January 2025: Where to Travel?Start the new year with a new travel wish list and get out and explore!

January means mild to pleasantly warm weather in Egypt, which is perfect for sightseeing and even better for a leisurely cruise on the River Nile with sightseeing included. You can expect clear blue skies that make the best backdrop for Egypt's incredible ancient sites, and there's plenty of sunshine for a beach holiday at the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. Bear in mind that this is peak season in Egypt, especially close to New Year's, so book early for better availability.

January is the perfect month to escape to Finland for a wintery adventure. The snow is still thick, perfect for husky sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer rides. And the dark night skies are still perfect for seeing the magical display of the Northern Lights. It's going to be cold, so remember to wrap up warm, but Finnish Lapland makes the perfect winter destination for adults and children alike!

Iceland in January is going to be chilly, but it's one of the best months for visiting the Land of Fire and Ice. This is mainly because it's among the best times of year to see the Northern Lights, with long, dark nights making them easy to spot. And there's no better place to relieve the cold than the warm waters of the famous Blue Lagoon! Stay for the New Year, and you'll be treated to fireworks displays across the island.

The south of India experiences its best weather from December to February, which makes January a great time to visit. It's cool and dry, with temperatures that are still warm enough to make use of the gorgeous beaches in Kerala. In this part of India, you can also cruise the tropical backwaters and immerse yourself in the local culture with colourful Kathakali performances and, of course, delicious cuisine.

Outside of the main tourism season, visiting Rome in January allows you to experience all of the Italian capital’s main attractions without the crowds. Have the iconic Trevi Fountain to yourself and skip the queues at St. Peter’s Basilica, then dive into one of the many pizzerias and sample this much-loved dish in its home country. Temperatures are also quite mild and considerably warmer than in northern European cities.

January marks the middle of South Africa’s summer, with travellers from all over the world flocking to Cape Town to take advantage of the city’s balmy weather and natural attractions. Most tend to head to Table Mountain or the rugged coastline, where you’ll find beautiful beaches and plenty of watersports. But the city itself also offers the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, as well as restaurants, shops, galleries, and fantastic nightlife.

During January, the city of Hong Kong enters carnival mode thanks to the arrival of Chinese New Year. With epic parades, fireworks over Victoria Harbor and more, this is without doubt one of the world’s greatest celebrations. January is also still shopping season, making this an ideal time to hit the stores and bag a bargain. Just be sure to book your accommodation in advance to experience Hong Kong at this time.

Following Sydney’s world-famous New Year’s celebrations, the first month of the year is an excellent time to visit Australia’s most popular travel destination. The city still has a festival vibe, with music festivals, art shows, outdoor cinemas, markets, and more to keep you entertained. And that’s not even counting Sydney’s main attractions, such as the glorious harbour, iconic Opera House, and wealth of fantastic beaches.

This popular tropical island is hot and dry in January, with temperatures sitting in the high 20s (degrees centigrade). The sandy shores are drenched in sunlight, with spectacular sunsets a common sight. You may go days without seeing a single cloud in the sky, and at night this means romantic stars gazing on the beach. Off the south coast of the island, diving is particularly good at this time of year too.

January is a great month to visit Egypt. Temperatures in this desert country are warm, but the stifling temperatures of summer are still a few months away. This makes it the perfect month not only for sightseeing but also for lounging by the sea in Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh. Many of our tours combine Egypt's ancient treasures with a beach break, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds in January!

Peak tourist season is in full swing at the beach resorts of Goa and the state of Kerala, and for good reason—the weather is perfect for enjoying sun, sea, and sand along the Arabian Sea. Think clear sunny days and comfortable temperatures with humidity at its yearly lowest. These climatic conditions also mean it's great for exploring the rest of the region and its attractions like Munnar & Periyar.

With the monsoon rains largely gone, you can take your pick of idyllic islands and pristine coastline across Southeast Asia. From Krabi in Thailand to Phu Quoc in Vietnam and Sihanoukville in Cambodia, there's plenty to choose from. The weather is mostly cool and dry, so the rest of these countries are ripe for exploration, perfect for combining a bit of culture and adventure with your relaxing beach break.