A new year, a new adventure – and Asia is a great place to be. January is peak season across much of Asia and the continent is full of dry, sunny skies, balmy temperatures and plenty of festivals. It’s a prime month for temple-hopping in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand as humidity is at its lowest. The Maldives is also at peak dreaminess, with endless sunshine and glassy turquoise waters, however this does come at a price and it's one of the most expensive times to visit. In Bhutan and Japan, winter is crisp but magical (and there are fewer tourists around), whilst in India, Rajasthan and Agra are basking in perfect sightseeing weather. The backwaters in Kerala and the beaches in Goa are pretty good too.

Asia is still basking in the dry season, making February a fantastic month for almost anywhere. Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia are warm but not sweltering, making it a near perfect for cruising the Mekong and sampling culinary delights in the markets. It’s also a good time to be on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, whale watching along the coastline or spotting leopard in Yala National Park. Combine the trip with the Maldives for a little beach time, too. If you’re looking for something wintery, the Sapporo Snow Festival transforms Japan into a spectacular winter wonderland.

March is a transition month and that means a little planning goes a long way. India is entering its peak season, with Holi celebrations adding a riot of colour to the streets. Sri Lanka’s southern and eastern areas are still idyllic, while the main trekking season kicks off in Bhutan as the days get slightly milder. Japan’s cherry blossoms are just starting to bloom in the south and, if you time it right, you’ll see some of the most spectacular floral displays on earth. In Indonesia, the rain is easing off and it’s a good time to visit the cultural sites and temples with fewer people around. In Vietnam, head for the north and the hills around Sapa.

The sakura (cherry blossom) season is in full swing in Japan, turning cities like Kyoto and Tokyo into fairytale landscapes. In Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, the rain is tapering off and the temperatures are heating up but it’s still pleasant (for now). In India, the heat is starting to build: Rajasthan and the central areas are still bearable, but perhaps add some time in the Himalayas or at the hill stations to cool off. Bhutan and the Maldives are entering their ‘inbetween’ season but the weather is still pleasant for hiking (Bhutan) and sunbathing (Maldives). Sri Lanka is in a similar weather pattern with rain starting to fall in the south.

The weather across much of Asia starts to shift. The first whispers of monsoon season creep into Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, but it’s not all bad news… Bhutan is still a good option with lush green valleys and clear mountain views. Japan’s crowds thin out after cherry blossom season, making it a great time for a more peaceful visit. Indonesia is now basking in sunshine, and Vietnam’s central region is at its most scenic. In Sri Lanka, head for the East coast and Trincomalee’s wild and wonderful beaches.

Monsoon season takes hold in India, Sri Lanka, and much of Southeast Asia, but there are still pockets of perfection, most notably in Indonesia. Bali, Java, and Komodo are idyllic with dry weather and lush landscapes that is perfectly suited to temple-hopping and volcano-hiking. The east of Sri Lanka is still good for beaches, surf and sunshine and in Vietnam, the central area is balmy and beautiful at this time of year. Parts of Japan can also be very pleasant before the summer heat arrives.

Rain, rain, go away… unless you know where to go. This is still the peak season for Indonesia’s islands (Bali, Lombok and Komodo) and in Cambodia and Laos, it may be hot and wet but the shamrock-green landscapes are stunning and the waterfalls and rivers are full and spectacular. Japan is steamy but lively with festivals, while Sri Lanka’s east coast shines as the monsoon avoids this part of the island.

Southeast Asia is mostly rainy, but Indonesia continues to be the golden child of good weather. It’s a great time for spotting Komodo dragons and diving with manta rays. Over in Thailand, Koh Samui and the Gulf Islands are still sunny and warm but the Andaman side is stormy. Japan’s summer is in full swing, with fireworks festivals lighting up the sky. India’s monsoon creates breathtaking scenery in the Western Ghats, but it can be misty and wet.

Monsoon season is starting to ease and the rewards are rich. Sri Lanka’s southern beaches are coming back to life, and Vietnam’s northern mountains are lush and spectacular. Japan’s typhoon season can bring unpredictable weather, but it’s still a good time to explore some of the more rural areas. Indonesia remains wonderful, and Bhutan is entering another great trekking season of crisp, fresh mountain air and picture-perfect views. India’s Ladakh region is at its most stunning before winter sets in and in Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle, the temperatures are descending nicely. In Vietnam, the sunshine is starting to creep into the south around Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

Welcome to one of Asia’s best months! India is celebrating Diwali, and the weather across Rajasthan, Kerala, and the Golden Triangle is divine. Bhutan is cool and crisp, ideal for hiking, and Japan is gearing up for its dazzling autumn foliage. Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam have shed their monsoons, making temple explorations and beach days blissful. And, if you’re longing for lazy days on the beach, Indonesia is gorgeous and the rain starts to leave the Maldives at the end of the month.

Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam are all prime for adventure in November and India’s Golden Triangle is basking in pleasant weather. Sri Lanka’s southern beaches and the central cultural sites are also back to their best. Japan’s autumn colors steal the show in Kyoto, Tokyo and in the Alps. Indonesia is still good, but the rains are creeping in. Meanwhile, Bhutan is cool, quiet, and utterly spectacular – and the Black-Necked Crane Festival in Phobjikha Valley is an incredible sight to see.

If you’re looking for a festive escape, Thailand’s islands (and in fact, most of the country) are perfect, as are Vietnam’s southern beaches. India is cool (relatively!) and wonderful, especially in Rajasthan. Sri Lanka is at its best, and the Maldives is flawless for an end-of-year escape. Bhutan is cold but magical, with snow-capped peaks and a festive feel and in Japan, it’s all about the steaming onsens and snow. Avoid Indonesia—it’s full-blown monsoon season—but otherwise, December truly is one of the best months to travel in Asia.