There isn’t a 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, which means fewer crowds and higher entry to unbelievable sights. An amazing instance is the nationwide parks, the place mountaineering trails turn out to be nearly empty. January within the USA is fabulous – you simply have to know which locations to go to.
Greatest Locations To Go to In January In The USA
That can assist you get probably the most out of the yr’s first month, we’ve compiled an inventory of the perfect locations to go to in January within the US. These locations are unfold throughout your entire nation – some snowy and wintery with basic actions like cross-country snowboarding, some gentle with higher entry to mountaineering trails and sights, and others scorching, with lovely seashores. Are you able to plan your January trip? Right 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 outside actions and seashore 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, vivid white sands, and famously emerald waters. It really is a gem of Texas, as it’s the solely tropical barrier island and has a formidable complete of over 300 days of sunshine a yr.
South Padre Island is good if you wish to expertise coastal residing in Texas. Whenever 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 significantly busy.
2. Key West
Who doesn’t love Key West? This beautiful island metropolis marks the tip level of the beloved Florida Keys, a series of barrier islands situated on the southernmost level of Florida. Solely 90 miles north of Cuba, Key West will get tropical temperatures all yr 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 Abroad Freeway, 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 moderately than on the seashore, this is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in January.
Probably the most widespread methods to go to this island is on a Miami to Key West highway journey. It’s also possible to mix it with a visit to the close by Everglades.
3. Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park
Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park is considered one of January’s most iconic and greatest locations to go to. There are such a lot of issues to do in Loss of life Valley, and we will assure that they’re much extra fulfilling within the 30s to 60s than within the sky-high mid-summer temperatures that Loss of life Valley sees. The summer season temperatures in Loss of life Valley Nationwide 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.
Loss of life Valley is the most popular, driest, and lowest nationwide park within the USA. You possibly 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 Nationwide 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 fashioned by the traditional volcano Mount Mazama – which collapsed to depart Crater Lake behind. The park is centered round this lake, with a good looking Rim Drive with viewpoints over volcanic formations. Many little islands are additionally on the lake, like Phantom Ship and Wizard Island. Crater Lake Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the greatest weekend locations in January.
Crater Lake Nationwide Park is undoubtedly most famed for its vivid blue waters and serene ambiance. It’s laborious to consider that Crater Lake Nationwide Park was as soon as dwelling to a raging volcano. After all, 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 high 10 deepest lakes on the planet.
5. San Diego
The colourful metropolis of San Diego doesn’t get sufficient love for our liking. We’ve incessantly lined the town, from the perfect 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 offer San Diego its well-deserved recognition, particularly as among the best locations to go to in January. San Diego’s successful issue is its beautiful year-round local weather, which makes it among the best locations to go to in winter. And while 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 seashore vacation spot.
San Diego has sights just like the Lodge de Coronado, Balboa Park, and the USS Halfway Museum. There’s additionally the attractive Torrey Pines State Nationwide Reserve and loads of alternatives to identify sea lions.
6. Yellowstone Nationwide Park
Yellowstone Nationwide Park has a good looking 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 Nationwide Park rapidly grew a repute for its hydrothermal and geological sights, together with Previous Devoted – a large geyser. And its park boundaries really include round half of the world’s lively geysers. Yellowstone has a wow issue for historical past and nature lovers alike. Yellowstone Nationwide 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? Briefly, you skip the crowds. Yellowstone is without doubt one of the most visited nationwide parks within the USA. Because of this it will get hectic in peak season. In winter, you’ll have highway closures to cope with, and you might be greatest utilizing a 4WD car. Nevertheless, the primary highway between the north and northeast entrances stays open, and you’ll nonetheless go to the park’s highlights. Simply fastidiously analysis the place to remain in Yellowstone and see which sights are most accessible. Yellowstone Nationwide Park is unquestionably an journey in winter.
7. Saguaro Nationwide Park
Saguaro Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in early January. This nationwide park is dwelling to probably the most huge cacti within the USA, and the saguaro plant has rapidly turn out to be a logo of America’s historical Wild West period. Get together due to this, Saguaro Nationwide Park has turn out to be a bucket listing nationwide park for folks to go to within the USA. The cacti reside as much as 250 years outdated and develop to the scale of bushes – fairly cool, proper?
Winter months are the perfect 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 danger). It’s situated simply exterior Tucson, and also you don’t want a automobile if you’re nifty on a pedal bike or a superb hiker. Saguaro Nationwide 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 high locations to go to in January should 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 possibly 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. Whereas 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 lot of TV exhibits and films, due to its pristine blue waters and basic backdrop of alpine surroundings. As we stated, beating Lake Tahoe is difficult while you need a ski trip within the USA. It’s one of many nation’s greatest cold-weather locations.
9. Zion Nationwide Park
Zion Nationwide Park won’t have heat climate in January, with temperatures dropping under 40 F. Nevertheless, for the reason that park turns into nearly unbearably busy and scorching in the summertime season, January is about as off-peak and quiet as doable. If you happen to 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 Nationwide Park has some beautiful sights, together with the Emerald Swimming pools, Canyon Overlook Path, and even the Narrows are accessible in January you probably have appropriate tools.
Zion Nationwide 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 will discover out the place to remain in Zion prematurely and snag the perfect offers.
10. Looking Island State Park
Looking 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 Struggle scenes in Forrest Gump and is now beloved for its 5 miles of beautiful white sand seashores and attribute lighthouse. It sees over 1,000,000 guests yearly and is definitely among the best locations to go to in January. You possibly can hike via boardwalks on 1000’s of acres of marshlands and even climb Looking Island Lighthouse.
In January, temperatures drop, however should you gown for the climate, you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from many outside actions – simply with out the crowds. Issues like horseback driving on the seashore, kayaking, and fossil looking are all ten instances extra fulfilling in winter when you have got the surroundings virtually to your self.
11. White Sands Nationwide Park
White Sands Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most lovely locations to go to in the course of the vacation season. For a winter break, White Sands Nationwide Park is ideal. It’s vivid 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 select. Consider it as a scorching model of a snow day. It has year-round heat temperatures, and you’ll go sand sledding, horseback, driving, or on 4WD experiences.
White Sands Nationwide Park can also be dwelling 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 possibly can keep close to Las Cruces or Tularosa or head to El Paso.
12. Huge Sky
Montana is gorgeous all yr spherical, however January actually takes the biscuit. And Huge Sky is the state’s spotlight. It’s famend as one of many USA’s main resorts for snowboarding, and you’ll spot elk, huge horn sheep, and extra while you aren’t zipping down slopes at full blast. It’s a little luxurious, however we advocate a go to should you fancy a high-end January getaway.
Huge Sky is the perfect place for a ski getaway, and you may also mix it with a go to to Yellowstone Nationwide Park. What a win.
13. Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a part of the attractive South Carolina Lowcountry. It has 12 miles of beautiful seashores, a standard shoreline, a basic crimson and white Harbor City 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 best way 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 have got a few layers. Hilton Head Island is the best quirky getaway in January should you don’t need intense solar and warmth however love coastal surroundings. You possibly can even see dolphins.
14. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a Californian city within the sought-after Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s a hotspot for multi-day mountaineering and beautiful alpine views in spring and summer season. Whereas 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 Satan’s Postpile Nationwide Monument and see the limestone towers at Mono Lake. Mammoth Lakes isn’t removed from Yosemite Nationwide Park both, making it a wonderful base for a extra prolonged interval.
If you happen to fancy a Californian ski break – a phrase you hardly ever hear – then Mammoth Lakes is your greatest guess. It’s also very best for exploring japanese California’s sights which can be just a little 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 Nationwide Forest
Payette Nationwide Forest is a 2.3 million-acre forest in Idaho and a good looking place to hike, camp, and are available face-to-face (or as shut as comfy) with a whole lot of basic American animals. You possibly 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 possibly can simply take a look at the Payette Winter Journey Map for highway steerage.
If you need a winter forest getaway in January, snowy Payette Nationwide Forest is an excellent choice. It has actually accessible forest roads you probably have a 4WD with appropriate changes, and it’s actually equipped for winter company with its Winter Journey Map. You possibly can get pleasure from cross-country snowboarding and completely different snow actions as nicely.
16. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is a set of seven islands with a historic Fort Jefferson on the most important. It’s also a hotspot for marine life and has some beautiful coral reefs. Dry Tortugas Nationwide 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? As a result of it’s extremely difficult to achieve, requiring you to constitution a ship or seaplane. Most nationwide parks within the USA have almost tens of millions of holiday makers, whereas 80,000 guests make it to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park yearly. You possibly can e-book excursions from Key West by ferry or set up non-public transport, and there’s tenting onsite on the Backyard Key campground.
January is without doubt one of 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., 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. Many of the greatest issues to do are snow-related, and you’ll get pleasure from excellent snowboarding and snowboarding. That’s to not point out close by spots like Glenwood Sizzling Springs, the place you possibly can 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 if you’re a passionate snow sports activities lover. January is sort of busy, as winter is Aspen’s peak season. Nevertheless, March and December are a few of the most lively months, so that you received’t be completely crushed by crowds. Begin the brand new yr in type – heading full pelt down an Aspen mountain.
18. Las Vegas
Vegas is a straightforward one to steer folks to go to. Sin Metropolis is without doubt one of the most famed cities on the planet, and you’ll gamble, occasion, and sightsee to your coronary heart’s content material. It has a repute for indulgence, which is straightforward to see simply from trying on the accommodations and locations to remain in Las Vegas. You may have every part from casinos to world-class golf programs. Speak about selection.
New 12 months’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. Nevertheless, 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 improbable issues to do off the Strip, like day journeys to kayak Emerald Cave and even to the Grand Canyon.
19. Salt Lake Metropolis
Salt Lake Metropolis is a good winter getaway. The historic metropolis is the capital of Utah and is filled with fascinating tradition, together with Mormon historical past and non secular sights. Salt Lake Metropolis is filled with issues to do, together with museums just like the Pure Historical past Museum of Utah, Salt Lake Utah Temple, This Is The Place Heritage Park, and the attractive Purple Butte Backyard. Salt Lake Metropolis is filled with social and cultural historical past, and sights are a lot quieter in its January low season. You also needs to contemplate its enjoyable winter actions, like close by snowboarding and snowboarding resorts in its surrounding mountains.
Salt Lake Metropolis won’t be the primary January trip you keep in mind, but it surely is a wonderful choice for anybody who likes an adrenaline rush or is concerned about Mormonism.
20. Huge Island
Huge Island is thought for its issues to do. The huge island is the most important on the Hawaiian archipelago, and it has every part from a volcano to black sand seashores and seashores famend for browsing. You possibly can fly to the Huge Island immediately from most US airports. And while you arrive, you have got island city atmospheres and exquisite sights just like the Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park to maintain you entertained.
January is the perfect time to go to Hawaii should you’d wish 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 Huge Island. Nevertheless, should 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 Huge Island is moist, not chilly. The rain really 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 the town? Properly, relaxation assured there are many issues to do. New Orleans is named ‘the Huge Simple’ due to its cool vibe, continuous and colourful nightlife, good delicacies, and nice ambiance. The motion compiles closely on Bourbon Avenue, a neon road of bars and events that spill out onto the road. Nevertheless, you’ve additionally received 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 possibly can really feel flat in January. That post-festive lull hits most individuals, and New Orleans is the proper remedy. Upbeat and in your face, the town is exactly the high-energy enhance it’s good to get you out of a January hunch.
22. Miami
Hey Miami. After a chilly Christmas or busy festive interval with family members, the proper antidote is a January blast on this coastal metropolis. Miami’s seashores are unequalled, and even within the top of winter, temperatures can nonetheless attain the low 70s. This implies you possibly can handle a seashore 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). Stroll amidst artwork deco structure on South Seashore and stroll via oceanfront parks. Miami’s occasion scene is never-resting, too, and even in late and mid-January, you’ll be capable to get pleasure from nice nights out.
After all, none of this even components within the day journey potential from this vital Florida metropolis. You possibly can head to the Everglades, Florida Keys, or north to Fort Lauderdale. Miami is much from only a cut-and-paste metropolis break. It’s 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 fascinating metropolis breaks you possibly can take within the nation. It’s the oldest metropolis in South Carolina and was established in its current location in 1680 earlier than being renamed Charleston from Charles City in 1783. And in January, you possibly can get pleasure from mild snow flurries and barely any crowds. It’s the good time to go to a metropolis that provides many museums and indoor sights – just like the Gibbes Museum of Artwork, Excessive Wire Distillery, and the Charleston Museum.
There’s a lot to do and see on this underrated metropolis. The town is definitely accessible by Amtrak, flight, and automobile.
24. New York Metropolis
You don’t want us to inform you that you’re by no means wanting 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 planet – not simply within the USA. The mega metropolis is filled with festive cheer and glowing lights, particularly should you keep in early January to catch the tip of Christmas markets and decorations. Mid and late January are additionally nice, with post-Christmas procuring gross sales and extra sights reopening. Plus, you possibly can see all of the basic sights, like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial.
You possibly 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’s a widespread 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 sort of criminally neglected internationally. The island has 13 miles of shoreline, quiet in summer season and abandoned in winter. If you need a seashore getaway with zero crowds, Amelia Island is a good looking concept and considered 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 beautiful surroundings.
Different actions on Amelia Island embody swimming, kayaking, and chook watching. You possibly 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 considered 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 far beloved for all its superb issues to do, which embody mountaineering via crimson rock buttes and visiting Montezuma Fort Nationwide 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 various. And if you’re assured driving in icy and snowy situations and glad to hire 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 accommodations in Sedona. There are various locations to remain, though e-book prematurely as a result of it’s nonetheless a well-liked place to go to in January, regardless of Flagstaff getting probably the most consideration. Bear in mind to take a look at the Sedona Heritage Museum, Seven Sacred Swimming pools, and all of the artwork galleries.
FAQs: Locations 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 improbable time – whether or not you head to Aspen for winter sports activities, New Orleans for metropolis tradition, or Amelia Island for seashores. Earlier than you go, although, take a look at these FAQs. You by no means know which bit of data may make all of the distinction.
What’s the greatest state to go to in January?
If you need solar, you must head to Florida or California. If you happen to’d want a snowy January trip, head to Colorado, Montana, South Carolina, or New York.
The place 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.
The place is an efficient time to journey in January?
You possibly can normally snag offers in early January – particularly if you’re prepared to fly on the dreaded New 12 months’s Day. Nevertheless, as a complete, the month is exceptionally modest when it comes to budgeting for flights. And mid January needs to be when most sights that shut throughout holidays reopen.
The place is it heat to journey in January exterior the US?
Anyplace within the southern hemisphere is a good choice when in search of heat locations exterior the US to go to in January. Australia is in its peak summer season at the moment. South America and Central America are additionally scorching at the moment, and even some international locations in Europe, like Cyprus, expertise gentle climate at the moment.
Would you like a winter wonderland? Or a good looking seashore you could bask on? There are such a lot of unbelievable USA locations to go to in January. We’ve labored laborious to restrict this information to only the perfect 26. The variety of the USA involves mild in January, and you’ll see the complete scale of what the nation affords vacationers.
The USA has every part from winter outside actions at snowy resort cities to tropical paradises just like the Huge Island and beautiful crimson rock surroundings like Zion Nationwide 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 completely different experiences within the USA.
Hopefully, you are actually excited to move off in your January vacation. Earlier than you do, bear in mind to take a look at our listing of the 50 greatest locations you possibly can go to within the USA. We’ve additionally received assets on the greatest nationwide parks, seashores, hikes, and highway journeys within the USA. We’re tremendous keen about US journey, and our objective is to maintain you as knowledgeable as doable, with all the perfect info only a click on away. Have a improbable time wherever you go to in January.