If you’re into surfing, check out the breaks at Hikkaduwa on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Even if you’re not a surfer, this chilled out beach town offers bars, restaurants and some safe swimming spots as well.
If you’re in search of the best places to travel in January that offer historical sites, you’ll be happy to know that Sri Lanka has those in spades.
Check out Anuradhapura (where Buddhism was first introduced to the country), Sigiriya (rock fortress towering 200m above the trees below), Cave Temples of Dambulla (built in the 1st century BC, and filled with over 100 Buddha statues) and the city of Kandy (an important Buddhist city, home to Buddha’s tooth).
For a pretty mountain village, don’t miss Ella and the surrounding tea plantations and hiking opportunities, including Little Adam’s Peak.
For such a small country, Sri Lanka really does have a lot to offer travellers. And, with an average travel cost of around $30-$50 per day, per person, you really can’t go wrong.
