Nairobi, Kenya
While there really isn’t a bad time to be in Nairobi, the height of the summer season is always a good bet. January sees an average of four days of rain and temperatures of 23°C/73°F. Expect perfect conditions for a safari experience in Nairobi National Park, just on the outskirts of the city. It might be the only place in the world where you can see black rhinos, lions, hyenas, gazelles, warthogs, zebras, giraffes and buffalo against a backdrop of skyscrapers.
Southern Thailand
Many have described Southern Thailand as Thailand before the backpackers arrived. In January, the busiest month for tourism in Thailand, you can lie on a deserted beach near Ao Khanom, waiting to catch a glimpse of the elusive and beautiful pink dolphins. It’s good to know when not to go, too: keep in mind monsoon season arrives from July to October. And in 2024, Ramadan falls across March and April, with Eid-ul-adha in the middle of June.
India
The dry, cooler winter, from October to April, is the ideal time to visit India, with February being the sweet spot. Plan at least one long-distance rail journey as part of your trip – there’s no experience quite like waking up on an Indian sleeper train barrelling across the plains.
It’s always best to avoid the rain-drenched monsoon season from May to September, unless you’re heading to arid Ladakh, in the far north.
Benin
Benin is solidifying its status as a premier West African destination for art and culture. As part of efforts to repatriate historical artifacts, Benin is establishing the Museum of the Epic of the Amazons and Kings of Dahomey, set to open in late 2024 with priceless pieces restituted from France. So why are we not encouraging you to visit in December? Well, you should – but January 10 sees Benin’s famed voodoo festival take place in Ouidah and Porto Novo. It’s an enriching cultural experience that shouldn’t be missed.
