ARTICLE
Where to go in January
January often feels like a bit of an in-between month for travel. With the festive rush behind you and the weather at home the usual drizzly grey, the thought of sunshine, open spaces and a fresh change of scene starts to sound especially tempting. The best part? January can be a fantastic time to get away, as long as you pick the right spot. That’s where timing comes in. Some places are at their absolute best in January, with dry days, comfortable temperatures and everything running smoothly. Others are better saved for later in the year. Here, we’ve gathered together destinations where January truly shines, based on our experts’ first-hand experiences and extensive knowledge, not just climate charts.From beachside days in Sri Lanka or the Maldives, to culture-filled journeys through India, Cambodia and Oman, or those big, open landscapes in Chile, Ecuador and the Galápagos, the below destinations really come into their own at the start of the year. And if one of them sparks an idea, we’re always happy to talk it through and help you shape the right kind of trip to match.
Know where you might fancy? Jump there...
Unawatuna Beach
What is January like in Sri Lanka?
January is a wonderful time to experience Sri Lanka at its best, especially along the sun-soaked south and west coasts.This is when the beaches really come into their own, with long, bright days, gentle seas and temperatures sitting comfortably in the high 20s to low 30s. It’s just right for swimming, surfing, or taking it easy on the golden sands near Galle, Unawatuna Mirissa or Bentota are great options!Inland, around Kandy and the Hill Country, you’ll find warm days and cooler nights – perfect for strolling through tea plantations or taking a scenic train ride through the hills.With the dry season in full swing on this side of the island, it’s easy to mix lazy days on the coast with time spent exploring Sri Lanka’s rich culture. Clear skies mean you can soak up sweeping views from Sigiriya, while the southern national parks are open and teeming with wildlife. Evenings are all about relaxing, we’re talking long, lazy dinners by the beach, ambelling through lantern-lit gardens, and listening to the sounds of the Indian Ocean just steps away.If you’re after a winter escape that blends culture, wildlife and classic tropical beaches, January in Sri Lanka is a fantastic choice. You get blue skies, warm seas and vibrant green landscapes, all packed into one easy-to-explore island.
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[content] => I love designing January holidays to Sri Lanka. You can move easily between beaches, wildlife and culture without having to worry about the weather scuppering plans.
[name] => Rebecca
[location] => HA Destination Manager, Sri Lanka
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“
I love designing January holidays to Sri Lanka. You can move easily between beaches, wildlife and culture without having to worry about the weather scuppering plans.
RebeccaHA Destination Manager, Sri Lanka
”
Those iconic Maldivian blues
What is January like in the Maldives?
Swap winter for sunshine in the Maldives, where the sea is that gorgeous, calm turquoise you see on all the postcards, beckoning you to snorkel over the colourful reefs or head out to spot manta rays and reef sharks (often just mere metres from your bungalow!). You can look forward to warm days in the high 20s, a light breeze, and those iconic Maldivian blues all around you.The island resorts are really lively at this time of year, with a full line-up of excursions, water sports and special dining experiences. Overwater villas and beach bungalows fill up fast around New Year and into January, so it's alway worth getting in touch nice and early so we can snap up the very best island for you.If you’re dreaming of an extra-indulgent winter break, January in the Maldives is hard to beat. You’ll have picture-perfect weather, calm lagoons and the chance to start the year with a real taste of barefoot luxury (and maybe a floating breakfast in your very own plunge pool?!)
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman
What is January like in Oman?
January is a fantastic time to visit Oman, especially if you’re after winter sun without the crowds. Days are warm and bright, with temperatures in the mid 20s to high 20s, and barely a hint of rain. It’s the perfect weather for mixing time on the beach with adventures in the desert and mountains. You can swim and snorkel off the coast, or head inland for wadi hikes and fort visits, all without the intense heat.Muscat’s waterfront is at its best in January, with warm evenings made for strolling the corniche, browsing the souks or dining by the sea. In the Hajar Mountains, the air is refreshingly crisp, and the views are stunning – perfect for clifftop walks and exploring mountain villages. Out in the Wahiba Sands, cooler nights mean you can enjoy campfires under a carpet full of stars and get a comfortable night’s sleep in the traditional tented camps.If you want a balanced mix of gentle adventure and relaxed downtime, January in Oman is a great choice. You’ll have bright desert days, warm evenings by the pool and lots of time to explore before the hotter weather sets in.
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[content] => Oman is a brilliant option for a bit of winter sun, it’s usually more doable quite last minute than most places, so do give us a call if you’ve left your winter holiday planning a bit late and are feeling the need for a getaway.”
[name] => Emma
[location] => HA Destination Manager, Oman
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“
Oman is a brilliant option for a bit of winter sun, it’s usually more doable quite last minute than most places, so do give us a call if you’ve left your winter holiday planning a bit late and are feeling the need for a getaway.”
EmmaHA Destination Manager, Oman
”
The Taj Mahal, Agra, India
What is January like in India?
January is a fantastic month for exploring many of India’s classic routes, especially in the north and centre of the country. Our India expert, Clare, calls it ‘India’s golden month.’ The fierce summer heat is a long way off, and the monsoon has cleared, leaving cool to pleasantly warm days that are ideal for sightseeing in cities like Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur. You can wander through palaces, forts and bazaars in relative comfort, and long train or road journeys feel far easier when the temperatures stay mostly in the 15–25°C range.It’s also a strong time for wildlife if you’re heading to central India’s national parks. The vegetation is still a little greener than the very dry spring months, but conditions are cool for early‑morning and late‑afternoon game drives, and visibility is generally good. Down south, in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the weather tends to be warm, bright and relatively dry, making it a lovely time of year for backwater cruises and beach time. Evenings can be crisp in the north, so you might find yourself wrapping up for rooftop drinks, but you'll soon warm up watching the city glow below.If you’re looking to balance culture, wildlife and a lovely bit of winter sun, January in India works beautifully. You get clear skies over the Taj Mahal, comfortable days for temple‑hopping and that lovely sense of travelling in the cool season before temperatures and humidity begin to climb.
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[content] => I love sending people on their travels to India in January. It’s a real golden month across so much of the country, you get clear skies, lovely temperatures and the freedom to explore without battling the heat.
[name] => Clare
[location] => HA Destination Manager, India
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“
I love sending people on their travels to India in January. It’s a real golden month across so much of the country, you get clear skies, lovely temperatures and the freedom to explore without battling the heat.
ClareHA Destination Manager, India
”
Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia
What is January like in Cambodia?
January is a fantastic month to visit Cambodia, especially if you want to combine temple-hopping with a little R&R by the coast.It’s right in the heart of the dry season, so you’ll enjoy lots of sunshine, little rain and warm temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s.Around Siem Reap, the air is clear and less humid, making it much more comfortable to explore the temples of Angkor without the sun relentlessly beating down. Early mornings are cool enough to catch sunrise over the temple outline without melting in the heat.On the southern coast and islands, the weather is just as pleasant. The sea is calm and clear, days are bright, and beach towns like Kep or Sihanoukville are perfect bases for boat trips to quieter islands. With the rains behind you, rural roads are in good shape, making it easy to mix countryside cycling or village visits with time in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Evenings are warm and relaxed – perfect for riverside strolls, rooftop bars and enjoying Cambodia’s food scene without the heat of later months.If you’re after a well-rounded first taste of Cambodia, January is a great time to go. You’ll have relaxed, dry days for exploring temples, great conditions by the sea and a softer heat than later in the season.
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[content] => January is such a good time of year to be in Cambodia. The weather’s dry and comfortable, which makes exploring Angkor and getting out and about feel easy rather than hard work. Set your alarm early as the mornings are cool, the light’s lovely, and you can really enjoy it without rushing.
[name] => Lisa JS
[location] => HA Destination Manager, Cambodia
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“
January is such a good time of year to be in Cambodia. The weather’s dry and comfortable, which makes exploring Angkor and getting out and about feel easy rather than hard work. Set your alarm early as the mornings are cool, the light’s lovely, and you can really enjoy it without rushing.
Lisa JSHA Destination Manager, Cambodia
”
The Atacama Desert, Chile
What is January like in Chile?
January sits right in the middle of Chile’s summer, and it’s prime time if you’re planning to explore Patagonia, the Lake District or the central wine regions. Days are long and generally warm, with many areas seeing temperatures in the low‑20s°C, although Patagonia can still experience wind and some cooler spells (it's not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day in Patagonia, whichever month you visit!). Trails are open, roads are clear and boat trips through fjords and past glaciers are all running, making it a great month for hiking, kayaking and scenic drives. In the central regions, vineyards are lush and lively, with a real buzz around tasting rooms and outdoor restaurants.The only catch is that this is one of the busiest and most expensive times of year, especially in Torres del Paine and the main national parks. It’s worth booking ahead for popular lodges and treks, and be prepared to share the trails with a few other travellers. Still, Chile is vast, and if you plan your route, you can find peaceful spots in lesser-known valleys, remote islands or the Atacama. We’re here to help with that!If you’re keen to embrace the buzz of high season, January in Chile is a brilliant time to get outdoors. You’ll enjoy long, light evenings, easy access to glaciers and mountains, and lots of chances to pair adventure with plenty of great food and delicious wine.
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[content] => Chile is one of my favourite places on Earth any time of year, but January is a great fit weather-wise. It can get busy, so get in touch early if you want to start your year adventuring top to bottom!
[name] => Louise
[location] => HA Destination Manager, Chile
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“
Chile is one of my favourite places on Earth any time of year, but January is a great fit weather-wise. It can get busy, so get in touch early if you want to start your year adventuring top to bottom!
LouiseHA Destination Manager, Chile
”
View over the Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador
What is January like in Ecuador and the Galapagos?
January is a great month to visit Ecuador, especially if you want to combine the mainland’s highlights with the Galápagos. On the mainland, you’ll have warm weather and the odd tropical shower, mostly in the Amazon and along the coast, while the Andean highlands offer their usual mix of cool nights and mild days. Rain usually comes in short bursts, so there will be plenty of dry windows of time to explore colonial cities like Quito and Cuenca, or venture into the Avenue of the Volcanoes when the sun comes out.In the Galápagos, January is part of the warm, wetter season, which means calmer seas, warmer water and fantastic underwater visibility. It’s a brilliant time for snorkelling and swimming, with lots of wildlife activity both above and below the water. With the festive rush behind you, visitor numbers start to drop as the month goes on, so you might find it easier to get the holiday dates and boats you want.
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[content] => If you don’t mind the occasional tropical shower in return for vibrant landscapes and lively wildlife, January is a great time to go. You can take in the highlands, rainforest and islands all in one trip, with warm weather and a more relaxed feel as the peak season crowds start to thin out.
[name] => Dawn
[location] => HA Destination Manager, Ecuador & the Galapagos
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“
If you don’t mind the occasional tropical shower in return for vibrant landscapes and lively wildlife, January is a great time to go. You can take in the highlands, rainforest and islands all in one trip, with warm weather and a more relaxed feel as the peak season crowds start to thin out.
DawnHA Destination Manager, Ecuador & the Galapagos
”
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