There isn’t 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 be tactical, being outdoors peak season for many locations, which means fewer crowds and higher entry to unimaginable sights. An important instance is the nationwide parks, the place mountaineering trails change into nearly empty. January within the USA is fabulous – you simply have to know which locations to go to.
Finest Locations To Go to In January In The USA
That will help 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 the complete nation – some snowy and wintery with traditional actions like cross-country snowboarding, some gentle with higher entry to mountaineering trails and sights, and others scorching, with stunning 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 in order for you sunny climate and a wonderful trip on a barrier island. In January, temperatures drop marginally, however you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in loads of outside 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, 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 powerful whole of over 300 days of sunshine a yr.
South Padre Island is good if you wish to expertise coastal residing in Texas. While 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 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 good day 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 in case you are a part of a distinct segment group that likes to be underwater relatively than on the seashore, this is among the greatest locations to go to in January.
One of the standard methods to go to this island is on a Miami to Key West street journey. You may also mix it with a visit to the close by Everglades.
3. Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park
Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park is one among 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 are able to assure that they’re much extra pleasurable within the 30s to 60s than within the sky-high mid-summer temperatures that Loss of life Valley sees. The summer time 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 finest locations to go to in January when heat climate isn’t any barrier to having fun with all of the park gives.
Loss of life Valley is the most well liked, driest, and lowest nationwide park within the USA. You’ll be able to 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 Nationwide 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 fashioned by the traditional volcano Mount Mazama – which collapsed to depart Crater Lake behind. The park is centered round this lake, with a ravishing 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 among the greatest weekend locations in January.
Crater Lake Nationwide Park is undoubtedly most famed for its vivid blue waters and serene ambiance. It’s arduous to imagine that Crater Lake Nationwide Park was as soon as house to a raging volcano. After all, Crater Lake can be the deepest lake within the USA, one other thrilling motive 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 colourful metropolis of San Diego doesn’t get sufficient love for our liking. We’ve steadily coated 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 finest locations to go to in January. San Diego’s profitable issue is its beautiful year-round local weather, which makes it among the finest locations to go to in winter. And once you couple that with over 70 miles of lovely seashores, it’s straightforward 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 Resort 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 ravishing 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 Outdated Trustworthy – an enormous geyser. And its park boundaries truly 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’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. Which means that it will get hectic in peak season. In winter, you’ll have street closures to deal with, and you might be greatest utilizing a 4WD automobile. Nevertheless, the primary street 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 certainly an journey in winter.
7. Saguaro Nationwide Park
Saguaro Nationwide Park is among the greatest locations to go to in early January. This nationwide park is house to essentially the most monumental cacti within the USA, and the saguaro plant has rapidly change into an emblem of America’s historic Wild West period. Occasion due to this, Saguaro Nationwide Park has change into a bucket checklist nationwide park for folks to go to within the USA. The cacti stay as much as 250 years previous and develop to the scale of bushes – fairly cool, proper?
Winter months are the most effective 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’s situated simply outdoors Tucson, and also you don’t want a automobile in case you are nifty on a pedal bike or a very good hiker. Saguaro Nationwide 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 if you happen to like ski resorts and outside winter actions. Lake Tahoe is famend for world-class snowboarding and transforms yearly right into a winter wonderland. You’ll be able to hit the slopes or take pleasure in cross-country snowboarding; winter sports activities are a few of the greatest issues to do within the space. Lake Tahoe is a surprising 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 reveals and flicks, because of its pristine blue waters and traditional backdrop of alpine surroundings. As we stated, beating Lake Tahoe is tough once 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 may not have heat climate in January, with temperatures dropping beneath 40 F. Nevertheless, because the park turns into nearly unbearably busy and scorching in the summertime season, January is about as off-peak and quiet as potential. In case you gown for the chilly, you’ll be able to 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 when you’ve got appropriate tools.
Zion Nationwide 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’ll find out the place to remain in Zion upfront and snag the most effective 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 many of the Vietnam Warfare 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 finest locations to go to in January. You’ll be able to hike by means of boardwalks on 1000’s of acres of marshlands and even climb Looking Island Lighthouse.
In January, temperatures drop, however if you happen to gown for the climate, you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in many outside actions – simply with out the crowds. Issues like horseback using on the seashore, kayaking, and fossil searching are all ten occasions extra pleasurable in winter when you have got the surroundings virtually to your self.
11. White Sands Nationwide Park
White Sands Nationwide Park is among the most stunning 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 among 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, using, or on 4WD experiences.
White Sands Nationwide Park can be house to the world’s most large fossilized footprints that date again to the Ice Age, offering greater than 20,000 years of humanity on this area. You’ll be able to keep close to Las Cruces or Tularosa or head to El Paso.
12. Massive Sky
Montana is gorgeous all yr spherical, however January actually takes the biscuit. And Massive Sky is the state’s spotlight. It’s famend as one of many USA’s main resorts for snowboarding, and you’ll spot elk, massive horn sheep, and extra once you aren’t zipping down slopes at full blast. It’s a little luxurious, however we advocate a go to if you happen to fancy a high-end January getaway.
Massive Sky is the most effective place for a ski getaway, and it’s also possible to 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 conventional shoreline, a traditional purple and white Harbor City 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 best way of vacationers – particularly in its January off-season.
Temperatures hover at round 60 F on Hilton Head Island, excellent for seashore walks as long as you have got a few layers. Hilton Head Island is the best quirky getaway in January if you happen to don’t need intense solar and warmth however love coastal surroundings. You’ll be able to 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 time. Whereas 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 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 superb base for a extra prolonged interval.
In case you fancy a Californian ski break – a phrase you not often hear – then Mammoth Lakes is your greatest wager. It’s also perfect for exploring jap California’s sights which might be just a little formidable 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 ravishing place to hike, camp, and are available face-to-face (or as shut as comfy) with a whole lot of traditional American animals. You’ll be able to 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 deal with winter snow tracks. You’ll be able to simply take a look at the Payette Winter Journey Map for street steering.
In order for you a winter forest getaway in January, snowy Payette Nationwide Forest is an excellent choice. It has actually accessible forest roads when you’ve got a 4WD with appropriate changes, and it’s actually equipped for winter visitors with its Winter Journey Map. You’ll be able to take pleasure in cross-country snowboarding and completely different snow actions as effectively.
16. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is a group of seven islands with a historic Fort Jefferson on the biggest. It’s also a hotspot for marine life and has some beautiful coral reefs. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is among the most original 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 practically tens of millions of holiday makers, whereas 80,000 guests make it to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park yearly. You’ll be able to 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 among 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., 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. A lot of the greatest issues to do are snow-related, and you’ll take pleasure in very good snowboarding and snowboarding. That’s to not point out close by spots like Glenwood Scorching Springs, the place you’ll be able to 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 in case you are a passionate snow sports activities lover. January is kind 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 model – heading full pelt down an Aspen mountain.
18. Las Vegas
Vegas is a straightforward one to influence folks to go to. Sin Metropolis is among the most famed cities on the earth, 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 wanting on the resorts and locations to remain in Las Vegas. You could have the whole lot from casinos to world-class golf programs. Speak about selection.
New Yr’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. 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 incredible 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 stuffed with fascinating tradition, together with Mormon historical past and spiritual 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 Crimson 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 may not be the primary January trip you take into account, but it surely is a superb choice for anybody who likes an adrenaline rush or is thinking about Mormonism.
20. Massive Island
Massive Island is thought for its issues to do. The huge island is the biggest on the Hawaiian archipelago, and it has the whole lot from a volcano to black sand seashores and seashores famend for browsing. You’ll be able to fly to the Massive Island instantly from most US airports. And once 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 most effective time to go to Hawaii if you happen to’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 Massive Island. Nevertheless, if you happen to e-book an prolonged keep to maximise sightseeing alternatives in dry spells and don’t thoughts the joy of tropical storms, it is a superb vacation spot for winter. The Massive 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 acquainted with town? Properly, relaxation assured there are many issues to do. New Orleans known as ‘the Massive Simple’ due to its cool vibe, continuous and colourful nightlife, sensible delicacies, and nice ambiance. The motion compiles closely on Bourbon Road, 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 take pleasure in New Orleans from a waterfront view. And that’s to not point out the jazz and Creole meals excursions.
You’ll be able to really feel flat in January. That post-festive lull hits most individuals, and New Orleans is the proper remedy. Upbeat and in your face, town is exactly the high-energy increase you might want to get you out of a January hunch.
22. Miami
Howdy Miami. After a chilly Christmas or busy festive interval with relations, the proper 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 implies you’ll be able to handle a seashore day or two and revel 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 by means of oceanfront parks. Miami’s occasion scene is never-resting, too, and even in late and mid-January, you’ll be capable of take pleasure in nice nights out.
After all, none of this even components within the day journey potential from this vital Florida metropolis. You’ll be able to head to the Everglades, Florida Keys, or north to Fort Lauderdale. Miami is way from only a cut-and-paste metropolis break. It’s a base to take pleasure in 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 school, museum, playhouse, and golf course within the USA. Charleston is a hub of historical past and some of the fascinating metropolis breaks you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to take pleasure in mild snow flurries and barely any crowds. It’s the excellent 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 loads 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 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 if you happen to 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 sights reopening. Plus, you’ll be able to see all of the traditional sights, like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial.
You’ll be able to simply discover locations to remain in New York, and for additional inspiration, see our information on the place to remain in New York. It’s a standard January trip for excellent motive.
25. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is among the greatest weekend getaways in Florida, but this stunning barrier island is sort of criminally neglected internationally. The island has 13 miles of shoreline, quiet in summer time and abandoned in winter. In order for you a seashore getaway with zero crowds, Amelia Island is a ravishing thought and one among your greatest decisions. 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’ll be able to 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 one among 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 far beloved for all its superb issues to do, which embody mountaineering by means of purple rock buttes and visiting Montezuma Fort Nationwide Monument. Sedona can 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 in case you are assured driving in icy and snowy situations and completely happy 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 resorts in Sedona. There are a lot of 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 essentially the most consideration. Keep 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’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 incredible 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 might make all of the distinction.
What’s the greatest state to go to in January?
In order for you solar, you must head to Florida or California. In case you’d desire 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 decisions for chasing heat climate.
The place is an efficient time to journey in January?
You’ll be able to normally snag offers in early January – particularly in case you are keen to fly on the dreaded New Yr’s Day. Nevertheless, as an entire, the month is exceptionally modest by way of 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 outdoors the US?
Wherever within the southern hemisphere is a good choice when in search of 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 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 ravishing seashore which you can bask on? There are such a lot of unimaginable USA locations to go to in January. We’ve labored arduous to restrict this information to simply the most effective 26. The range of the USA involves mild in January, and you’ll see the complete scale of what the nation gives vacationers.
The USA has the whole lot from winter outside actions at snowy resort cities to tropical paradises just like the Massive Island and beautiful purple rock surroundings like Zion Nationwide Park. And that’s earlier than we even point out metropolis breaks – good day, 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 move off in your January vacation. Earlier than you do, bear in mind to take a look at our checklist of the 50 greatest locations you’ll be able to go to within the USA. We’ve additionally received assets on the greatest nationwide parks, seashores, hikes, and street journeys within the USA. We’re tremendous captivated with US journey, and our objective is to maintain you as knowledgeable as potential, with all the most effective info only a click on away. Have a incredible time wherever you go to in January.