JanuaryFrom the snowy slopes of Pyeongchang to the sun-warmed coastlines of Cambodia and Thailand, January is a brilliant time across many destinations in Asia. January brings some of Asia’s most reliable travel conditions – with dry skies, cooler temperatures and a wide range of destinations in their prime. Whether you’re chasing sun on Southeast Asia’s beaches, planning to explore Vietnam from top to toe, or heading out on safari in India’s tiger parks, it’s a great time to travel without having to overthink the weather.Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia’s west coast are bright and sunny with calm seas – it’s a good month to hit the beach between city trips. A holiday spanning north-south Vietnam works well: the south is hot and dry, the central cast stays warm and sunny and the north is cool but mostly clear. Laos is dry and mild – great for trekking up north and river journeys further south. India is in its prime, with comfortable weather across Rajasthan, central wildlife parks and Kerala’s backwater. In Japan and Korea, deep snow, ski resorts and warming onsen or jjimjilbang make for a cold, but cozy break. Borneo is best avoided for now – heavy rain keeps many trails and wildlife areas out of reach. Laos best for country-wide travelIt’s not too wet and not too hot in January, so it’s one of the best months to travel the length of Laos. In the north, you can hike through the countryside or visit Luang Prabang’s temples without rain or intense heat slowing you down. The further south you go, the warmer it gets. Central Laos sits around 20–28 °C, making it a pleasant time to explore Vientiane or Vang Vieng, take a Mekong cruise or venture into vast limestone caves. In the far south, around Champasak and the 4,000 Islands, temperatures can reach 32 °C – with long, sunny days, it’s a great time for river travel and jungle walks.Explore Laos Thailand Best For smooth travel and beach timeJanuary is one of the smoothest months for travelling across Thailand. In the north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai), cool, dry days (15–25 °C) are ideal for temple visits and treks through the hill country, paired with a cultural deep-dive in the cities. Bangkok and central areas are warm but not overwhelmingly so (25–32 °C), with good conditions for trying out the city’s markets or taking a river cruise. In the south, the Andaman and Gulf coasts are reliably sunny with calm seas – great for sunbathing and snorkelling. If you're hoping to link different regions – from mountain towns to the southern islands – January makes it easier to plan without rains disrupting plans or transport.Take me to Thailand Cambodia isn’t the first place most people think of for a beach break – which is exactly what makes the south coast feel like a bit of a secret. January brings dry, sunny weather, and far fewer crowds than neighbouring hotspots. Koh Rong stands out, with long white beaches and shallow reefs.” Cambodia Best For temples and the southern islandsCambodia is well into its dry season so you can wrap sightseeing and beach time into one January trip. If you’re making a stop at the Angkor Wat temples, walking conditions are pleasant: temperatures hover around 25-30°C. Phnom Penh is also warm and dry, a good time for strolling along the riverfront and exploring in and around the city markets. Many people forget that Cambodia has some of the best Southeast Asian beaches. Kep and Cambodia’s southern islands are sunny, temperatures hit 26-31°C and seas are calm – time for paddleboarding, boat trips and swimmingExplore Cambodia India Best For wildlife sightings and clear mountain viewsJanuary is one of our favourite months to travel in India. The north is cool with crisp skies and clear mountain views – though you’ll need layers for chilly evenings. Central India is warm and comfortable, while the south is hot without tipping into peak heat. In the national parks, dry grass and cooler weather make this a prime time for wildlife sightings – particularly in Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh. But, it’s peak season, so expect busy sights around the Golden Triangle and high demand in southern regions. Planning ahead is essential if you're travelling this month.More about India More January recommendationsHere are a few more of our favourite destinations this month – selected by our Asia experts. South KoreaIn South Korean culture, there’s always something new on the scene – and that’s part of the thrill. K-pop, street food, palaces and pop-ups all share the same streets. Come with us, and dive straight into the action. VietnamVietnam blends deep history with fast-moving energy. Temples and towers rise beside street kitchens, with mountains to the north and beaches to the south. You won’t see it all – but you’ll want to try. MalaysiaMulticultural by nature, Malaysia is easy to travel – with great infrastructure and spoken English. It’s more than just the food (though that’s phenomenal too) – the mix shapes everything, from street corners to daily life. Thinking January – but not 100%?We’ll help you figure out the when, where and how - and build the trip around it.Let's get planning The rest of the year JanuaryFrom the snowy slopes of Pyeongchang to the sun-warmed coastlines of Cambodia and Thailand, January is a brilliant time across many destinations in Asia. FebruaryFrom Thailand’s warm, dry beaches to hiking the limestone peaks of rural Laos, February is one of the most reliable months for travel across Southeast Asia and India. For those craving a colder escape, Japan’s snow-covered north delivers deep winter. MarchMarch is one of the best months of the year for a holiday in Asia: dry conditions and clear travel routes in many of the most popular destinations. AprilFrom Songkran water fights in Thailand to cruising along Borneo’s rivers, April in Asia is alive with movement, colour and wildlife. MayMay is a month of shifting seasons and big contrasts in weather. Clear skies hold in some regions, while others begin to stir with the season’s first storms. JuneJune is a month of contrast across Asia – while rains arrive in some regions, others hit their prime with calm seas and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. JulyJuly is spectacular in Borneo, Malaysia and Thailand. Many other Asia destinations are in their monsoon season, or very hot and humid. AugustAugust isn’t the easiest month to travel in some Asia countries and regions. But, hone in on the right areas, and you’ll find dry weather, rich greenery and fewer fellow tourists. SeptemberMuch like August, September sees a mixture of weather across Asia – some destinations are warm and sunny – others are incredible hot and wet. OctoberOctober is a golden window of travel for many Asian destinations – skies clear, humidity fades and landscapes shift into vivid autumn oranges and post-wet season greens. NovemberAcross many destinations in Asia, November brings crisp air, dry days and plenty of opportunity for a cultural adventure. DecemberDecember is a brilliant time for travel to many Asia destinations: dry, warm and celebratory.