Where to travel in January

Find holiday inspiration with our guide to the best places to go in January. You’re spoiled for choice with exciting options, from the sun-soaked beaches of Belize and the ancient wonders of Ethiopia to the snow-packed slopes in Italy.

United Arab Emirates

January offers the perfect climate to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with temperatures ranging from 14-24 degrees Celsius. The UAE combines modernity with tradition, making it one of the world’s most captivating destinations. In Dubai, you can marvel at the iconic Burj Khalifa, give your credit card a workout in luxury shopping malls, or wander through the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood. Over in Abu Dhabi, you’ll want to add the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with its 82 domes to your itinerary, then marvel at masterpieces in the Louvre Abu Dhabi. For a thrilling desert experience, venture into the Arabian Desert on a safari tour. You can try your hand at dune bashing, take a bumpy camel ride, and experience traditional Bedouin hospitality under the starry sky. This blend of unique cultural attractions is what makes the UAE such a diverse destination.

Belize

If you’re looking for a tropical paradise in January, set your sights on Belize. It boasts warm weather that’s perfect for beach lovers and adventurer seekers alike. With temperatures hovering around 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, it’s an excellent time for divers to explore the vibrant marine life around the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world. You can tick a dive at the Great Blue Hole off your bucket list, snorkel at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Ambergris Caye. For a dose of culture, you can explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, while the lush jungles of the Cayo District offer the perfect setting for marvelling at Belize’s unique flora and fauna. For nature enthusiasts, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary provides ample birdwatching opportunities. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, Belize is an ideal destination for a winter getaway.

Uganda

Uganda is an excellent destination for January travels, with its dry season providing perfect conditions for wildlife viewing. For many travellers, joining a gorilla trekking adventure in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a must-do, as it’s home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. You can also visit the Queen Elizabeth National Park for a chance to spot elephants, lions, and hippos on a safari excursion. To see some of Uganda’s most dramatic scenery, Murchison Falls (also referred to as Kabalega Falls) is another top-rated destination, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall. To learn more about Ugandan culture, visit Kampala’s vibrant markets or explore the historic Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

January is an ideal time to visit the Galapagos Islands, as it offers pleasant weather and calm seas for wildlife-watching excursions. While temperatures of around 24 to 29 degrees Celsius make for an inviting January escape, it’s the vast variety of unique wildlife in the Galapagos Islands that will truly draw you in. If you make the trek to this remote destination in Ecuador, you’ll be rewarded with the chance to spot giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions in their natural habitat. The largest island in the Galapagos, Isabela Island, offers outdoor activities like snorkelling, hiking, and exploring the town of Puerto Villamil. On Santa Cruz Island, you can see large tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station, explore underground lava tunnels, or bask on the white-sand beaches of Tortuga Bay. No matter what activity you choose, coming face-to-face with the Galapagos’ diverse ecosystems and incredible biodiversity makes for the perfect January adventure.

Laos

January is a fantastic time to visit Laos, as you can expect warm, sunny days and low rainfall with its dry season weather. Begin your journey in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed town renowned for its beautiful temples, colonial architecture, and lively night markets. Take the slow boat along the mighty Mekong River for a unique perspective of the country’s lush landscape, then take a day trip to swim in the refreshing waters of the three-tiered Kuang Si Waterfalls. For a memorable cultural experience, don’t miss the traditional alms-giving ceremony at dawn, where you can witness monks in orange robes collecting food offerings from locals. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a thrill – the small town of Vang Vieng is a must on your itinerary. This town is famous for its various outdoor activities, such as riving tubing, kayaking, rock climbing, and hot air balloon rides. Whether exploring cultural landmarks or enjoying nature in Laos, January offers a perfect blend of experiences.

Antarctica

An Antarctic expedition is so special that you want to make sure the conditions are perfect. The weather and wildlife are arguably at their best in January, with its mild summer weather and extended daylight hours offering the perfect setting for exploration. You can’t expect balmy weather with its ice-filled landscapes, but the temperatures of -2 to 8 degrees Celsius make wildlife sightings easier. You’ll be in awe as you observe penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitats, while a cruise through the icy waters provides a chance to visit research stations and marvel at gleaming white icebergs and glaciers. Antarctica is where you go to experience dramatic scenery unlike anywhere else on Earth, with its stark remoteness and frozen landscapes offering a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Discover Antarctica

Penguin and surrounding icy landscape in Antarctica

Panama

Head to Central America for an exciting exploration of Panama in January, as its dry season weather offers plenty of sunny days for exploring. Built to decrease the travel time for ships between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the Panama Canal is one of the country’s most visited attractions. Panama City is the lively capital city boasting a modern skyline, while the Casco Viejo district (Old Quarter) is a charming historic neighbourhood with brick-paved streets and colourful buildings. Outdoor enthusiasts can catch waves in Pedasi and Tonosi, dive in the preserved Coiba National Park, or hop on a ferry to the volcanic Taboga Island to explore scenic hiking trails. Beach lovers can visit white-sand shores on the Caribbean side, including iconic spots like the San Blas Islands, the Bocas Del Toro archipelago, and Portobelo. All nestled within 30,000 sq mi – the diverse landscapes of Panama are made for adventure.

Ethiopia

Nestled at the horn of Africa, Ethiopia offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural wonders for your January getaway. Start your journey by exploring the mountain village of Lalibela, where impressive 800-year-old rock-hewn churches are UNESCO-listed gems that offer a glimpse into the country’s spiritual heritage. If you want to see towering obelisks and ancient tombs, head to Aksum to explore the ancient ruins of the Aksumite Empire. In northern Ethiopia, the Simien Mountains National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site offering jaw-dropping views of plateaus, ridges, and gorges. It’s also a popular place to spot local wildlife, such as the gelada baboon. If you’re a foodie at heart, Addis Ababa is an ideal destination for experiencing the vibrant flavours of traditional Ethiopian cuisine – just be sure to only use your right hand, as is proper etiquette in Ethiopia. If you’re a history buff, you can also visit the Ethiopian National Museum to see the famous fossil of “Lucy.”

Ghana

Ghana’s warmth isn’t just found in its January temperatures but also in the hospitality of its locals. It’s a welcoming destination year-round, offering an enticing mix of cultural attractions, historic sites, and natural beauty. Your first port of call will most likely be Accra, the country’s bustling capital city. It’s home to a collection of fascinating historical landmarks and colourful markets, as well as a booming culinary and nightlife scene. Every visitor should stop at the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle to learn about the country’s poignant history as a strategic trading point in the Triangle Trade. For an exciting nature excursion, cross the canopy walkway in Kakum National Park for a unique view of its lush rainforests, and keep your eyes peeled for over 300 species of birds. Ghana also offers a variety of stunning beaches along its coastline, with the golden sands of Ankobra Beach and the palm tree-lined shore of Labadi Pleasure Beach some of the best.

Italy

Although any time is perfect for a trip to Italy, January provides a quieter and more authentic experience with fewer tourists. Cooler temperatures make exploring iconic Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice pleasant, where you can explore the ancient ruins, renowned museums, and charming cafes without the usual hustle and bustle. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is the perfect time to visit the Italian Alps or the Dolomites for skiing and winter sports. In Milan, you can enjoy world-class shopping on Via Montenapoleone and see Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie. While often associated with summer adventures, Puglia is a picturesque destination year-round, and in winter, you can still enjoy its renowned regional cuisine and dramatic coastline views.

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