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January is the coldest month together with February on the northern hemisphere of the planet Earth. For those, who love skiing, the Alps are one of the most popular destinations at this time of the year. But even the Colorado mountains in the United States of America or the ski resorts of Japan and South Korea are a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
On the other hand countries of the southern hemisphere are enjoying full summer in January. This means that January is a great month to visit countries like New Zealand, South Australia and the island of Tasmania.
In South America January is a good time to see Colombia, Venezuela, Chile and the Argentine (Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego). This month is also the most suitable for cruises to Antarctica. They are only realizable in the short summer, which is reduced to the period between December and February.
The Caribbean islands and Mexico are one of the best destinations to visit in January. In Baja California/Mexico the whale watching period begins in mid-January and ends in April. Even the nations of Central America such as Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Panama are in their dry season.
In Asia the countries of Indochina like Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, but also Northern Thailand and Burma have in this month of the year a dry and fresh climate. Even India during January has a dry and relatively cooler climate. The south-west coast of the island of Ceylon/Sri Lanka has its driest period in this month and in February. January also represents the beginning of the dry season in the atolls of the Maldives islands. Also in the Philippines we are at the beginning of the dry season and therefore begins the best period for a trip to this wonderful archipelago in January.
Also in Asia the Persian Gulf area is in the middle of winter and therefore is the best time to visit thanks to mild temperatures and plenty of sun: Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other Arabian Peninsula countries are a good destination at this time of the year. Why not take a short break in the spectacular city of Dubai?
In Africa January is a good time to visit the countries of the Gulf of Guinea. Ethiopia is also a good destination to visit in this month. The area of Cape Town/South Africa has an excellent climate during this time of the year. The Canary islands, islands of eternal spring, have an excellent climate during January.
English text correction by Dietrich Köster.
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