Where to go in January 2025?

January is often synonymous with new beginnings and New Year’s resolutions – and it’s also an excellent time to explore the world.

All our destinations have something to offer all year round, so the ones we’ve selected as good places to visit in January are all destinations where the weather is generally good in January.

From the majestic African plains to the lively Latin American streets and picture-perfect South-east Asian beaches, we’ve selected 11 must-visit destinations for January!

January not the best month for you anyway? Find out where to to go in October, November and December here!

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 with a beach holiday, Diani Beach near Mombasa offers a beach holiday with plenty of hours of sunshine.

3 reasons to visit Kenya in January:

1. Dry weather with very little rain.
2. Excellent safari in scenic, lush landscapes.
3. Beach holiday at Diani Beach, which offers plenty of hours of sunshine.

Cuba – Timeless charm

The January weather in Cuba is slightly cooler than in the previous months due to cold winds from the north, but that doesn’t make the country any less exciting to visit. In fact, January is a popular month to travel to Cuba, considered by many to be one of the best.

January offers a dry season with plenty of sunny days, ideal for delving into the country’s rich history, culture and natural beauty. Explore the colourful streets of Havana, relax on the beautiful beaches, such as at Varadero, or immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scene of the island state, including a jazz festival in January.

3 reasons to visit Cuba in January:

1. Dry season with plenty of sunny days.
2. Perfect weather to explore the island state’s rich culture and history.
3. Lively music and dance scene, including a jazz festival.

Sri Lanka – A scenic, cultural paradise

Sri Lanka’s is also highly appealing in January, with the south-west coast and central Sri Lanka experiencing dry, sunny weather.

If you’d like to experience Sri Lanka’s exciting culture and breathtaking beaches, January is also a great month to discover the diversity and vibrancy of the island. Look forward to a unique beach holiday in Negombo or to exploring the rich history of the cultural triangle; the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and Sri Lanka’s main attraction, the Lion Rock of Sigiriya.

3 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in January:

1. Dry, sunny weather in central and south-western Sri Lanka.
2. Perfect weather for exploring the cultural triangle.
3. Unique beach holiday in south-western Sri Lanka, e.g. in Negombo.

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:

1. Warm, dry weather.
2. Perfect conditions to experience Costa Rica’s abundant nature and wildlife.
3. 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:

1. Rising temperatures and dry weather.
2. Calving season starts and newborn wildebeest attract predators.
3. Nice weather for a beach holiday in Zanzibar.

Mexico – Scenic beaches and ancient wonders

January is a popular time to visit Mexico, and there’s a good reason for that.

January offers pleasant, dry weather with plenty of sunshine, perfect for exploring the Mexican beaches at Tulum or Playa del Carmen, for example, where the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and white sandy beaches invite you to relax.

The weather calls for outdoor activities, and whether you’re exploring Mexico City’s exciting mix of old and new, delving into history at the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or Palenque, snorkelling in the Mexican cenotes, or indulging in Mexican cuisine, January provides the perfect backdrop for experiencing Mexico’s diverse beauty.

3 reasons to visit Mexico in January:

1. Pleasant, dry weather with lots of sunshine.
2. Great weather for exploring everything from Mexico City to the ancient wonders such as Chichen Itza.
3. The beaches at Playa del Carmen and Tulum invite pure relaxation.

Kilimanjaro – Conquer the top of Africa

For those looking for the challenge of a lifetime, Kilimanjaro welcomes you with open arms in January.

January falls in the dry season and traditionally offers mild temperatures, less rain, and thus also clear days with great views, making it the ideal time to climb Africa’s highest mountain.
The weather sets the stage, but your patience and perseverance are what will ultimately pay off with the outstanding view from Africa’s highest point.

3 reasons to climb Kilimanjaro in January:

1. Dry season with milder temperatures and clearer weather.
2. Ideal weather for mountain climbing.
3. Challenge and adventure from the first step you take on the mountain.

Vietnam – A journey through time and nature

Vietnam’s different climate zones make it a captivating destination in January, when it’s dry season throughout the country. It can get chilly in the north, especially in the mountainous regions, where Sapa is located, but the further south you go, the warmer it gets.

From the mist-shrouded peaks of Ha Long Bay to the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in January offers a journey through its rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty, in the Mekong Delta, for example. If you dream of experiencing the beautiful Vietnamese beaches, you’ll find plenty of sun and warmth in Mui Ne.

Tet Festival – Vietnamese New Year – typically falls between the end of January and mid-February, and although it’s a wonderful experience, it may have an impact on your tour, because many shops, etc. close. In 2025, Tet starts on 28 January.

3 reasons to visit Vietnam in January:

1. Dry season throughout the country with blue skies and plenty of sunshine.
2. Ideal weather to explore Vietnam’s rich history and culture and breathtaking landscapes.
3. Nice weather for a beach holiday at Mui Ne in South Vietnam, for example.

Colombia – Exploring historic streets and forgotten cities

January is a great time to visit Colombia, with most of the country enjoying the dry season. The temperatures in Colombia vary very little during the year – and mostly depend on the altitude where you are. The higher up 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:

1. Dry season with varying temperatures depending on the altitude where you are.
2. Dry weather for exploring the country’s exciting cities and rich culture.
3. Great weather to walk the Lost City Trek.

Thailand – tropical paradise from north to south

Thailand welcomes visitors with open arms in January.

The “cold” season, which is present in most of the country, offers dry weather and warm daytime temperatures, perfect for venturing into the northern highlands for cultural and scenic experiences or exploring the vibrant streets of Bangkok.

If you dream of a beach holiday in Thailand, it’s dry season in both the south-east and south-west, so January is also the place for you if you wish to relax on the idyllic beaches of Phuket or Koh Samui, for example.

3 reasons to visit Thailand in January:

1. Warm, dry weather
2. Cultural experiences from north to south
3. Nice weather for a beach holiday in Southern Thailand, in Phuket or Koh Samui, for example.

Uganda – Hike through ancient rainforests

An adventure like no other awaits you in Uganda, and January is one of the best times to visit this scenic East African country.

Lush landscapes set the scene for your meeting with the wild mountain gorillas, and, falling in the middle of the first dry season, January offers ideal conditions for trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you can meet the majestic gorillas in their natural environment.

The country’s other national parks, such as Lake Mburo and Queen Elisabeth, also offer abundant wildlife, and the start of the year is especially good if you want to experience migratory birds.

3 reasons to visit Uganda in January:

1. Dry season – but you should still expect rain, due to Uganda’s location on the equator
2. Good conditions for gorilla tracking and meeting the beautiful mountain gorillas
3. Abundant wildlife and migratory birds in Uganda’s national parks

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or a good combination of both, our list of January destinations promises unforgettable experiences.

Not sure which destination is right for you? Give us a call and we’ll offer our guidance on the right one for you.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller