Where to go on a family holiday in January
January has a reputation for being a bit… bleak. The sparkle of Christmas has faded, routines are back in full swing and the school term stretches ahead like a long winter’s road. But with a well-timed family holiday on the calendar, January can transform into something to look forward to, whether you’re seeking vitamin D, powdery pistes or simply hunkering down for a snug UK staycation. The New Year is also a sweet spot for family travel; beaches in the Caribbean and Middle East are balmy but not blistering, ski slopes are in peak condition, and the crowds that come with school holidays haven’t yet descended on Europe’s cultural cities. From Oman’s dreamy desert coast to storybook snow scenes in Sweden, here are the best family-friendly destinations to kick off the year with a little adventure, plus hotel recommendations for each
Words by Lucy Halfhead
Published: 4th June 2026 | Last updated: 10th September 2026
We’ve spent hours reading the hundreds of reviews you’ve shared with us, to produce a visited & verified shortlist of where to go on a family holiday in January. We hope you find this really useful, and if you do, that you consider booking via our complimentary Tiny Travel Agency service or the affiliate links in the article (meaning we make a small commission, and can keep providing you with this kind of content!)
Love, Frankie & Becky x
A bite sized guide to: Where to go on a family holiday in January
Jamaica: temperatures between 27-29 degrees
Florida: temperatures between 18-24 degrees
Austria: temperatures between 0- -5 degrees
Sweden: temperatures between -1 – -3 degrees
Oman: temperatures between 21-25 degrees
UK: temperatures between 3-8 degree
Is January a good time to travel with kids?
What better way to start the New Year in style than with a holiday? For parents who aren’t tied to school holidays, a January getaway makes a lot of sense to us – and you’ll often find much better value than the February half-term rush. Skiing might feel like the obvious choice, but winter wonderlands aren’t reserved for those who know their way around the slopes. The Alps are home to a special breed of hotels that perfectly blend luxe spas with outstanding family facilities, and trust us – whether you’re a winter-sports devotee or happier soaking up the views from an infinity pool, you’ll be very pleased with yourself for booking one of these elite stays. And if sunshine is what you’re craving in January (we don’t blame you), Jamaica, Florida and Oman all deliver sensational family holidays to kick off the year on a high
Which is the best hotel for children by age?
Best hotels for babies and toddlers in January: Ette Luxury Hotel & Spa, Falkensteiner Family Hotel Montafon , Calcot & Spa
Best hotels for kids in January: Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Naturhotel Forsthofgut ,Eriksberg Hotel & Nature Reserve
Best hotels for teens in January: Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, The Headland Hotel & Spa
How am I best to book my holiday?
We’ve designed Tiny Travelship to make booking your family holiday as simple, transparent, and stress-free as possible. If a hotel is an official Tiny Travelship partner, you’ll be directed to their dedicated listing page in our digital directory, where you’ll find detailed information on everything from flight & transfer times to room layouts, and monthly temperature guides. On these pages, we also provide honest advice on the best way to book. This might be via Tiny Travel Agency, in the instance they price match what you would pay by going direct (whilst seamlessly planning your escape end to end, for free, and even unlocking extra perks!). Or, you might get the best rates by booking with the hotel themselves (though sometimes Tiny Travel Agency can still step in and help, if you’re eager to forgo any holiday headaches). If a hotel isn’t an official partner, we’ll either link you through to booking.com to complete your booking – meaning we make a small commission – or flag that we’d recommend booking via Tiny Travel Agency (again, so you can access great rates & added benefits, whilst receiving complimentary support and insider intel). Either way, rest assured, every hotel we feature has been tried, tested, and genuinely loved by fellow well-travelled parents
More family holiday recommendations
Jamaica
With sun, sand, reggae rhythms and a family-friendly vibe that’s as warm as the weather, Jamaica is a no-brainer for a January escape. Dry season is in full swing, temperatures sit comfortably in the high 20s and post-Christmas crowds have thinned just enough. For families, there’s more than just beach lounging (though the powder-soft sands and turquoise waters will make you want to stay put). Why not try zip-lining through the jungle canopy, rafting down the Martha Brae River or learn to cook jerk chicken? The Blue Mountains invite gentle hikes, and older kids will love the splash-happy fun at waterfalls like Dunn’s River Falls or Reach Falls. Resorts around Montego Bay and Negril are known for their excellent amenities like kids’ clubs, splash parks and all-you-can-eat buffets, but boutique hideaways are also on the rise if you want something more low-key. And let’s not forget music; from steel drum lessons to laid-back beach bars with live reggae, Jamaica has the rhythm to get your whole crew dancing
January weather: between 27-29 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Jamaica, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Florida
If you’ve got children, Florida might already be on your travel radar, but there’s a lot more to the Sunshine State than theme parks (though yes, they’re there too). January is a brilliant time to visit thanks to mild temperatures, fewer crowds and enough activities to entertain toddlers and teens alike. Orlando is theme park central, and January means cooler weather and shorter queues at Disney, Universal and beyond. You can pace yourself without the pressure of summer heat, and the parks still have a little festive sparkle left over from the holidays. If you prefer your family thrills with sand and sea, head south to Miami. Here, Art Deco streets meet palm-fringed beaches, and there’s a surprising amount for kids, from the colourful murals of Wynwood Walls to boat rides around Biscayne Bay. In addition, Miami Children’s Museum, Jungle Island and a day trip to the Everglades all score big for tiny travellers. With excellent family accommodation, easy car hire and direct flights, Florida remains a foolproof choice for some winter sun
January weather: between 18-24 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Florida, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Austria
If you’re dreaming of a proper winter holiday, Austria delivers it in spades. January is prime time for snow, and Austrian ski resorts are famously family-friendly; imagine chocolate-box villages, fairy-lit ski resorts and steaming mugs of hot chocolate on alpine terraces. Places like Alpbach, Obertauern, and Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis cater to younger skiers with gentle nursery slopes, English-speaking ski schools and off-slope fun like toboggan runs and thermal spas. Prices are generally better than in France or Switzerland, and there’s a strong focus on making skiing accessible for families. Even if you’re not a skiing clan, Austria’s winter charm works its magic. Ride a horse-drawn sleigh through snow-dusted forests, explore festive markets (yes, some are still going in early Jan!) or warm up with schnitzel and strudel in a rustic mountain hut. It’s a country that does winter beautifully – and efficiently. From clean public transport to the friendly welcome, it’s ideal for families who want a snowy break without stress
January weather: between 0- -5 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Austria, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Sweden
Sweden in January is what childhood winter dreams are made of – we’re talking sparkling snow, frozen lakes and the chance to see the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Head to Swedish Lapland for the full Arctic experience where kids can try husky sledding, snowmobiling or feeding reindeer at a Sami village, while parents will love the wild beauty and stillness of the landscape. Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi is a bucket-list stay for older children (yes, you really do sleep on ice) and some lodges now offer Northern Lights wake-up calls so no one misses the show. Further south, cosy log cabins and woodland stays around Dalarna or Småland give a gentler and slightly warmer winter wonderland featuring cross-country skiing, forest walks and evenings by the fire. Sweden’s friluftsliv – the love of open-air life – is infectious, and even tiny tots will be out stomping in snow boots with red cheeks and big smiles. And the best bit? The whole country is incredibly child-friendly, from baby-safe saunas to kids’ menus that go way beyond beige buffets
January weather: between -1 – -3 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Sweden, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Oman
For families chasing sun without the long-haul jet lag, Oman is the Middle Eastern gem you didn’t know you needed. Swapping skyscrapers for sand dunes and mega-malls for mountain villages, Oman offers a calmer, more authentic side of Arabia, and in January, you can enjoy it all in a glorious 25-28°C. Base yourself in Muscat for beachside luxury with easy access to the city’s souks and cultural sites or head further south to Salalah for untouched coastline and a more off-grid experience. Adventurers of all ages can snorkel in bathtub-warm waters, spot dolphins on dhow cruises or venture inland to sleep under the stars at a desert camp. The dramatic Hajar Mountains provide endless excitements, including wild wadis, hidden waterfalls and ancient forts. It’s also brilliantly safe, clean and welcoming to children. The pace is laid-back, the roads are good, and the hospitality is second to none, especially for little ones. Plus, direct flights from the UK mean it’s easier to reach than you might think
January weather: between 21-25 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Oman, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
UK
You don’t need to leave the UK to have a brilliant family holiday in January, in fact, it’s the perfect time to hunker down somewhere lovely, skip the crowds and make the most of winter’s slower pace. The Cotswolds is a classic choice, offering roaring pub fires, frosty village walks and chocolate-box cottages with room for the whole family. Or head to the Cornish coast for empty beaches, wild winter waves and sea-view hot tubs that feel extra special when it’s cold outside. Scotland’s Highlands or Cairngorms offer full-on winter drama with their snow-dusted mountains, loch-side lodges and a strong chance of spotting red squirrels or even the Northern Lights if you’re lucky. This is the season for board games, wellies and hot chocolates, but also for outdoor adventure without the summer crowds. Many family-friendly properties offer off-season rates, and you’ll have country walks and cosy cafés all to yourselves
January weather: between 3-8 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in the UK, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Themes: Where to go when by month, with kids, The Family Friendly European Edit, The Family Friendly Winter Sun Edit, The Family Friendly Adventure Edit, The Family Friendly UK Edit,
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