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Where to go in January

Find the best places to visit in January including Zanzibar, Panama, and South America based on weather, crowds, and travel conditions.

10 places3 min readUpdated 12 October 2026
The best time to visit Zanzibar January and other global destinations
The short answer

January is a dry, warm month for Zanzibar, making it a great time for beach visits and snorkeling. If you are looking for alternatives, consider South America or Central America during their summer season.

These destinations were selected based on favorable weather patterns and seasonal accessibility during the month of January. Use this guide to plan your trip effectively.

1

An engineering marvel in the dry season

Panama Canal·Panama
Barco cruzando las Esclusas de Agua Clara, Gatún, Canal de Panamá. A la derecha la Torre de Control de las esclusas.
Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA 4.0

January falls within the dry season in Panama, which means less rain during your visit. You will experience clear skies while watching ships pass through the locks. It is an artificial waterway connecting the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. Ships are lifted to Gatun Lake and then lowered at the other side. The locks are massive and demonstrate complex maritime trade logistics. You can view the operations from observation centers.

Suits
History buffs and maritime enthusiasts.
Worth knowing
Expect high prices for tours during peak dry season months.
Planning Panama Canal?

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2

Peak winter sports season

Whistler mountain as seen from Nita lake, British Columbia, Canada

January is prime time for skiing and snowboarding in Whistler. The snow conditions are generally reliable and deep during this time of year. The pedestrian village is accessible and well designed. You will find many services located within walking distance of the mountain lifts. Over two million people visit annually, so expect crowds. The resort is located about 125 kilometers north of Vancouver.

Suits
Winter sports fans and active travelers.
Worth knowing
Accommodation is expensive and fills up months in advance.
Planning Whistler, British Columbia?

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3

Colonial architecture in mild weather

Antigua Guatemala
Photo: Juan Francisco, CC BY-SA 2.0

January offers cool and dry weather, which makes exploring the colonial city comfortable. The climate is ideal for walking through the historic center. The city is famous for its Spanish Baroque architecture and ruins. It served as the capital of the region for over two centuries. You can see many churches and preserved layouts from the colonial era. It remains a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historical importance.

Suits
Architecture lovers and history seekers.
Worth knowing
The city is popular with tourists, so book your stay well ahead.
Planning Antigua Guatemala?

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4

Coastal nature in the dry season

Author: Jacob Norlund Taken in Manuel Antonio National Park, in Costa Rica on April 6, 2005. Resized from 2048 x 1536 prior to uploading.

January is part of the dry season in Costa Rica. This is the best time to visit if you want to avoid rain while hiking the park trails. The park covers both land and water areas. It was established in 1972 to protect the local environment from development. You might see various wildlife species during your visit. It is one of the smaller parks in the country but attracts many visitors.

Suits
Wildlife watchers and beach lovers.
Worth knowing
The park can get very crowded, so arrive early in the morning.
Planning Manuel Antonio National Park?

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5

The southernmost city in summer

Ushuaia·Argentina
Aerial view of the center of Ushuaia, Argentina.
Photo: Deensel, CC BY 2.0

January is the middle of summer in the southern hemisphere. This is the most accessible time to visit Ushuaia, with long daylight hours for outdoor activities. The city sits between the Martial mountain range and the Beagle Channel. It is the capital of the Tierra del Fuego province. You can explore the surrounding natural terrain and coastlines. It serves as a base for many regional expeditions.

Suits
Adventure travelers and those heading to Antarctica.
Worth knowing
Flights can be expensive and weather can change very quickly.
Planning Ushuaia?

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6

Patagonian hiking in summer

Towers of Paine (upper) and Paine Horns (lower); both are part of Cordillera Paine, in Magallanes Region, the most southern one of Chile.
Photo: Karen Chan 16 y Miguel.v ( local | logs | global ) (originales), y Jorge Morales Piderit (montaje)., CC BY 4.0

January provides the warmest weather for visiting the park. It is the peak season for hikers and outdoor explorers in Chilean Patagonia. The mountain range is the centerpiece of the park. You will find a transition between forests and steppes within the borders. Expect strong winds even in summer. The landscape features glaciers and lakes that are best seen during these warmer months.

Suits
Serious hikers and nature photographers.
Worth knowing
You must book campsites or refugios months in advance.
Planning Torres del Paine National Park?

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7

Witnessing glacial ice

The terminus of the Perito Moreno Glacier, in the Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina.
Photo: Fernando, CC BY-SA 4.0

Summer in Argentina means January is a great time to visit the glacier. The path systems allow for good viewing of the ice formation. This glacier is one of the most significant tourist sites in the region. It is part of a larger ice field that holds vast fresh water reserves. The glacier is roughly 30 kilometers long. You can see large chunks of ice break off into the water regularly.

Suits
Nature enthusiasts and glacial observers.
Worth knowing
The glacier is a long drive from the nearest major airport.
Planning Perito Moreno Glacier?

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8

Caribbean coast exploration

Cartagena, Colombia

January offers dry and breezy weather in Cartagena. It is an excellent time for walking around the historic port city. The city served as a vital colonial port for trade routes. Its history is tied to the movement of goods and people across the Atlantic. You can explore the old walled city and the forts. It remains a significant place for understanding colonial maritime history.

Suits
Culture seekers and those wanting warm weather.
Worth knowing
Be prepared for high humidity even during the dry season.
Planning Cartagena, Colombia?

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9

The world's largest salt flat

Sunset
Photo: Mario Falcetti, CC BY-SA 4.0

January is the start of the rainy season in this part of Bolivia. The thin layer of water creates a mirror effect on the salt flats. The salt flat covers over 10,000 square kilometers. It sits at a high elevation in the Andes Mountains. The landscape is flat and vast. It was formed by the evaporation of ancient lakes over time.

Suits
Photographers wanting unique reflections.
Worth knowing
Altitude sickness is common due to the elevation of 3,656 meters.
Planning Salar de Uyuni?

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10

Southern Alps scenery

Hollyford River in Fiordland National Park, South Island of New Zealand
Photo: Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0

January is mid-summer in New Zealand, offering the most stable weather for this park. It is the best time to experience the glacier-carved valleys. This is the largest national park in New Zealand. It serves as a refuge for many endemic birds and animals. The park is part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage area. You can access the fjords through dedicated boat tours.

Suits
Hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Worth knowing
Sandflies are a persistent problem throughout the park.
Planning Fiordland National Park?

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What people wish they had broughtFor the places on this page

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Planning your trip during the right season makes a large difference in your experience. Always check current travel advisories for your destination.

Questions people ask


Is January a good time for Zanzibar?

Yes, January is one of the driest months in Zanzibar. It is ideal for those who want to spend time on the beach or go scuba diving.

Which month has the best weather in Zanzibar?

January, February, and June through September are generally considered the best months. These periods offer lower rainfall and more consistent sunshine.

Does it rain much in Zanzibar in January?

January is usually part of the short dry season. While light rain is always possible in tropical climates, it is much less frequent than in the wet months.

Is January expensive for travel?

Many of these destinations are in their peak season during January. You should expect higher prices for flights and accommodation.

Do I need a visa for these countries?

Visa requirements vary by your citizenship. Always check the official government websites for your destination before you book your trip.

Somewhere to stay on this trip

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More of this, as we publish it

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