January Travel Insights
January in Asia can be cold but festive, especially if you’re not in Thailand or neighboring countries where the dry and sunny weather is ideal. Furthermore, January offers pleasant travel conditions in India.
Many significant holidays and New Year celebrations extend for about a week after January 1. The Lunar New Year, widely recognized as Chinese New Year, is the biggest holiday in Asia. In some years, this 15-day event occurs in January, providing a fresh start for anyone looking to re-evaluate their resolutions.
While countries in East Asia like Korea and China will remain quite cold, there will generally be fewer tourists at popular attractions. Conversely, much of Southeast Asia (excluding Indonesia and East Timor, where the monsoon season brings rain) and India will be basking in warm, dry weather.
January is an excellent time to enjoy the comfortable weather in Thailand and its neighboring countries, such as Cambodia and Laos, before the heat and humidity ramp up to uncomfortable levels in March and April.
Lunar New Year in Asia
When traveling anywhere in Asia during a year when the Lunar New Year holiday occurs in January, your trip may be notably impacted. You do not have to be near China, as destinations as far away as Pai in Thailand can get notably busier.
Millions of people in the region take advantage of a week free from work, flocking to various top destinations in Asia, which results in increased hotel prices. With a large population on the move, expect flight prices to go up and transportation options to be congested.
Monsoon Season in Bali
While Bali offers delightful experiences year-round, January often sees the highest rainfall on the island. Consequently, beach days might become gloomy as monsoon season peaks. Visibility for diving and snorkeling may worsen due to runoff unless you visit sites further from the island. However, there’s a silver lining: Bali will be much less crowded than during the peak summer months!
Asia Weather in January
(Average high / low temperatures and humidity)
- Bangkok: 91 F (32.8 C) / 73 F (22.8 C) / 64% humidity
- Kuala Lumpur: 90 F (32.2 C) / 75 F (23.9 C) / 80% humidity
- Bali: 87 F (30.6 C) / 77 F (25 C) / 82% humidity
- Singapore: 87 F (30.5 C) / 76 F (24.4 C) / 81% humidity
- Beijing: 36 F (2.2 C) / 18 F (−7.8 C) / 44% humidity
- Tokyo: 49 F (9.4 C) / 40 F (4.4 C) / 44% humidity
- New Delhi: 69 F (20.5 C) / 46 F (7.8 C) / 73% humidity
Average Rainfall for January in Asia
- Bangkok: 1.06 inches (27 mm) / average of 1.8 days with precipitation
- Kuala Lumpur: 4.64 inches (118 mm) / average of 17 days with precipitation
- Bali: 5.55 inches (141 mm) / average of 16 days with precipitation
- Singapore: 3.14 inches (80 mm) / average of 17 days with precipitation
- Beijing: 2.7 inches (69 mm) / average of 2 days with precipitation
- Tokyo: 0.32 inch (8 mm) / average of 6 days with precipitation
- New Delhi: 0.40 inches (10 mm) / average of 3 days with precipitation
January is a month perfect for enjoying ideal weather in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Burma, albeit being the high season. Warm days, dry weather, and relatively low humidity make it favorable for exploring outdoor attractions like Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
In Southeast Asia, Vietnam’s unique geography offers a twist. While most of Vietnam enjoys warm weather in January, northern locations, particularly around Hanoi, can feel unexpectedly cool in the evenings. The average low there is 56 degrees F (13.3 C).
East Asia will remain cold, possibly experiencing snow. Meanwhile, India will provide dry and warm conditions throughout the subcontinent, excluding northern areas at higher elevations near the Himalayas. January is an excellent time to explore Rajasthan, India’s desert state.
Places with the Best Weather
- Thailand
- Laos
- Cambodia
- Vietnam (be mindful that Hanoi and the North can feel chilly)
- Burma/Myanmar
- Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia
- Much of Sri Lanka (particularly the southern beaches like Unawatuna)
- South India
- New Delhi, India
Places with the Worst Weather
- China (cold)
- Japan (cold; Okinawa and southern islands are exceptions)
- Korea (cold)
- Kuching in Malaysian Borneo (heavy rain)
- North India (cold)
- Tioman Island, Malaysia (rain/rough seas)
- Perhentian Islands, Malaysia (rain/rough seas)
- Bali (rain)
What to Pack
If traveling to East Asian destinations like China, Korea, or Japan, be sure to have warm clothing. Even places such as Hong Kong, which usually experiences moderate temperatures, can feel chilly at night. The same goes for Nepal and any other high-elevation destinations. Popular areas in northern Thailand may experience cool temperatures in the 50s F at night after warm afternoons in the upper 80s F.
When visiting Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, consider carrying a waterproof case for your passport and electronics to protect them from unexpected rain showers.
If your travel aligns with the Lunar New Year, you might want to bring something red for good luck. Not to worry, though—shops will be stocked with red items available for purchase during the event!
January Events in Asia
Many major winter holidays in Asia are based on lunisolar calendars; thus, the dates fluctuate yearly. If you find yourself in one of the festival hotspots, be prepared for busyness. The following significant events may take place in January, so enjoy!
- Thaipusam: (January or February) Celebrated by Hindu Tamil communities across India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia—especially in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Thaipusam is one of the largest Indian celebrations, where some devotees pierce their bodies with skewers to honor Lord Murugan, the god of war, in a large procession that fills the streets. The Batu Caves outside Kuala Lumpur is a significant epicenter for this event.
- Republic Day in India: (January 26) This day honors India’s adoption of a republic constitution on January 26, 1950, and is one of three national holidays in India.
- Thailand Full Moon Party: (monthly; on or close to the night of the full moon) This monthly spectacle significantly influences backpacking travelers in Thailand. January is particularly active as people celebrate New Year’s Eve and the full moon later in the month. Up to 30,000 revelers congregate at Haad Rin on Koh Phangan to welcome the sunrise while dancing on the beach. Transportation to and from the islands in the Gulf of Thailand is impacted leading up to and following the party.
- Vietnamese Tet: (typically coinciding with Lunar New Year) The Vietnamese Lunar New Year is vibrant and filled with energy! The streets of Saigon overflow with parties, firecrackers, and performances. Tet usually aligns with Chinese New Year and is one of the most exciting times to visit Vietnam.
- Shogatsu: (January 1 – 3) The Japanese New Year celebration lasts into the first few days of January. Many businesses close as people visit shrines and enjoy special foods. Lunar New Year is also recognized, but January 1 has been the “official” start of the new year in Japan since 1873.
January Travel Tips
While the weather in Singapore is relatively stable year-round, November, December, and January are frequently the wettest months. You won’t need to worry about feeling cold in Singapore in January, but carrying an umbrella at all times is a wise choice!
Tips for Traveling During Lunar New Year
The dates for Lunar New Year change annually, but this widely celebrated festival typically takes place in January or at times in February. Notably, the number of celebrations during this time surpasses even Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Prepare for millions of travelers filling popular destinations across Asia in the lead-up to and following the celebrations.
Expect lively street performances, lion dances, various cultural traditions, and an abundance of fireworks intended to ward off evil spirits in the New Year.
Be sure to plan ahead for the Chinese New Year festivities, as you’ll likely have plenty of company as you travel!
Some Lunar New Year dates that occur in January:
- 2020: January 25
- 2023: January 22
- 2025: January 29
Tips for Traveling During Monsoon Season
The term “monsoon season” often evokes images of relentless rain that can spoil vacations. While that can be true, more usually, traveling during a country’s monsoon season can still be enjoyable and even offer a few perks.
Rain may hold off for long periods or simply manifest as a brief, refreshing afternoon shower that provides a great excuse to duck inside or engage in some shopping. The atmosphere can feel cleaner during monsoon season as dust and contaminants are washed away.
Since rainy months typically coincide with “low” season, travelers might find it easier to score deals. Accommodation prices often drop during the monsoon season, and tour rates can also be lower. However, keep in mind that depending on the location, some businesses may close during the slow season, potentially limiting your options.
