Where To Go In January

The 9 Best Places To Visit In January

It's after Christmas, the New Year's hangover is lingering, and the work days begin again. If you need a getaway to get you through the cold weather, why not plan one now? If you're wondering where to go around January, whether you want a sun-filled getaway, an active holiday, or a cultural discovery tour, these are our top nine destinations that you need to look at.





Sri Lanka

Dry season in Sri Lanka means hot temperatures, plenty of sunshine and little chance of rain (except in the northeast that is likely to see more rain as a result of the Maha monsoon). Head to the coast in the south and west and you'll find perfect beach weather, or take advantage of the dry weather by exploring the island's historic sites. It's also peak season for climbing Adam's peak.

Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's coast at sunset
Timkat Festival in Ethiopia during January




Ethiopia

Ethiopia's Timkat Festival takes place on the 19th January and is one of the country's most important and colourful events, celebrating the baptism of Jesus with parades and sprinklings of water. January is also the dry period when temperatures are mild and skies are blue. The highlands will always be a little chillier and the lowlands hotter, so pack appropriate clothes depending on where you're headed.

Visit Ethiopia





Antarctica

January is the height of summer in Antarctica, so expect 'warmer' temperatures that reach the highest of the year, the seas are calmer and the ice has melted enough to allow access. This means conditions are perfect for cruises and activities such as hiking or kayaking. It's a great month to see wildlife, especially fluffy penguin chicks and seal pups. You'll also have a higher chance of spotting whales.

Visit Antarctica

A fresh, blue sky day in Antarctica in January
Oman in January the sun setting early behind the mountains in Muscat




Oman

Oman in the winter month of January sees its coolest temperatures, which is great if you want to avoid the blisteringly hot temperatures of summer. Expect some showers at this time but they don't usually last very long. If you're heading up into the mountains, it will get colder, especially at night. The Muscat Festival is held annually between January and February, which celebrates Omani culture and traditions.

Visit Oman





Patagonia

January is when Patagonia sees its highest temperatures, even though they still vary across the large area Patagonia, and the days are long which is perfect for all the outdoor activities you'll be doing. The north can get suprisingly hot and the south may see some rain. In the last week of January, the town of Cosquín hosts the National Festival of Folk Music, the largest in the country.

Visit Patagonia

A group tour to Patagonia in January
January is the perfect time to cruise down the Nile in Egypt




Egypt

The New Year period in Egypt can get busy, due in part to the comfortably balmy temperatures and sunny days. It may rain occasionally but nothing that will dampen your holiday spirit. Temperatures will drop in the evening though so be sure to bring layers. The West Bank marathon, held on the banks of the Nile, sometimes takes place in late January, or early February, so be sure to check the dates ahead of time if you want to experience this.

Visit Egypt





Costa Rica

The dry season is the peak season in Costa Rica with January boasting plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures so it's ideal for lounging on the beach, enjoying outdoor activities and spotting wildlife. Loggerhead turtles can be seen on shore from October through to February. In the town of Palmares, a ten day festival takes place in the first week of January - Las Fiestas de Palmares. You can take in horse shows, concerts and folklore dances.

Visit Costa Rica

Turtle hatching season in Costa Rica during January. See a baby turtle making its way across the sand
Visit a gorgeous white sand beach with palm tree in Thailand




Thailand

January is a perfect month to visit Thailand as the temperatures are high, there's plenty of sunshine and little chance of rainfall, ideal for checking out the beaches in the south. The northern areas are cooler, if you want a break from the heat. In the north, a small village Bo Sang holds the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, which celebrates the traditional art of making paper parasols and San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village is a haven for craft lovers.

Visit Thailand





Saudi Arabia

January is Saudi Arabia's coldest month, with temperatures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's hottest city, on average at 20°C. The desert can get a lot colder at night, so pack accordingly if you plan to stay in the desert. This cool-weather makes it a perfect time to visit archaeological sites in AlUla, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, built by the Nabateans in the 1st century CE.

Visit Saudi Arabia

January is a great time to visit in January, see AlUla when it is cooler

Sri Lanka

Dry season in Sri Lanka means hot temperatures, plenty of sunshine and little chance of rain (except in the northeast that is likely to see more rain as a result of the Maha monsoon). Head to the coast in the south and west and you'll find perfect beach weather, or take advantage of the dry weather by exploring the island's historic sites. It's also peak season for climbing Adam's peak.

Visit Sri Lanka



Ethiopia

Ethiopia's Timkat Festival takes place on the 19th January and is one of the country's most important and colourful events, celebrating the baptism of Jesus with parades and sprinklings of water. January is also the dry period when temperatures are mild and skies are blue. The highlands will always be a little chillier and the lowlands hotter, so pack appropriate clothes depending on where you're headed.

Visit Ethiopia



Antarctica

January is the height of summer in Antarctica, so expect 'warmer' temperatures that reach the highest of the year, the seas are calmer and the ice has melted enough to allow access. This means conditions are perfect for cruises and activities such as hiking or kayaking. It's a great month to see wildlife, especially fluffy penguin chicks and seal pups. You'll also have a higher chance of spotting whales.

Visit Antarctica



Oman

Oman in the winter month of January sees its coolest temperatures, which is great if you want to avoid the blisteringly hot temperatures of summer. Expect some showers at this time but they don't usually last very long. If you're heading up into the mountains, it will get colder, especially at night. The Muscat Festival is held annually between January and February, which celebrates Omani culture and traditions.

Visit Oman



Patagonia

January is when Patagonia sees its highest temperatures, even though they still vary across the large area Patagonia, and the days are long which is perfect for all the outdoor activities you'll be doing. The north can get suprisingly hot and the south may see some rain. In the last week of January, the town of Cosquín hosts the National Festival of Folk Music, the largest in the country.

Visit Patagonia



Egypt

The New Year period in Egypt can get busy, due in part to the comfortably balmy temperatures and sunny days. It may rain occasionally but nothing that will dampen your holiday spirit. Temperatures will drop in the evening though so be sure to bring layers. The West Bank marathon, held on the banks of the Nile, sometimes takes place in late January, or early February, so be sure to check the dates ahead of time if you want to experience this.

Visit Egypt

Costa Rica

The dry season is the peak season in Costa Rica with January boasting plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures so it's ideal for lounging on the beach, enjoying outdoor activities and spotting wildlife. Loggerhead turtles can be seen on shore from October through to February. In the town of Palmares, a ten day festival takes place in the first week of January - Las Fiestas de Palmares. You can take in horse shows, concerts and folklore dances.

Visit Costa Rica



Thailand

January is a perfect month to visit Thailand as the temperatures are high, there's plenty of sunshine and little chance of rainfall, ideal for checking out the beaches in the south. The northern areas are cooler, if you want a break from the heat. In the north, a small village Bo Sang holds the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, which celebrates the traditional art of making paper parasols and San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village is a haven for craft lovers.

Visit Thailand



Saudi Arabia

January is Saudi Arabia's coldest month, with temperatures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's hottest city, on average at 20°C. The desert can get a lot colder at night, so pack accordingly if you plan to stay in the desert. This cool-weather makes it a perfect time to visit archaeological sites in AlUla, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, built by the Nabateans in the 1st century CE.

Visit Saudi Arabia