Where to go by month

Where to go in January

January is peak dry season across much of Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and Central America, and high summer in the southern hemisphere, from Patagonia to New Zealand. It’s also ski season in the Alps and the Rockies.

109 countries and territories are in their best season in January, based on each guide’s best time to visit. Temperatures are monthly averages for the capital or main city, so coasts and mountains will differ.

Top picks for January

North AmericaMexicoPyramids, tacos and two coastlinesMexico City 15°C avgabout US$105/dayBest: Nov-AprSoutheast AsiaThailandIsland mornings and night-market feastsBangkok 27°C avgabout US$98/dayBest: Nov – MarSoutheast AsiaVietnamAncient temples to emerald baysHanoi 17°C avgabout US$64/dayBest: Nov-AprSouth AsiaIndiaMaharajas, mystics and a million colorsNew Delhi 11°C avgabout US$109/dayBest: Oct-MarSouth AmericaColombiaCoffee, salsa and Caribbean coastBogotá 13°C avgabout US$102/dayBest: Dec-MarOceaniaAustraliaA whole continent to yourselfCanberra 19°C avgabout US$250/dayBest: Sep-AprSouth AmericaArgentinaSteak at midnight, glaciers by noonBuenos Aires 25°C avgabout US$140/dayBest: Oct-MarOceaniaNew ZealandMiddle-earth landscapes and Maori cultureWellington 18°C avgabout US$146/dayBest: Nov-AprNorth AfricaEgyptAncient wonders along the NileCairo 15°C avgabout US$60/dayBest: Oct-AprSouthern AfricaSouth AfricaBig Five safaris and rainbow nation culturePretoria / Cape Town / Bloemfontein 21°C avgabout US$151/dayBest: Oct-AprNorthern EuropeIcelandFire, ice & northern lightsReykjavik -2°C avgabout US$312/dayBest: Jun – Aug / Dec – FebIndian OceanMaldivesOverwater villas on coral atollsMalé 27°C avgabout US$550/dayBest: Nov-Apr

Everywhere in season in January

By region, with the average temperature in the capital or main city.

Europe 5

Asia 10

The Americas 16

Africa 32

The Middle East 8

The Pacific & Indian Ocean 10

The Caribbean 28

Plan by month

Seasons vary within large countries, and weather is never guaranteed. Check each guide’s “Best time to visit” section and current travel advice before you book.