The 15 Best Places To Visit In Europe In January

With all the excitement of Christmas and New Year’s, it’s easy to be so overwhelmed with everything going on that you completely forget what a great month January is for traveling. At this time of year, many of Europe’s most charismatic cities are deserted, meaning you can visit the iconic museums and see the famous landmarks without having to fight your way through crowds.

There’s no way around it – most of Europe is pretty chilly in January. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Ancient fairytale villages look even more magical when they’re covered in a light dusting of snow, and remote ski resorts provide a dynamic alternative if you want to get away from cosmopolitan life.

Whether you want to lounge on a sun-kissed beach and forget that winter even exists or embrace the enchanting season and explore medieval towns while feeling like you’re the only person in the world, January is a great time to travel throughout Europe. To help you plan the perfect winter escape, we’ve put together a fantastic selection of warm-weather destinations and winter wonderlands for you to check out.

01 Tenerife, Canary Islands

The Canary Islands is one of your best options if you’re looking for warm European destinations in January. The volcanic archipelago is located closer to northwestern Africa than it is to mainland Spain, giving it a wonderful climate all year round. In January, temperatures rarely drop below 60°F (15°C), and they can often go as high as 70°F (21°C). If there’s a Calima sandstorm, temperatures can even spike up to a boiling 90°F (32°C).

Not only are the Canary Islands a fabulous place to visit in January because of the weather, but this special time of year is also when you’ll find the biggest Christmas celebrations. While Christmas Day is certainly acknowledged, the main festive event takes place on the eve of Epiphany (January 5).