The best places to visit in January

Sri Lanka

January is a wonderful time to explore the beaches and national parks of southern and western Sri Lanka. You’ll find bikini weather all along the southern coast, so soak up the sunshine, learn to surf or simply sip cocktails on the sand. The dry conditions in both Yala and Wilpattu National Parks bring the wildlife out to the waterholes, making it easier to spot elephants and leopards in the bush.

Make your trip even more memorable by adding a few days in the Maldives. January is one of the best months to visit this dreamy archipelago, with plenty of sunshine, low humidity and excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling.

Tanzania

If an epic African safari is on your bucket list, January is a great time to explore the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. Most tourists stick to the peak summer months for a safari in Tanzania, but January and February are often overlooked. The short December rains have passed, leaving the landscape gloriously green, and calving season is getting into full swing, so you’re likely to see wildebeest, zebra and antelope with their young. This is also a wonderful time to spot a whole spectrum of migrating birds.

Moreover, Zanzibar is bathed in bright sunshine in January, so why not add a few days on the beach to the end of your safari? If you’re looking for the trip of a lifetime, you’ve found it.

Tasmania

Tassie’s weather is notoriously temperamental, so you’ll need to pack for four seasons whenever you travel. However, January is the most reliably sunny month on the island. This is the perfect time to trek into the forested wilderness, hike to gorgeous Cradle Mountain and wander along Wineglass Bay. Along the way, you can spot wallabies, wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls, pademelons, spotted-tail quolls and bettongs. The scenery is out of this world and the wildlife will simply blow your mind.

After exploring Tasmania's larger-than-life landscapes, you're guaranteed to get a mouth-watering meal. The 'Apple Isle' is a hidden gourmet hub with incredible local produce ranging from oysters to truffles and fine wines to ciders. Tassie’s homegrown ingredients have attracted top-notch chefs from all over the world, putting it firmly on the culinary map.   

Thailand

Nowhere beats Thailand when it comes to a tropical break. Think swaying palms, sweeping beaches, banana pancakes and ice-cold Singha beers at sunset. What could be better? The weather is simply glorious on the Andaman Islands in January, with sun-drenched sands and warm, clear waters. Sail between limestone outcrops, discover hidden temples and learn how to whip up an authentic pad thai.

Uganda

Uganda’s famously impenetrable forests and lush green highlands are the results of consistent rainfall. Uganda simply wouldn’t be Uganda without the rain. However, January is one of the drier months of the year, making it a wonderful time for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.

It’s now thought that only around 700 mountain gorillas survive, so trekking deep into muddy forests to spot these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a true privilege. Gorilla trekking isn’t easy, and it certainly isn’t cheap, but – trust us - it’s worth every penny and aching muscle.

Fiji

If you’re desperate to get as far away as possible, Fiji is a fantastic option. Home to 333 castaway islands in the South Pacific, it’s somewhere to forget your troubles and find a bit of peace. Set off on an island-hopping adventure or stick to one secluded resort and settle into a hammock. It’s pretty darn close to paradise.

While there can be some tropical storms in January, they won’t dampen your spirits. Simply take a siesta and wait for the sun to come back out. The islands are quieter in the second half of the month when Australian and Kiwi schools begin their new term, so try late January for an ultra-laid-back break.

Philippines

With sunny weather across the board, January is, undoubtedly, one of the busiest months for tourism in the Philippines. However, with 7,640 islands (2,000 of which are inhabited), there’s plenty of room for everyone. Holidaymakers only flock to a handful of destinations in the Philippines, so if you avoid the obvious tourist hotspots, you’ll find pockets of real tranquillity.

The dry season means that the more remote areas of the Philippines are accessible in January, allowing for some incredible off-the-beaten-track adventures. Hike to hidden waterfalls on the far-flung Caramoan Islands, follow walking trails through the ‘Chocolate Hills’ of Bohol and kayak to secluded sandy coves.

Ready to plan your January escape?

We can organise tailor-made holidays and multi-stop trips of all shapes and sizes, from boutique adventures to campervan holidays. Simply call one of our well-travelled consultants on 1273 320 580 or send us an email, and we'll get straight to work on your behalf. Our guide to where to go when offers travel inspiration for every month of the year. Take a look and plan your escape!