There isn’t any higher place to spend your bleary January than within the USA. The nation is full top-to-tail of unbelievable winter locations, whether or not you need heat temperatures or enjoyable winter actions within the snow. January journey can also be tactical, being exterior peak season for many locations, that means fewer crowds and higher entry to unbelievable points of interest. An ideal instance is the nationwide parks, the place climbing trails change into nearly empty. January within the USA is fabulous – you simply must know which locations to go to.
Best Places To Visit In January In The USA
To enable you get essentially the most out of the yr’s first month, we’ve compiled a listing of the most effective locations to go to in January within the US. These locations are unfold throughout all the nation – some snowy and wintery with traditional actions like cross-country snowboarding, some delicate with higher entry to climbing trails and points of interest, and others scorching, 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 an excellent trip on a barrier island. In January, temperatures drop marginally, however you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from loads of out of doors actions and seashore days. There are simply so many issues to do in South Padre Island: birding, horseback using, 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 yr.
South Padre Island is right if you wish to expertise coastal dwelling 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 series of barrier islands situated on the southernmost level of Florida. Only 90 miles north of Cuba, Key West will get tropical temperatures all yr spherical – so wave goodbye to chilly climate and hiya 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 named a hub for diving and snorkeling, and if you’re a part of a distinct segment group that likes to be underwater somewhat than on the seashore, this is without doubt one of 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 also can mix it with a visit to the close by Everglades.
3. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is certainly one of January’s most iconic and greatest locations to go to. There are so many issues to do in Death Valley, and we are able to assure that they’re much extra fulfilling within the 30s to 60s than within the sky-high mid-summer temperatures that Death Valley sees. The summer season temperatures in Death Valley National Park get so excessive that there’s a frequent danger-to-life warnings. So it’s simply among the best locations to go to in January when heat climate isn’t any barrier to having fun with all of the park affords.
Death Valley is the most popular, 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 essentially 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 without doubt one of 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 without doubt one of 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 without doubt one of the prime 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 incessantly lined town, from the most effective 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 among the best locations to go to in January. San Diego’s successful issue is its attractive year-round local weather, which makes it among the best locations to go to in winter. And whenever you couple that with over 70 miles of gorgeous 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 seashore 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 chosen 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 repute 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 lively geysers. Yellowstone has a wow issue for historical past and nature lovers alike. Yellowstone National Park is greatest explored by automobile, the place you possibly can 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 quick, you skip the crowds. Yellowstone is without doubt one of 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 might be greatest utilizing a 4WD automobile. However, the primary highway between the north and northeast entrances stays open, and you’ll nonetheless go to the park’s highlights. Just fastidiously analysis the place to remain in Yellowstone and see which points of interest are most accessible. Yellowstone National Park is unquestionably an journey in winter.
7. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in early January. This nationwide park is house to essentially the most huge cacti within the USA, and the saguaro plant has rapidly change into a logo of America’s historic Wild West period. Party due to this, Saguaro National Park has change into a bucket record nationwide park for individuals to go to within the USA. The cacti reside as much as 250 years outdated and develop to the dimensions of timber – fairly cool, proper?
Winter months are the most effective time to go to this park, because it means you possibly can benefit from the hikes and cacti views with out collapsing with warmth exhaustion (which is a real threat). It is situated simply exterior Tucson, and also you don’t want a automobile if you’re nifty on a pedal bike or hiker. Saguaro National Park is without doubt one of 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 prime locations to go to in January in the event you like ski resorts and out of doors 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 quick getaway in January. It has additionally been utilized in a whole bunch of TV reveals and flicks, due to its pristine blue waters and traditional backdrop of alpine surroundings. As we stated, beating Lake Tahoe is difficult whenever you desire a ski trip within the USA. It’s one of many nation’s greatest cold-weather locations.
9. Zion National Park
Zion National Park may not have heat climate in January, with temperatures dropping under 40 F. However, because the park turns into nearly unbearably busy and scorching in the summertime season, January is about as off-peak and quiet as doable. If you gown for the chilly, you possibly can nonetheless deal with a few of the greatest hikes in Zion, and you might be 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 when you’ve got appropriate tools.
Zion National Park sees round 4.5 million annual guests, and by visiting in January, you possibly can 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 prematurely and snag the most effective 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 a lot 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 1,000,000 guests yearly and is well among the best locations to go to in January. You can hike by means of boardwalks on 1000’s of acres of marshlands and even climb Hunting Island Lighthouse.
In January, temperatures drop, however in the event you gown for the climate, you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from many out of doors actions – simply with out the crowds. Things like horseback using on the seashore, kayaking, and fossil looking are all ten occasions extra fulfilling in winter when you could have the surroundings virtually to your self.
11. White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is without doubt one of the most lovely locations to go to through the vacation season. For a winter break, White Sands National Park is ideal. It is shiny white because the world’s largest gypsum dune subject – acres upon acres of white crystals. And with its New Mexico location, it is without doubt one of the main warm-weather locations to choose. Think of it as a scorching model of a snow day. It has year-round heat temperatures, and you’ll go sand sledding, horseback, using, 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 yr 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’ll spot elk, massive horn sheep, and extra whenever you aren’t zipping down slopes at full blast. It is slightly luxurious, however we advocate a go to in the event you fancy a high-end January getaway.
Big Sky is the most effective place for a ski getaway, and you can even 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 traditional crimson and white Harbor Town Lighthouse, and a scenic golf course. Hilton Head Island is someplace you possibly can 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 seashore walks as long as you could have a few layers. Hilton Head Island is the perfect quirky getaway in January in the event 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 climbing and gorgeous alpine views in spring and summer season. While in winter, it transforms into a number one getaway for winter snow sports activities like snowboarding and snowboarding. From Mammoth Lakes, you possibly can 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 superb base for a extra prolonged interval.
If you fancy a Californian ski break – a phrase you not often hear – then Mammoth Lakes is your greatest guess. It can also be superb for exploring jap California’s points of interest which can be slightly 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 bunch of traditional 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 autos can deal with winter snow tracks. You can simply try the Payette Winter Travel Map for highway steerage.
If you desire a winter forest getaway in January, snowy Payette National Forest is an excellent possibility. It has actually accessible forest roads when you’ve got a 4WD with appropriate changes, and it’s actually equipped for winter company with its Winter Travel Map. You can get pleasure from cross-country snowboarding and completely different snow actions as effectively.
16. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a set 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 without doubt one of the most unusual locations to go to within the USA, not simply in January however all yr spherical. Why? Because it’s extremely difficult to achieve, requiring you to constitution a ship or seaplane. Most nationwide parks within the USA have almost hundreds of thousands of holiday makers, whereas 80,000 guests make it to Dry Tortugas National Park yearly. You can guide excursions from Key West by ferry or arrange non-public transport, and there’s tenting onsite on the Garden Key campground.
January is without doubt one of the greatest occasions 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., exterior 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’ll get pleasure from very good snowboarding and snowboarding. That’s to not point out close by spots like Glenwood Hot Springs, the place you possibly can day journey to and revel in naturally heated swimming pools. When higher to take action than within the peak of winter?
Aspen is a should if you’re a passionate snow sports activities lover. January is kind of busy, as winter is Aspen’s peak season. However, March and December are a few of the most lively months, so that you gained’t be completely crushed by crowds. Start the brand new yr in model – heading full pelt down an Aspen mountain.
18. Las Vegas
Vegas is a straightforward one to influence individuals to go to. Sin City is without doubt one of the most famed cities on the earth, and you’ll gamble, get together, and sightsee to your coronary heart’s content material. It has a repute for indulgence, which is simple to see simply from wanting 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 counsel 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 incredible 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 good winter getaway. The historic metropolis is the capital of Utah and is stuffed with fascinating tradition, together with Mormon historical past and spiritual 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 must also take into account its enjoyable winter actions, like close by snowboarding and snowboarding resorts in its surrounding mountains.
Salt Lake City may not be the primary January trip you bear in mind, however it is a wonderful possibility for anybody who likes an adrenaline rush or is enthusiastic about Mormonism.
20. Big Island
Big Island is thought 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 instantly from most US airports. And whenever 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 most effective time to go to Hawaii in the event 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, in the event you guide 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 attraction, look no additional than swanky and ultra-cool New Orleans. Not acquainted with 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, good delicacies, and nice environment. The motion compiles closely on Bourbon Street, a neon road of bars and events that spill out onto the road. However, you’ve additionally obtained 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 treatment. Upbeat and in your face, town is exactly the high-energy increase you want to get you out of a January hunch.
22. Miami
Hello Miami. After a chilly Christmas or busy festive interval with kin, the right antidote is a January blast on this coastal metropolis. Miami’s seashores are unmatched, and even within the peak of winter, temperatures can nonetheless attain the low 70s. This means you possibly can handle a seashore day or two and revel in a dip in rooftop swimming pools (try 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 get together scene is never-resting, too, and even in late and mid-January, you’ll have the ability to get pleasure from nice nights out.
Of course, none of this even elements 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 way 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 identified for the Charleston dance, however the South Carolina metropolis additionally has the primary faculty, museum, playhouse, and golf course within the USA. Charleston is a hub of historical past and one of the vital fascinating metropolis breaks you possibly can 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 possibly can get pleasure from gentle 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 loads to do and see on this underrated metropolis. The metropolis is well 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 without doubt one of the greatest locations you possibly can go to in winter on the earth – not simply within the USA. The mega metropolis is stuffed with festive cheer and glowing lights, particularly in the event you keep in early January to catch the tip of Christmas markets and decorations. Mid and late January are additionally nice, with post-Christmas purchasing gross sales and extra points of interest reopening. Plus, you possibly can see all of the traditional 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 further 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 without doubt one of the greatest weekend getaways in Florida, but this lovely barrier island is nearly criminally ignored internationally. The island has 13 miles of shoreline, quiet in summer season and abandoned in winter. If you desire a seashore getaway with zero crowds, Amelia Island is a stupendous concept and certainly one of your greatest selections. You don’t want a automobile to get round when you arrive at Amelia Island, and you’ll spend your trip leisurely strolling or biking round with gorgeous surroundings.
Other actions on Amelia Island embrace 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 count on on a sandy barrier island. Amelia Island has certainly one of Florida’s most unusual 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 wonderful issues to do, which embrace climbing by means of crimson 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’ll benefit from the ski actions in Flagstaff in winter – simply with out these insufferable crowds. Sedona is principally the quieter Flagstaff different. And if you’re assured driving in icy and snowy situations 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, try the main inns in Sedona. There are many locations to remain, though guide prematurely as a result of it’s nonetheless a well-liked place to go to in January, regardless of Flagstaff getting essentially 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 possibly can 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 incredible 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, try these FAQs. You by no means know which bit of knowledge may make all of the distinction.
What is the most effective state to go to in January?
If you need solar, it’s best to head to Florida or California. If you’d desire 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 if you’re keen to fly on the dreaded New Year’s Day. However, as an entire, the month is exceptionally modest when it comes to budgeting for flights. And mid January must be when most points of interest that shut throughout holidays reopen.
Where is it heat to journey in January exterior the US?
Anywhere within the southern hemisphere is a good possibility when in search of heat locations exterior the US to go to in January. Australia is in its peak summer season right now. South America and Central America are additionally scorching right now, and even some international locations in Europe, like Cyprus, expertise delicate climate right now.
Do you desire a winter wonderland? Or a stupendous seashore you could bask on? There are so many unbelievable USA locations to go to in January. We’ve labored laborious to restrict this information to simply the most effective 26. The variety of the USA involves gentle in January, and you’ll see the total scale of what the nation affords vacationers.
The USA has all the things from winter out of doors actions at snowy resort cities to tropical paradises just like the Big Island and gorgeous crimson rock surroundings like Zion National Park. And that’s earlier than we even point out metropolis breaks – hiya, New York and Las Vegas. The winter months actually spotlight these dramatically completely different experiences within the USA.
Hopefully, you at the moment are excited to go off in your January vacation. Before you do, keep in mind to take a look at our record of the 50 greatest locations you possibly can go to within the USA. We’ve additionally obtained assets on the greatest nationwide parks, seashores, hikes, and highway journeys within the USA. We are tremendous captivated with US journey, and our purpose is to maintain you as knowledgeable as doable, with all the most effective info only a click on away. Have a incredible time wherever you go to in January.