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Where to Travel in January
Our Top Travel Destinations for January
The best countries to visit in January include Argentina, Antarctica, Oman, and Palau—but the best destination for you will depend on what activities you’re interested in. Want to hike? Head to Argentina’s Patagonia region, where summer days can offer almost 20 hours of daylight. Chasing a bucket-list adventure? Consider Antarctica. Looking for warmer weather during the winter months? Head to Palau for snorkeling and sea kayaking amid the surreal Rock Islands or Oman for a desert getaway.
Palau
The majestic Rock Islands of Palau are a world unto themselves, with amazing biodiversity and pristine reefs. While it’s a fantastic destination any time of year, Palau’s best snorkeling is between October and March, when you see the greatest number of pelagic marine mammals and enjoy incredible underwater visibility.
Namibia
Enjoy peak birdwatching for flocks of migratory species and search for energetic zebra and springbok calves amid colorful carpets of yellow and pink wildflowers. Our Green Season safari has a special visit to the remote Skeleton Coast for an overnight at the exclusive Shipwreck Lodge, timed for the calmer winds and sunny skies.
Antarctica
Gloriously long days (20+ hours of sunlight!) and up-close sightings of young wildlife make January one of the best months to visit Antarctica. The seas are relatively calm, and shore excursions bring us to throngs of penguins and their fluffy hatchlings and seal cubs nestled into their mamas.
Vietnam
From thousand-year-old Hanoi and the World Heritage Site of Hoi An to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam is a land of contrasting cultures and climates. We time our trips for the beginning of the year to enjoy the coolness of the north and the warm sea breezes of the south–with less rain!
New Zealand
The southern hemisphere shines during January and New Zealand unfurls with warm weather and endless activities. Our journeys here make the most of this diverse country as we hike, kayak, and explore remote trails and epic national parks, including a bucket-list swim with playful dusky dolphins.
Argentina
With its wild landscapes, ever-changing weather, and world-class wine, Argentina reveals a world of adventure during our winter months (their summer!). While Buenos Aires has mild weather year-round, Patagonia experiences famously changeable patterns, though January usually means warmer days that can reach into the 70s.
Oman
January is one of the most pleasant times to visit the enchanting realm of Oman, when daytime temperatures rarely reach above the 80s and you can comfortably enjoy activities including a camel ride amid the dunes and an early morning visit to a sea turtle sanctuary.
Tanzania
January brings lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and exceptional wildlife viewing as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras migrate through the southern Serengeti plains. Witness newborn calves taking their first steps and predators on the hunt across the grasslands.
Morocco
January is a wonderful time to discover Morocco’s captivating cities, dramatic desert landscapes, and snow-dusted High Atlas Mountains. Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make exploring the ancient medinas of Fes and Marrakesh especially pleasant, while crisp days in the Sahara offer beautiful scenery and unforgettable nights beneath a brilliant canopy of stars.
Kilimanjaro
A new year marks new beginnings, and January is an excellent time to tackle the bucket-list trek to the summit of iconic Mt. Kilimanjaro—when temperatures are relatively warm and rainfall is occasional. Our route takes us along the uncrowded Northern Circuit, which allows extra time to acclimatize as we climb to Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet).
Frequently Asked Questions
The best places to go for good weather in January include Vietnam, where the January weather is more mild and dry than most of the year, Oman, where daytime temperatures rarely reach above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and New Zealand, in its peak summer season in January.
To avoid crowds in January, consider visiting Palau, where you’ll snorkel among pristine reefs with few other travelers, or Namibia, where the January rains lead to fewer tourists but an influx of baby animals and lush, unforgettable landscapes.
To hike among breathtaking nature in January, we recommend visiting Southern Hemisphere destinations like Argentina, where the wild Patagonian landscapes have burst to life, or New Zealand, where you’ll find some of the world’s most vast and beautiful hiking terrain.
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