Where to travel in January

Winter in the northern hemisphere is summer in the southern, so it’s easy to flip the script on the weather. And when all else fails, just head to the Equatorial region for sun, sun, sun. The best places to visit in winter offer lush landscapes, moderate temperatures, and plenty of activities outside.

The Best Places to Travel in January:

Zebra Migration in Botswana – During Botswana’s wet season, come bear witness to the spectacular zebra migration as well as a cornucopia of flamingos and other waterbirds. 
Penguin Chicks Hatching in Antarctica – Mid-season (December to early-February) offers the best time to visit Antarctica, with up to 20 hours of daylight, the warmest average temps (34 F), as well as the hatching of those adorable baby penguin chicks. Take a boat across the Drake Passage or fly-in for a quick and comfortable visit.
Great Tiger Safari in India – In India, the tiger is king. These elusive cats are (rightly) at the top of any safari-goer’s list. January in India is a month of moderate temperatures and little rain, a perfect time to safari in India’s top wildlife reserves, each with distinct landscapes and ecosystems. Feel as though you’ve stepped into the pages of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book with our ultimate India safari itinerary.
Great Gorilla Watching in Uganda – Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and is one of the few countries where you can encounter them in their natural environment. Straddling the equator, Uganda is a year-round destination, as there is little fluctuation in temperature (average temps in the 80’s, but January is the dry season, and perfect for an incredible wildlife experience. 
Secret Season in Kenya – The secret season in East Africa is a local delight and the perfect time for a blissfully private safari in Kenya. Because most visitors are focused on the Maasai Mara’s Great Migration times, the secret season is a period of recovery, growth, and the natural daily cycles of the animals in the Mara. Starting around October and running through to March, secret season safaris (excluding festive season) are more affordable and just as spectacular. 
Tennis in Australia – On your summer adventure down under, coordinate your timing to attend The Australian Open, the first of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, held annually over the last fortnight of January. And then depart trendy Melbourne for an iconic outback, Great Barrier Reef, and Sydney adventure. 
Khao Sok National Park in Thailand – January is one of the driest months in Thailand in this ancient rainforest, making it the perfect time for trekking. Follow lush jungle trails and wander through bamboo groves to arrive at cascading waterfalls, keeping your eyes peeled for endemic wildlife. 
 Victory Day (Liberation Day) in Cambodia – On January 7th, people in Cambodia commemorate the fall of the Khmer Rouge and honor the victims of the regime’s rule and civil war. The colorful celebration includes ornate parades, music, and fireworks, creating a riotous visual spectacle. 

Looking for More Ideas?

Fly fishing in Patagonia is popular in February or spend the winter holidays with the chimpanzees of the Mahale Mountains while escaping to secluded luxury in Tanzania.