The new year brought big celebrations across the globe, and the rest of the month followed with major moments in politics, sports, and culture — not to mention the weather. People along the East Coast encountered their fare share of wintry temperatures, while Aussies were busy trying to keep cool in crazy heat waves. In the world of politics, President Obama enjoyed a sunny Hawaiian vacation before addressing NSA spying and giving back on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Meanwhile, the British royal family made a series of appearances, and Prince William stepped out for his first day at the University of Cambridge. Relive some of January's special moments with a look at the month's best pictures from around the world!
A stunt expert was held by a giant King Kong hand over the city of Melbourne, Australia, during a photocall at Eureka Skydeck.
Former president Bill Clinton watched the ceremonies for new NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio alongside his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
People waved flags in Tokyo, Japan, as the country's royal family delivered a new year greeting.
The Toronto Maple Leafs played the Detroit Red Wings during the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic in Ann Arbor, MI.
A man shoveled snow on the steps near the Bethesda Fountain in NYC's Central Park following the first night of Winter storm Hercules.
President Barack Obama kept cool with some shaved ice during the first family's trip to Kailua, HI.
Switzerland's Roger Federer cuddled up to a koala during the 2014 Brisbane International at Queensland Tennis Center in Australia.
Women in Kyoto, Japan, dressed in traditional costumes for the year's first Karuta card game, which is played to honor the god of the sea and storms.
A little boy hopped on his sled, playing in the snow outside the US Capitol in Washington DC after snow hit the area.
Couples kissed at midnight in Times Square during the New Year's Eve celebration in NYC.
Serena Williams celebrated after winning her finals match during the 2014 Brisbane International in Australia.
Personal trainers kissed white whales during a show at the Harbin Pole Aquarium in China.
The HMS Illustrious and its 650-person crew arrived back on Portsmouth Harbour in England after a five-month trip to the Philippines, where they helped victims with typhoon relief. Petty Officer Andrew Boote was all smiles after returning and reuniting with his son Max.
In Tel Aviv, Israel, a man set flowers on a memorial left for LGBT Holocaust victims.
Crown-clad swimmers braved chilly waters in Prague for the traditional Three Kings Swim in the Moldau River.
A woman paddled her way through the flooded streets of Chertsey in Surrey, England, following heavy rainfall.
Catholics in Manila, Philippines, marched as part of an annual feast and celebration, rushing toward the Black Nazarene statue that's believed to have miraculous powers.
Gov. Chris Christie spoke during a lengthy press conference in Trenton, NJ, to address the traffic-jam scandal.
Prague saw extrawarm weather, with cherry trees blossoming during an unseasonably warm day.
Switzerland's Christopher Lambert competed during the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup Aerial Competition in Park City, Utah.
Kids beat the heat by running through a water fountain during the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia.
Michelle Obama's second inaugural gown was placed on display at the Smithsonian museum in Washington DC.
Stilt walkers made their way through the streets of Singapore during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Muslim women in Kashmir, India, honored the anniversary of the prophet Muhammad's birth at a shrine in Srinagar.
Australians made their way to the beach in Adelaide, Australia, to keep cool during an extreme heat wave.
Fisherman gathered on the banks of the River Tay in Kenmore, Scotland, for the official start of salmon season.
In Washington DC, activists rallied against NSA surveillance while President Obama delivered a speech.
People held up different representations of baby Jesus for the Santo Niño Festival in the Philippines.
A tugboat broke up the ice near Chicago following a snowstorm and frigid temperatures.
President Barack Obama gave the Hawaiian "hang loose" greeting while speaking at the White House in Washington DC.
Soldiers marked their return from Afghanistan with a march through the streets of Doncaster, England.
Crews removed snow from New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, where the Super Bowl is set to take place in early February.
Prince Harry was all smiles at a London press conference for his Walking With the Wounded South Pole Challenge team.
A man waded his way through the street while carrying his groceries home in Somerset, England.
A lone boat floated in the middle of a lake in Kashmir, India, after a heavy snowfall.
Following a rare ice storm in Charleston, SC, kids played on a sand dune covered with snow.
First Lady Michelle Obama waved from her box seat alongside US Army Ranger Cory Remsburg during the State of the Union address in Washington DC.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles enjoyed some beer while visiting The Bell Pub in Purleigh.
In London, people performed parts of Swan Lake outside the Russian Embassy and submitted a petition asking Putin to "end his assault on freedom of expression and gay rights" in his country.
Shelley Rudman, a skeleton skiing athlete from Team Great Britain, trained for the Sochi Games in Sheffield, England.
Hillary Clinton spoke at the 10th National Automobile Dealers Association Convention in New Orleans.
People on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate filled the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City, holding up signs to voice their pro- and anti-gay-marriage opinions.
In Chicago, a person braved -10°F temperatures to snap pictures of the steam over Lake Michigan.