Best Places to Visit in January in Asia

As January rolls around, many of us start thinking about travel and escaping the cold winter weather or enjoying the winter events. If you're looking for some inspiration for your next winter vacation, then look no further than Asia. With a diverse range of destinations and experiences, Asia has something for everyone. In this post, we'll explore some of the best places to visit in Asia in January, including Thailand, Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka.

 

 

Best Places to Visit in January in Asia

 

Here are the best 8 destinations in Asia to visit in January for an excellent and alluring getaway to create priceless memories:

 

Tropical Paradise

• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Sri Lanka
• India

Winter Wonderland

• China
• South Korea
• Japan

 

 

1. Thailand 

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in Asia, and for good reason. In January, the weather is mild and dry, making it the perfect time to explore the stunning beaches of this beautiful country. The beaches in southern Thailand, such as Phuket and Krabi, are especially beautiful at this time of year, and visitors can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife and delicious food in Bangkok and other cities.

 

Relaxing in the sunset on Krabi

 

Weather in January: January is cool season in Thailand, it's a good season. It's not too cool in the south, but in the north, like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and so on, it's cooler in the morning and at night. Overall, the weather in Thailand during January is mild, with an average daytime temperature of 31°C (87.8°F) and an average night temperature of 19°C (66.2°F).

 

Best Places to Visit: Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi

 

Festivals or Activities: In January, celebrate New Year with the locals

 

 

2. Malaysia

Malaysia is a multicultural and scenic country with plenty of attractions. January is an ideal time to visit as the weather is dry and warm. Head to the idyllic islands of Langkawi and Penang for some beach time, or explore the vibrant cities of Kuala Lumpur and Malacca for a dose of history and culture.

 

Langkawi Island

 

Weather in January: The weather in Malaysia during January is generally warm and humid, with an average temperature of around 25.4°C (77.7°F) throughout the country. However, temperatures may vary depending on the region. In Kuala Lumpur, for example, temperatures typically range from 73°F to 89°F (23°C to 32°C) during the month of January.

 

Best Places to Visit: Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang

 

Festivals or Activities: The Thaipusam Festival in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, is a unique and colorful event that takes place in late January. Malaysia is home to more than one third of the Chinese population, and the Chinese Lunar New Year is a major event in Malaysia (January/February).

 

 

3. Indonesia

Indonesia is an archipelago with thousands of islands and diverse cultures. January is a great time to visit Bali, one of the most popular destinations, for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions. It's the perfect getaway from a cold winter. Or explore the lesser-known islands of Lombok and Flores for some off-the-beaten-track experiences if you're a curious adventurer.

 

Bali Holiday

 

Weather in January: The weather in Indonesia during January is generally warm and tropical, with relatively constant temperatures throughout the year due to warm waters that make up the majority of the country's area. The average temperature during January is around 22-32°C (72-90°F), with the main variable being rainfall.  Some areas experience high humidity and predictable rainfall, while others have unpredictable patterns and lower amounts of precipitation.

 

Best Places to Visit: Bali

 

Festivals or Activities: The Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar is a month-long celebration of the island's arts and culture, starting in mid-January.

 

 

4. Sri Lanka

January in Sri Lanka is when the weather is at its best in the south and west of the country and is also peak season for tourists, meaning popular resorts such as Hikkaduwa and Mirissa are the most idyllic, but also the busiest. It’s also the best time for wildlife viewing as dry conditions mean the animals start to gather around watering holes, making them easier to spot. At this time of year, all the big parks are open. Explore the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya, or head to the hill country for some scenic train rides and tea plantations.

 

Sri Lanka seaside fishing

 

Weather in January: The weather in January in Sri Lanka is dry and warm across most of the country. The southern coast and southwest corner can expect plenty of sunshine, while the northeastern monsoon in the east should be winding down. Colombo has an average daily temperature of 27°C. The average daily maximum temperature is 32°C and the average daily minimum temperature is 23°C.

 

Best Places to Visit: Galle, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya

 

Festivals or Activities: Don't miss the Galle Literary Festival, which brings together writers and readers from around the world in a charming coastal town.

 

 

5. India

India is a vast and colorful country with a wealth of attractions and festivals.  January is an excellent time to visit as the weather is mild and dry. Explore the iconic landmarks of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, also known as the Golden Triangle. Or head south to Kerala, Goa, or Rajasthan for some cultural and natural experiences.

 

Taj Mahal in the afterglow

 

Weather in January: On average, temperatures hover around 26°C in India during January, with highs of 31°C in the afternoon and lows of 20°C after dark. Note that temperatures in northern India can be very cold, dropping below freezing at night. Visitors should pack warm clothing for the colder temperatures in the north, but also light and cool clothing for the warmer daytime temperatures.

Best Places to Visit: Goa, Agra, and Jaipur

Festivals or Activities: One of the most significant festivals in January is the Kumbh Mela, a major pilgrimage and cultural event that takes place every 12 years in different locations in India.

 

 

6. China

China is a vast country with a rich history and diverse culture. In January, you can experience the beauty of the Great Wall covered in snow, as well as visit the Forbidden City and other historical sites in Beijing. You can also attend the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, where you can see impressive ice sculptures and participate in winter sports.

 

Summer Palace in Winter

 

Weather in January: January is very cold in China, with a lot of snow in the north and higher temperatures in the south, between 6 and 12°C. Winter is the driest period of the year in Beijing, with January temperatures averaging -4°C, with highs reaching 2°C and lows reaching -9°C. Northern China is good for skiing and other snow activities, while southern China is better for sightseeing. Visitors to China in January need to wear warm clothes.

 

Best Places to Visit: Beijing, Harbin and Guilin

 

Festivals or Activities: Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Chinese Lunar New Year (January/February).

 

 

7. South Korea

South Korea is a fascinating destination with a rich history and culture. January is an excellent time to visit as the weather is dry and chilly, perfect for exploring the cities and countryside. Seoul is a must-visit, with its modern skyscrapers, traditional markets, and ancient palaces. In January, South Korea is a great destination for those interested in winter outdoor activities. Head to ski in Hongcheon Daimyung Vivaldi Resort, there are also water parks in the ski resort, with hot springs, sweat steaming, and all kinds of fun ice and snow park and so on. You can also visit the ski resorts in Gangwon Province, such as Pyeongchang, which hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics.

 

Bears Town

 

Weather in January: In South Korea, January is one of the coldest months of the year.  The average temperature in Seoul, the capital city, is around -4°C (25°F) during the day and -10°C (14°F) at night. In addition to the cold temperatures, South Korea also experiences a dry winter season in January, with very little precipitation. This means that you can expect clear and sunny days, but also dry and sometimes windy conditions.

 

Best Places to Visit: Seoul, Hongcheon Daimyung Vivaldi Resort and Pyeongchang

 

Festivals or Activities: In January, you can attend the Seoul Lantern Festival, where you can see beautiful lantern displays and enjoy traditional performances.

 

 

8. Japan

January is the perfect time to visit Tokyo because you'll get to experience the winter wonderland that the city transforms into during this time. You can also explore the beautiful cities of Kyoto, and Osaka, as well as visit the hot springs in Hakone. Plus, you can warm up with a steaming bowl of ramen or hot pot! Go skiing in Hokkaido and attend the Sapporo Snow Festival. 

 

Hakone-onsen 

 

Weather in January: In January, Japan experiences its winter season, which is generally cold and dry. The weather can vary depending on the region, but in general, temperatures range from around 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) during the day and can drop below freezing at night.

 

Best Places to Visit: Tokyo, Hokkaido, and Hakone

 

Festivals or Activities: Among the many "firsts" of the New Year, first order has a special meaning in big cities. From January 1 or 2, many shops in Tokyo's core districts, such as Ginza, Shibuya, Harajuku and Aoyama, will open their doors to greet eager customers. Ginza offers luxury, Shibuya a relatively young clientele. Check store opening hours to take advantage of the opportunity to snap up the best deals.