January in Thailand is the kind of place you dream about when you’re stuck in those humid Aussie heatwaves. Clear skies, low humidity, and cool nights up north make it one of the best months to explore. Think misty mountain treks up north to beach days down south that don’t make you sweat off your sunscreen.

It’s peak travel season, so expect company at the big spots. But there are plenty of reasons why that is the case – number one being that you’ve got the best weather across almost every region. Whether you’re temple-exploring in Chiang Mai, market-grazing in Bangkok, or floating between islands in the Andaman, Thailand in January runs on sunshine, smooth seas and celebrations.

Absolutely. January is as good as it gets for Thailand. It’s when dry skies, easy breezes and that post-New-Year sparkle still hang in the air.

The north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai) stays cool and crisp, ideal for hiking, temple tours and those soft Thai sakura blooms around Doi Inthanon. Central Thailand, including Bangkok and Ayutthaya, hits the sweet spot: clear days for sightseeing and rooftop nights without the steam. Down south, both coasts deliver. Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta on the Andaman, and Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in the Gulf, all showing off calm, clear water.

It’s festival time too, with Chiang Mai’s Bo Sang Umbrella Festival and New Year filling the streets with colour and dance.

This one’s squarely high season, so prices are up there… but worth it. Expect to pay more for flights, especially early in the month, and book your hotels early if you’re chasing the beachfront or Chiang Mai.

By mid to late January, things ease off a touch, and you can still find great-value guesthouses and mid-range stays outside the big hubs. Meals, transport and day tours stay solid value year-round, so your pad thai and massage budget won’t suffer too much. Think of it as paying for guaranteed sun and (literal) smooth sailing.

January serves up refreshing, dry and sunny weather across almost the entire country.

Rain’s rare, humidity stays comfortable, and the visibility hits its best for divers. It’s the one month where you can hike, island and temple-hop without breaking a sweat (well, almost).

Overall, January is a great time to explore a good chunk of Thailand. Head to the mountains in the north, the capital city and some islands in the south and you’re just about guaranteed to have decent weather.

With plenty of deals available from dozens of airlines, we’ve got ample flight options to all over the country, including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai. 

Whether you’re after a big-city skyrise in Bangkok, a beach hut down in Koh Lanta, a luxe resort in Phuket or a quaint stay in Chiang Mai, we have thousands of accommodation options in Thailand.