Best Honeymoon Destinations for January: Where to Escape the Cold and Turn Up the Romance
Just survived wedding season (and maybe a blizzard)? January is one of the dreamiest months for a honeymoon. While your hometown might be covered in slush, these destinations are serving up sun, scenery, and just the right amount of sexy. But hey, not everyone’s chasing the sun—some of us love a good snow-globe moment. Whether you're into barefoot beaches, snowy escapes, or bucket-list adventures, here's where to honeymoon in January 2025 if you want to start married life with your passports stamped and your stress levels low.
1. Maldives
Picture this: private overwater villas perched above turquoise lagoons, just the two of you watching sunsets that seem designed for your love story. January is prime time—low humidity, calm seas, and perfect visibility for snorkeling or scuba diving. Spend your mornings sipping fresh coconut water together, afternoons exploring vibrant coral gardens hand-in-hand, and evenings dining beneath the stars on freshly caught tuna, lobster thermidor, or Maldivian mas huni. For a pinch of adventure, book a dolphin-spotting sunset cruise or arrange a sandbank picnic by seaplane.
Perfect for: Privacy-seekers, beach lovers
2. Switzerland (Zermatt)
If a fairytale winter wonderland is your jam, Zermatt is it. January throws a glittering snowy blanket over the Matterhorn, and your cozy chalet is the perfect vantage point. Start your day with a gourmet fondue breakfast, then ski or snowboard down pristine slopes hand-in-hand. Warm up just enough for an Alpine spa session, perhaps a thermal bath overlooking peaks, followed by an intimate candlelit fondue or raclette dinner. Later, hitch a ride to Gornergrat for awe-inspiring mountain views—or stargaze by a warm fire with a glass of Valais red wine.
Perfect for: Snow bunnies, luxury seekers
3. Australia (Great Barrier Reef)
January in Australia is summer on steroids, in a good way. Combine sun-soaked beach days with extraordinary reef adventures. Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef’s kaleidoscopic world, then sail the Whitsundays at sunset with a glass of Australian bubbles. Head inland for rainforest walks in the Daintree or island hop to Magnetic Island for koala spotting. And hello, food!!! A coastal feast awaits: crayfish grilled in garlic butter, fresh oysters by the sea, and ice-cold rosé on the dock.
Perfect for: Ocean lovers, divers
4. South Africa (Cape Town)
In January, Cape Town dares you to mix adventure with wine-country indulgence. Picture yourselves hiking Lion’s Head at dawn, then toasting to your future with a glass of MCC (South Africa’s top-tier sparkling) overlooking Cape Town’s coastal skyline. Venture out to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, then drive to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek vineyards for cellar tours and pinotage tastings. Back in town, I recommend dining at quirky spots like The Test Kitchen or sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar. Finish off with a Big Five safari in nearby reserves—where you might high-five a giraffe from your jeep (metaphorically speaking, of course).
Perfect for: Outdoor adventurers, wine enthusiasts
5. Thailand (Koh Samui + Phuket)
January in Thailand brings blissful beach weather: sunny skies and soft breezes. In Koh Samui, kick off with a temple blessing for your marriage, then snorkel in the Ang Thong Marine Park. Evenings are for lantern-lit Thai dinners right by the ocean, complete with fresh seafood curries, mango sticky rice, and a Thai iced tea (or two). Over in Phuket, get adventurous with an elephant sanctuary or a private speedboat tour through the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay. And don’t miss a beachfront couples massage at sunset. It’ll feel downright divine.
Perfect for: Island hoppers, budget-conscious couples
6. New Zealand
In the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, New Zealand is a moving masterpiece. Think long afternoons lounging by Lake Tekapo, adventure-filled bungee jumps over Queenstown’s rivers, or gentle hikes through Milford Sound’s fjords and yes, all of these can happen in a single day if you want. Feel like wine tasting? Central Otago’s pinot noir scene is world-class. And dinner? Go for a creekside barbecue with locally caught trout or lamb, paired with a chilled sauvignon blanc from Marlborough.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, road tripper
7. Costa Rica
January is peak dry season, which means epic beach time followed by lush rainforest chills. Surf Gnarls with a pro in Santa Teresa, then climb volcanoes like Arenal or Rincon de la Vieja. After a day in nature, nothing beats soaking together in hot springs while sipping café chorreado. Dining is a fiesta of flavors - think fresh ceviche, Caribbean-style rice & beans, and cocktails made with homemade guaro. You’ll go from adrenaline to zen in the space of a single getaway.
Perfect for: Eco-conscious travelers, adventurers
8. Vietnam (Halong Bay)
Cruising Halong Bay’s dramatic limestone karsts under clear January skies is the definition of magical. Opt for an upscale junk boat, complete with private balcony cabins, gourmet Vietnamese food (pho, fresh seafood, tropical fruit platters and yes, a cheeky bottle of bubbly). Kayak through hidden caves, swim among jade waters, or wander floating fishing villages with locals. Some cruises even include sunrise tai chi sessions on deck—an unbeatable way to start the day together.
Perfect for: Couples looking for unique landscapes, cruise lovers
9. Argentina (Patagonia)
January is peak summer in Patagonia, so it’s warm enough for glacier treks but still crisp enough to sip Malbec fireside. Explore the dramatic Perito Moreno Glacier, boat through ice-blue fjords, and hike trails with backdrops that look edited (but aren’t). At night, cozy lodges offer Argentinian asado (barbecue) alongside bottle after bottle of local wine. Perfect for couples who want raw beauty and quality downtime in a rugged-chic setting.
Perfect for: Adventurous couples, nature lovers
10. Mexico (Riviera Maya)
Riviera Maya in January is the definition of breezy romance. Mornings can be spent exploring ancient Mayan ruins like Tulum or Chichén Itzá (guide included, because you want to learn in style). Afternoons? How about snorkeling in a cenote, or beachside lounging with a michelada in hand. Evenings sparkly: try glam dinners on the beach or taco crawls through Playa del Carmen, stopping for mezcal flights and fresh ceviche along the way. Don’t forget a couple’s spa day at an eco-luxury resort; it’s a honeymoon essential.
Perfect for: Relaxed beachgoers, history lovers
January gives you the full honeymoon buffet—sun, snow, wine, waves, adventure, or luxe-born chill. Not sure which flavor fits your love story best? That’s where I come in. I’ll pair you up with your perfect destination, handle all the logistics, and build experiences that feel tailor-made, so all you do is show up, fall more in love (again), and collect passport stamps like they’re going out of style.
Shoot me a message with your honeymoon mood & I’ll whisk you someplace that feels like forever in just a few nights.
