Last reviewed: November 2026. Festival dates are for 2027 where given. Check official sites and travel advisories before you book.
January and February are some of the best-value months of the year to travel. The holiday rush is over, flights and hotels in many places drop in price, and you get a clear choice: chase the sun, or lean into the snow.
Here are the best places to travel in January and February, grouped by what you’re after, with honest notes on weather, crowds and what to book early.
Why go in January and February
- Lower prices in many cities after New Year, especially in Europe and North America.
- Dry season in the Caribbean, Mexico’s beaches, Central America and much of Southeast Asia.
- Peak snow in the Alps, the Rockies and Japan.
- Summer in the Southern Hemisphere, in places like Patagonia and New Zealand.
Warm-weather escapes
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The Caribbean
January and February fall in the Caribbean’s dry season and well outside hurricane season. The US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico need no passport for US citizens; Aruba, Curaçao and Barbados are other reliable picks. This is high season, so book early and expect higher prices around Presidents’ Day.
Mexico’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts
Cancún, Tulum and Los Cabos are dry and warm. Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur were at Level 2 in the US advisory for Mexico when I checked; read the state notes before you book.
Thailand and Southeast Asia
The cool, dry season in much of Thailand runs roughly November to February, which makes it the most comfortable time for Bangkok, the north and the Andaman coast beaches. Thailand was at Level 1 in the US advisory. My guide to safety in Phuket covers the main risks there.
Snow and winter scenery
The Alps
Resorts in Austria, Switzerland, France and Italy usually have reliable snow by January. Late January is often quieter than the school-holiday weeks in February, when European families fill the slopes.
Colorado, Utah and the Rockies
Mid-winter brings deep snow and cold, dry days. Avoid holiday weekends for lower prices and shorter lift lines.
Japan
Hokkaido is famous for powder snow, and the Sapporo Snow Festival is held in early February. Japan is at Level 1, and the country is easy to get around by train.
Iceland and the northern lights
Long nights give you more chances to see the aurora, and ice caves and frozen waterfalls are at their best. Daylight is short and roads can be dangerous; read my guide to driving in Iceland in February before you rent a car.
Festivals in January and February 2027
- Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, China: huge ice sculptures and buildings, usually from early January. China was at Level 2 in the US advisory; check entry rules before you go.
- Lunar New Year: February 6, 2027, celebrated across East and Southeast Asia and in Chinatowns worldwide. Expect busy transport and some closures in the days around it.
- Carnival: the main days fall in early February 2027 (Ash Wednesday is February 10). Rio de Janeiro, Venice and New Orleans (Mardi Gras is February 9) are the best known. Book months ahead.
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Summer in the Southern Hemisphere
- Patagonia: January and February are peak hiking season in Torres del Paine and El Chaltén. Book refuges and campsites early, and prepare for strong wind.
- New Zealand: long, warm days for hiking, road trips and lakes. Great Walks huts book out months ahead.
- Cape Town and the Western Cape: warm, dry summer weather for beaches, Table Mountain and the winelands.
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Planning tips
- Book the cheap weeks. Mid-January to early February, outside holidays, is often the best value.
- Watch winter weather. Snowstorms can delay flights in the northern US and Europe. Leave a buffer day before important connections.
- Get travel insurance that covers winter sports if you ski.
- Pack for both if you’re mixing a cold hub with a warm destination: layers you can shed.
For other months, see my guide to the best places to travel by month, or plan ahead with the March and April destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Where is warm in January and February?
The Caribbean, Mexico’s coasts, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America are all warm. Hawaii and southern Florida are warm options in the US.
Is January a cheap month to travel?
Often, yes, especially after the first week, for cities in Europe and North America. Beach and ski destinations stay expensive.
When is Carnival in 2027?
The main Carnival days lead up to Ash Wednesday, which is February 10, 2027. Mardi Gras is February 9, 2027.
Is February a good time for Japan?
Yes, for snow, skiing and the Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s cold in Tokyo and Kyoto, but crowds are lighter.
