8 Best Places to Visit in January Around the World

January can mean sunshine and beach days in one part of the world and snow-covered landscapes in another. The trick is choosing a destination that suits the season. The best places to go in January include Australia, Tanzania, Argentina, Cambodia, Egypt, Finland, Vietnam, and Okinawa, Japan, each offering a different mix of outdoor adventure, wildlife, culture, or winter scenery.

Quick Answer: Where Should You Travel in January?

Choose Australia or Argentina for summer adventures, Tanzania for a wildlife safari, and Cambodia or Egypt for ancient history. Finland is ideal for snowy scenery and Northern Lights, while Vietnam and Okinawa offer cultural experiences and milder weather.

8 Best Places to Go in January

1. Australia

January is summer in Australia, making Sydney’s beaches, coastal walks, and harbor attractions appealing. Sydney’s typical summer temperatures are around 19–26°C (66–79°F), although conditions vary across the country.

Best for: Beaches, cities, and outdoor activities
Time needed: 7–14 days
Travel tip: Tropical northern Australia can experience heavy rain and storms during the wet season. Check Australia’s weather guide.

2. Tanzania

January is a rewarding time to visit the southern Serengeti, where wildebeest calving attracts predators. Expect warm days, with temperatures varying by location and elevation.

Best for: Safaris and wildlife photography
Time needed: 5–8 days
Travel tip: Ask your guide about current wildlife movements. See the official Serengeti National Park guide.

3. Argentina

Summer brings longer days for exploring Patagonia’s glaciers, lakes, and hiking trails. In parts of Patagonia, summer temperatures can range roughly from 14–30°C (57–86°F), with cooler conditions in mountainous areas.

Best for: Hiking, glaciers, and scenic drives
Time needed: 7–10 days
Travel tip: Weather can change quickly, and higher-altitude Andes routes require extra preparation. Pack layers and waterproof clothing. Explore Argentina’s Patagonia travel guide.

4. Cambodia

January’s dry-season conditions are well suited to exploring Angkor Wat near Siem Reap and the historic streets of Phnom Penh. Daytime temperatures can reach around 30–31°C (86–88°F).

Best for: Ancient temples and local culture
Time needed: 4–6 days
Travel tip: Visit Angkor Wat early to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds. Check Cambodia’s seasonal travel guide.

5. Egypt

Cooler winter weather makes January comfortable for visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s temples, and the Nile Valley. Cairo typically sees temperatures around 11–19°C (52–66°F).

Best for: Ancient history and sightseeing
Time needed: 5–8 days
Travel tip: Bring layers for cool evenings and check opening times before visiting historic sites.

6. Finland

Finnish Lapland offers snowy forests, husky rides, and opportunities to see the Northern Lights. January temperatures in Rovaniemi can average near −10°C (14°F), so proper winter clothing is essential.

Best for: Snow activities and aurora watching
Time needed: 4–6 days
Travel tip: Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed. Read Visit Finland’s winter weather guide.

7. Vietnam

Vietnam’s weather varies by region. Northern areas such as Hanoi can be cool at around 10–20°C (50–68°F), while Ho Chi Minh City in the south is often warmer, around 26–32°C (79–90°F).

Best for: Food, culture, and varied landscapes
Time needed: 7–12 days
Travel tip: Choose your route around regional weather and check whether Lunar New Year affects your dates. See Vietnam’s official weather guide.

8. Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa offers coastal scenery, island culture, early cherry blossoms, and winter whale-watching. Daytime temperatures average around 17°C (63°F) in January.

Best for: Island sightseeing and whale-watching
Time needed: 3–5 days
Travel tip: Bring a light coat, and check tours around the Kerama Islands. Read Okinawa’s January travel guide.

January Travel Planning Tips

Check regional weather: Temperatures can differ significantly within the same country.
Book ahead: Popular seasonal activities and accommodation may fill up early.
Check entry requirements: Visa rules depend on your passport; confirm them through official government sources.
Pack for your plans: Take sun protection for warm destinations and suitable layers for cold or changeable conditions.

FAQs

Where is hot in January?

Southern Vietnam and many parts of tropical Australia can be warm, but local weather varies.

Where can I see the Northern Lights in January?

Finnish Lapland is a good option, although clear skies and aurora activity affect visibility.

Is January a good month to travel?

Yes. It offers summer adventures in the Southern Hemisphere, winter activities in northern Europe, and comfortable sightseeing in several historic destinations.

Conclusion

The best places to go in January depend on the trip you want. Choose Tanzania for wildlife, Argentina for summer scenery, Finland for winter adventures, or Egypt and Cambodia for history. Vietnam and Okinawa offer distinctive cultural experiences, too. Compare regional weather, travel times, and costs before booking to make sure your destination fits your plans.

Elaine Glusac

Mark Johanson is an experienced American travel journalist specializing in destinations, adventure, and travel. He has written for major publications and co-authored numerous Lonely Planet travel guides covering destinations worldwide.

Best Places to Go in January: 8 Amazing Destinations