Top travel destinations in January: sunshine, city life and spectacular winter landscapes

Contents:

• Destination #1: Marrakesh & Agadir, Morocco – where the Orient meets the Atlantic
• Destination #2: Andalusia (Seville), Spain – Sun, tapas, city break
• Destination #3: Cape Town & the Winelands, South Africa – Summer & indulgence
• Destination #4: Barbados – A Caribbean classic to kick off the summer
• Destination #5: Zanzibar, Tanzania – tropical beaches & spice island charm
• Destination #6: Vietnam (Phu Quoc) – tropical beaches, night markets and island relaxation
• Destination #7: Jordan (Petra & Wadi Rum) – Wonders of the World, Desert and Winter Light
• Destination #8: Brazil (Rio & Salvador) – Summer, beaches, culture
• Destination #9: Mexico (Riviera Maya & Yucatán) – beaches, cenotes, Mayan culture
• Destination #10: Iceland (Reykjavík & the Golden Circle) – Hot springs, a chance to see the Northern Lights and winter landscapes
• 13 Sunny Destinations for January: Where the peak season promises warmth and dry weather

Destination #1: Marrakesh & Agadir, Morocco – Where the Orient meets the Atlantic

• Why visit in January: If you’re looking for some winter sun but don’t want to fly to the other side of the world, Morocco in January is a very attractive choice. In Marrakech, you can often expect mild days with temperatures of 7–19 °C, whilst Agadir, with its Atlantic climate and temperatures sometimes reaching around 22 °C, feels a little more ‘summery’ – ideal for a trip that elegantly combines culture and relaxation.

• Highlights: In Marrakech, you’ll be immersed in a world of souks, riads and rooftop terraces: the scent of spices, traditional crafts, courtyards with orange trees – and that special evening atmosphere when the city slows down. Afterwards, Agadir (or the laid-back Taghazout) is the perfect contrast: wide beaches, long walks by the sea, fresh seafood and sunsets that are particularly refreshing in January.
• Ideal for: couples, leisure travellers and anyone looking to combine city and beach in January – with a short journey and a noticeable change in temperature.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Morocco is pleasantly easy to reach from Switzerland – depending on the season, there are good connections from Zurich, Geneva and Basel to Marrakech or Agadir (direct or with a change).

• Event tip for 2026: Marrakech International Marathon (25 January 2026) – a great reason to visit if you’d like to experience the city in a special, sporty atmosphere.

Destination #2: Andalusia (Seville), Spain – Sun, tapas, city break

• Why visit in January: Seville in Spain enjoys pleasantly mild weather in January, making it ideal for a city break without the winter chill. Daytime highs typically hover around 17 °C, whilst nights are cooler – perfect for sightseeing by day and long evenings of tapas.

• Highlights: Strolling through Santa Cruz, the Real Alcázar and its gardens, the cathedral with its view of the Giralda – and, for a lively contrast, a flamenco evening in Triana. Andalusia is also ideal for day trips to Córdoba or Granada if you’d like to turn your city break into a short tour.
• Ideal for: Couples, culture and leisure travellers, and anyone who prefers the mild atmosphere of a city to the beach or snow in January.
• Getting there from Switzerland: There are direct flights to Seville from Zurich, Basel and Geneva (depending on the season/timetable). The flight time is around 2.5 hours.
• Event tip for 2026: Cabalgata de Reyes Magos (5 January 2026) – Seville’s famous Three Kings’ Parade, which transforms the city into one huge festive stage (with music, floats and, traditionally, plenty of ‘rain of sweets’).

Destination #3: Cape Town & the Winelands, South Africa – Summer & Indulgence

• Why visit in January: Whilst it’s winter here, Cape Town in South Africa is in full summer mode in January: warm days, plenty of sunshine and an atmosphere that instantly feels like a holiday. Daytime temperatures typically range from around 20–29 °C – ideal for coastal drives, outdoor activities and long evenings al fresco.

• Highlights: A trip to Cape Town feels like three holidays in one: Table Mountain views in the morning (on foot or by cable car), the beach and coastal panoramas at midday (Camps Bay, Clifton, Chapman’s Peak Drive) – and the next day, a trip to the Winelands (Stellenbosch/Franschhoek) with wine tastings and top-class dining. Add to that markets, designer hotels, the colours of Bo-Kaap and that laid-back ‘summer city’ vibe.
• Ideal for: couples, leisure travellers and anyone who wants to combine summer, scenery and fine dining in January – without the holiday being solely focused on the beach.
• Getting there from Switzerland: From Zurich, you can reach Cape Town (CPT) by direct flight in around 11 hours 10 minutes.

• Event 2026: Kirstenbosch open-air concerts – several evenings are scheduled for January 2026 (e.g. 4 January 2026 and 25 January 2026). Perfect if you’d like to round off your Cape Town holiday with a ‘summer evening under the open sky’.

Destination #4: Barbados – a Caribbean classic for a summery start to the year

• Why visit in January: Barbados is a very safe bet for winter sun in January: warm, usually relatively dry and with plenty of sunshine. Temperatures typically range from around 23–28 °C – just right for days on the beach, excursions and long evenings outdoors.

• Highlights: Barbados combines laid-back west coast beaches with a lively atmosphere on the south coast. Particularly lovely: Crane Beach (iconic, often with a slightly pinkish hue to the sand), Carlisle Bay for snorkelling and boat trips – and, in between, Bridgetown for its markets and rum culture (Mount Gay is a classic).
• Ideal for: Couples, beach lovers and leisure travellers, as well as anyone looking for a ‘pure Caribbean’ experience in January – without the hassle of complicated on-site planning.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Fly from Zurich to Bridgetown (BGI); the flight time is around 10 hours 35 minutes (depending on the connection).

• Event 2026: Barbados Sailing Week (15–22 January 2026) – a week of regatta atmosphere, events and Caribbean lifestyle, which adds an extra boost to that island vibe in January.

Destination #5: Zanzibar, Tanzania – tropical beaches & spice island charm

• Why visit in January: Zanzibar in Tanzania is a very appealing choice in January if you’re keen to switch to summer mode: tropical and warm, perfect for swimming and ideal for days on the beach combined with a touch of culture.

• Highlights: White sand and turquoise waters on the north coast (e.g. Nungwi/Kendwa), snorkelling and boat trips to reefs and sandbanks – and, by contrast, Stone Town with its spice market, Arab-African architecture and that ‘Spice Island’ atmosphere that makes Zanzibar so special.
• Ideal for: Couples, beach lovers and leisure travellers, as well as anyone seeking warmth in January but who doesn’t want to stay exclusively at a resort.
• Getting there from Switzerland: You can reach Zanzibar (ZNZ) easily by flight from Zurich; the flight time is around 10.5 to 10.45 hours.
• Event tip for 2026: Zanzibar Revolution Day (12 January 2026) – an official public holiday in Zanzibar that fills the island with a palpable festive atmosphere.

Destination #6: Vietnam (Phu Quoc) – Tropical beaches, night markets and island relaxation

• Why visit in January: Phu Quoc in Vietnam is particularly appealing in January because the island often boasts plenty of sunshine and pleasant warmth – ideal for beach holidays, boat trips and relaxing days by the sea, without the oppressive atmosphere of the rainy season.

• Highlights: Powder-white sandy beaches and tranquil bays, snorkelling and island-hopping tours, sunsets along the coast – and in the evening, the night markets with seafood, tropical fruit and street food. If you’re looking for a change of pace, combine Phu Quoc with Ho Chi Minh City as a short city break either before or after.
• Ideal for: Couples, beach lovers and anyone looking for a hassle-free tropical island break in January – with plenty of options for excursions, but without any ‘must-dos’.
• Getting there from Switzerland: From Zurich, you’ll usually travel to Phu Quoc (PQC) with a stopover; the fastest total journey time is around 15 hours 55 minutes (depending on the connection).

• Event 2026: The atmosphere on Phu Quoc is particularly festive at New Year: ‘Odyssey 2026’ runs from 31 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 – ideal if you’d like to combine your January trip with a special start to the new year.

Destination #7: Jordan (Petra & Wadi Rum) – World Wonders, Desert and Winter Light

• Why visit in January: Jordan is ideal in January if you want to experience cultural highlights without the heat. In Petra, days are usually cool to mild (typically around 10–13 °C), whilst nights can cool down significantly (by around 2 °C). In the Wadi Rum desert, sunny days are often pleasant (around 16 °C), but it gets chilly in the evenings.

• Highlights: Petra has a particularly atmospheric feel in winter: fewer crowds, clear light highlighting the colours of the sandstone, and those spine-tingling moments as you walk through the Siq towards the Treasury. Afterwards, Wadi Rum offers the perfect contrast: vast open spaces, silence, rocky landscapes – and a desert night in camp that feels like a complete reset.
• Ideal for: culture and nature lovers, couples and anyone looking for a trip with a ‘wow factor’ in January – without the focus on beaches, but with spectacular scenery.
• Getting there from Switzerland: There are direct flights to Amman (AMM) from Zurich and Geneva; the flight time is around 4 hours 15 minutes.

• Event 2026: Petra Desert Marathon (5 September 2026) – an exceptional travel opportunity if you’d like to combine a visit to Petra with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Destination #8: Brazil (Rio & Salvador) – Summer, beaches, culture

• Why visit in January: In Brazil, January is the height of summer: in Rio de Janeiro, daytime temperatures typically hover around 29–30 °C, accompanied by noticeable humidity – and there can be frequent, heavy but brief showers.

• Highlights: Rio offers the iconic package of Copacabana and Ipanema, viewpoints and that ‘summer city’ vibe. Salvador da Bahia, on the other hand, offers a completely different flavour: the colonial old town (Pelourinho), Afro-Brazilian culture, music and an atmosphere that feels distinctly more like ‘authentic Brazil’.
• Ideal for: Anyone looking for consistent warmth in January – and wanting to combine days on the beach with rich cultural experiences.
• Getting there from Switzerland: São Paulo can be reached directly from Zurich; the flight time is around 12 hours. From there, you fly on to Rio or Salvador (domestic flight).
• Event 2026: Lavagem do Bonfim (Salvador) on 15 January 2026 – one of Bahia’s most impressive traditions, featuring processions, music and the symbolic ‘purification’ around the Church of Bonfim.

Destination #9: Mexico (Riviera Maya & Yucatán) – beaches, cenotes, Mayan culture

• Why visit in January: January is a particularly attractive time to visit Mexico’s Caribbean coast, as it’s usually very easy to combine days on the beach, excursions and cultural visits: plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures and ideal conditions for days by the sea – without the ‘summer heat’.

• Highlights: The Riviera Maya offers the complete package: relaxing days on the beach (e.g. around Tulum/Playa del Carmen), cenotes as refreshing natural pools, and Mayan highlights for day trips (e.g. archaeological sites in Yucatán). Add to that beach clubs, street food and – depending on your itinerary – a side trip to Isla Mujeres or Cozumel for days of snorkelling and boat trips.
• Ideal for: couples, beach lovers and leisure travellers, as well as anyone who wants a ‘summer’ in January but also wishes to include authentic experiences (nature, culture, excursions).
• Getting there from Switzerland: There are direct flights from Zurich to Cancún (CUN); the flight time is around 11 hours 20 minutes.

• Event 2026: Mérida Festival (Mérida, Yucatán) – 5–18 January 2026: a major cultural programme to mark the city’s anniversary (concerts, dance, theatre, etc.).

Destination #10: Iceland (Reykjavík & the Golden Circle) – Hot springs, a chance to see the Northern Lights and winter landscapes

• Why visit in January: Iceland is the perfect destination in January if you don’t just want to ‘endure’ winter but actively experience it: short days, crisp air and that special atmosphere created by snow, the sea and city lights. In Reykjavík, average temperatures at this time of year are often around 0 °C (with significant fluctuations depending on the weather). 

• Highlights: Reykjavík as a compact, stylish base (cafés, design, Hallgrímskirkja) – plus day trips that are particularly impressive in winter: the Golden Circle with its waterfalls and geysers, as well as a dip in a geothermal lagoon whilst there’s snow on the ground. And of course: the Northern Lights – never guaranteed, but in January the conditions are generally very good thanks to the long hours of darkness. 
• Ideal for: winter enthusiasts, couples, photography and nature lovers who are looking for ‘wow’ moments rather than warmth in January.
• Getting there from Switzerland: From Zurich, the flight to Reykjavík takes around 4 hours.

• Event 2026: Reykjavík International Games (21–26 January 2026) – an exciting sporting highlight in the city that combines very well with winter excursions. 

13 Sunny Destinations for January:

Where the peak season promises warmth and dry weather:

• Brazil – Average temperature 27.2°C, 2 days of rain, water temperature 25°C
• Costa Rica – average temperature 23.2°C, 4 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Dominican Republic – Average temperature 25.2°C, 7 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Haiti – Average temperature 24.2°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Cuba – Average temperature 21.5°C, rain on 3 days, water temperature 25°C
• Cape Verde – Average temperature 22°C, rain on 1 day, water temperature 24°C
• Maldives – Average temperature 28.5°C, rain 8 days, water temperature 27°C
• Mexico – Average temperature 26°C, 0 days of rain, water temperature 24°C
• Panama – average temperature 28°C, rain on 4 days, water temperature 28°C
• Sri Lanka – average temperature 27.2°C, 7 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• South Africa – Average temperature 22.1°C, 7 days of rain, water temperature 19°C
• Thailand – Average temperature 29°C, 6 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• United Arab Emirates – Average temperature 19.2°C, 5 days of rain, water temperature 21.9°C