Where to go on safari in January? These destinations score highest this month on weather, wildlife seasons and crowds.
Africa
- Bwindi Uganda · 23° · some rain
A shorter dry spell, though rain can fall at any time.
- Ngorongoro Tanzania · 23° · some rain
Migration herds reach the Ndutu plains inside the conservation area for calving season.
- Serengeti Tanzania · 29° · some rain
Herds are on the southern plains near Ndutu; calving usually peaks in February-March and attracts predators.
- Volcanoes Rwanda · 25° · some rain
A less rainy spell, though showers still occur.
- Lake Nakuru Kenya · 27° · mostly dry
The park is fenced and compact, so game viewing stays fairly consistent; tracks are easier in the drier months.
- Murchison Falls Uganda · 31° · mostly dry
The driest and hottest season, and the best time for game drives north of the Nile.
- Ol Pejeta Kenya · 25° · mostly dry
Drier months with good viewing; mornings are cool because of the altitude (around 1,800 m).
- Queen Elizabeth Uganda · 31° · mostly dry
The drier periods and the best time for game drives and viewing along the Kazinga Channel.
- Samburu Kenya · 30° · mostly dry
- Tsavo East Kenya · 32° · mostly dry
The Gulf
- Al Areen Bahrain · 20° · mostly dry
Most comfortable months to visit.
- Empty Quarter Saudi Arabia · 26° · mostly dry
Desert expedition season, when seasonal winds ease and temperatures are moderate.
- Sir Bani Yas Island United Arab Emirates · 24° · mostly dry
Visit Abu Dhabi names November to March as the best time to visit the island.
- Al Marmoom United Arab Emirates · 24° · mostly dry
Winter brings migratory birds to the Al Qudra lakes and comfortable weather for walking and cycling.
- AlUla Saudi Arabia · 21° · mostly dry
Nights can drop to about 4–6°C; warm layers are needed for early mornings and evenings.
- Dubai Desert United Arab Emirates · 24° · mostly dry
Best period for desert activities, with typical daytime highs of roughly 24–30°C.
- Edge of the World Saudi Arabia · 21° · mostly dry
Best months for cliff-top hiking and sunset views.
- Hatta United Arab Emirates · 24° · mostly dry
Main season for hiking, mountain biking and kayaking; weekends are busiest.
- Khor Al Adaid Qatar · 22° · mostly dry
Visit Qatar names November to April as the best time to visit; this is the winter camping season.
- Liwa United Arab Emirates · 24° · mostly dry
The Liwa International Festival runs for about three weeks around Tal Moreeb in winter, bringing peak visitor numbers.