It's Peak Season in:
- Caribbean
Snowbirds flock to warm Caribbean islands as soon as the weather turns colder and hurricane season passes, but January pulls in the bigger crowds (and higher rates).
Caribbean Resort Reviews
More: Caribbean Island Guide
- Australia
It's mid-summer in January, and everyone heads to the beaches to take advantage of the warm weather and low average rainfall.
More: Australia in January
- Ski Resorts
The ski season is in full swing, with prices a bit lower than they were over the holidays. More: How to Choose a Ski Resort
It's Off Season in:
- New York City
January brings chill winds to New York City, but also chases tourists away. It's a good time of the year to get lower airfare and hotel rates, and tickets to the latest Broadway shows. After-Christmas sales are going on at the stores.
New York City Hotel Reviews
More: New York City in January.
- Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando
The Christmas and New Year's crowds have all gone, but the decorations stay up for the first week or so of January. The rest of the month, the theme parks are the least crowded they will be for the entire year. The weather covers a wide range and can be a bit unpredictable, so check the forecast before you go. Some days will be chilly (lows in the 50s) and drizzling, while other days will be sunny and in the 70s. Theme park operating hours are shortened, and some attractions will be closed for refurbishment. Swimming pools and water parks are heated and open year-round.
Disney World Resort Reviews
Universal Orlando Resort Reviews
More: Florida in January.
- China
No major festivals and cold weather means attractions will have very light crowds. Unless you can brave quite cold temperatures, stay in the central and south regions. Guangzhou, for instance, has an average high temperature of 65 degrees F.
More: China in January
- France
Although the ski resorts are picking up momentum, most of the major cities are cold but quiet. Attractions will have shortened hours, but short lines. The national sales begin at the stores starting mid-month. Airfare and hotel rates are low.
Hotel Reviews in France
More: France in January
- Restaurant Week in New York City
- Sidney Festival in Australia
- Australian Tennis Open
