20 Best Honeymoon Destinations in January

Winter weddings can be especially romantic, and a January honeymoon is an excellent way to start the year. Depending on your chosen destination, you can escape the cold and soak up the sun or snuggle up by a cozy fireplace in a cabin: the choice is yours!

Whether you want to embrace the cold weather or escape from it, you’re bound to find the best January honeymoon spot for you on our list of the 20 best honeymoon destinations for January.

South Africa

Located at the tip of the continent between the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa offers honeymooners a romantic and exotic setting to explore, eat, shop, and enjoy the beaches, particularly in the capital city of Cape Town. 

January is the hottest month in South Africa, and the incredible sunsets here make it top of our list for those looking for an escape from the cold. For an unforgettable experience, consider booking a honeymoon safari.

Barbados

An Eastern Caribbean Island, Barbados is famous for beautiful beaches, great surf spots, and being the birthplace of rum! This tropical paradise offers an exceptional selection of all-inclusive resorts and hotels, all with excellent views, delicious cuisine, and tons of activities.

In January, the weather in Barbados is hot and humid. Average temperatures will be around 78 degrees.

Chile

Set in the western part of South America, Chile has great places to explore. In January, the coast will be a little chilly and the capital city of Santiago will be warm, so this is a great January honeymoon destination no matter what kind of weather you’re looking for. 

This is an excellent honeymoon spot if you’re a red wine lover too, as this is one of the things Chile is most famous for.

St. Lucia

The gorgeous Caribbean island of St. Lucia is often called “Little Hawaii.” It’s a popular honeymoon destination known for all-inclusive resorts, white sand beaches, and stunning scenery including mountains, rainforest, and waterfalls.

St. Lucia is relatively warm in January, which is one of the reasons this time of year is peak season. Don’t let this stop you from a January honeymoon here, however. There’s plenty of this amazing island to go around!

Finland

Situated in northern Europe, Finland is a winter wonderland, with fun activities such as dog-sledding, skating, and skiing. This makes Finland one of the best January honeymoon destinations for those who like to cozy up in the cold weather.

It’s also a great place to see the northern lights, and there are plenty of fabulous and unique accommodations to make your honeymoon here picture-perfect. 

India

India is a surprisingly romantic January honeymoon destination for couples looking for a range of experiences. It also has a delightful food scene, featuring an amazing combination of spices and aromatic flavors. 

Located In South Asia, the southern states of India are wonderfully hot in January. Explore the famous state of Goa, known for its beaches and spectacular places of worship.

Maldives

The Maldives is an incredibly small yet hugely famous archipelago of lush islands located just off the coast of India. The surrounding reef is perfect for scuba diving. 

Warm evenings, hot days, and glorious sunsets over the ocean make the Maldives one of the most romantic and sought-after destinations for honeymooners in the world. Come here for an unforgettable January honeymoon.

Virginia

Set on the east coast just south of Washington DC, Virginia is one of the best January honeymoon spots in the U.S. In fact, the state’s motto is, “Virginia is for lovers.”

Home to the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains as well as Atlantic coastline, Virginia has something for everyone. If you want a city vibe, consider Richmond. If you want to spend your honeymoon surrounded by nature and history at a cozy cabin, check out the western parts of this state.

Portugal

Portugal is a wonderful and romantic honeymoon spot for couples looking for new experiences and cultural immersion. The cuisine is remarkable, as is the wine, making this one of the best January honeymoon destinations for foodies.

Located in southwestern Europe on the border of Spain, Portugal has moderate temperatures in January, making it an ideal destination for those who don’t like it too hot or cold. Head to the coast for warmer temperatures and a beachy vibe, or to the capital of Lisbon for a city honeymoon.

Hawaii

For a tropical January honeymoon that feels exotic but doesn’t require a passport, try Hawaii, which lies a few hours off the West Coast of the U.S. Famous for beautiful and unique beaches, rich culture, and fantastic surfing, Hawaii offers several stunning islands, each with its own personality and amazing attractions. 

In January, Hawaii weather is nice and warm, since it’s in the Pacific Ocean. Average temperatures will be around 75 degrees.

Italy

Romantic Italy is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Located in southern Europe, this country offers honeymooners a breathtaking setting to explore, shop, and enjoy stunning architecture and art, fascinating history, incredible cuisine, and fine culture. 

Southern Italy is warmer in January than northern parts of the country, but you will still want to bring warm clothes. Naples or Palermo in Sicily are top choices for a January honeymoon here.

Canada

Canada is a vast country in North America, famous for incredible mountains and jaw-dropping scenery. This is a great choice for couples who love cold weather and outdoor activities like skiing.

Canada is perfect for a cozy January honeymoon where you can enjoy the snow, then snuggle up by the fire. You’ll have your pick of destinations, from Banff National Park and Lake Louise to Toronto and Vancouver to Quebec and Prince Edward Island.

Thailand

Thailand is a unique honeymoon destination and makes a great escape for couples looking for a new experience on a budget. This lovely country has amazing food, gorgeous temples, and stunning beaches.

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is reasonably warm in January, making it an excellent time to visit. Explore the southern region of Phuket, known for its nightlife, beaches, and seafood.

Arizona

The warm southwestern state of Arizona is perfect for a honeymoon in January. With temperatures averaging 68 degrees, you can enjoy all the outdoor activities this incredible state has to offer, such as hiking and visiting the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam. 

For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, one of the most highly recommended activities is a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon. You can also explore fun cities and towns, or head to a resort for a golf and spa honeymoon.

Mexico

Famous for beautiful beaches, warm culture, delicious food, tequila, and fun, Mexico has something to offer everyone. What makes Mexico one of the best January honeymoon destinations is that this is during the dry season, so you’ll have warm weather and very little rain.

Choose from the Caribbean or Pacific coasts for your January honeymoon here. There are tons of romantic all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels in top spots like Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas.

Vermont

Located in the northeastern part of the U.S., Vermont is a gorgeous state that borders New York and the Canadian city of Montreal. With lush forests and charming towns, Vermont makes a wonderfully romantic destination for honeymoons in January for couples who enjoy cold weather. 

Vermont gets plenty of snow for the perfect winter adventure. Enjoy skiing, skating, sledding, sleigh rides, and more, then head indoors at your luxurious resort for some R&R by the fire.

Australia

Since Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s summer and therefore hottest during the months of December, January, and February. This makes Australia a perfect January honeymoon destination for couples who want to escape the cold.

From cities like Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne to incredible beaches and islands to diving adventures on the Great Barrier Reef to cultural excursions at sacred sites like Uluru, you’ll be spoiled for choice here.

Greece

Greece is a top honeymoon destination year-round. Even in the winter months, Greece still experiences some warm days, though it can occasionally get a little cloudy (so be sure to pack a raincoat). Greece is an excellent spot for a culturally immersive honeymoon in January, where you can experience plenty of new things, see amazing sights, and eat some splendid food.

Another thing that makes Greece one of the best January honeymoon destinations is that this is the off-season. Since it’s most popular in the summer months, visiting in January is perfect for affordable honeymoons. 

Mozambique

Mozambique lies in the southeastern part of Africa and is famous for its wildlife, beautiful beaches, and cultural heritage.

In January, you may be surprised by a brief daytime shower due to the lingering wet season, but for the most part, it is one of the hottest months here. Average daily high temperatures will be around 87 degrees.

Dominican Republic

Located in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic‘s gorgeous weather and beaches are what make it one of the most popular destinations for honeymooners year-round. There are plenty of all-inclusive resorts here, with delicious food, spa services, swim-up bars, watersports, and more to enjoy on a luxurious romantic escape.

The Dominican Republic also has its fair share of natural attractions and culture, so make sure to take at least one day away from the comfort of the hotel to truly make the most out of your trip.

At Honeymoon Always, we strive to help couples find the perfect honeymoon destination for them. Our partners have plenty of experience finding the best place for every time of year, and they’re eager to help you find just the right January honeymoon package or all-inclusive resort.

Get in touch here to start planning your January honeymoon today.