Honeymoon Destinations in January

Written by Anietra Hamper and Becca Blond
Updated Jan 2, 2024

January is a wonderful time of year for a honeymoon. If you live somewhere cold, and need to escape the winter doldrums, planning your honeymoon to a warm destination during the first month of the year will give you two reasons to celebrate.

Depending on your budget, amount of time available for the honeymoon, and vacation style, there are many destinations around the world where the weather is usually excellent in January. If you live in North America and are looking for a tropical destination that is easy to reach, then consider spots in the Caribbean or Mexico.

Have a bit more time and want to go somewhere you are less likely to regularly vacation to? Consider Thailand, French Polynesia, or the Maldives for a beach honeymoon in paradise during a period when the weather is usually optimal.

Africa is another option, especially if you don't just want to sit on a beach for your honeymoon. January is summer in the southern hemisphere and places like South Africa and Kenya offer long, sunny days and an opportunity to book an extravagant safari adventure.

And if you prefer cold weather to warm, we've got you covered here too. From skiing in Aspen to seeing the northern lights in Iceland, our winter-focused choices are equally romantic.

Whatever fits your romantic style, here are some ideas for the best honeymoon destinations in January.

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The Caribbean

Honeymoon couple on a beautiful Caribbean beach

The Caribbean is one of the best places to honeymoon in January. Days are long, and the weather is ideal, with sunny skies and dry temperatures for perfect beach days.

Caribbean islands also make for a great choice because there are so many to choose from, and you will find all-inclusive resorts on many of them. The Caribbean provides an opportunity to relax by the ocean or enjoy some recreation in it, like snorkeling or taking diving lessons together.

A few islands are standouts when it comes to January honeymooning. Grenada has a laid-back charm, with 45 beaches to choose from for relaxing, collecting shells, or taking a diving trip. It has a nice cultural scene, so you can tour a spice plantation or enjoy a stroll in colorful St. George's harbor.

The Turks & Caicos welcome newlyweds, with one of the largest coral reefs in the world at Salt Cay and many beachside resorts with activities available like sunset cruises. Grace Bay Beach, on Providenciales, is one of the world's most beautiful beaches and is backed by some of the prettiest blue hues in the Caribbean. Grace Bay Club is one romantic option on this beach. On a private island, Ambergris Cay Private Island Resort is an all-inclusive property with some of the Caribbean's best villas.

Antigua is a quieter honeymoon option in the Caribbean, with luxury resorts and more than 300 beaches, including the romantic and secluded Half Moon Bay.

The Cayman Islands consist of three islands, including Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. The Cayman Islands are nice for honeymooners because they are low-key, with an abundance of natural beauty, providing ample time and things to do with your loved one.

Read More: Beaches in the Caribbean

Maldives

The Maldives should top your honeymoon ideas for January with its jaw-dropping, white-sand beaches, gentle turquoise ocean, and romantic bungalows over the water. The resorts on the Maldives often cater to the over-the-top luxury that honeymooners are looking for to create a memorable experience.

Many Maldives resorts are all-inclusive, and some even have their own private islands that you can get to by boat or seaplane if you prefer even more privacy. The Maldives has resorts for all budgets. Although you can definitely blow through thousands of dollars per night at the most luxurious properties here, it is also possible to book properties that won't cost as much for a week as a down payment for a house.

While you might be tempted to spend your days relaxing on your villa porch, the Maldives have some phenomenal activities that are great to do as a couple, like swimming with whale sharks, diving, or learning how to surf the epic waves that roll into the islands.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Overwater bungalows and mountains on Bora Bora

A honeymoon in Bora Bora is about as classic as the celebration gets for those in search of exotic, beach-focused bliss. This island in French Polynesia has perfect weather in January and oozes romance. The lush green island with a towering volcanic mountain in its center is surrounded by one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Upon landing, you'll have to pinch yourself a few times to believe the colors of the turquoise and aquamarine blue sea are real. They are that vivid.

To do Bora Bora in style, you'll want to book an overwater bungalow here. The concept was invented in French Polynesia and Bora Bora has some of the best overwater sleeping options in French Polynesia. Resorts are either located on the island itself or on small, private motus (islets) just offshore. Most of the accommodation is aimed at the luxury market, although there are a few mid-range options.

If an overwater bungalow at a resort like the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort or the Four Seasons Bora Bora is out of your price range, check out the more affordable Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort. It still has a very luxurious vibe and overwater bungalows with the signature clear floor panel for viewing marine life below. Another option is to book a garden or beach bungalow at these resorts, which will save you cash but still allow you to experience all the beauty that is Bora Bora.

A Bora Bora honeymoon can be as active or relaxing as you want. Snorkeling in the lagoon is a must-do, however. And if you dive, there is excellent diving in the reefs surrounding the island. French Polynesia is an 8-hour flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco and there is only a 3-hour time difference between the two, which helps with jet lag.

Africa

An African safari is the trip of a lifetime, so what better time to do it than your honeymoon, and January is a perfect time to go. There are several options:

South Africa is an option, as it is mid-summer. Safari lodges in South Africa are romantic and one of the best ways to set up your trip on game reserves.

Tanzania is great to visit in January because it is the peak of the migration season, which means you will see plenty of wildlife. You can book honeymoon lodges in Zanzibar, Selous Game Reserve, and in Ruaha National Park, among other locations, and combine your game drives and lodging.

Another top honeymoon spot in Africa is Kenya, which is famous for its game drives and romantic safari lodges. It is easy as you research Africa for your honeymoon to combine a tour or beach trip in with your safari getaway.

Read More: Game Reserves in Africa

Los Cabos, Mexico

If you are looking for sunny, blue skies and comfortably warm temperatures without high humidity, Los Cabos is a great January honeymoon destination. Daytime highs average around 75 to 80 degrees and lows are around 60 degrees.

There's plenty to do at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Sur in January. This is the time of year that baby sea turtles hatch and make their way out to the Sea of Cortez, an unforgettable experience to watch. It is also a good time to take a boat trip and look for humpback whales or marvel at the area's iconic natural arch. There are white sand beaches to walk along and a desert landscape to ride ATVs or fat bikes around. Or you may be content to simply watch one of Cabo's famed sunsets.

Los Cabos has numerous all-inclusive resorts right on the beach, just perfect for a honeymoon.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a wonderfully romantic honeymoon destination in January. Perhaps because it feels like you are on your own tropical island with the lush rainforests, colorful wildlife, and national parks surrounding you. The natural beauty in Costa Rica is peaceful as you listen to the sounds of toucans and tree frogs while waking up in your luxury resort or tree house hotel.

Costa Rica makes for a great adventurous honeymoon. January has loads of sunshine and warm weather, so you can choose from rafting, viewing the volcanoes, sightseeing, ziplining, taking an eco-tour, or doing nothing at all on one of Costa Rica's beautiful beaches.

You will want to plan time for a soak in geothermal hot springs and seek out some of the many Costa Rican adventures that are off the beaten path.

New Zealand

A honeymoon in New Zealand has a wow factor because of the picturesque scenery, activities like hiking, and the beach scene. January in New Zealand is ideal for a honeymoon vacation because it is summertime in the country.

New Zealand is a big country, so to help narrow down your options, you can start with how adventurous or relaxing you want your honeymoon to be. The Coromandel Peninsula has perfect white-sand beaches, whereas Queenstown is where you want to go for adventure experiences like bungee jumping.

Waiheke Island (a ferry trip from Auckland) is one of the best and most remote spots in New Zealand for honeymooners, with resorts and boutique lodging not to mention stunning scenery.

Auckland is a good option for your January honeymoon if you want a mix of urban activity and relaxation, as you can find both. Try dining at Orbit, the 360-degree rotating restaurant above the city.

Read More: Tourist Attractions in New Zealand

Phuket

The beaches in Phuket, Thailand are world-famous. The tropical paradise is a natural pick for a honeymoon near the water in January.

Phuket has luxury lodging options, from lush spas to intimate bungalows on the water.

January weather in Phuket is warm and dry, so beach days will be perfect, and snorkeling in the warm ocean water will be comfortable.

Phuket is a romantic destination, so you will have no trouble booking a seaside dinner or finding adventures for couples. You can plan an elephant trek through the jungle, sailing, hiking, and evening entertainment highlighting the Thai culture. You can wrap up every evening by taking romantic walks along the coastline and snuggling in your oceanside retreat.

Read More: Tourist Attractions on Phuket Island

Maui

Maui in Hawaii is a perfect honeymoon vacation any time of the year, but January has great weather conditions, with comfortable temperatures, tropical breezes, and flowers in full bloom.

Luxury resorts cater to honeymooners, so you can enjoy additional indulgences like patio Jacuzzis and private villas with fragrant flowers and the ocean scene right outside your door.

While the beaches in Maui will likely call to you, one of the most romantic experiences on the island is enjoying the sunrise on the top of the Mt. Haleakala volcano.

Maui has many kinds of couples' activities to enjoy, like couples massages, organic farm tours, luau dinners, and sunset cruises.

Read More: Tourist Attractions in Maui

Rio de Janeiro

A January honeymoon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will make you feel festive and alive. January is the start of the summer season and while there might be occasional rain, you will have plenty of days at the beach and nice weather for exploring the rest of this exotic destination.

Rio is the full package when it comes to a visually stunning backdrop for your new life together, with mountains, ocean, rainforest, and festivities.

Rio has a mix of natural beauty and tourist attractions that range from the Redeemer Statue, museums, entertainment, and also opportunities like a romantic walk along Copacabana Beach. You can also enjoy some romantic dinners oceanside with some of the famous cuisine that Rio de Janeiro is known for.

Iceland

While many couples seek out tropical honeymoon destinations in January, if you are in search of experiencing the northern lights after you say "I do," this is the best time to visit Iceland. This is an incredible place to see one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

January has long dark, clear nights in Iceland, the main factors needed for seeing the vibrant and colorful aurora borealis. Other weather conditions this month can be cold and snowy, but if your mission is a romantic northern lights honeymoon, January is perfect timing.

You can stay in the capital of Reykjavik and take tours from here to see the northern lights. You might also consider staying in Stykkishólmur, Höfn, Seyðisfjörður, or Dalvik Akureyri, which are towns in the countryside that will up your chances of seeing the lights.

A great thing about Iceland is that there are many public geothermal pools, including the famous Blue Lagoon, where you can warm up after a cold outing.

Beach chairs on Boracay Island, Philippines

The islands of the Philippines are a tropical paradise waiting for honeymooners in January. The reason the Philippines is a popular romantic getaway is because there are so many beautiful islands, exotic scenery, and world-renowned beaches. It is also a top diving destination and one of the most romantic places in the world.

Whether you and your new spouse are looking to explore caves and mountains or just kick back and enjoy the pleasant weather in the middle of January, there is an island that can accommodate it all.

Couples looking for adventure should look to Puerto Princesa, which has many outdoor explorations like underwater river tours and great snorkeling. Bohol is a beautiful small island with the Chocolate Hills and tarsier sanctuaries that you can tour.

Boracay is another nice island for a honeymoon, where you can find romantic bungalows and beaches where you can relax for the day or take a sunset cruise along the coastline. January weather is dry, warm, and pleasant making for full days of romantic outdoor time.

Read More: Places to Visit in the Philippines

Key West, Florida

The temperatures on the beaches of Key West in the winter months range between the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit, making it perfect for a tropical January honeymoon.

There are plenty of resorts in Key West, where you can kick back and sleep in late, or you can indulge in the many things to do if your couples mode is to stay busy.

Snorkeling or kayaking in the clear waters are great partner activities that can get you up close to marine life. Take a romantic sunset stroll along Duval Street for dinner and soak up the local social scene.

You can visit some of the many cultural and historical sites in Key West or plan a day trip excursion to the Dry Tortugas National Park.

Dubai

The glitz, glam, and luxury that defines Dubai makes for a great honeymoon, especially in January when temperatures are tolerable for exploring the bustling downtown area. You will be comfortable walking around to take in Dubai's ultra-modern skyscrapers and urban parks. This is a perfect getaway for couples who love being in the middle of the action.

You will certainly spend a lot of time taking in the over-the-top social, cultural, and economic scene that makes Dubai unique, like the Burj Khalifa Skydeck over the city and massive shopping malls.

You can step away from the fast pace in the city with trips to the desert, an ocean sail, hot air balloon rides, and quiet waterfront dinners.

Read More: Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Phu Quoc

The Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc is an exotic honeymoon destination for January. It is the least humid month to visit the tropical island, which can get quite stifling at other times of the year. The sandy beaches resting along the Gulf of Thailand are pristine and surrounded by the jungles and mountains of Phu Quoc National Park.

There are some all-inclusive luxury resorts on the island that cater to honeymooners, so you can book extra amenities that will make your vacation perfect, from private ocean balconies to secluded villas.

Phu Quoc is less than an hour's flight to Ho Chi Minh City, so you can spend part of your honeymoon on the mainland to experience another side of the culture in Vietnam.

Read More: Beaches in Vietnam

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen in Winter | Photo Copyright: Becca Blond

If you are looking for an active honeymoon and enjoy skiing or snowboarding, Aspen in January is a great destination. The iconic Colorado ski town sees a lot of sunny blue days in January usually interspersed with snow days creating some perfect powder conditions.

Constructed during the late 1800s silver mining boom, Aspen is a historic down with classic red brick buildings that now house swanky boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and hotels. The town is adjacent to Aspen Mountain Ski Resort, where you'll find lots of steep and tree glade runs. If Aspen Mountain is too steep, there are three other ski resorts on the same lift ticket within a 30-minute drive of downtown, including Snowmass, which offers more varied terrain.

At the base of the mountain is the romantic Little Nell, one of the best resorts in Aspen. The town has an abundance of accommodation and since it is a small community, even if you are not right at the base of the mountain, you can walk everywhere.