Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka should be at the top of your list of January destinations. The small island country off the south coast of India offers comfortable temperatures at this time of year and minimal chance of rain due to the dry season. The friendly climate frees you to explore the land’s cultural sites, beautiful beaches, and stunning landscapes. 

Lucky for you, January is a month filled with cultural splendours in Sri Lanka. Travelling at this time of year allows your trip to coincide with the Duruthu Perhera, a Buddhist procession that makes its way through Kelaniya. This event gives you a glimpse into the region’s complex cultural heritage and how it shapes life on the island. 

January is also an excellent time to visit Sri Lanka’s historical sites. You can travel off-peak to the sacred city of Kandy, the rock fortress at Sigiriya, and the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura without battling through endless crowds. 

And don’t forget Sri Lanka’s wildlife! The cooler weather makes its diverse fauna more active. Spot elephants, leopards, and a range of bird species in Yala National Park. 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is another winter sun destination oozing with travel potential. The Central American country’s culture and landscape are unique, making it a must-visit destination. 

Your first stop should be the country’s national parks. Costa Rica has amongst the densest biodiversity in the world because of its tropical climate. The best-preserved areas are the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano National Park, and Manuel Antonio National Park. These locations are drier in January, making hiking far easier. 

Going out to sea, January is also a prime month for whale watching in the country. Tourists regularly take boats on the Pacific Coast to see these majestic mammals  breaching the surf. Even if you choose to stay on the coast, there’s plenty of activities to keep you busy. Tamarindo Beach is famous for surfing, while Manuel Antonio Beach and the golden sand beaches around Puerto Viejo offer the perfect settting to just kick back and relax. 

For those interested in culture, the country celebrates The Fiestas de Palmares in January. Expect rodeos, parades, and loud music at this traditional event. Street food is available, serving various American and Spanish-inspired options. 

Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful land boasting a wide range of bucket-list worthy cultural, historical and natural wonders. Like the rest of Southeast Asia, January is the dry season. Temperatures are milder, and humidity is lower, freeing you up to leave your air-conditioned hotel to explore the country. Top destinations include Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and the rice fields of Sapa. 

The Vietnamese celebrate the Lunar New Year in January or February (depending on the calendar). Festivities continue for several days, and locals welcome foreigners with open arms. Expect to see various parades with street performers and colourful decorations on main thoroughfares and outside homes. 

January is also an excellent time to explore Vietnam’s stunning landscapes. You can visit places like Halong Bay and Phu Quoc without worrying about the risk of torrential downpours. These locations are jam-packed in the summer but far quieter in the winter, providing unique photo opportunities for early birds. 
Finally, don’t forget to sample the country’s exceptional food. For the best experience, hit the streets - Vietnam is renowned for its street food culture so don’t be afraid to dig in. Try aromatic pho, bánh mì and when you’re at the coast , be sure to indulge in some seafood dishes.

Oman

Oman is another destination for those weary of the grey winter weather of the northern hemisphere. In tourist cities like Salalah and Muscat, January’s daytime temperatures are comfortable (unlike the rest of the year when they can soar to record-breaking highs). 

Oman is mostly desert, so it is dry year-round. The country can experience the odd rainstorm in January, but it is rare, so most visitors take the opportunity to embark on desert and mountain adventures with tour guides. Those feeling extra adventurous should travel to the Hajar Mountains. These offer spectacular views of unspoiled wilderness unlike anything else in the world. The higher you go in the mountains, the cooler it gets, with some highlands becoming more temperate in feel as you ascend, making them an option for keen hikers. 

As for culture, Oman celebrates its National Day on November 18th. However, festivities often continue into January, so you may catch the tail-end of them if you go early in the month. Expect traditional music, local gatherings and the odd parade here and there. 

Also, January opens the opportunity to explore the country’s spectacular cultural landmarks and rich history without crowds. We recommend the ancient city of Nizwa and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, the country’s commercial hub. 

Japan

Japan isn’t warm in January, but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular. The country has a unique ability to celebrate the winter, bringing out the best in an otherwise dreary season. 

Winter is an ideal time to plunge into one of the country’s hot springs. Locals bathe in these natural aquifers surrounded by snow for a tranquil and surprisingly rejuvenating experience. Top locations include Hakone, Noboribetsu, and Kinosaki Onsen. 

Japan is also a top winter sports destination. With temperatures hovering below zero, the Japanese Alps offer ski slopes to rival those in Europe and North America. Areas like Hakuba in Nagano and Niseko in Hokkaido are popular this time of year. Be sure to check out the Shogatsu New Year celebrations. This time of year offers a unique opportunity to get a taste of local customs and cuisine, including the “first temple visit of the year” called “hatsumode.” You can also catch the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido. Locals create ice sculptures and indulge in various winter sports to celebrate the changing seasons. The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival is also worth a visit and feels similar to Guy Fawkes Night in the UK. 

For the nature lovers, stunning winter landscapes are on show at Shirakawa-go in the Alps. Here, you’ll find winter wonderland scenery and picturesque views that feel a million miles from the bustling metropolises of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. You might even spot a snow monkey. 

India

Travelling to India in January can be a delightful experience if you plan your trip well. This time of year sees milder temperatures and lower humidities, making it more comfortable than the summer. 

January is a festive month on the subcontinent, depending on where you travel in the country. Republic Day, Pongal, and Makar Sankranti are opportunities to see traditional performances and colourful parades in various regions. You can also attend the Jaipur Literature Festival, a renowned literary event hosting authors from across the country and further afield. 

Those interested in spending time in the mountains should seek adventure in the Himalayas in the northern parts of the country. There are numerous opportunities in Uttarakhand and Himachal for trekking and hiking through impressive scenery. The peaks here are taller than anywhere else on Earth. 

Patagonia

Patagonia is another stunning destination for winter travel in the southern hemisphere. The region spanning Chile and Argentina is home to gigantic mountains, diverse wildlife, and lush landscapes. Seals, sea lions, and penguins all call the region home. 

Because Patagonia is in the southern hemisphere, January is its summer. Warmer, drier weather makes hiking and camping more pleasant, particularly if venturing into the Valdes Peninsula. Popular trail destinations include Los Glaciares National Park and Torres del Paine National Park, containing spectacular natural features such as the Perito Moreno Glacier and Grey Glacier. 

Patagonia is also a popular destination for adventure sports. Mountain biking, horseback riding and whitewater kayaking opportunities are available in the region. The epic landscape and extreme elevation changes mean open season for anyone with a penchant for thrills. 

January is also the time for floral blooms in the region. Patagonia sees flowers of all types open their buds in the summer, with meadows stretching for miles and towering mountains as their backdrop. Botanists have found species here not seen anywhere else on Earth. 
Finally, Patagonia offers extended daylight hours in January. The further south you venture, the later the sun sets, making it ideal for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. 

Egypt

The Nile Delta is further north than many travellers think, making Egypt a milder-than-expected destination in January. Temperatures stay below 25°C most of the month, which is helpful for active adventures. 

January is the Coptic Christmas season in Egypt, where the devout gather to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. Western travellers can gain rare insights during festivities into how the culture celebrates the occasion differently. 

Further afield, Egypt offers desert adventures in the Western Desert and Sinai Peninsula. Travellers can enjoy rally racing, camel treks, sand surfing, and 4x4 tracks. 

Egypt also offers various Nile cruises. Tourists usually begin further up the river in Upper Egypt and then descend through the desert to the coastal cities of Cairo and Alexandria. On the way, guides entreat guests to ancient temples and the tombs of the Pharaohs at Aswan, Luxor and other popular stop-offs. 

Egypt attracts tourists to the Red Sea resorts at Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh along the Red Sea. The waters are balmy, even in January, making it the perfect destination for swimming, watersports, and relaxing by the sea. Nearby, there are numerous opportunities to sample Egyptian food, including koshari (lentils, rice, and pasta), ful medames (slow-cooked broad beans), and mahshi (rice and herb-stuffed grape leaves). 

Togo & Benin

By travelling to the West African nations of Togo and Benin in January you will miss the rainy seasons, leaving you free to explore its varied landscapes, including the fascinating waster channels of Ganvie, the biggest stilt village in Africa. 

Togo and Benin are home to the spiritual religion of Voodoo, so you won’t want to miss the fetish market of Lome. In mid-January,  you cannot miss the main Voodoo festival in Ouidah. Withfire and mask dances and Fetish priests, it's a fascinating cultural event to witness, so if you are hoping to catch this then booking your stay a little earlier is a must. 

Even if you can’t catch the Voodoo festival (it's a popular time for visitors) the location in which it's held is still well worth a visit. Indeed, the ominously named ‘The Door of No Return’ is also located in Ouidah which commemorates the huge number of African slaves shipped to America from these very ports, and stands as a solemn and poignant reminder of the horror of Ouidah’s history. 

Cambodia

January is the dry season in Cambodia, meaning lower humidity and minimal rainfall. The weather is more comfortable this time of year, opening up the opportunity for outdoor activities. 

Top of the list of priorities this time of year is temple visits. Cambodia is home to some of the most stunning religious monuments in the world, such as Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom. Guides provide comprehensive tours of these locations, injecting a mix of history and humour. Other outdoor opportunities include beach retreats at Koh Rong and Sihanoukville and trips to wildlife sanctuaries, particularly in Virachey National Park, Mondulkiri’s jungle and the Cardamom Mountains. 

Those looking for more sedate options can cruise along the Mekong River, the most famous and critical waterway in the country. River cruises provide a unique perspective on local life, offering stunning views of floating villages, tea plantations, and picturesque landscapes. Tours often stop for guests to observe local ceremonies or explore indigenous markets. Locals are friendly and more than happy to talk about life. 

January is the peak tourist season in Cambodia. However, the month is quieter than December and February.