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, that means fewer crowds and higher entry to unimaginable sights. An awesome instance is the nationwide parks, the place mountain climbing trails develop into nearly empty. January within the USA is fabulous – you simply must know which locations to go to.
Finest Locations To Go to In January In The USA
That can assist you get essentially the most out of the 12 months’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 basic actions like cross-country snowboarding, some gentle with higher entry to mountain climbing trails and sights, and others sizzling, 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 a superb 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’ll be able to 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 driving, snorkeling, and extra. It has 34 miles of shoreline, shiny 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 whole of over 300 days of sunshine a 12 months.
South Padre Island is good if you wish to expertise coastal dwelling in Texas. If 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 top level of the beloved Florida Keys, a series of barrier islands positioned on the southernmost level of Florida. Solely 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 Abroad Freeway, which connects all of the keys. It is called a hub for diving and snorkeling, and if you’re a part of a distinct segment group that likes to be underwater fairly than on the seashore, this is among the finest locations to go to in January.
One of the crucial widespread 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. Demise Valley Nationwide Park
Demise Valley Nationwide Park is one in all January’s most iconic and finest locations to go to. There are such a lot of issues to do in Demise Valley, and we are able to assure that they’re much extra satisfying within the 30s to 60s than within the sky-high mid-summer temperatures that Demise Valley sees. The summer season temperatures in Demise 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 is not any barrier to having fun with all of the park affords.
Demise Valley is the most popular, 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 finest place to go to in January to beat the vacation crowds. This Oregon magnificence is among the finest 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 go away Crater Lake behind. The park is centered round this lake, with a fantastic 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 finest weekend locations in January.
Crater Lake Nationwide Park is undoubtedly most famed for its shiny blue waters and serene ambiance. It’s laborious to consider that Crater Lake Nationwide Park was as soon as house to a raging volcano. In fact, Crater Lake can be the deepest lake within the USA, one other thrilling purpose to go to. It averages a staggering 31 meters deep and is among the prime 10 deepest lakes on this planet.
5. San Diego
The colourful metropolis of San Diego doesn’t get sufficient love for our liking. We’ve continuously coated the 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 offer San Diego its well-deserved recognition, particularly as among the best locations to go to in January. San Diego’s profitable issue is its beautiful year-round local weather, which makes it among the best locations to go to in winter. And once 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 fantastic 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 Nationwide Park shortly grew a status for its hydrothermal and geological sights, together with Outdated Trustworthy – 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 finest explored by automotive, the place you’ll be able to cease to admire and embark on its finest 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 among the most visited nationwide parks within the USA. Because of this it will get hectic in peak season. In winter, you’ll have street closures to deal with, and you might be finest utilizing a 4WD car. Nonetheless, the primary street between the north and northeast entrances stays open, and you may 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 among the finest 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 shortly develop into a logo of America’s historical Wild West period. Celebration due to this, Saguaro Nationwide Park has develop into a bucket listing nationwide park for folks to go to within the USA. The cacti reside 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 threat). It’s positioned simply outdoors Tucson, and also you don’t want a automotive if you’re nifty on a pedal bike or 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 prime locations to go to in January should 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’ll be able to hit the slopes or get pleasure from cross-country snowboarding; winter sports activities are a number of the finest 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 brief getaway in January. It has additionally been utilized in a whole bunch of TV exhibits and films, because of its pristine blue waters and basic backdrop of alpine surroundings. As we mentioned, beating Lake Tahoe is tough once you need a ski trip within the USA. It’s one of many nation’s finest cold-weather locations.
9. Zion Nationwide Park
Zion Nationwide Park won’t have heat climate in January, with temperatures dropping beneath 40 F. Nonetheless, because the park turns into nearly unbearably busy and sizzling in the summertime season, January is about as off-peak and quiet as attainable. In the event you costume for the chilly, you’ll be able to nonetheless deal with a number of the finest hikes in Zion, and you might be nearly assured to have them to your self. Zion Nationwide Park has some gorgeous 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’ll be able to skirt most of those. It means quieter trails and higher lodging, with extra areas and cheaper charges. You could 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 most well-liked state park in South Carolina. It rose to sharp fame after getting used for a lot of the Vietnam Conflict scenes in Forrest Gump and is now cherished 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’ll be able to hike by boardwalks on hundreds of acres of marshlands and even climb Looking Island Lighthouse.
In January, temperatures drop, however should you costume for the climate, you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from many out of doors actions – simply with out the crowds. Issues like horseback driving on the seashore, kayaking, and fossil searching are all ten instances extra satisfying in winter when you’ve the surroundings virtually to your self.
11. White Sands Nationwide Park
White Sands Nationwide Park is among the most lovely locations to go to through the vacation season. For a winter break, White Sands Nationwide Park is ideal. It’s shiny 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 choose. Consider 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 Nationwide Park can 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’ll be able to keep close to Las Cruces or Tularosa or head to El Paso.
12. Huge Sky
Montana is gorgeous all 12 months 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 may spot elk, large 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 should you fancy a high-end January getaway.
Huge Sky is the most effective place for a ski getaway, and you can too 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 gorgeous seashores, a standard shoreline, a basic 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 way in which 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’ve 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’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 mountain climbing and gorgeous 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’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 wonderful base for a extra prolonged interval.
In the event you fancy a Californian ski break – a phrase you hardly ever hear – then Mammoth Lakes is your finest guess. It’s also excellent for exploring japanese California’s sights which are 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 fantastic place to hike, camp, and are available face-to-face (or as shut as comfy) with a whole bunch of basic 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.
If you would like a winter forest getaway in January, snowy Payette Nationwide Forest is a superb possibility. It has actually accessible forest roads you probably have a 4WD with appropriate changes, and it’s actually equipped for winter visitors with its Winter Journey Map. You’ll be able to 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 biggest. It’s also a hotspot for marine life and has some gorgeous coral reefs. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is among the most unusual locations to go to within the USA, not simply in January however all 12 months 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 hundreds of thousands of tourists, whereas 80,000 guests make it to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park yearly. You’ll be able to guide excursions from Key West by ferry or manage non-public transport, and there’s tenting onsite on the Backyard Key campground.
January is among the finest 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. A lot of the finest 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 Sizzling 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 if you’re a passionate snow sports activities lover. January is kind of busy, as winter is Aspen’s peak season. Nonetheless, March and December are a number of the most lively months, so that you gained’t be completely crushed by crowds. Begin the brand new 12 months 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 among the most famed cities on this planet, and you may gamble, celebration, and sightsee to your coronary heart’s content material. It has a status for indulgence, which is straightforward to see simply from trying on the accommodations and locations to remain in Las Vegas. You may have all the pieces from casinos to world-class golf programs. Discuss selection.
New 12 months’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. Nonetheless, 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 implausible 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 superb 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 won’t be the primary January trip you keep in mind, however it is a wonderful possibility for anybody who likes an adrenaline rush or is excited by Mormonism.
20. Huge Island
Huge Island is understood for its issues to do. The huge island is the biggest on the Hawaiian archipelago, and it has all the pieces from a volcano to black sand seashores and seashores famend for browsing. You’ll be able to fly to the Huge Island instantly from most US airports. And once you arrive, you’ve island city atmospheres and delightful sights just like the Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park to maintain you entertained.
January is the most effective time to go to Hawaii should 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 Huge Island. Nonetheless, should 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 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 accustomed to the town? Nicely, relaxation assured there are many issues to do. New Orleans is known as ‘the Huge Straightforward’ due to its cool vibe, continuous and colourful nightlife, sensible delicacies, and nice ambiance. The motion compiles closely on Bourbon Road, a neon avenue of bars and events that spill out onto the road. Nonetheless, you’ve additionally bought 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’ll be able to really feel flat in January. That post-festive lull hits most individuals, and New Orleans is the right remedy. Upbeat and in your face, the town is exactly the high-energy increase it is advisable get you out of a January hunch.
22. Miami
Whats up Miami. After a chilly Christmas or busy festive interval with family members, 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 implies you’ll be able to 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 Seaside and stroll by oceanfront parks. Miami’s celebration scene is never-resting, too, and even in late and mid-January, you’ll be capable to get pleasure from nice nights out.
In fact, 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 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 finest 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 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 get pleasure from gentle 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 lots to do and see on this underrated metropolis. The town is well accessible by Amtrak, flight, and automotive.
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 finest locations you’ll be able to go to in winter on this planet – not simply within the USA. The mega metropolis is stuffed with festive cheer and glowing lights, particularly should you keep in early January to catch the top of Christmas markets and decorations. Mid and late January are additionally nice, with post-Christmas buying gross sales and extra sights reopening. Plus, you’ll be able to see all of the basic 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 further inspiration, see our information on the place to remain in New York. It’s a widespread January trip for nice purpose.
25. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is among the finest 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 would like a seashore getaway with zero crowds, Amelia Island is a fantastic concept and one in all your finest selections. You don’t want a automotive to get round when you arrive at Amelia Island, and you may spend your trip leisurely strolling or biking round with gorgeous surroundings.
Different actions on Amelia Island embrace swimming, kayaking, and chicken 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 in all 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 cherished for all its wonderful issues to do, which embrace mountain climbing by purple rock buttes and visiting Montezuma Fort Nationwide Monument. Sedona can be ideally positioned 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 principally the quieter Flagstaff different. And if you’re assured driving in icy and snowy situations and blissful 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 accommodations in Sedona. There are numerous locations to remain, though guide upfront as a result of it’s nonetheless a well-liked place to go to in January, regardless of Flagstaff getting essentially 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’ll be able to see, January is finest spent within the USA. Any of those 26 finest locations to go to in January will deal with you to a implausible 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 finest state to go to in January?
If you would like solar, it’s best to head to Florida or California. In the event 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 selections for chasing heat climate.
The place is an efficient time to journey in January?
You’ll be able to often snag offers in early January – particularly if you’re keen to fly on the dreaded New 12 months’s Day. Nonetheless, as a complete, the month is exceptionally modest by way of budgeting for flights. And mid January must be when most sights that shut throughout holidays reopen.
The place is it heat to journey in January outdoors the US?
Anyplace within the southern hemisphere is a superb possibility when searching for heat locations outdoors the US to go to in January. Australia is in its peak summer season presently. South America and Central America are additionally sizzling presently, and even some international locations in Europe, like Cyprus, expertise gentle climate presently.
Would you like a winter wonderland? Or a fantastic seashore which you could bask on? There are such a lot of unimaginable 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 may see the complete scale of what the nation affords vacationers.
The USA has all the pieces from winter out of doors actions at snowy resort cities to tropical paradises just like the Huge Island and gorgeous purple 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 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 listing of the 50 finest locations you’ll be able to go to within the USA. We’ve additionally bought assets on the finest nationwide parks, seashores, hikes, and street journeys within the USA. We’re tremendous keen about US journey, and our purpose is to maintain you as knowledgeable as attainable, with all the most effective info only a click on away. Have a implausible time wherever you go to in January.