January

Bhutan

We do not recommend travel to Bhutan in January.  There is often snow, except in the tropical south.  Even in the south it is chilly in the mornings and evenings.

Botswana

This is the off season - the hottest time of the year with substantial rain.  Prices are consequently lower.

Egypt

January is a lovely time to visit Egypt.  It can be cooler than you might think in Cairo at this time of year, but Upper Egypt is very pleasant with hot sunny weather.

Georgia

We do not recommend any extensive journeys in Georgia during the winter months due to the adverse weather conditions, especially in the higher altitude regions.  A visit to the capital Tbilisi and some nearby sights could be arranged, however; temperatures in Tbilisi are fairly similar to those in the UK during this time.

Iceland

Winter in Iceland is very cold, with heavy snowfalls and limited daylight.  Outside Reykjavík most of the hotels and guesthouses are closed.  In the capital itself, however, there are less crowds, prices are lower and the local excursions to places like Gullfoss, Geysir and the Blue Lagoon operate on a daily basis.  There is also the chance of witnessing the amazing Northern Lights at this time of the year.

  

India

North: January is a good time to visit northern India, with clear skies and little rain, although you should be aware that temperatures can be relatively cool, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. 
Himalayas - we do not recommend visiting the hill areas in January as conditions are wintry and cold.
South: January is an excellent time to visit the south.  Hot days, little rain and good visibility. 

  

Iran

The winter months can be cold in Iran, with occasional rain.  We do not recommend travel to Iran in January.

Jordan and the Holy Land

If you are looking for a time of year when the historic sites are quiet, then January is ideal.  It can be pretty cold, however, particularly in Amman, Jerusalem and Petra (less so at the Dead Sea and Aqaba) and even snow is not unknown at this time of the year.

Kenya

Kenya straddles the Equator and is sunny and hot for most of the year.  January, February and March are the hottest and driest months of the year, and also the busiest as far as tourism is concerned.   

Lebanon

Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate, with variations because of the mountainous interior.  In January it is pleasant and cool on the coast, with occasional rain.  In the mountains it is generally colder, with snow on the higher peaks. 

Namibia

Namibia is located in the tropics and is an all-year-round destination which is mostly rain-free.  From January to March, there are occasional showers but these don't usually last long.  It is generally hot during the day, but noticeably cooler at night.  For birders, these months see the arrival of migrating birds from Europe and elsewhere; the Caprivi Strip in particular is a fantastic area to visit during these months.

Nepal

January is a good time to visit Nepal, unless you are heading for high altitudes (for example the Everest region), where it can get very cold at night.  Days should be sunny, dry and warm with excellent visibility.

 

 

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's temperature varies little throughout the year, with maximum day-time temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, with the minimum usually above 20 degrees.  It is generally slightly cooler in the hills.  There are heavy rains in January but seldom are they monsoon-style for the whole day.

 

 

 

Syria

The winter months can be cold in Syria.  There are occasionally bright and sunny days, and the visitor sites are at their quietest, but be prepared for rain from time to time.

Tanzania

Generally speaking the highlands (where the gameviewing takes place) enjoy a temperate climate, whilst the coast is hot and humid year round.  January is a dry period and one of the best times to visit.

Thailand

January is one of the best times to visit Thailand.  This is the "cool" season, although it's all relative, with temperatures reaching 25 degrees Celsius or above.

Tibet

We do not recommend travelling to Tibet at this time of the year.  Best months are May to September.

Uzbekistan

The winter in Uzbekistan is severe.  We do not recommend you travel at this time.

Vietnam

There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam as there are distinct regional variations between the Northern, Central and Southern regions.  In January it can be cool in the north, rainy in and around Hue and Hoi An, and warm and dry in Saigon and Mekong Delta.