Why not stary the new year properly with a holiday of a lifetime? Whether you’re chasing sunshine, exotic wildlife or unforgettable luxury experiences, there’s no shortage of destinations that shine in January. Here are our top places to visit in January and why they’re ideal for this time of year.
Sri Lanka
January is one of the best months of the year to visit Sri Lanka, especially the south and west coasts. This is peak dry season for the island’s most beautiful beach regions, making it perfect for a luxury winter-sun escape. Inland, the Cultural Triangle and Hill Country enjoy warm, mostly dry weather, ideal for cultural exploration and scenic train journeys.
Top Things to Do
- Relax on golden-sand beaches in Galle
- Step into working tea factories, wander among neat rows of Ceylon tea in the Hill Country
- Spot leopards, elephants, and sloth bears in Wilpattu or Gal Oya National Parks
- Explore the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Anuradhapura in the Cultural Triangle
- Ride the famous Kandy–Ella train through lush tea plantations
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
Humboldt Travel can arrange elegant boutique properties, private villas, and luxury beach resorts. Tailored itineraries might combine the Cultural Triangle with safari experiences and a few days unwinding on the coast.
Maldives
The Maldives is synonymous with ultimate luxury and relaxation. January sits firmly in the dry season, with warm, sunny days, calm seas, and low humidity, which are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving among vibrant coral reefs.
Top Things to Do
- Relax in overwater villas with panoramic ocean views
- Snorkel or dive in pristine reefs teeming with tropical fish and manta rays
- Take a sunset dolphin cruise
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
The Maldives can be quite an overwhelming place to book yourself as there are so many hotels to choose from and it’s sometimes hard to make a choice between them. Humboldt Travel experts have a deep knowledge of the different properties and what they each have to offer including quality of stay and distance from the main airport in Male. The Maldives also combines really well with Sri Lanka, so why not reach out to our team to plan a tailored itinerary combing the land wildlife of Sri Lanka and the marine wildlife of the Maldives.
Costa Rica
January is peak dry season in Costa Rica, especially on the Pacific coast, making it ideal for both wildlife viewing and beach escapes. This month offers clear skies, warm temperatures, and excellent opportunities for adventure.
Top Things to Do
- Explore rainforests in Manuel Antonio National Park
- Surf or relax on pristine Pacific beaches in Manuel Antonio and Uvita or Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula
- Zip-line through the canopy in Monteverde
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
Costa Rica has a fabulous selection of boutique eco-lodges and luxury jungle retreats. Humboldt Travel can help you choose your hotels and tailor itineraries exactly to your needs, whether that be a focus on adventure and wildlife, or a need to unwind and relax at the beach or a yoga retreat… or a combination of all!
Thailand
Thailand enjoys dry and sunny weather in January, making it perfect for island hopping as well as exploring the energetic cities. Temperatures are pleasant across both the north and south, avoiding the extremes of summer as well as the monsoon season.
Top Things to Do
- Visit ornate temples in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
- Lounge on the beaches of Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui
- Experience vibrant local markets and Thai cuisine
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
At Humboldt Travel, we can arrange something a bit different from your classic Thailand itinerary and veer away from the norm and towards boutique stays, private beach resorts and exclusive cultural experiences, such as private cooking classes or guided temple tours. Contact a member of our team to have a chat about what unique experiences you’d like to experience in Thailand.
Vietnam
January is one of the best months to visit Vietnam, with dry weather from north to south. Northern Vietnam is cooler but comfortable, central Vietnam is sunny, and the south enjoys warm temperatures, ideal for beach breaks and Mekong Delta cruises.
Top Things to Do
- Cruise Ha Long Bay among limestone karsts
- Explore ancient towns like Hoi An
- Take a boat tour along the Mekong Delta
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
Enjoy boutique hotels, private river cruises, and guided cultural excursions. Humboldt Travel can tailor itineraries to combine Vietnam’s natural beauty with immersive cultural experiences.
Cambodia
Cambodia’s best travel weather peaks in January, with dry, sunny days and moderate temperatures. This is the perfect time to explore the country’s iconic temples and coastal islands.
Top Things to Do
- Discover Angkor Wat and the ancient temples of Siem Reap
- Relax on the beaches of Koh Rong, Krabey Island or Kep
- Explore the colonial charm of Phnom Penh
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
From boutique temple-side resorts to exclusive island retreats, Cambodia has it all. Cambodia also pairs well with Thailand or Vietnam for a longer South East Asia itinerary.
Antarctica
January is peak Antarctic season with long daylight hours, calmer seas and spectacular wildlife activity. Penguins, seals, and whales are abundant, making it an unforgettable destination for adventure travellers.
Top Things to Do
- Cruise among glaciers and icebergs on a polar expedition
- Observe penguin colonies and seal rookeries
- Kayak in pristine polar waters
Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
Picking an Antarctic Cruise can be a tough job, especially as there are many boats that seem so similar. Our team know all about the different cruises, what the differences are in their itineraries and the overall comfort of the passenger. Reach out and we’ll put you in touch with one of our Antarctica specialists so we can help you design you ultimate Antarctica getaway.
Plan Your Luxury Trip in January
Whether you’re seeking tropical beaches, exotic wildlife or a polar adventure, January offers the perfect window for travel in many destinations. Humboldt Travel’s specialists craft bespoke itineraries that focus on selecting the best hotels that suit you and unforgettable experiences, woven together with a conscious mindset.
Speak to a Humboldt Travel expert today to plan your January escape.
