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 be tactical, being exterior peak season for many locations, which means fewer crowds and higher entry to unbelievable points of interest. An awesome instance is the nationwide parks, the place mountaineering trails develop into virtually empty. January within the USA is fabulous – you simply must know which locations to go to.
Greatest Locations To Go to In January In The USA
That will help you get essentially the most out of the 12 months’s first month, we’ve compiled a listing of one of the best 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 delicate with higher entry to mountaineering trails and points of interest, 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 need sunny climate and a wonderful trip on a barrier island. In January, temperatures drop marginally, however you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in loads of outside actions and seashore days. There are simply so many things 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 powerful complete of over 300 days of sunshine a 12 months.
South Padre Island is good if you wish to expertise coastal residing in Texas. 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 severely 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 whats up 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 in case you are 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 in style methods to go to this island is on a Miami to Key West road trip. You can too mix it with a visit to the close by Everglades.
3. Dying Valley Nationwide Park
Dying Valley Nationwide Park is one in every of January’s most iconic and greatest locations to go to. There are such a lot of things to do in Death Valley, and we are able to assure that they’re much extra gratifying within the 30s to 60s than within the sky-high mid-summer temperatures that Dying Valley sees. The summer season temperatures in Dying 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 gives.
Dying Valley is the most well liked, driest, and lowest nationwide park within the USA. You may 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 without doubt one of the best US national 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 go away Crater Lake behind. The park is centered round this lake, with an attractive 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 exhausting 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 cause to go to. It averages a staggering 31 meters deep and is without doubt one of 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 ceaselessly lined town, from one of the best beaches in San Diego to a tell-all information on where to stay in San Diego. Los Angeles can step apart for a bit – it’s time to provide San Diego its well-deserved recognition, particularly as among the best locations to go to in January. San Diego’s profitable issue is its attractive 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 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 points of interest just like the Lodge de Coronado, Balboa Park, and the USS Halfway Museum. There’s additionally the gorgeous Torrey Pines State Nationwide Reserve and loads of alternatives to identify sea lions.
6. Yellowstone Nationwide Park
Yellowstone Nationwide Park has an attractive 2.2 million-acre assortment and is a delegated nationwide elk refuge. It holds the grand title of the world’s first-ever nationwide park and was established in 1872. Yellowstone National Park rapidly grew a repute for its hydrothermal and geological points of interest, together with Previous Trustworthy – a large geyser. And its park boundaries really include round half of the world’s energetic geysers. Yellowstone has a wow issue for historical past and nature lovers alike. Yellowstone Nationwide Park is greatest explored by automotive, the place you possibly can cease to admire and embark on its best 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 without doubt one of the most visited nationwide parks within the USA. Which means 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 automobile. Nevertheless, the principle highway between the north and northeast entrances stays open, and you may nonetheless go to the park’s highlights. Simply fastidiously analysis where to stay in Yellowstone and see which points of interest 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 house to essentially the most huge cacti within the USA, and the saguaro plant has rapidly develop into an emblem of America’s historic Wild West period. Social gathering due to this, Saguaro Nationwide Park has develop into a bucket checklist nationwide park for individuals to go to within the USA. The cacti dwell as much as 250 years outdated and develop to the scale of timber – fairly cool, proper?
Winter months are one of the best 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’s positioned simply exterior Tucson, and also you don’t want a automotive in case you are 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 when you like ski resorts and outside winter actions. Lake Tahoe is famend for world-class snowboarding and transforms yearly right into a winter wonderland. You may hit the slopes or take pleasure in cross-country snowboarding; winter sports activities are among the best things 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 brief getaway in January. It has additionally been utilized in a whole lot of TV exhibits and flicks, because of its pristine blue waters and 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 won’t have heat climate in January, with temperatures dropping beneath 40 F. Nevertheless, for the reason that park turns into virtually unbearably busy and sizzling in the summertime season, January is about as off-peak and quiet as attainable. When you gown for the chilly, you possibly can nonetheless sort out among the best hikes in Zion, and you might be virtually assured to have them to your self. Zion Nationwide Park has some gorgeous points of interest, together with the Emerald Swimming pools, Canyon Overlook Path, and even the Narrows are accessible in January if in case you 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 could find out where to stay in Zion upfront and snag one of the best 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 Battle scenes in Forrest Gump and is now liked for its 5 miles of gorgeous white sand seashores and attribute lighthouse. It sees over one million guests yearly and is well among the best locations to go to in January. You may hike by boardwalks on 1000’s of acres of marshlands and even climb Looking Island Lighthouse.
In January, temperatures drop, however when you gown for the climate, you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in many outside actions – simply with out the crowds. Issues like horseback driving on the seashore, kayaking, and fossil searching are all ten instances extra gratifying in winter when you might have 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 through the vacation season. For a winter break, White Sands Nationwide Park is ideal. It’s vivid white because the world’s largest gypsum dune area – 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 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 may 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, 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 when you fancy a high-end January getaway.
Huge Sky is one of the best place for a ski getaway, and you may as well 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 gorgeous South Carolina Lowcountry. It has 12 miles of gorgeous seashores, a conventional shoreline, a traditional 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, excellent for seashore walks as long as you might have a few layers. Hilton Head Island is the best quirky getaway in January when you don’t need intense solar and warmth however love coastal surroundings. You may even see dolphins.
14. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a Californian city within the sought-after Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s a hotspot for multi-day mountaineering 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 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.
When you fancy a Californian ski break – a phrase you not often hear – then Mammoth Lakes is your greatest wager. It’s also preferrred for exploring japanese California’s points of interest which are a little bit formidable for fulfilling day trips 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 an attractive place to hike, camp, and are available face-to-face (or as shut as snug) with a whole lot of traditional American animals. You may spot deer, elk, mountain lions, bears, coyotes, and cute, small animals like river otters and snowshoe hares. It additionally creates ‘open play areas’, the place appropriate automobiles can sort out winter snow tracks. You may simply try the Payette Winter Journey Map for highway steering.
If you need a winter forest getaway in January, snowy Payette Nationwide Forest is a superb possibility. It has actually accessible forest roads if in case you have a 4WD with appropriate changes, and it’s actually equipped for winter visitors with its Winter Journey Map. You may take pleasure in cross-country snowboarding and completely different snow actions as nicely.
16. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is a group of seven islands with a historic Fort Jefferson on the most important. It’s also a hotspot for marine life and has some gorgeous coral reefs. Dry Tortugas National Park is without doubt one of the most original 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 succeed in, 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 may guide tours from Key West by ferry or arrange 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. A lot of the best things to do are snow-related, and you may take pleasure in excellent snowboarding and snowboarding. That’s to not point out close by spots like Glenwood Scorching Springs, the place you possibly can day journey to and luxuriate 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 sort of busy, as winter is Aspen’s peak season. Nevertheless, March and December are among the most energetic months, so that you received’t be completely crushed by crowds. Begin the brand new 12 months in fashion – heading full pelt down an Aspen mountain.
18. Las Vegas
Vegas is a simple one to steer individuals to go to. Sin Metropolis is without doubt one of the most famed cities on the earth, and you may 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 hotels and places to stay in Las Vegas. You could have all the things 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 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 unbelievable issues to do off the Strip, like day trips 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 points of interest. Salt Lake Metropolis is full of things 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 gorgeous Crimson Butte Backyard. Salt Lake Metropolis is full of social and cultural historical past, and points of interest are a lot quieter in its January low season. You also needs to 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 possibility for anybody who likes an adrenaline rush or is curious about Mormonism.
20. Huge Island
Huge Island is thought for its things 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 may fly to the Huge Island immediately from most US airports. And once you arrive, you might have island city atmospheres and delightful points of interest just like the Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park to maintain you entertained.
January is one of the best time to go to Hawaii when you’d prefer to dodge the crowds, particularly the flocks of vacationers that come for the solar at Christmas. A warning: January is the wettest month on the Huge Island. Nevertheless, when 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 allure, look no additional than swanky and ultra-cool New Orleans. Not aware of town? Properly, relaxation assured there are many things to do. New Orleans is named ‘the Huge Simple’ due to its cool vibe, continuous and colourful nightlife, brilliant cuisine, 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 obtained 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 may 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 enhance it’s worthwhile to get you out of a January hunch.
22. Miami
Hi there Miami. After a chilly Christmas or busy festive interval with family, the proper antidote is a January blast on this coastal metropolis. Miami’s seashores are unequalled, and even within the peak 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 (try our information on where to stay in Miami). Stroll amidst artwork deco structure on South Seaside and stroll by oceanfront parks. Miami’s get together scene is never-resting, too, and even in late and mid-January, you’ll have the ability to enjoy great nights out.
In fact, none of this even components within the day journey potential from this important Florida metropolis. You may 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 take pleasure in Florida and its highlights whereas profiting 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 crucial 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 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 points of interest – 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. Town is well accessible by Amtrak, flight, and automotive.
24. New York Metropolis
You don’t want us to let you know that you’re by no means wanting things 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 filled with festive cheer and glowing lights, particularly when you keep in early January to catch the top 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 may simply discover locations to remain in New York, and for further inspiration, see our information on where to stay in New York. It’s a in style January trip for nice cause.
25. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is without doubt one of the best weekend getaways in Florida, but this lovely barrier island is nearly criminally missed 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 an attractive concept and one in every of your greatest 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 embody swimming, kayaking, and fowl watching. You may spot tons of wildlife, too. There are alligators, bobcats, turtles, and river otters. There are even bald eagles – the very last thing you’d anticipate on a sandy barrier island. Amelia Island has one in every of Florida’s most original coastal ecosystems and is a haven for nature lovers.
26. Sedona
Who doesn’t love Sedona? This Arizona desert city is way liked for all its amazing things to do, which embody mountaineering by crimson rock buttes and visiting Montezuma Citadel 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 in case you are assured driving in icy and snowy situations and joyful 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 hotels in Sedona. There are various 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. 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 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 unbelievable 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, try 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. When you’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 effective time to journey in January?
You may often snag offers in early January – particularly in case you are keen to fly on the dreaded New 12 months’s Day. Nevertheless, as an entire, the month is exceptionally modest when it comes to budgeting for flights. And mid January needs to be when most points of interest that shut throughout holidays reopen.
The place is it heat to journey in January exterior the US?
Wherever within the southern hemisphere is a good possibility when searching for 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 sizzling at the moment, and even some nations in Europe, like Cyprus, expertise delicate climate at the moment.
Would you like a winter wonderland? Or an attractive seashore you could bask on? There are such a lot of unbelievable USA locations to go to in January. We’ve labored exhausting to restrict this information to only one of the best 26. The range of the USA involves mild in January, and you may see the total scale of what the nation gives vacationers.
The USA has all the things from winter outside actions at snowy resort cities to tropical paradises just like the Huge Island and gorgeous crimson rock surroundings like Zion Nationwide Park. And that’s earlier than we even point out metropolis breaks – whats up, 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, keep in mind to take a look at our checklist of the 50 best places you can visit in the USA. We’ve additionally obtained sources on the best national parks, beaches, hikes, and road trips in the USA. We’re tremendous keen about US journey, and our purpose is to maintain you as knowledgeable as attainable, with all one of the best data only a click on away. Have a unbelievable time wherever you go to in January.
