Something Cool, Something Breezy
Looking for the best cold-weather destinations to visit this winter? Whether you’re dreaming of snowy peaks, frozen lakes, or charming winter getaways, I’ve got the ultimate winter travel guide for you. Say goodbye to sweaty days and hello to breathtaking winter landscapes and Northern Lights in January, February, and March.
From thrilling ski resorts to cosy cabin retreats, these top cold countries will give you the chill vibes you crave. So, are you ready for a chilly adventure? Let’s get you prepped!
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Where’s Cold:
JANUARY
COLD DESTINATIONS TO FREEZE IN
1.
FINLAND
JANUARY TEMPERATURE: -5 DEGREES
Start the new year in Finland, where January brings snowy magic and Arctic adventure! Chase the Northern Lights, explore charming cities or get lost in the winter wilderness. From frozen lakes to cosy cabins, Finland is the perfect winter escape!
Why Finland in January? It’s the prime time for Northern Lights, husky sledging, and reindeer safaris. Plus, fewer crowds mean quieter, more immersive experiences, whether exploring Lapland or cosying up in a lakeside sauna.
Where’s Cold in January? Finland. White Reindeer in the North. Credit: Katiekk2 (Adobe)
Finland’s Highlights
Don’t Miss…
Places To Stay In Finland
Helsinki. As Finland’s capital and largest city, Helsinki is a popular traveller choice. It provides a vibrant urban experience with modern architecture, cultural sites like the Helsinki Cathedral and the Design District, and a bustling waterfront.
🩵 Recommend: The Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel is popular among guests and provides good-for-value rooms.
Rovaniemi. Located in Lapland, Rovaniemi is a sought-after destination, especially during winter. Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, it offers a magical winter wonderland experience with stunning opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
🩵 Recommend: The Hostel Cafe Koti is great for budget-conscious travellers wanting to meet like-minded travellers.
Tampere. Situated between two lakes, Tampere is known for its industrial history, vibrant cultural scene, and picturesque surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the Saarijärvi Forest trails and experience the city’s dynamic atmosphere.
🩵 Recommend: Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Temepre provides great views, food and good vibes.
Who & What Is Finland Best For?
Finland is best for those wanting a winter wonderland escape and who love snowy adventures and the Northern Lights. If you’re an ice queen and picture cute IG pics in steamy saunas surrounded by snow, this is also for you! So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get you packing to slay in some snow for a January adventure!
2.
JAPAN (HOKKAIDO)
JANUARY TEMPERATURE: – 7 DEGREES
Experience the ultimate winter fest in Hokkaido, Japan, in January! With powdery ski slopes, steaming onsens, and breathtaking snow festivals, it’s the perfect destination for cold-weather lovers.
In Japan, January is one of the best months for a winter vacation. Whether you’re hitting the slopes in Niseko, exploring the Sapporo Snow Festival, or soaking in a hot spring surrounded by snow, Hokkaido’s icy charm will leave you in awe.
Where’s Cold in January? Otaru Canal in Hokkaido, Japan. Credit: Ponlasin (Adobe)
Highlights Of Japan
Don’t Miss…
Places To Stay In Japa (Hokkaido)
Sapporo. Stay in Sapporo, the heart of Hokkaido, which is perfect for exploring the Sapporo Snow Festival. It has delicious ramen and easy access to nearby ski resorts.
🩵 Recommend: Sapporo Prince Hotel is a five-star hotel offering reasonable rates for a great stay.
Niseko. Known for its cosy lodges and vibrant ski vibes, Niseko is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders looking for some fun winter action.
🩵 Recommend: The Hilton Neisko Hotel is gorgeous, offering stunning views and boujee vibes.
Furano. Stay in Furano, which is the perfect wonderland with stunning landscapes, quiet slopes, and dreamy snow-covered lavender fields, perfect for a peaceful escape.
🩵 Recommend: Hitohana Hotel offers a beautiful boutique stay with nice amenities and perfect views.
Who & What Is Japan Best For?
Hokkaido in January is perfect for snow lovers, adventure seekers, and winter festival enthusiasts. With world-class skiing in Niseko and relaxing hot springs, it’s a dream destination for those who love boujee winter landscapes and outdoor adventures. So, is Japan the next destination for you?
Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning safe, confident, and unforgettable adventures!
3.
SWITZERLAND
JANUARY TEMPERATURE: -1 DEGREES
Switzerland in January is a snowy paradise perfect for adventure seekers and cosy retreat lovers alike. With world-class skiing in the Alps, charming frost-kissed villages, and inviting mountain lodges, it’s the perfect escape for a magical winter getaway.
Whether carving through fresh powder, riding scenic trains, or indulging in Swiss chocolate by a roaring fire, spending January in Switzerland offers an unforgettable cold-weather escape!
Where’s Cold in January? The Matterhorn mountain range in Switzerland. Credit: Enrico Tricoli (Adobe)
Highlights In Switzerland
Don’t Miss…
Places To Stay In Switzerland
Zermatt. Perfect for ski lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, this car-free mountain town offers stunning views of the Matterhorn, world-class slopes, and charming alpine vibes.
🩵 Recommend: Alpen Resort & Spa is a highly-rated resort offering cosy rooms, clean space, and delicious breakfast.
Lucerne. A picturesque lakeside city with medieval charm, scenic boat cruises, and easy access to Mount Pilatus and Rigi for winter adventures.
🩵 Recommend: Art Deco Hotel Montana is a stunning 4-star hotel with a boujee feel & vibe.
Interlaken. The ultimate base for thrill-seekers, offering paragliding, skiing, breathtaking views of the Jungfrau region, and easy access to nearby adventure spots.
🩵 Recommend: Hotel Brienzersee is in a great location and offers beautiful views at an affordable rate.
Who & What Is Switzerland Best For?
Switzerland in January is a dream for winter lovers with its world-class skiing, snow-covered mountains, and charming alpine villages. It’s perfect for adventure seekers hitting the slopes, couples looking for a cosy getaway, and anyone wanting to experience magical snowy landscapes. So, will Switzerland be your next winter vacation?
FEBRUARY
BEST COLD WINTER VACATIONS
1.
SWEDEN
FEBRUARY TEMPERATURE: -6 DEGREES
Embrace Sweden’s icy charm this February when winter magic takes centre stage! Sweden is a cold-weather paradise, from the snowy wilderness of Lapland to frozen lakes, perfect for skating.
Chase the Northern Lights, cosy up with Swedish fika, and dive into thrilling adventures like husky sledging—because winter here in February is nothing short of spectacular!
Where’s Cold in February? Stockholm. The Waterfront. Credit: WDnet Studio (Adobe)
Scandinavian Highlights
Don’t Miss…
Places To Stay In Sweden
Stockholm. Sweden’s capital city offers historical charm, cultural attractions, waterfront views, and a vibrant atmosphere. It also offers diverse dining and shopping options and is conveniently accessible to smaller islands nearby for scenic boat trips and island exploration.
🩵 Recommends: Clarion Hotel Stockholm offers a cosy and vibrant space to relax and explore.
Gothenburg. The Gothenburg area promises beautiful cultural attractions, like the Liseberg Amusement Park and the historic Haga district with its charming wooden houses. It’s also a great spot for enjoying different food at lively markets with picturesque canals in the background.
🩵 Recommends: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel is a high-rated 4-star hotel with great room rates.
Visby. Located on the island of Gotland, Visby is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and rich history. The stunning coastal area provides scenic views and opportunities to relax on the sandy beaches.
🩵 Recommends: Hotel St Clemens is a 3-star hotel, BUT perfect for those looking for somewhere cute on a strict budget
Who & What Is Sweden Best For?
Sweden in February is a true winter escape, where icy landscapes, snow-covered forests, and frozen lakes set the scene for an unforgettable adventure. With temperatures dropping well below freezing, Sweden is the ultimate cold-weather destination if you love the crisp winter air and magical snowy scenery. So, are you ready for an epic snowy getaway?
2.
AUSTRIA
FEBRUARY TEMPERATURE: -2 DEGREES
Austria in February is a snowy paradise, perfect for those craving snow-covered peaks, cosy alpine villages, and thrilling ski slopes. With the coldest month of the year, it’s the ideal time to experience world-class skiing, frozen lakes, and snow-dusted castles.
If you’re a fan of winter sports, stunning snowy landscapes, or simply embracing the chill, Austria is the place to be this February!
Where’s Cold in February? A small village in Austria’s Alps. Credit: Ecstk22 (Adobe)
Highlights In Austria
Don’t Miss…
Places To Stay In Austria
Vienna. Stay in Austria’s elegant capital, Vienna, for grand palaces, world-class museums, and charming coffee houses. This is a great location and a popular base from which to begin your trip to Vienna.
🩵 Recommends: Jaz In The City Vienna offers comfortable rooms and great rates.
Salzburg. Salzburg is your ideal location if you enjoy history and ‘The Sound of Music’! Enjoy baroque architecture, alpine views, and a rich musical heritage.
🩵 Recommends: Stay in Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg for good vibes and top-notch services.
Innsbruck. Adventure seekers should stay in Innsbruck to indulge in the surroundings of the Alps. It’s the perfect go-to spot for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
🩵 Recommends: Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz Hotel offers perfect views and beautiful rooms.
Who & What Is Austria Best For?
Austria in February is a frosty dream, with snow-covered Alps, icy lakes, and crisp mountain air. It’s a haven for cold-weather adventures, perfect for skiers, snowboarders, and anyone who loves the magic of winter. So, are you ready for it?
3.
NORWAY
FEBRUARY TEMPERATURE: -5 DEGREES
Grab your cutest winter coat and prepare for a frosty adventure—Norway in February is straight out of a winter fairytale! Think snow-covered fjords, dreamy Northern Lights, and cosy nights in chic Scandinavian cabins.
A trip to this Arctic wonderland is the ultimate cold-weather escape for those who love adventure with a side of magic. Norway sounds like the perfect February escape to me!
Where’s Cold in February? Fishing village in Norway. Credit: Mumemories (Adobe)
Norway Highlights
Best Excursions
– Bergen
– Oslo
– Stavanger
– Tromso
– Other Locations
Places To Stay In Norway
Oslo. The vibrant capital city, Oslo, is known for its world-class museums, trendy cafes, and buzzing nightlife scene. Stay in Oslo if you love to dive into culture, be close to transport links, and experience some of the best of what Norway offers.
🩵 Recommends: Radisson Blu Park Hotel is a 5-star hotel with good room rates and a great breakfast.
Bergen. This charming coastal city is a dream for scenic lovers. It offers colourful harbour views, stunning fjords, and easy access to hiking trails. It’s a great stop to add to your travel itinerary.
🩵 Recommends: Skostredet Hotel is a boujee 5-star hotel offering affordable rates and good vibes.
Tromso. Ideal for Arctic adventurers, Tromso is a popular place to stay, especially for those wanting to see the Northern Lights. It’s also a great location for winter sports and cosy Nordic vibes in the heart of the Arctic Circle.
🩵 Recommends: Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora offers an outdoor jacuzzi and epic views.
Who & What Is Norway Best For?
Norway in February is perfect for adventurous souls who thrive in the cold! Whether you’re a Northern Lights chaser, a thrill-seeker hitting the slopes, or a cosy traveller craving winter wonderland vibes, Norway has it all. Ready to hit up Norway?
MARCH
THE PERFECT COLD WINTER ESCAPE
1.
ALASKA, USA
MARCH TEMPERATURE: -2 DEGREES
Ready to embrace the chill? March in Alaska is the ultimate cold-weather adventure! With stunning snowy landscapes and thrilling winter activities like dog sledging and snowmobiling, Alaska is your perfect frosty escape.
March is the perfect time to visit Alaska. It offers long, dark nights, which are prime viewing times for the Northern Lights. It’s cold, but the beauty and adventure make it all worth it!
Where’s Cold in March? Alaska. Skagway Bay. Credit: Joan Vadell (Adobe)
Hightlights In Alaska
Don’t Miss…
Places To Stay In Alaska
Anchorage. Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, is a central base for visitors wanting to explore the city’s cultural attractions, parks, and outdoor adventures. From here, you can easily access the stunning landscapes of the Chugach Mountains and enjoy wildlife excursions.
🩵 Recommends: Alyeska Resort is highly rated and provides a mix of wellness, skiing, and hiking.
Denali National Park. For those seeking a more immersive experience in Alaska’s wilderness, staying near Denali National Park provides access to the iconic Denali Peak, wildlife tours, and scenic landscapes.
🩵 Recommends: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is an unreal stay with stunning views and premium vibes.
Juneau. The capital of Alaska, Juneau, offers a fun blend of natural wonders and historical richness, making it an ideal destination for a memorable Alaskan experience. Stunning landscapes surround Juneau, including glaciers, mountains, and the pristine waters of the Inside Passage.
🩵 Recommends: Although pricey, the Best Western Grandma’s Feather Bed is a great space and offers a more intimate stay.
Join the Everything Travel community on Facebook to ask and find any travel-related questions.
Who & What Is Alaska Best For?
Alaska offers amazing opportunities if you’re into dog sledging, snowmobiling, or skiing. It’s also ideal for those wanting to witness the Northern Lights or explore Alaska’s snow-covered landscapes. What are you waiting for if it sounds like a bit of you? Pack them bags and go!
2.
ICELAND
MARCH TEMPERATURE: – 3 DEGREES
March in Iceland is like stepping into a frosty paradise! With snow-capped mountains, icy waterfalls, and gorgeous hot springs, it’s the perfect time for an adventure. It’s a popular European location, as you must have seen on Insta, and it has every right to be; it’s stunning!
Choosing Iceland for a getaway in March offers the perfect balance of winter beauty and fewer crowds. The days are getting longer, giving you more daylight to explore its stunning landscapes, while the cold keeps the magical winter vibes alive.
Where’s Cold in March? Fishing port in Iceland. Credit: Joan Vadell (Adobe)
Iceland’s Highlights
Don’t Miss…
Places To Stay In Iceland
Reykjavik. The capital city, Reykjavik, offers a mix of vibrant nightlife, cultural sites, and easy access to natural wonders. It’s perfect for first-time visitors to base their base on as there are many tour options to visit more of Iceland. It also gives a cosy, urban vibe.
🩵 Recommend: The Hotel Island Spa & Hotel offers great room rates and boujee Icelandic vibes.
Vík. Known for its charming coastal town, Vik is a great base for exploring southern Iceland. Its black-sand beaches, nearby waterfalls, and the famous Reynisfjara Beach make it an ideal location for nature lovers.
🩵 Recommend: Mid-Hvoll Cottages is perfect for a more secluded and private stay.
Akureyri. Known as the ‘Capital of North Iceland,’ Akureyri offers a more relaxed pace with stunning landscapes, hot springs, and nearby whale-watching opportunities. It’s perfect for those seeking adventure in the northern region.
🩵 Recommend: Acco Luxury Apartments is convenient and for a home away from home vibe.
Travelling solo but anxious about it? The Female Solo Travel Guide covers everything you need to know about solo trips and more!
Who & What Is Iceland Best For?
Iceland in March is perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers who want to explore stunning landscapes, including glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes. It’s also the perfect time for winter activities. So, is it time for Iceland?
3.
SCOTLAND
MARCH TEMPERATURE: 7 DEGREES
March in Scotland offers a chilly yet charming escape with its dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and historic castles. It’s a great destination to explore, with its friendly Scottish locals and vibrant vibe.
Perfect for those who love the cold, March provides a unique opportunity to explore Scotland’s beauty with fewer crowds, cosy pubs, and breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains.
Where’s Cold in March? Loch Lomond in Scotland. Credit: Whitcomberd (Adobe)
Highlights In Scotland
Places To Stay In Scotland
Edinburgh. The capital city is a perfect location to base yourself, offering stunning architecture and vibrant culture. It’s perfect for those wanting to explore medieval streets, iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, and world-class festivals. It’s also just a great vibe!
🩵 Recommends: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa offers 5-star stays and premium vibes at a more mid-range rate.
Glasgow. Stay in the iconic Glasgow for a buzzing atmosphere. Known for its art, music scene, and great food, this area is an awesome place to stay, especially for those seeking a more modern city experience with a creative, urban vibe.
🩵 Recommends: Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow is a fabulous hotel with great breakfast and rooms.
The Scottish Highlands. If you’re just here for views and serenity, the Scottish Highlands is breathtaking, with rugged landscapes, rolling hills, and serene lochs. It’s just the place for nature lovers, adventurers, and those wanting a peaceful escape surrounded by stunning scenery.
🩵 Recommends: Fancy staying in a castle? Tulloch Castle Hotel offers a fantastic stay (and reasonably priced too!)
Who & What Is Scotland Best For?
Scotland in March is perfect for adventurous travellers who love crisp, cold landscapes, historic charm, and fewer crowds. It’s ideal for history buffs exploring castles and outdoor enthusiasts hiking in the Highlands. So, what are you waiting for?
That’s A Wrap!
You’re in the right place if you’re craving snowy escapes, dazzling Northern Lights, or just a break from the heat! This guide highlights the coolest winter getaways for January, February, and March. Alternatively, check out ‘Where’s Hot‘ if you seek a warmer destination.
For more ‘Where’s Cold’ holiday recommendations, check out the following months:
Where’s Cold:
