Where to go in

January

Tailor-made Holidays To Arabia, Caucasus & Indian Subcontinent

Where to visit in January

Although one of the darkest months of the year in much of the Northern Hemisphere, January brings mild winter weather to much of the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. For guaranteed sunshine and maximum temperatures hovering around 30°C, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and southern India offer an escape to the tropics. Egypt receives an average of seven sunshine hours a day and temperatures in the low 20s°C, which is ideal for sightseeing. For winter sun and desert adventure, head to the United Arab Emirates or Oman, where Dubai’s luxurious resorts and the Empty Quarter’s desert camps provide the perfect winter escape. January is also ideal for exploring Saudi Arabia when the climate is most pleasant.

January brings diverse festivals to celebrate, from Orthodox Christmas in Georgia to a Southern India harvest festival and eclectic events such as camel wrestling in Turkey.

Egypt

Luxury Egypt holidays. Experience the magic of a luxury tailor-made holiday to Egypt, from sailing in style on a Nile cruise to visiting breathtaking sites like the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Valley of the Kings.

Oman

Oman holidays. Discover Oman’s wild beauty, from the Empty Quarter desert to the beaches of Muscat and Salalah. Explore a rich history through forts and oases, and enjoy thrilling wildlife encounters.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia holidays. Explore Saudi Arabia’s hidden wonders: archaeological sites, dramatic landscapes, troglodytic dwellings, coral stone houses, and vibrant souqs. A Saudi Arabia holiday is a pioneering adventure!

India

Iconic landmarks, diverse cultures, majestic forts and opulent palace hotels, breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality - there is nothing quite like the experience of travel in India!

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka holidays. This enchanting island nation is awash with lush tea plantations, idyllic beaches, ancient monuments, mountain scenery, and tropical jungles sheltering leopards, elephants, and bears.

Dubai & Abu Dhabi

A dynamic Arab nation of futuristic cities, iconic landmarks, Arabian desert adventures, rich cultural heritage, diverse culinary experiences and opportunities to travel off the beaten path.

January Festivals & Events

January events - Dakar Rally, AlUla Saudi Arabia © Royal Commission for AlUla

Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia

The epic Dakar Rally heads to Saudi Arabia as cars and motorcycles race across stunning landscapes from AlUla to Yanbu on the shores of the Red Sea.

January festivals - Ahmadabad International Kite Festival (Uttarayan Festival) Gujarat, India DT 43271133

Ahmedabad kite festival, India

Gujarat’s International Kite Festival (Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti) marks the day winter turns into summer, according to the Indian calendar. In Gujarat, the skies are filled with kites from dawn until dusk as kite fliers compete to remain aloft.

January festivals - Pongal Festival in Tamil Nadu India DT 168381377

Pongal, Tamil Nadu, India

During this traditional harvest festival, painted cows symbolise prosperity and reverence for cattle amidst the joyous celebrations and traditional rituals.

January festivals - Camel Wrestling Festival, near Ephesus, Turkey (Selcuk Camel Wrestling) DT 132924478

Camel Wrestling Festival, Ephesus, Turkey

Camel wrestling in Turkey has an ancient origin and is an event accompanied by considerable pomp and ceremony near Izmir on the Aegean coast. Prior to the wrestling, a camel beauty contest is held with decorated camels marching through the town.

January festivals - Orthodox Christmas in Georgia (Chichilaki - traditional Georgian Christmas trees) DT 235244544

Orthodox Christmas, Georgia

Celebrating Orthodox Christmas in Georgia is a magical experience steeped in tradition. The centrepiece of the festivities is the Chichilaki, traditional Georgian Christmas trees made from dried hazelnut or walnut branches, symbolising life and prosperity.

Duruthu Perahera, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Duruthu Perahera is marked with a magnificent procession of drummers, dancers, torch bearers and acrobats and is considered to be second only to the Kandy Perahera in its impressiveness.

January festivals - Galle Literary Festival in Sri Lanka (Galle Old Town Library) DT 121725608

Galle Literary Festival, Sri Lanka

Held in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Galle on Sri Lanka’s south coast, the festival is an annual gathering of international writers, poets, dramatists, artists, and local creative talent. Visitors may attend the sessions and participate in literary discussions.

January festivals - Nagaur Cattle Fair Rajasthan India DT 4419162

Nagaur Cattle Fair, India

One of India’s largest cattle fairs is held in late January and early February when Nagaur awakens to an influx of cattle, horses and camels accompanied by colourfully turbaned owners.

Tailor-made tours for January

Are you looking for inspiration for where to visit in January? Most of our destinations can be visited year-round, but here are some ideas for holidays particularly suited to January travel. Do not hesitate to contact us for further advice on where to travel in January.