Best Countries to Visit in January

Posted on: Feb 16, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Best Countries to Visit in January

January is the perfect month for travelling abroad, especially if your New Year’s resolution is to explore new places and learn about unique cultures and traditions. From experiencing exotic beach vibes to celebrating the new year with romantic events and snowfall, this period is ideal for fulfilling all kinds of tourism expectations. So, find the best countries to visit in January from India on this page and be ready to acquire your visa and travel insurance and book hotels and flights in advance for the trip.

The best countries to visit in January from India

Various places across the globe see a massive influx in tourism in January. Among them, a few secures a top place on the list due to their suitable weather conditions, ongoing events, scopes for sightseeing and adventure activities, etc., during this time. Here are some of the best countries to visit in January from India;

1. Maldives

The archipelagic state of Maldives becomes a popular tourist destination during the month of January. It falls within the peak season for Maldives tourism, which stretches from November to April. January offers a pleasant setting for tourist activities, with clear and sunny days, little chance of rainfall and low humidity levels. You can expect an average temperature range of 25°C-29°C, suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities. The main attractions of the Maldives during January are beach visits, adventures and sightseeing.

• Activities to try

Scuba diving, snorkelling, diving with the sharks, watching the sunset by the beach, going on sunset cruises, etc.

• Events

New Year’s Celebrations (1st week of January)

• Major tourist attractions

Artificial Beach, Banana Reef, Tsunami Monument, Dhadimagi Kilhi, Vaadhoo Island, Malé City, Maafushi Island, etc.

2. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is another renowned tourist destination you can visit in January. It is a very accessible and budget-friendly holiday destination for Indian travellers. January is considered one of the best months to visit this island nation due to its warm and dry weather, offering an average temperature of 27°C. Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, unique traditions, pristine beaches, ancient shrines, and diverse flora and fauna are best explored under these conditions. Protect your Sri Lanka trip with international travel insurance to avoid letting unforeseen events, like trip delays, flight cancellation, checked-in baggage loss, etc., ruin your vacation experience.

• Activities to try

Trekking, beach trips, wildlife safari, exploring the Cultural Triangle, etc.

• Events

Tamil Thai Pongal Day, Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day, Galle Literary Festival, etc.

• Major tourist attractions

Sigiriya, Yala National Park, World’s End Nuwara Eliya, Sri Dalada Maligawa, Bentota Beach, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, etc.

3. Thailand

Thailand is one of the main tourist destinations in Southeast Asia that you can visit in January. It falls within the winter season and features delightful weather with an average temperature range of 20°C-30°C. The days remain clear with adequate sunlight, perfect for sightseeing, beach visits and adventure activities. You can enjoy your tour exploring the region and its culture during this month without needing to deal with the high humidity and scorching heat. Keep your worries to a minimum during your Thailand family trip by investing in a family travel insurance plan.

• Activities to try

Island hopping, traditional Thai massage, scuba diving, spiritual tours, trying out Thai street food, etc.

• Events

New Year’s celebrations, sometimes Chinese New Year also fall in January, Bo Sang Umbrella and Sankampaeng Handicraft Festival, etc.

• Major tourist attractions

Railay Beach, Koi Phi Phi, The Grand Palace, Khao Yai National Park, etc.

4. South Africa

South Africa also claims a significant spot on the list of best countries to visit in January. The country, known for its unblemished natural beauty, diverse wildlife, spectacular beaches and culturally rich towns and cities, has been a popular international holiday destination among Indians for ages. January falls within the summer season in the region, offering clear days and warm weather with an average temperature in the lower 20s. It is a great time for beach visits, wildlife observation, exploring the towns and cities, and so on.

• Activities to try

Visiting the beaches, exploring the locality, going on food trips and river cruises, opting for wildlife safaris, etc.

• Events

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, New Year Celebrations, Thaipusam, etc.

• Major tourist attractions

Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Johannesburg, The Garden Route, etc.

5. Japan

January is one of the best months to visit Japan, especially if you are looking to enjoy its winter tourism experience. Though a bit on the colder side, the weather remains pleasant and adds a unique charm to the region. You can explore the region's beauty covered in blankets of snow, participate in and learn about various local traditions and cultural events, roam the streets of Japanese cities in search of delicious food while wearing traditional attire, and much more. Though it varies from place to place, you can expect an average temperature range of 2°C-10°C.

• Activities to try

Attend local events and festivals, enjoy a traditional hot spring experience, watch a Sumo Grand tournament, go for skiing adventures, etc.

• Events

Oshogatsu, Shitenno-ji Doya Doya Festival, Toka Ebisu Festival, etc.

• Major tourist attractions

Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kamakura, Nara, Karuizawa, Kagoshima, etc.

Conclusion:

This has been the list of some of the best countries to visit in January from India for holidays. From sunbathing at the beach and going on wildlife safaris to embracing the beautiful snowfall and enjoying winter adventures, January offers a diverse tourism experience that you just can’t miss.

While looking for ideal tourist destinations, consider investing in international travel insurance for your foreign trip. A travel insurance plan protects you against a wide range of unanticipated events, ranging from medical and dental emergencies to baggage and journey-related hassles.

FAQs

1. What are the best countries in Southeast Asia to visit in January?

Some of the best Southeast Asian countries to visit in January for vacation purposes are Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

2. Is January a peak tourism season?

The month of January falls within the peak tourism season in most countries around the globe. So, expect to see a high tourist crowd and consider completing the process of getting a visa, flight tickets and travel insurance plan in advance.

3. Is Japan a great place to visit with family in January?

Yes. Japan is a beautiful and culturally diverse country, perfect for all kinds of tourism, including family trips in January. Secure your family vacations against a variety of unforeseen medical and non-medical emergencies by purchasing a family travel insurance plan.

4. What are the things to consider when going on a foreign trip in January?

When going on a foreign trip in January, make sure to research the destination in advance, especially its weather. Depending on this, you can pack the right clothes and travel essentials for the trip, which will keep your vacation smooth sailing. Other things to consider include learning about the local currency, common phrases in the local spoken language, regional laws and regulations for tourists to follow, etc.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Choosing Between Forex Cards and Credit Cards for Foreign Travel

Common Tourist Scams and How to Avoid Them

10 Best Budget Shopping Destinations Around the World

10 Countries Where Indian Rupee Has A Higher Value

KYC For Travel Insurance: All You Need To Know