January opens the year with diverse travel opportunities — from snow-covered mountains to warm coastal escapes. It’s an excellent time for desert adventures, tropical relaxation, and scenic highland treks. Here’s your curated guide to the top international destinations to visit this month based on climate, experiences, and seasonal highlights.
Excellent to Visit in January
Dubai & Abu Dhabi
January is peak season with cooler temperatures (~18–25°C) and blue skies. Perfect for desert safaris, city attractions, and beachside luxury without the heat.
Oman
Expect mild, sunny weather across Muscat, Jebel Akhdar, and desert regions. January is ideal for wadis, hiking trails, and historical sites with fewer crowds.
Qatar
A pleasant winter climate (~17–24°C) makes it ideal for outdoor sightseeing, desert excursions, and luxury experiences. Also a great time for sports and festivals.
Saudi Arabia
Cool and dry, January is perfect for exploring AlUla, Riyadh, and heritage sites. Great visibility for desert landscapes, and cultural events start to pick up.
Vietnam
Mild weather in the south (Saigon, Mekong) and central coast (Hoi An, Da Nang). Tet New Year prep begins late month. Enjoy city breaks, beaches, and local life.
Thailand
Dry season across most regions with warm days and low humidity. Excellent for exploring Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and islands like Phuket and Krabi.
Cambodia
January offers dry, sunny days with comfortable temperatures (~25–28°C). Ideal for Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and Mekong river villages.
Kenya
One of the best safari months — dry landscapes and high wildlife visibility. Enjoy Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and coastal Mombasa in perfect weather.
Good to Visit in January (Slight Seasonal Watch)
Nepal
It’s cold in the mountains but great for cultural travel and lower-altitude treks. Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara are pleasant under clear skies.
Bhutan
Very cold in highlands, but good for cultural experiences in Thimphu and Paro. Expect fewer tourists, clear skies, and a peaceful vibe.
Malaysia
The west coast (Langkawi, Penang) is in dry season, ideal for beaches and food tours. East coast remains rainy and less favorable.
Singapore
Warm and humid, but events like Chinese New Year prep start. Great for city sightseeing, shopping, and food experiences year-round.
South Africa
Mid-summer with warm weather — great for Cape Town, Garden Route, and coastal relaxation. Some national parks may be lush and harder for game spotting.
Georgia
It’s cold and snowy, especially in mountain regions. Best for skiing in Gudauri or enjoying Tbilisi’s winter charm.
Fair – Monitor Conditions
Hong Kong
Cool and sometimes damp. Good for city walks, museums, and shopping, but lacks festive energy in early Jan before Chinese New Year.
Armenia
Cold and often snowy. Suitable for winter travel or city breaks, but not ideal for exploring monasteries or highlands.
Azerbaijan
Cold and overcast in most areas. Baku is fine for urban exploration, but mountains are less accessible due to snow and chill.
Kazakhstan
Severe winter temperatures, especially in Astana and Almaty. Travel is possible, but best suited for those seeking snowy cityscapes or winter sports.
Summary Table
Destination | January Suitability | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Dubai & Abu Dhabi | Excellent | Desert safaris, city life, beaches |
Oman | Excellent | Mountains, wadis, heritage sites |
Qatar | Excellent | Outdoor culture, desert, luxury |
Saudi Arabia | Excellent | AlUla, historical sites, festivals |
Vietnam | Excellent | Culture, coastlines, local markets |
Thailand | Excellent | Islands, temples, dry season |
Cambodia | Excellent | Angkor Wat, pleasant weather |
Kenya | Excellent | Safari season, national parks |
Nepal | Good | Lower treks, cultural cities |
Bhutan | Good | Clear skies, low crowds |
Malaysia (West Coast) | Good | Beaches, food, city tours |
Singapore | Good | Events, urban experiences |
South Africa | Good | Cape Town, road trips, coast |
Georgia | Good | Winter charm, ski resorts |
Hong Kong | Fair | Cool city break, pre-festival quiet |
Armenia | Fair | Cold but calm cultural travel |
Azerbaijan | Fair | Urban experiences, off-season calm |
Kazakhstan | Fair | Harsh winter, city or snow tourism |
Feature Image Credit - Photo by Roth Chanvirak on Unsplash