Where to go in January

+One of Bangkok's driest and most comfortable months, making it excellent for temples, markets and exploring the city.

–Peak-season demand means higher hotel rates and more visitors.

+Dry-season sunshine, calm water and excellent visibility make January a classic Maldives month.

–Christmas/New Year demand carries into early January and resort rates remain high.

+Mild, relatively dry weather and a good reset after the holiday peak.

–The first week can still be busy around New Year and school holidays.

+Dry, sunny and excellent for beaches and boat trips.

–Peak-season demand and prices.

+Dry and sunny

–Busier around Tet

+Some of the best weather of the year — warm, sunny days around 24–25°C, ideal for beaches, rooftops and desert trips.

–One of the busiest and most expensive months, especially during the Dubai Shopping Festival.

+Major party season

–High prices

+Very low rainfall

–Can feel cool and cloudy

+Quiet low-season atmosphere

–Too cool for reliable beach days

+Beach days, swimming, snorkeling, diving and warm-weather escapes

–Heat, humidity and lingering New Year crowds

+Museums and galleries with almost no one in them, at the year’s lowest rates.

–Cold, grey and short days — outdoor time is limited.

+Dry blue skies, the lowest rates of the year and almost no queues.

–Cold mornings and a near-shutdown during the first days of the month.

+Strong cultural atmosphere

–Rain can interrupt plans

+Quiet streets, lower rates and a packed awards-season calendar.

–Cooler nights and a higher chance of rain than the rest of the year.

+Peak summer, beaches and huge event energy.

–Christmas/New Year demand makes hotels expensive and popular areas busy.

+Mild weather + strong value

–Too cool for reliable beach days

+Warm temperatures, lower humidity and relatively dry conditions — excellent for beaches and outdoor dining.

–Winter demand is high, so prices and crowds can be high too.

+Museums and restaurants are genuinely easy to get into.

–Short, grey days with little terrace life.

+One of the quietest and best-value periods, making major sights much easier to experience.

–Cool temperatures, shorter days and a higher chance of rain.

+One of the strongest months for fewer crowds, lower demand and better value.

–Genuinely cold — outdoor sightseeing is less comfortable.

+Low crowds + better hotel value

–Cool nights

+One of the quietest and best-value periods.

–Cool temperatures and a higher chance of rain.

+One of Austin's quieter periods — a good choice if you care more about value than warm weather.

–Cooler weather means you'll trade warm days for the calm.

+Dry, sunny days and some of the best hotel rates of the year.

–Nights drop close to freezing, so evenings call for a real jacket.

+Cool temperatures make long walking days comfortable.

–Cloud, mist and damp air can make the city feel colder than the figures suggest.

+One of the strongest months for fewer crowds, lower demand and better value.

–Genuinely cold — outdoor sightseeing is less comfortable.

+Green landscapes, warm temperatures and a much quieter Bali.

–Heavy tropical showers and high humidity can interrupt beach days.

+One of London's quietest periods, with strong hotel value and easy access to major sights.

–Short, cold days and frequent rain limit outdoor time.

+Cooler, quieter and not exactly peak rooftop season. Good if your priority is exploring Lisbon without crowds.

–Outdoor plans depend on the weather.

+The quietest month of the year — empty Corso Umberto, no queue for the cable car, and the lowest hotel rates.

–Cool and often rainy, and some independent restaurants close for a January break.

+Snow-covered landscapes

–Cold temperatures and weather-dependent activities

+Very low crowds

–Cold and short days

+Dry-season weather at its most reliable.

–The busiest and most expensive stretch of the year.

+The quietest side of Amsterdam, with better-value accommodation.

–Cold, dark and wet with limited outdoor appeal.

+Hatsumode energy at the shrines, the lowest prices of the year, clear cold skies.

–Cold, and Toka Ebisu (Jan 9–11) briefly fills Imamiya Ebisu Shrine.

+Thermal baths, cafés and lower hotel prices.

–Cold weather limits outdoor time.

+Lowest hotel rates of the year and the Art Institute practically to yourself.

–Brutally cold, short days, lake-effect wind makes it feel worse than the thermometer says.

+Hygge, museums, cafés and winter atmosphere.

–Very short daylight and wind limit outdoor plans.

+Museums, cafés and a quieter city.

–Short days and winter weather limit outdoor time.