JANUARY
Where to Travel in January
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN JANUARY
January suits travellers who want to begin the year somewhere completely different. In one part of the world, it means clear tropical days and warm seas. Elsewhere, it is deep winter, northern lights, wildlife migrations or the height of the southern summer.
The right destination depends on what you want from the trip. We have selected places where January brings a particularly good reason to go, whether that is weather, wildlife, seasonal access or simply a better way to experience the destination.
OUR FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS FOR JANUARY
OKINAWA, JAPAN
January shows Okinawa at a quieter pace. Temperatures are mild, the islands are less crowded, and the first cherry blossoms can begin appearing well before spring reaches mainland Japan.
Come for coastal drives, island landscapes and a very different side of Japan.
Take me there
AUSTRALIA
January is high summer across much of Australia. It is a good time to combine long coastal days with food, wine and slower journeys through the country’s southern regions.
The important part is choosing the right route. Australia is vast, and January conditions vary considerably from one region to another.
TANZANIA
January is an important month in Tanzania’s southern Serengeti, as large herds gather around the Ndutu plains ahead of the main calving period.
It is a rewarding time for travellers who want wildlife, open landscapes and safari days planned around where the animals actually are.
Take me there
ARGENTINA
January brings summer to Argentina, opening up Patagonia for long days outdoors and journeys through some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes.
Pair the south with Buenos Aires, wine country or time further north, depending on how much contrast you want from the trip.
Take me there
Pair the south with Buenos Aires, wine country or time further north, depending on how much contrast you want from the trip.
INDIA
January is one of the most comfortable months for travelling through much of India.
Rajasthan’s cities and desert landscapes work particularly well at this time of year, while further north the Himalayas offer an entirely different winter journey. It is a month that makes combining regions easier.
Take me there
Rajasthan’s cities and desert landscapes work particularly well at this time of year, while further north the Himalayas offer an entirely different winter journey. It is a month that makes combining regions easier.
CAMBODIA
January falls within Cambodia’s drier season, making it a particularly good time for temple visits, countryside journeys and time along the coast.
Angkor deserves more than a rushed stop. Build in quieter temples, early starts and enough time to see Cambodia beyond Siem Reap.
Take me there
Angkor deserves more than a rushed stop. Build in quieter temples, early starts and enough time to see Cambodia beyond Siem Reap.
EGYPT
January brings cooler conditions to Egypt, making days around Cairo, Luxor and the archaeological sites far more comfortable than during the hotter months.
A well-paced journey can combine the major ancient sites with time on the Nile, while leaving enough room to understand what you are actually seeing.
Take me there
A well-paced journey can combine the major ancient sites with time on the Nile, while leaving enough room to understand what you are actually seeing.
FINLAND
January in Finnish Lapland is properly winter.
Expect deep snow, short days and long dark evenings, with opportunities for northern lights, snow-covered forests and time outdoors in conditions that feel far removed from everyday life.
Warm clothing and thoughtful planning matter here, but that is part of the experience.
Take me there
Expect deep snow, short days and long dark evenings, with opportunities for northern lights, snow-covered forests and time outdoors in conditions that feel far removed from everyday life.
Warm clothing and thoughtful planning matter here, but that is part of the experience.
ANTARCTICA
January sits in the heart of the Antarctic travel season, when expedition ships can access the peninsula during the southern summer.
Days are long, wildlife is active and the landscape is at its most accessible. This is not a trip to rush. Choosing the right ship, route and expedition style makes a significant difference.
Take me there
Days are long, wildlife is active and the landscape is at its most accessible. This is not a trip to rush. Choosing the right ship, route and expedition style makes a significant difference.
VIETNAM
January can work particularly well for Vietnam, but conditions vary from north to south.
The south is generally warmer and drier, central Vietnam begins moving toward better weather, while the north is cooler. That makes itinerary design especially important if you want to travel through several regions in one journey.
Take me there
The south is generally warmer and drier, central Vietnam begins moving toward better weather, while the north is cooler. That makes itinerary design especially important if you want to travel through several regions in one journey.
Thinking of travelling this January?
Even with less time to plan, a good journey is still possible. Tell us your dates, priorities and approximate budget, and we will work out what can realistically be arranged.
Availability will shape the options, so we will focus on the places, stays and routes that are genuinely worth considering.
