January is often synonymous with new beginnings and New Year’s resolutions – and it’s also a wonderful time to explore the world.
Although (almost) all our destinations are fantastic all year round, those we’ve selected as the best places to travel in January are the ones that usually offer lovely weather at this time of year.
Dreaming of majestic African plains, lively Latin American streets, or picture-perfect beaches in Southeast Asia? Not sure where to travel? We’ve handpicked 10 destinations to inspire you on where to go in January 2027!
Is January not quite the right month for you after all? Have a look at where to travel in December and February too.
Kenya – Explore the untamed beauty of the Masai Mara
Kenya is fabulous in January, with dry weather, warm temperatures and excellent safaris!
The month comes just after the small rainy season, so the landscapes are lush and green. It’s an ideal time to explore the wildlife of the savannah, and if you’re a bird lover, you can look forward to the wintering birds, which have yet to leave Kenya.
If you dream of rounding off your safari holiday with a beach holiday, the Kenyan coast – with Diani Beach and Malindi – offers plenty of sunshine to enjoy by the sea.
You can also combine your tour with Uganda for a truly special safari experience: a trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where, together with local trackers, you’ll search for the majestic mountain gorillas. January marks the dry season in Uganda, meaning that trails in the national parks are dry and easier to navigate – creating the perfect conditions for spotting the world-famous gorillas.
3 reasons to visit Kenya in January:
- Dry weather with very little rain
- Beach holiday on Kenya’s coast with plenty of sunshine
- A great time to combine with gorilla trekking in Uganda
Malaysia – city buzz and tropical island vibes
Malaysia is a land full of contrasts, and in January, the west coast along with Kuala Lumpur and the Cameron Highlands enjoy dry, pleasant touring weather, while the east coast is in the midst of its rainy season.
In the capital, Kuala Lumpur, January is one of the driest months of the year, offering ideal conditions for exploring the city’s many attractions. The city blends everything from towering skyscrapers to traditional mosques and colonial-era buildings.
Malaysia’s highlands, with the Cameron Highlands, await you with the driest weather of the year (though still with a touch of rain). Here, you can look forward to discovering picturesque landscapes and the enchanting Mossy Forest, where ancient trees create a magical atmosphere.
If you dream of experiencing Malaysia’s tropical beaches, January is the perfect time to head to the west coast and the island of Langkawi, where the weather is dry and sunny with lower humidity than at other times of the year. The island boasts crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green mountains, forming the perfect backdrop for a Malaysian beach holiday.
3 reasons to visit Malaysia in January:
- Tropical warmth and a wealth of colourful experiences
- Perfect weather conditions for exploring Kuala Lumpur and the Cameron Highlands
- An ideal time for a beach holiday on the west coast, e.g. Langkawi
Sri Lanka – a cultural and scenic paradise
Sri Lanka’s allure is equally strong in January, when the south-west coast and central regions enjoy dry, sunny weather during the dry season.
January is an excellent time to relax on some of Sri Lanka’s stunning beaches, especially in the southern part of the island – for example, in Bentota, Mirissa, or Hikkaduwa. Here you can look forward to long sun-drenched days under swaying palms overlooking the Indian Ocean, or head off to explore the many experiences these areas also offer. Near Mirissa, you can, for example, go whale watching, and in Bentota, there’s plenty of opportunity for water sports or river safaris through the mangrove forests.
In central Sri Lanka, the stable weather of the dry season provides ideal conditions to explore some of the country’s greatest highlights, such as the Lion Rock in Sigiriya or the train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella – often hailed as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
If your greatest wish for your January tour is to escape the European winter, you can combine Sri Lanka with the Maldives, which, like Sri Lanka, enjoys its dry season in January. Here, an exotic beach holiday awaits – straight out of a postcard, with powder-white sands and crystal-clear waters.
3 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in January:
- Dry and sunny weather in central and south-western Sri Lanka
- Ideal weather for enjoying Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches
- A great time to combine with the Maldives
Costa Rica – an adventure-packed and diverse destination
Costa Rica’s dry season, which starts in December and continues through January, offers perfect conditions for exploring the country’s diverse ecosystems.
The weather is warm, dry (or only a little rain) and sunny, offering the perfect conditions for experiencing Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity. Look forward to exploring the country’s rainforests, hiking at the Arenal Volcano, bathing in the country’s hot springs and experiencing unique wildlife which includes everything from red-eyed tree frogs to toucans. And it’s also a great time to enjoy the sunshine at the beautiful beaches along the coastline.
3 reasons to visit Costa Rica in January:
- Warm, dry weather.
- Perfect conditions to experience Costa Rica’s abundant nature and wildlife.
- Fabulous time to relax on the Costa Rican beaches.
Tanzania – Experience the miracle of life in January
Go on an unforgettable safari in Tanzania in January and look forward to unique wildlife experiences. The month comes after the small rainy season (in November–December), the temperatures are rising, and the weather is predominantly dry.
The wildlife is, as always, exceptional, but January is particularly good if you’re a birdwatcher, and you’ll see both resident and wintering birds. The end of January also usually marks the start of calving season in Tanzania, when can witness life unfold on the Serengeti plains as thousands of wildebeest are born (the wildebeest calve until March). The small wildebeest attract predators and set the scene for dramatic encounters between predator and prey.
If you dream of experiencing Zanzibar on your tour, January is also a really good month, offering lovely beach holiday weather without too much rain, and good snorkelling in the waters around the islands.
3 reasons to visit Tanzania in January:
- Rising temperatures and dry weather.
- Calving season starts and newborn wildebeest attract predators.
- Nice weather for a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Mexico – Scenic beaches and ancient wonders
Mexico is a popular destination in January – and for good reason.
January in Mexico offers pleasant, dry weather and long hours of sunshine, making it ideal for exploring Mexico’s beaches. Head to Playa del Carmen or the picture-perfect islands of Isla Holbox or Isla Mujeres, where the Caribbean’s crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands invite you to relax and unwind.
The weather is great for outdoor adventures, and whether you’re uncovering history at the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or Palenque, snorkelling in Mexico’s stunning cenotes, or indulging in traditional Mexican cuisine, January provides the perfect backdrop for experiencing Mexico’s diverse beauty.
3 reasons to visit Mexico in January:
- Pleasant, dry weather with plenty of sunshine
- Lovely weather for exploring everything from Mexico City to ancient wonders such as Chichen Itza
- Mexico's beaches provide the ideal relaxation location
Vietnam – A journey through time and nature
Vietnam’s varied climate zones make it a fascinating destination in January, when the dry season prevails in most parts of the country. It can get a bit chilly in the north, particularly in the mountainous regions where you’ll find Sapa, but the further south you travel, the warmer it becomes.
From the mist-covered peaks of Ha Long Bay to the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in January offers a journey through its rich history, lively culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, for example in the Mekong Delta. If you dream of discovering Vietnam’s beautiful beaches, Mui Ne greets you with plenty of sunshine and warmth.
In Central Vietnam, January marks the start of the dry season and is a great time to visit the region before temperatures truly begin to rise. Visit Hué, beautifully set on the banks of the Perfume River, or explore Hoi An’s charming old town, listed on the UNESCO world heritage list.
3 reasons to visit Vietnam in January:
- Dry season across most of the country, bringing blue skies and plenty of sunshine
- Ideal weather for exploring Vietnam’s fascinating history, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes
- Perfect weather for a beach holiday, for example in Mui Ne in southern Vietnam
Colombia – Exploring historic streets and forgotten cities
January is a fantastic time to visit Colombia, with most of the country enjoying the dry season. Temperatures in Colombia vary very little throughout the year and depend mainly on the altitude – the higher you go, the cooler it gets.
Stroll through the historic streets of Cartagena, explore the lush Coffee Region with the charming and colourful city of Salento, and experience the vibrant culture and nightlife of Bogotá. A visit to Medellín, nicknamed “the city of eternal spring”, is definitely a must.
January is also a good month to do the Lost City Trek as the trails are dry in the dry season, and you can expect great sunny views and calm river crossings.
3 reasons to visit Colombia in January:
- Dry season with varying temperatures depending on the altitude where you are.
- Dry weather for exploring the country’s exciting cities and rich culture.
- Great weather to walk the Lost City Trek.
Thailand – tropical paradise from north to south
Thailand welcomes visitors with open arms in January.
The “cool” season, which covers most of the country, offers dry weather and pleasantly warm daytime temperatures – perfect for heading into the northern highlands for cultural discoveries and scenic beauty, or for exploring Bangkok’s bustling streets.
If you’re dreaming of a beach holiday in Thailand, both the southeast and southwest enjoy the dry season in January. It’s the ideal time to unwind on idyllic beaches such as those on Phuket or Koh Samui.
3 reasons to visit Thailand in January:
- Warm, dry weather
- Cultural experiences from north to south
- Nice weather for a beach holiday in Southern Thailand, in Phuket or Koh Samui, for example.
New Zealand – experience high summer from behind the wheel
January marks the height of summer in New Zealand, with warm, sunny days and less rainfall than other times of the year.
It’s the perfect season to get behind the wheel and explore the country’s spectacular landscapes on a self-drive tour. Begin your day overlooking a mirror-like lake and pause by a waterfall along the way as you make your journey towards the day’s destination.
The sunny summer weather also invites you to embrace New Zealand’s laid-back beach vibe, for example on the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula or Waiheke Island.
New Zealand’s summer offers much more than scenic drives and beautiful hikes. Along the coast – for instance at Kaikōura – you can look forward to incredible encounters with the giants of the sea, perhaps even spotting sperm whales on a whale-watching tour.
January is a popular month for travelling, and you’ll quickly feel New Zealand buzzing with summer life. During the height of summer, you’ll enjoy some of the best conditions for being outdoors from morning till night – whether you’re setting off on short hikes, cruising through fjords, visiting vineyards, or simply admiring the breathtaking views from the road.
3 reasons to visit New Zealand in January:
- High summer with warm and dry weather
- Perfect time for self-drive tours
- Lively atmosphere and ideal conditions for exploring the country’s natural beauty
Which destination should you choose in January?
Start the year with an unforgettable dream tour filled with fascinating cultural encounters, incredible natural wonders, and memories to last a lifetime.
There are countless destinations that are simply wonderful in January. Still unsure which one is right for you? Then get in touch with our travel specialists, who are ready to help you find your perfect January adventure.
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
