January Travel Blues: 5 International Spots to Skip Due to Weather Woes

①January is notorious for bad weather in many foreign countries

January and February are the peak travel seasons, and flight prices tend to be high. Due to winter vacation and holidays, it’s a time when people can take longer trips. The prospect of going on a long trip often makes people think of places they normally wouldn’t be able to visit. However, it is important to check the weather conditions of your destination in advance before planning your trip.

In the United States, New York is a popular destination for tourists worldwide. The city’s skyline, filled with skyscrapers, is enough to appeal to tourists. Traveling to New York in winter may seem romantic, but the weather in January is usually not very good.

Even the locals shiver at the weather in New York in January and February. January is the coldest month in New York. Snowstorms often occur due to heavy snowfall. While December is filled with Christmas and end-of-year festivities, January is cold, with fewer tourists and unfavorable weather. Severe weather can make sightseeing difficult, especially in New York, where people often have to walk or use public transportation.

This year, New York City suffered from a snow shortage. Instead of snow, New York City was at risk of urban flooding. Weather forecasters analyzed that “the lack of snow in New York City is a clear example of the impact of climate change around the world.”

Traveling to the UK in January is also a time many people discourage. Britain is known for its unpredictable weather, which is mostly cloudy every day from January to February.

It rains often, and there are many foggy days. For tourists, there is an inconvenience of always carrying an umbrella when traveling. It is common to see Britons walking around without umbrellas as if they are accustomed to frequent rain.

Furthermore, the winter weather in the UK is not ideal for traveling because the days are very short.
By 4 or 5 in the afternoon, stores start to close, and the streets get quiet. If you travel to the UK in winter with a dream of traveling to Europe, you will likely be disappointed.

The peak travel season in the UK is from June to August. Although the weather is hot, you can enjoy sunny days in the UK, which is famous for its cloudy weather.

② Why Discourage Winter Travel to Northern Europe

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a peaceful travel destination. Copenhagen is also the largest city in Northern Europe. The weather for January in Copenhagen is similar to that of early winter in Korea. The temperature is low, and the humidity is high, making the days continuously cold. January is the coldest month in Copenhagen. Frequent rain, snow, and strong winds make traveling uncomfortable.

January and February are short, so many places close early. From a tourist’s perspective, it’s difficult to tour around.

June to August is best for planning a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark. You can spend a leisurely time enjoying the clear weather of Northern Europe.

Sweden is one of the representative travel destinations in Northern Europe. Sweden’s winter weather is always below freezing.

This year, in particular, Northern Europe experienced a record-breaking cold wave. Sweden faced the coldest winter in 25 years, with temperatures dropping to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold wave paralyzed transportation in Sweden. Train services were canceled, and bus services were suspended in some areas. Some roads were closed due to heavy snowfall, forcing drivers to stay up all night in their cars.

You might imagine the romance of winter in Northern Europe, but you may end up doing nothing because of the cold wave.

③ Foreign Travel Destinations Where You Can Experience Extreme Cold

Finland is considered a representative winter travel destination. You can visit Santa’s village, experience reindeer and husky sledding, and more. Above all, the possibility of observing the Aurora Borealis makes travelers’ hearts flutter. Although the winter in Finland is cold, the white snow-covered landscape provides the perfect winter experience.

However, winter weather in Finland is not easy. Especially, January is the coldest winter month in Finland.
The days end early, making it not ideal for travel, and it’s colder than the harsh winter in Korea.

Of course, many events can be enjoyed during a winter trip in Finland, so many travelers are planning a winter trip. If you plan to travel in the winter, bring your cold-weather equipment.

The best time to observe the Aurora Borealis in Finland is in September. Many tourists visit Finland during this period. In December, many tourists gather to enjoy Christmas. Saariselkä is a popular travel destination in Finland where you can observe the Aurora Borealis for more than 200 days a year.