There is not any higher place to spend your bleary January than within the USA. The nation is full top-to-tail of unimaginable winter locations, whether or not you need heat temperatures or enjoyable winter actions within the snow. January journey can also be tactical, being outdoors peak season for many locations, which means fewer crowds and higher entry to unimaginable points of interest. An excellent instance is the nationwide parks, the place mountaineering trails turn into nearly empty. January within the USA is fabulous – you simply have to know which locations to go to.
Best Places To Visit In January In The USA
To enable you get probably the most out of the 12 months’s first month, we’ve compiled an inventory of the very best locations to go to in January within the US. These locations are unfold throughout your complete nation – some snowy and wintery with basic actions like cross-country snowboarding, some gentle with higher entry to mountaineering trails and points of interest, and others sizzling, with lovely seashores. Are you able to plan your January trip? Here is the place you’ll meet your match.
1. South Padre Island
South Padre Island is an excellent place to go to in January if you’d like sunny climate and a wonderful trip on a barrier island. In January, temperatures drop marginally, however you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from loads of outside actions and seaside days. There are simply so many issues to do in South Padre Island: birding, horseback driving, snorkeling, and extra. It has 34 miles of shoreline, shiny white sands, and famously emerald waters. It actually is a gem of Texas, as it’s the solely tropical barrier island and has a powerful complete of over 300 days of sunshine a 12 months.
South Padre Island is good if you wish to expertise coastal residing in Texas. When you go to in January, you’ll have barely any crowds. In March, all of the spring break crowds descend in town, and the small city will get critically busy.
2. Key West
Who doesn’t love Key West? This gorgeous island metropolis marks the tip level of the beloved Florida Keys, a sequence of barrier islands situated on the southernmost level of Florida. Only 90 miles north of Cuba, Key West will get tropical temperatures all 12 months spherical – so wave goodbye to chilly climate and hey to sandy seashores. Key West has pastel-colored homes and is related to mainland Florida by the famed Overseas Highway, which connects all of the keys. It is called a hub for diving and snorkeling, and in case you are a part of a distinct segment group that likes to be underwater reasonably than on the seaside, this is among the greatest locations to go to in January.
One of the preferred methods to go to this island is on a Miami to Key West highway journey. You may also mix it with a visit to the close by Everglades.
3. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is one in every of January’s most iconic and greatest locations to go to. There are so many issues to do in Death Valley, and we will assure that they’re much extra satisfying within the 30s to 60s than within the sky-high mid-summer temperatures that Death Valley sees. The summer time temperatures in Death Valley National Park get so excessive that there’s a frequent danger-to-life warnings. So it’s simply probably the greatest locations to go to in January when heat climate is not any barrier to having fun with all of the park gives.
Death Valley is the most well liked, driest, and lowest nationwide park within the USA. You can go to Badwater Basin, Dante’s View, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Racetrack Playa. The final one is probably the most mysterious, with rocks that mysteriously transfer themselves.
4. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is one other greatest place to go to in January to beat the vacation crowds. This Oregon magnificence is among the greatest US nationwide parks, with its most well-known cash shot being the namesake crater lake that was dramatically shaped by the traditional volcano Mount Mazama – which collapsed to depart Crater Lake behind. The park is centered round this lake, with a stupendous Rim Drive with viewpoints over volcanic formations. Many little islands are additionally on the lake, like Phantom Ship and Wizard Island. Crater Lake National Park is among the greatest weekend locations in January.
Crater Lake National Park is undoubtedly most famed for its shiny blue waters and serene environment. It is difficult to imagine that Crater Lake National Park was as soon as house to a raging volcano. Of course, Crater Lake can also be the deepest lake within the USA, one other thrilling cause to go to. It averages a staggering 31 meters deep and is among the high 10 deepest lakes on the earth.
5. San Diego
The vibrant metropolis of San Diego doesn’t get sufficient love for our liking. We’ve regularly coated town, from the very best seashores in San Diego to a tell-all information on the place to remain in San Diego. Los Angeles can step apart for a bit – it’s time to present San Diego its well-deserved recognition, particularly as probably the greatest locations to go to in January. San Diego’s successful issue is its beautiful year-round local weather, which makes it probably the greatest locations to go to in winter. And if you couple that with over 70 miles of lovely seashores, it’s simple to see why it’s such a sought-after place to go to in January. San Diego is a metropolis break meets seaside vacation spot.
San Diego has points of interest just like the Hotel de Coronado, Balboa Park, and the USS Midway Museum. There’s additionally the gorgeous Torrey Pines State National Reserve and loads of alternatives to identify sea lions.
6. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park has a stupendous 2.2 million-acre assortment and is a delegated nationwide elk refuge. It holds the grand title of the world’s first-ever nationwide park and was established in 1872. Yellowstone National Park rapidly grew a fame for its hydrothermal and geological points of interest, together with Old Faithful – an enormous geyser. And its park boundaries truly comprise round half of the world’s energetic geysers. Yellowstone has a wow issue for historical past and nature lovers alike. Yellowstone National Park is greatest explored by automobile, the place you’ll be able to cease to admire and embark on its greatest Yellowstone hikes.
So, why go to within the low season? What makes Yellowstone so nice to see in January? In brief, you skip the crowds. Yellowstone is among the most visited nationwide parks within the USA. This signifies that it will get hectic in peak season. In winter, you’ll have highway closures to deal with, and you’re greatest utilizing a 4WD car. However, the primary highway between the north and northeast entrances stays open, and you may nonetheless go to the park’s highlights. Just rigorously analysis the place to remain in Yellowstone and see which points of interest are most accessible. Yellowstone National Park is certainly an journey in winter.
7. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is among the greatest locations to go to in early January. This nationwide park is house to probably the most monumental cacti within the USA, and the saguaro plant has rapidly turn into a logo of America’s historic Wild West period. Party due to this, Saguaro National Park has turn into a bucket listing nationwide park for individuals to go to within the USA. The cacti dwell as much as 250 years previous and develop to the dimensions of bushes – fairly cool, proper?
Winter months are the very best time to go to this park, because it means you’ll be able to benefit from the hikes and cacti views with out collapsing with warmth exhaustion (which is a real danger). It is situated simply outdoors Tucson, and also you don’t want a automobile in case you are nifty on a pedal bike or a great hiker. Saguaro National Park is among the most accessible parks within the USA.
8. Lake Tahoe
Nowhere fairly beats Lake Tahoe within the winter months, and it’s simply one of many high locations to go to in January when you like ski resorts and outside winter actions. Lake Tahoe is famend for world-class snowboarding and transforms yearly right into a winter wonderland. You can hit the slopes or get pleasure from cross-country snowboarding; winter sports activities are a few of the greatest issues to do within the space. Lake Tahoe is a shocking freshwater lake that straddles the California and Nevada borders. While in the summertime, the lake’s seashores entice swimmers and sunbathers, by mid-January, the winter climate turns it right into a haven for winter enjoyable with snow sports activities and ski resorts galore.
Lake Tahoe is a perfect brief getaway in January. It has additionally been utilized in a whole lot of TV exhibits and flicks, because of its pristine blue waters and basic backdrop of alpine surroundings. As we stated, beating Lake Tahoe is difficult if you need a ski trip within the USA. It’s one of many nation’s greatest cold-weather locations.
9. Zion National Park
Zion National Park won’t have heat climate in January, with temperatures dropping under 40 F. However, because the park turns into nearly unbearably busy and sizzling in the summertime season, January is about as off-peak and quiet as doable. If you gown for the chilly, you’ll be able to nonetheless sort out a few of the greatest hikes in Zion, and you’re nearly assured to have them to your self. Zion National Park has some gorgeous points of interest, together with the Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook Trail, and even the Narrows are accessible in January in case you have appropriate gear.
Zion National Park sees round 4.5 million annual guests, and by visiting in January, you’ll be able to skirt most of those. It means quieter trails and higher lodging, with extra areas and cheaper charges. You can discover out the place to remain in Zion upfront and snag the very best offers.
10. Hunting Island State Park
Hunting Island State Park is the preferred state park in South Carolina. It rose to sharp fame after getting used for many of the Vietnam War scenes in Forrest Gump and is now liked for its 5 miles of gorgeous white sand seashores and attribute lighthouse. It sees over one million guests yearly and is definitely probably the greatest locations to go to in January. You can hike by means of boardwalks on hundreds of acres of marshlands and even climb Hunting Island Lighthouse.
In January, temperatures drop, however when you gown for the climate, you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from many outside actions – simply with out the crowds. Things like horseback driving on the seaside, kayaking, and fossil looking are all ten instances extra satisfying in winter when you could have the surroundings virtually to your self.
11. White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is among the most lovely locations to go to in the course of the vacation season. For a winter break, White Sands National Park is ideal. It is shiny white because the world’s largest gypsum dune area – acres upon acres of white crystals. And with its New Mexico location, it is among the main warm-weather locations to select. Think of it as a sizzling model of a snow day. It has year-round heat temperatures, and you may go sand sledding, horseback, driving, or on 4WD experiences.
White Sands National Park can also be house to the world’s most big fossilized footprints that date again to the Ice Age, offering greater than 20,000 years of humanity on this area. You can keep close to Las Cruces or Tularosa or head to El Paso.
12. Big Sky
Montana is gorgeous all 12 months spherical, however January actually takes the biscuit. And Big Sky is the state’s spotlight. It is famend as one of many USA’s main resorts for snowboarding, and you may spot elk, large horn sheep, and extra if you aren’t zipping down slopes at full blast. It is somewhat luxurious, however we suggest a go to when you fancy a high-end January getaway.
Big Sky is the very best place for a ski getaway, and you may as well mix it with a go to to Yellowstone National Park. What a win.
13. Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a part of the gorgeous South Carolina Lowcountry. It has 12 miles of gorgeous seashores, a conventional shoreline, a basic pink and white Harbor Town Lighthouse, and a scenic golf course. Hilton Head Island is someplace you’ll be able to escape the hecticness of US cities and embrace a slower tempo of life. And it has the bonus of being a lot much less mainstream and quieter in the way in which of vacationers – particularly in its January off-season.
Temperatures hover at round 60 F on Hilton Head Island, good for seaside walks as long as you could have a few layers. Hilton Head Island is the best quirky getaway in January when you don’t need intense solar and warmth however love coastal surroundings. You may even see dolphins.
14. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a Californian city within the sought-after Sierra Nevada mountains. It is a hotspot for multi-day mountaineering and gorgeous alpine views in spring and summer time. While in winter, it transforms into a number one getaway for winter snow sports activities like snowboarding and snowboarding. From Mammoth Lakes, you’ll be able to go to the Devil’s Postpile National Monument and see the limestone towers at Mono Lake. Mammoth Lakes isn’t removed from Yosemite National Park both, making it a wonderful base for a extra prolonged interval.
If you fancy a Californian ski break – a phrase you hardly ever hear – then Mammoth Lakes is your greatest guess. It can also be ultimate for exploring japanese California’s points of interest which might be somewhat bold for fulfilling day journeys from LA or San Francisco. Mammoth Lakes is snow sports activities heaven and a very good base for day journeys.
15. Payette National Forest
Payette National Forest is a 2.3 million-acre forest in Idaho and a stupendous place to hike, camp, and are available face-to-face (or as shut as snug) with a whole lot of basic American animals. You can spot deer, elk, mountain lions, bears, coyotes, and cute, small animals like river otters and snowshoe hares. It additionally creates ‘open play areas’, the place appropriate automobiles can sort out winter snow tracks. You can simply take a look at the Payette Winter Travel Map for highway steering.
If you need a winter forest getaway in January, snowy Payette National Forest is an excellent choice. It has actually accessible forest roads in case you have a 4WD with appropriate changes, and it’s actually equipped for winter friends with its Winter Travel Map. You can get pleasure from cross-country snowboarding and totally different snow actions as effectively.
16. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a group of seven islands with a historic Fort Jefferson on the most important. It can also be a hotspot for marine life and has some gorgeous coral reefs. Dry Tortugas National Park is among the most original locations to go to within the USA, not simply in January however all 12 months spherical. Why? Because it’s extremely difficult to succeed in, requiring you to constitution a ship or seaplane. Most nationwide parks within the USA have practically hundreds of thousands of holiday makers, whereas 80,000 guests make it to Dry Tortugas National Park yearly. You can e-book excursions from Key West by ferry or arrange personal transport, and there’s tenting onsite on the Garden Key campground.
January is among the greatest instances to go to this hard-to-reach park, because the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean are quieter from November to April – e.g., outdoors of hurricane season.
17. Aspen
Aspen is gorgeous. The mountain city is a hub of winter actions, and the entire of the USA holds its breath till winter lastly arrives at Aspen once more. Most of the greatest issues to do are snow-related, and you may get pleasure from excellent snowboarding and snowboarding. That’s to not point out close by spots like Glenwood Hot Springs, the place you’ll be able to day journey to and luxuriate in naturally heated swimming pools. When higher to take action than within the top of winter?
Aspen is a should in case you are a passionate snow sports activities lover. January is sort of busy, as winter is Aspen’s peak season. However, March and December are a few of the most energetic months, so that you received’t be completely crushed by crowds. Start the brand new 12 months in fashion – heading full pelt down an Aspen mountain.
18. Las Vegas
Vegas is a simple one to influence individuals to go to. Sin City is among the most famed cities on the earth, and you may gamble, celebration, and sightsee to your coronary heart’s content material. It has a fame for indulgence, which is simple to see simply from trying on the inns and locations to remain in Las Vegas. You have all the things from casinos to world-class golf programs. Talk about selection.
New Year’s Eve is an intense however insanely enjoyable time to go to Las Vegas, so we’d recommend visiting from late December to early January. However, even late and mid-January have their attracts, with loads of occasions and motion on the Strip. And that’s with out factoring in all of the unbelievable issues to do off the Strip, like day journeys to kayak Emerald Cave and even to the Grand Canyon.
19. Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a superb winter getaway. The historic metropolis is the capital of Utah and is stuffed with fascinating tradition, together with Mormon historical past and non secular points of interest. Salt Lake City is full of issues to do, together with museums just like the Natural History Museum of Utah, Salt Lake Utah Temple, This Is The Place Heritage Park, and the gorgeous Red Butte Garden. Salt Lake City is full of social and cultural historical past, and points of interest are a lot quieter in its January low season. You also needs to think about its enjoyable winter actions, like close by snowboarding and snowboarding resorts in its surrounding mountains.
Salt Lake City won’t be the primary January trip you keep in mind, nevertheless it is a wonderful choice for anybody who likes an adrenaline rush or is serious about Mormonism.
20. Big Island
Big Island is understood for its issues to do. The huge island is the most important on the Hawaiian archipelago, and it has all the things from a volcano to black sand seashores and seashores famend for browsing. You can fly to the Big Island straight from most US airports. And if you arrive, you could have island city atmospheres and exquisite points of interest just like the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to maintain you entertained.
January is the very best time to go to Hawaii when you’d prefer to dodge the crowds, particularly the flocks of vacationers that come for the solar at Christmas. A warning: January is the wettest month on the Big Island. However, when you e-book an prolonged keep to maximise sightseeing alternatives in dry spells and don’t thoughts the joy of tropical storms, it is a wonderful vacation spot for winter. The Big Island is moist, not chilly. The rain truly provides to the dramatic surroundings, particularly in rainforest areas like Honua’Ula Forest Reserve and Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary.
21. New Orleans
For southern appeal, look no additional than swanky and ultra-cool New Orleans. Not accustomed to town? Well, relaxation assured there are many issues to do. New Orleans known as ‘the Big Easy’ due to its cool vibe, continuous and colourful nightlife, sensible delicacies, and nice environment. The motion compiles closely on Bourbon Street, a neon avenue of bars and events that spill out onto the road. However, you’ve additionally acquired swamp excursions to identify alligators, snakes, turtles and riverboat cruises to get pleasure from New Orleans from a waterfront view. And that’s to not point out the jazz and Creole meals excursions.
You can really feel flat in January. That post-festive lull hits most individuals, and New Orleans is the right remedy. Upbeat and in your face, town is exactly the high-energy increase it’s essential get you out of a January hunch.
22. Miami
Hello Miami. After a chilly Christmas or busy festive interval with kinfolk, the right antidote is a January blast on this coastal metropolis. Miami’s seashores are unmatched, and even within the top of winter, temperatures can nonetheless attain the low 70s. This means you’ll be able to handle a seaside day or two and luxuriate in a dip in rooftop swimming pools (take a look at our information on the place to remain in Miami). Walk amidst artwork deco structure on South Beach and stroll by means of oceanfront parks. Miami’s celebration scene is never-resting, too, and even in late and mid-January, you’ll be capable of get pleasure from nice nights out.
Of course, none of this even components within the day journey potential from this vital Florida metropolis. You can head to the Everglades, Florida Keys, or north to Fort Lauderdale. Miami is much from only a cut-and-paste metropolis break. It is a base to get pleasure from Florida and its highlights whereas benefiting from January’s fewer crowds.
23. Charleston
Charleston is greatest recognized for the Charleston dance, however the South Carolina metropolis additionally has the primary school, museum, playhouse, and golf course within the USA. Charleston is a hub of historical past and one of the crucial fascinating metropolis breaks you’ll be able to take within the nation. It is the oldest metropolis in South Carolina and was established in its current location in 1680 earlier than being renamed Charleston from Charles Town in 1783. And in January, you’ll be able to get pleasure from mild snow flurries and barely any crowds. It is the right time to go to a metropolis that provides many museums and indoor points of interest – just like the Gibbes Museum of Art, High Wire Distillery, and the Charleston Museum.
There’s a lot to do and see on this underrated metropolis. The metropolis is definitely accessible by Amtrak, flight, and automobile.
24. New York City
You don’t want us to let you know that you’re by no means in need of issues to do in New York. This metropolis is among the greatest locations you’ll be able to go to in winter on the earth – not simply within the USA. The mega metropolis is stuffed with festive cheer and glowing lights, particularly when you keep in early January to catch the tip of Christmas markets and decorations. Mid and late January are additionally nice, with post-Christmas buying gross sales and extra points of interest reopening. Plus, you’ll be able to see all of the basic points of interest, like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial.
You can simply discover locations to remain in New York, and for additional inspiration, see our information on the place to remain in New York. It is a well-liked January trip for nice cause.
25. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is among the greatest weekend getaways in Florida, but this lovely barrier island is sort of criminally neglected internationally. The island has 13 miles of shoreline, quiet in summer time and abandoned in winter. If you need a seaside getaway with zero crowds, Amelia Island is a stupendous thought and one in every of your greatest selections. You don’t want a automobile to get round when you arrive at Amelia Island, and you may spend your trip leisurely strolling or biking round with gorgeous surroundings.
Other actions on Amelia Island embody swimming, kayaking, and hen watching. You can spot tons of wildlife, too. There are alligators, bobcats, turtles, and river otters. There are even bald eagles – the very last thing you’d anticipate on a sandy barrier island. Amelia Island has one in every of Florida’s most original coastal ecosystems and is a haven for nature lovers.
26. Sedona
Who doesn’t love Sedona? This Arizona desert city is way liked for all its superb issues to do, which embody mountaineering by means of pink rock buttes and visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument. Sedona can also be ideally situated for a day journey to see the Grand Canyon, and you may benefit from the ski actions in Flagstaff in winter – simply with out these insufferable crowds. Sedona is mainly the quieter Flagstaff different. And in case you are assured driving in icy and snowy circumstances and pleased to lease a 4WD, you’ll love Sedona in January. The hikes in Sedona and the variety of potential day journeys are unreal.
For extra inspiration, take a look at the main inns in Sedona. There are many locations to remain, though e-book upfront as a result of it’s nonetheless a preferred place to go to in January, regardless of Flagstaff getting probably the most consideration. Remember to take a look at the Sedona Heritage Museum, Seven Sacred Pools, and all of the artwork galleries.
FAQs: Places to Spend January within the USA
As you’ll be able to see, January is greatest spent within the USA. Any of those 26 greatest locations to go to in January will deal with you to a unbelievable time – whether or not you head to Aspen for winter sports activities, New Orleans for metropolis tradition, or Amelia Island for seashores. Before you go, although, take a look at these FAQs. You by no means know which bit of knowledge might make all of the distinction.
What is the very best state to go to in January?
If you need solar, it is best to head to Florida or California. If you’d choose a snowy January trip, head to Colorado, Montana, South Carolina, or New York.
Where within the US is it heat in January?
California and Florida are each nonetheless heat in January. Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii are additionally good selections for chasing heat climate.
Where is an effective time to journey in January?
You can normally snag offers in early January – particularly in case you are prepared to fly on the dreaded New Year’s Day. However, as a complete, the month is exceptionally modest when it comes to budgeting for flights. And mid January ought to be when most points of interest that shut throughout holidays reopen.
Where is it heat to journey in January outdoors the US?
Anywhere within the southern hemisphere is a superb choice when searching for heat locations outdoors the US to go to in January. Australia is in its peak summer time at the moment. South America and Central America are additionally sizzling at the moment, and even some nations in Europe, like Cyprus, expertise gentle climate at the moment.
Do you need a winter wonderland? Or a stupendous seaside that you could bask on? There are so many unimaginable USA locations to go to in January. We’ve labored onerous to restrict this information to only the very best 26. The variety of the USA involves mild in January, and you may see the complete scale of what the nation gives vacationers.
The USA has all the things from winter outside actions at snowy resort cities to tropical paradises just like the Big Island and gorgeous pink rock surroundings like Zion National Park. And that’s earlier than we even point out metropolis breaks – hey, New York and Las Vegas. The winter months actually spotlight these dramatically totally different experiences within the USA.
Hopefully, you are actually excited to go off in your January vacation. Before you do, keep in mind to take a look at our listing of the 50 greatest locations you’ll be able to go to within the USA. We’ve additionally acquired sources on the greatest nationwide parks, seashores, hikes, and highway journeys within the USA. We are tremendous obsessed with US journey, and our purpose is to maintain you as knowledgeable as doable, with all the very best info only a click on away. Have a unbelievable time wherever you go to in January.