Where to go on holiday in January

As the cold weather is firmly upon us and blue Monday rears its ugly head, dreams of white-sand beaches, shimmering glacial lakes and soaring volcanoes might be racing through your mind. Explore the rolling tea hills and turquoise coves of Sri Lanka, journey to the imperial cities of India, and beat the January blues on the volcanic lakes of Argentina.

Argentina’s seasons are the opposite of our own here in the UK. Although January sees more tourists you can bank on toasty temperatures and it’s by far one of the best months to visit Patagonia weather-wise. Strap on your hiking boots and you can expect sunshine, clear skies and dry days.

After the hubbub of Christmas, Sri Lanka is just the remedy to beat those pesky January blues. Swap frosty mornings for misty tea hills, tranquil lakes and incense-infused temples. Sleep beneath a blanket of stars in an eco-retreat, go in search of wild elephants and laze about on sun-drenched coastlines. Oh OK, if you insist…

Chile’s three climate zones mean it can be visited almost any time of year, but if you’re heading to Torres del Paine or want to spot Penguins without the winter chill, the Chilean summer months are a perfect time. While on holiday in January, you’ll experience blazing summer days in the Lake District, making those volcanic lakes all the more tempting.

If you’re looking to escape the dark winter days and want to know where to go on holiday in January, India makes for the perfect choice. A lot of the country is warm, but not sweltering and January is the best time to visit the temples and beaches of Tamil Nadu. In the north, avoiding the chillier mountain areas, it’s a great time to fall in love with grand Rajasthani palaces and Jodhpur’s Mughal fort.

A great time to visit Luang Prabang and Vientiane, January sits just before the scorching summer days set-in, making it the ideal time for sight-seeing. Mid-January sees the celebration of Boun Khun Khao, a harvest festival, in some of the more remote areas and villages, so it can be an interesting time for low altitude trekking.

Panama is hot and humid throughout the year, but you should head here in January if you’re planning to visit the town of Boquete in the west. Mid-January sees the Chiriqui Highlands Flower and Coffee Festival in and around the town. For ten days you’ll be engulfed by an explosion of colour. It’s popular, so book well in advance.

Thailand has a complicated set-up when it comes to weather, but January gives you the best chance for great weather across the country. Temperatures are a little cooler, but it’s going to be dry, making it ideal for a beach getaway during the UK’s dark, cold winter days. When looking for a bit of adventure with milder temperatures in January, head north to discover the rivers, hills and villages of Chiang Mai.

If you’re dreaming of snowy winter landscapes and breath-taking northern lights, Lapland is the perfect destination for your January getaway. During this month, the region is blanketed in fresh snow, with trees draped in thick layers of powder, their branches heavy with the weight. The early afternoon darkness provides an ideal setting to chase the magical Northern Lights.