Goa in January 2026 — Is it worth going on a beach holiday? Weather and reviews, water temperature, is it possible to swim, prices for air tickets and hotels, excursions. Where is the best place to vacation in January: in North or South Goa, what to see and what to do – says Eurotraveler.
If somewhere around January is the peak month of the cold season, rich in snow and frost, then in the Indian state of Goa it’s the other way around – this time crowns thehigh beach season. When the sun is warm, but not too hot, And the sea tries not to worry, so as not to irritate tourists.
The latter, right upon arrival, are immersed in some a semblance of nirvana and forget about problems and worries. Some people, after such a retreat, refuse to return to society at all, becoming stuck on the Indian coast for long periods of time. years months.
One way or another, tours to Goa in January – primarily for the New Year holidays – already in early autumn sell like hot cakes from a good chef. Prices for air travel and hotels are rising.
But that doesn’t stop people – too much of a good thing waiting for them in this place and at this time!
It is remarkable that some beaches of South Goa (we can’t even talk about the northern ones) even at this time do not observe dense crowds. So you can take a break from communication – if you do your research in advance.
But enough of the lyrics, let’s go in order. And first, let’s study the most important “matter”!
Weather in Goa in January
Characterized by cloudless and hot – but not swelteringly hot – character. And warming up the atmosphere above +30-31 degrees Celsius during the daytime is more the exception than the rule.
The most popular time among tourists is, naturally, the New Year holidays. Fortunately, the air temperature in Goa in early January is most conducive to a seaside holiday. Since it will be during the day about +30 °C or a little morebut at night – “only” +22-25 °C.
The weather is approximately the same on the coast of Goa until mid-January. But in the second half of the month it may get a little colder.
Fortunately, not during the day – during daylight hours the sun still warms the air to +28-30 °C
But at night, air temperatures can drop to +20 °C. And even – horror of horrors – up to +18 °C.
It will rain extremely rareeven cloudy days in January Goa are a wonder. The sun rises above the horizon around 7 am and sets at just over 6 pm in the evening. The length of the day is therefore exceeds 11 hours.
What is not a reason to tune in to what is essentially a summer and resort mode of existence? That is, go to the beach immediately after or before breakfast, and at 11-12 noon return to the saving shadow?
Then make a second approach at 16:00? And already stay on the shore until sunset.
During other daytime hours, the likelihood of getting severely sunburned in open spaces increases. Even if you showed foresight and took cream and all sorts of other useful “things from the sun” with you on vacation at the seaside.
Water temperature
The sea – which Indian Ocean — warmed up to a commendable +27-28 degrees Celsius. Some reviews say something about “fresh milk”, but this is an artistic exaggeration.
Because in January the sea temperature in Goa never rises above +29 °C!
One way or another, everyone can swim, even children. can at any time of the day. You just need to not lose sight of them and always be on the alert.
We also advise you to remember that near the beaches of Goa, even in calm seas, rip currents occur. To get into it, you don’t have to sail far from the shore.
Therefore, even before the start of your vacation, familiarize yourself with how to act in order to escape safely from a rip current.
Prices 2026
If you are determined to celebrate the New Year in Goa, then get ready to spend from 300 thousand rubles on a package tour for two. Shifting travel dates to the second ten days of January or even just after January 4-5, immediately promises savings at ~100-150 thousand rubles.
Will a self-planned trip be cheaper? At first glance, no. After all, air tickets (for example, from Moscow) to Goa and back will cost 65+ thousand rubles per person during the New Year holidays.
And for this money We are not talking about direct flights. Only about transit ones, lasting a day or more.
But on the coast of Goa There are enough not too expensive hotels and guest houses. For example, for just 80 € per night in early January you can rent a room for two in the excellent Ariena by Spree Hotels Goa close to Ashvem beach. And in the second ten days of the month you will pay only about 60 € for a night’s stay.
Very good: clean, neat, well located and, most importantly, not too expensive Coastal Suites Apart Hotel in Benaulim. Where a couple of holidaymakers will pay from 600 to 400 € for a week’s accommodation in January.
Where to go in January
Here it’s important not to make a mistake: The beaches of North Goa are occupied by a completely different crowd than those of South Goa. So if you don’t want to find yourself in a completely “not your” environment, carefully study our material on this topic!
In short: the northern part of the resort is more oriented for a youth audiencewhich does not have a large budget. And who, first of all, wants to hang out on the warm sea, “have fun”, “have a party” – if comfort in the rooms matters to her, then not in the first place.
The determining factor here is the price. And it is actually minimal – you can easily find it here room for 15-20 € per night.
There are a lot of guesthouses with a modest set of amenities in North Goa, and there are also plenty of simple 2-3 star hotels
South Goa – a haven for better off financially tourists. Primarily families with children and those who crave peace and comfort.
And therefore I am ready to spend even more than a seemingly reasonable amount on vacation
The beaches of South Goa are cleaner and better equipped. There are less vendors on the beaches, and there are practically no people who come to the beach to look at others and not to relax.
Again, tourists vacationing in Majorda and Benaulim, Colva don’t expect adrenaline surprises like boulders in the water or frighteningly strong currents.
Just in case
Russians can enter India with a pre-issued (!) paper or electronic visa. Moreover, when receiving the latter, there are some nuances – kolkata.mid.ru/ru/poleznaya_informatsiya/elektronnaya_viza_v_indiyu/. Again, for online payment you will also need a bank card issued outside of Russia.
You will also still be able to apply for a regular paper visa, which is pasted into your passport. Apply for a visa to India upon arrival for Russians today they can’t!
What to take with you
There is no need to take fumigators and other mosquito repellents with you to Goa – for some reason those that are sold in Russian stores no effect on Indian mosquitoes. But a traveling first aid kit should definitely be (carefully) assembled and placed in a suitcase.
Particular attention should be paid to remedies for poisoning and indigestion (not every stomach can digest local cuisine). As well as antipyretic and anti-allergy drugs – the range of pharmacies in Goa is very poor.
As a means of making payments, it is worth stocking up on a card that works abroad in Russia. Some amount of US dollars for subsequent exchange into Indian rupees for cash payments will also not hurt.
Because the exchange rate there is extremely unfavorable, and you will have to pay for transport (at a minimum) one way or another
In some cases (long trip), it makes sense to immediately buy a SIM card in Goa; to obtain it, you only need a foreign passport (your photo will be taken at a mobile phone store). But many today also use the universal SIM card Drimsim or Yesim (Internet access only), which works in many countries around the world.
Things to do
If you arrive in North Goa, then the main entertainment besides swimming will be participating in a variety of beach parties and parties. At the same time, the main thing is keep your mind clear.
Because otherwise, you might not only miss your return plane, but also join the ranks of the local aborigines. From among European tourists!
South Goa offers more traditional leisure activities. The most enjoyable of which seems to be visiting local restaurants.
There will be happy diving enthusiasts – local waters are clear – and open ocean fishing – marine life is abundant. Available water parks: Splashdown in Anjuna and Froggyland in Navem.
Definitely worth a look old Goa to Panajiwhere wonderful colonial-style houses and churches have been preserved. Visit the mighty Fort Aguada and climb its lighthouse, once the largest in Asia.
We also recommend visiting the largest in the state Dudhsagar waterfall
It is a very colorful place Hampi villagewhich was once the capital of the powerful Indian Vijayanagra Empire. But getting to it is not so easy (the distance is more than 300 km).
If you have any means, we recommend that you get to know Goa in the company of a guide who is thoroughly familiar with the area. You will: see stunning landscapes, learn about Portuguese colonization and Indian traditions.
A one-day trip is addressed to generous tourists. trip to the metropolis of Mumbai. And those who have not yet seen Agra and the Taj Mahal, and have a sufficient amount of money, can go to two day trip to Delhi.
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© Eurotraveler
