As Christmas slopes into the distance and with cold weather still to come, travelling to find some sun is an appealing prospect for January. We recommend beach time in the west of Thailand in Krabi, Phuket and Koh Lanta. In Africa, the January rains break the Kalahari heat and the quenched plains spring to life. Journey to Botswana to watch the migration of wildebeest and zebra as they follow the scent of the fresh grazing. And January marks the start of another wildlife showpiece. It’s the whale watching season in Baja California on Mexico’s Pacific Coast and on a cruise you can sit alongside as hundreds of whales and dolphins leap, arch and twirl in and out of the ocean.
Popular countries we recommend in January
Seasonal inspiration from our specialists on where to visit in January for the best weather, festivals and events, and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
South Africa
A safari holiday in South Africa has so much to offer: from safari in places like the Kruger (one of the oldest, largest, and most diverse parks in Africa), to whale watching and visiting legendary battlefields like Rorke’s Drift.
India
Book a trip to India and enjoy tiger-watching holidays in Ranthambhore and Kanha national parks. Visit Delhi and enjoy wonderful architecture, or spend time in the tea plantations of Darjeeling and Sikkim in northeastern India.
Australia
Book a holiday to Australia and experience the natural beauty Ayers Rock (Uluru), the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef and the iconic Sydney skyline. Other attractions include the untouched coastline of Western Australia and self-driving along the Great Ocean Road.
Thailand
While many visitors head straight for the stunning islands and beaches of the south, a trip to Thailand offers the traveller so much more. Experience national parks, a haven of unspoiled tranquillity as well as abundant flora and fauna, mountain ranges with their resident hill tribes, provincial towns where Buddhist temples are shrouded in a haze of incense, and of course its frenetic capital, Bangkok.
Selected itinerary ideas in January
Trip suggestions that we know capture a route at its best if you’re planning to travel in January.
The Grape Escape: Cape Town & Winelands self-drive
Central Highlands of Vietnam
Belize Reef & Rainforest
Essential Burma (Myanmar) tour
Classic Costa Rica tour
Melbourne to Sydney Coastal self-drive
Cape Town to Windhoek: West Coast self-drive
