19 Best Places to Travel in January in the US (Warm & Cold)
One of my favorite times to travel is in January. Most people are staying home after the holidays, so there are far fewer crowds and prices tend to be lower. Plus, there are many great destinations for warm and cold weather, as shown in this list of the best places to travel in January in the US.
Below, is a list of the top US destinations to kick off the new year. There is a mix of snowy destinations like Anchorage Alaska, and warm tropical destinations such as St Croix in the US Virgin Islands.
This list is a combination of my own personal research and recommendations I’ve crowd sourced from my most trusted travel blogger friends.
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1. Anchorage, Alaska
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 22°F/11°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 0.73 inches
For those who love a winter wonderland, few places in the world compare to Alaska. While parts of Alaska get quite cold in the winter, Anchorage is one of the best places to travel in the U.S. in January because the temperature stays relatively mild compared to other more northern parts of Alaska.
In January, the chances to see the beautiful northern lights are quite high due to the amount of darkness available to go aurora hunting. For those looking for an active adventure, take to the slopes at Alyeska or go Heli-skiing or snowmobiling. A fun activity for all ages is dog sledding.
One of the best tours is a snowmobiling tour to Matanuska glacier. For an incredible lodging experience in Alaska and a chance to see northern lights book a stay at Loft in the Clouds. The only downside to traveling to Alaska in January is it can get a lot of snow so make sure to rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get around safely.
🏨 Where to Stay: Loft in the Clouds
Recommended by Lina from Bucket List Places
2. Page, Arizona
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 45°F/30°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 0.78 inches
Page, Arizona, is one of the best places to visit in the US in January. The average highs are in the mid-40s and the average lows are in the upper 20s, but rain and snow chances are still low with only 2 days on average during the month.
Thanks to the cooler weather, winter is the off-season in Page. This makes it easier to visit the popular spots without the crowds while not being so cold that you can’t enjoy the epic views the area offers.
Two of the most popular spots in Page are Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon requires a tour with a Navajo guide, but it is worth the trip. The guides add to the experience by sharing the history of the area and also help you capture the best angles of the slot canyon.
Horseshoe Bend is an easy walk down a paved path to the viewing platform overlooking the famous view of the Colorado River.
Don’t miss out on the nearby Big Lake Sand Cave behind the Shell gas station in Page too. This hidden gem is an easy hike to a sand cave with textures and a view that will surprise you given how close it is to the gas station.
🏨 Where to Stay: Under Canvas Lake Powell
Recommended by Christine from Live Love Run Travel
3. Dauphin Island, Alabama
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 62°F/48°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 5.12 inches
Dauphin Island, Alabama is a can’t miss beach destination for travel in January. This is the perfect family getaway for the winter with many activities for all ages. Head to the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab to see the 10,000-square-foot exhibit hall highlighting four habitats of coastal Alabama.
The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a great outdoor activity for bird enthusiasts and has been recognized as one of the top four spots to witness spring bird migrations in North America. Get a few rounds of golf in at Isle Dauphine Golf Course, the only golf course overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
January is a great time to visit the island especially if you are coming from the northern region of the United States of Canada with weather typically in the high 50s through the 60s. Rain can be a concern so pack some rain gear and save your indoor activities for those occasional rainy days.
Book your stay at The Inn at Dauphin Island to enjoy their beachfront units, secluded beach, and pools.
🏨 Where to Stay: Inn at Dauphin Island
Recommended by Nicole Kringstad from The Midwest Millennial
4. Joshua Tree, California
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 58°F/35°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 0.50 inches
Joshua Tree is the perfect vacation destination for anyone looking to spend time outside and get some hiking in. January is an especially great time to visit, as the weather is cool (for the area) but still pleasant.
Daytime temperatures tend to hit the mid 50s to low 60s. There are also less crowds after the busy holiday season, which means you can enjoy the beauty of the national park in peace.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway to Joshua Tree, a day trip, or a longer excursion, be sure to add a few hikes to your itinerary. Two easy trails that can’t be missed are Arch Rock Nature Trail and Hidden Valley Nature Trail.
During your visit, consider staying at Sacred Sands, a super tranquil, artfully designed boutique hotel. It’s conveniently located just a mile from the West Entrance Station, and offers amazing views of the desert and surrounding mountains.
One thing to note is that there is a free entrance day on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. While this is great for cutting down costs, the park does typically see an increase in visitors on this day (and during the entire holiday weekend).
🏨 Where to Stay: Sacred Sands
Recommended by Kyra Heenan from Sea to Sequoia
5. San Diego, California
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 65°F/49°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 1.98 inches
San Diego is a perfect destination to visit in January, if you are looking to escape cold winter. Unlike other destinations in the United States that experience freezing weather in January, San Diego has mild temperatures that make it possible to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, surfing or taking a whale watching cruise.
Consider exploring Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or Cowles Mountain for panoramic views. Or head to Cabrillo National Monument located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, where you can visit historical exhibits, tide pools, and breathtaking views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean.
January is the peak season for gray whale migration along the California coast. Many tour companies offer whale watching cruises departing from San Diego.
While San Diego gets up to 7-8 hours of sunshine per day on an average during January, night time temperatures can drop as low as 40. It’s important to wear layers and bring a jacket, as temperatures begin to drop quickly once the sun goes down.
🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Del Coronado
Recommended by Stacy from Explore Baja California
6. Santa Barbara, California
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 65°F/46°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 4.14 inches
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains, Santa Barbara stands as one of the most picturesque cities along California’s central coast.
If you opt for a central location, a rental car may not be necessary, thanks to the city’s relatively pedestrian-friendly layout for visitors. For a great hotel location, head to Drift Hotel or Hotel Californian.
Must-see attractions include the historic Spanish Mission, observing seals and sea lions at the wharf, bike riding along paved oceanfront paths, and admiring renowned artwork at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
As a famous wine destination, Santa Barbara boasts numerous local wineries and tasting rooms, particularly in the Funk Zone. Notable spots include Pali Wine and Santa Barbara Wine Collective, offering charming outdoor settings with twinkle lights in the evening.
For dining, State Street’s promenade hosts an array of excellent restaurants such as Zaytoon and Loquita. Alternatively, La Super-Rica Taqueria offers budget-friendly yet acclaimed fare. For top-notch Santa Barbara coffee, Dune and Handlebar are local favorites with multiple locations across the city.
In January, Santa Barbara is a great winter escape with nice temperatures ranging from the low 80s to the low 50s °F. One downside of visiting in January is a higher chance of rain, however this is still a pretty low chance.
🏨 Where to Stay: Drift Hotel
Recommended by Taylor from TayTrumTravels
7. Sonoma, California
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 57°F/39°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 8.19 inches
Sonoma is a great destination in California for a romantic trip or a trip with friends. You can visit some of the best wineries in the US such as the Robert Young Estate winery known for its amazing views.
See some recycled art in quirky Sebastopol with hipster artist chic vibes or even take a day trip to Bodega Bay for a beautiful coastal view.
January is one of the best times to visit because there are fewer crowds at the wineries and the beauty of California is it’s temperate all year round. You may have to deal with a little rain but still, rain in California is nothing like in some regions in the world.
MacArthur Place and Spa is the best place to stay in Sonoma for a home away from home. Luxuriate in the relaxing spa amenities such as the Farm to Massage table where the ingredients make it into your amenity. MacArthur Place has 64 luxury guest rooms so it still has a quaint bed-and-breakfast vibe.
🏨 Where to Stay: MacArthur Place and Spa
Recommended by Rachel Sanchez from Travelbugrachel.com
8. Crystal River, Florida
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 70°F/49°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 3.58 inches
Crystal River is a small town in Florida an hour north of Tampa. It is known as the “Manatee Capital of the World” and the only place where you can legally swim with these creatures. Although you can see manatees all year round in Crystal River, January is the best time to visit.
January is when manatees swim up to the springs near Crystal River from the ocean when it gets too cold. Despite their size, manatees have extremely low body fat, making them unsuitable for living in extremely cold conditions. Cold temperatures can cause manatees to have health issues and possibly death.
You’ll see swells of manatees swim all over Crystal River’s springs, especially in January. The winter time is considered “manatee season”; this is when tour operators are at their busiest, guiding visitors who want to swim and snorkel with manatees.
For a cozy hotel in Crystal River, stay in PaddleTail Lodge, a boutique hotel that used to be a Best Western. It’s located on the waterfront, Kings Bay. PaddleTail Lodge is 5 minutes away from Downtown Crystal River, where there are tons of shops, restaurants, and manatee tour companies.
🏨 Where to Stay: PaddleTail Lodge
Recommended by Hannah from Hannah on Horizon
9. Key West, Florida
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 75°F/65°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 2.05 inches
Key West, Florida is one of the best places to visit in the USA in January for several reasons.
First, January is part of the dry season in Key West, offering mild temperatures and low humidity compared to the hot and humid summer months.
The comfortable January weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, fishing, sailing, and kayaking in the clear waters surrounding the island.
Second, Key West is brimming with festivals and activities in January. The Florida Keys Seafood Festival allows you to taste the freshest catch from the local waters and listen to live music while supporting local fishermen.
Other fun events during a weekend in Key West in January include the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest, The Southernmost Regatta, the Key West Food & Wine Festival, and more.
A few of the best things to do in Key West include visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where you can explore where he wrote some of his most famous works. Duval Street is the heart of Key West, and you can experience the vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and shops that line the street.
Other notable Key West attractions include Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum, the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, and the Southernmost Point Buoy.
The best place to stay in Key West is the Old Town Manor in the Old Town area.
🏨 Where to Stay: Old Town Manor
Recommended by Disha from Disha Discovers
10. Orlando, Florida
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 71°F/49°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 2.35 inches
Ever considered traveling to Orlando, Florida in January? January is the unsung hero of travel months in Orlando.
Why? The weather is perfect. It’s cool enough to keep you comfortable but warm enough to not need a heavy jacket.
What’s on the agenda in Orlando during January? Of course, there are the obvious theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios. Both these iconic parks will have lower crowds, so you can hop on rides without endless lines.
January in Disney brings the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. This festival showcases visual, culinary, and performing arts. Even if you’re not a massive art buff, it’s a great way to spend a day outside the usual park routine.
If amusement parks aren’t your thing, check out the Kennedy Space Center or take an alligator tour in the Florida Everglades. There is something for every type of traveler.
Looking for a place to stay? The Swan and Dolphin Hotel is a solid pick. This property is within walking distance of Disney World, and the accommodations are a perfect retreat after a day of theme park activities.
So, why pick January for your Orlando trip? It’s simple: pleasant weather, lower crowds, and endless activities.
🏨 Where to Stay: Swan and Dolphin Hotel
Recommended by Haley Gleason at Gleason Family Travels
11. Tampa, Florida
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 70°F/52°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 2.23 inches
Tampa is an awesome January destination where you can warm up and take advantage of unique activities like the Gasparilla pirate invasion.
Each year, Tampa holds a huge pirate festival as a “surprise” pirate invasion invades the city. The event includes an “invasion” where the pirates come by boat, a parade and an all-day long pirate fest party.
In addition to the main event, there is also a Children’s Gasparilla with a children’s parade considered to be one of the biggest children’s events in the country.
Outside of Gasparilla, January is a great time to see manatees in Florida. There are lots of great aquariums in the Tampa Bay Area, including the Florida Electric Manatee Viewing Center where manatees congregate to enjoy the thermal effluence during the winter months.
You can often see huge groups of manatees together and there’s also a stingray touch tank and visitor center – and it’s totally free to visit!
The downtown Tampa Hyatt puts you in the heart of Tampa within walking distance to Hyde Park, Sparkman’s Wharf and the Florida Aquarium. And don’t forget to pack for wide-ranging weather! You may start the morning in a sweater and be in a tank by afternoon.
🏨 Where to Stay: Tampa Hyatt
Recommended by Elizabeth from Suncoastfamilyfun.com
12. New Orleans, Louisiana
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 62°F/43°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 5.93 inches
New Orleans is one of the most well-known vacation destinations in the US, mostly known for its culture and festivities.
Whether you’re visiting to party in the French Quarter, do a swamp tour, eat all the Cajun food your heart desires, or track down all the best jazz music, you can’t go wrong (as long as you know how to stay safe) while in NOLA!
January in particular is one of the best times to visit, in my opinion as a local for 8 years, because of the mild weather and Carnival Season!
From the amazing King Cakes you can chow on, to the start of Mardi Gras parades to experience, you can still fit in both indoor and outdoor attractions and tours to make the most of your time here.
For a mid-range hotel that’s in the middle of the action, I recommend the historic Hotel Monteleone in the heart of the French Quarter. You can get the best Instagram photos in the Historic Carousel Bar & Lounge in particular here! Whatever you choose to do, New Orleans is waiting with endless experiences to offer!
🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Monteleone
Recommended by Sarah Simon from Mukikapup’s Travels
13. Las Vegas, Nevada
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 58°F/39°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 0.54 inches
Visiting Las Vegas in January offers an enjoyable experience with fewer crowds and milder weather. Hotel rates tend to be lower during this off-peak season, allowing for more affordable accommodations and dining options. One of my favorite hotels to stay at in Las Vegas is The Bellagio.
Take advantage of the cooler temperatures, mid 40’s to low 60’s Fahrenheit, to wander the iconic Las Vegas Strip, or head out for an outdoor activity like a hike near Las Vegas. You can also spend your time trying your luck in the casino or catching a show.
There are a few downsides to visiting Las Vegas in January. While the weather is generally mild, it can still be chilly, especially at night, so packing layers is essential. Additionally, many pools are closed or have limited hours during the winter months.
Despite these minor drawbacks, January remains an excellent time to experience the excitement of Las Vegas without the crowds and scorching summer heat.
🏨 Where to Stay: The Bellagio
Recommended by Melanie Seneviratne of The World Travel Girl
14. Cloudcroft, New Mexico
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 49°F/21°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 1.18 inches
Cloudcroft, NM is one of the best places to visit in the US in January. While New Mexico does not come to mind immediately when thinking about a cool winter destination, it does have some surprises in store.
The cute mountain town of Cloudcroft is perfect for skiing, hiking and relaxing. Especially in January, they have a nice amount of snow, so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Other cool activities in Cloudcroft are shopping for native american souvenirs, checking out the famous BBQ restaurant Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbeque and trying some local beer at their brewery. You can hike the famous Osha Trail, that has a great view over the Tularosa Basin and the White Sands National Park.
The weather in January is perfect for skiing and winter activities. They usually have a lot of snow while temperatures hover around the freezing point. Of course, this can make it hard to drive on the mountain roads, so make sure to come with a winter-fit car.
Cloudcroft has a couple of nice hotels, as well as mountain lodges available. I can recommend the Lodge at Cloudcroft or the Grand Cloudcroft Hotel.
🏨 Where to Stay: Grand Cloudcroft Hotel
Recommended by Sabrina from New Mexico Insider
15. Stowe, Vermont
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 29°F/10°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 3.20 inches
For a cozy ski vacation in the northeast, Stowe, Vermont is one of the best! Continually rated as a stop ski resort in the entire country, it also offers so many fun things to do for non-skiers. Add in the quaint town, awesome hotels, and beautiful mountain scenery, and you’ll be planning your next trip before you even leave!
If it’s skiing you’re after, Stowe Mountain Resort has it all, including over 100 trails ranging from beginner to double black diamond, cozy dining options, and awesome snow quality. If you’re traveling with non-skiers, there’s also an outdoor ice rink right by the lifts.
Stowe’s downtown area is perfect for apres ski, and is one of the best destinations to explore in Vermont in the winter season.
You’ll have your choice of breweries and great restaurants, including Stowe Cider, Idletyme Brewing, and delicious wood-fired pizza at American Flatbread. The Main Street is also lined with independent shops and New England-style country stores.
January is the best month for skiing in Stowe, as it usually has the most snowfall. If you happen to plan your visit later in the month, you’ll also be able to enjoy the ice sculptures around town during the winter carnival.
The best place to stay for a winter getaway in Stowe is the Lodge at Spruce Peak Resort, which is a ski-in, ski-out resort. On-site at the resort is also the outdoor ice rink, Spruce Peak village, dining, and a spa.
🏨 Where to Stay: The Lodge at Spruce Peak Resort
Recommended by Samantha from New England Wanderlust
16. Yellowstone, Wyoming
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 28°F/-2°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 1.4 inches
If you’re not sure where to travel in the US in January then stop by Yellowstone National Park. You’ll avoid the crowds of summer and can get great deals on flights. Plus, the area looks stunning covered in snow and you’ll see a ton of wildlife concentrated in the valleys.
The only downside is the cold. Highs don’t exceed 28 F (-2 C) while lows dip to 3 F (-16 C). You can also expect 13 days of snow throughout the month.
This leads to road closures and the only road open is the one from the north entrance at Gardiner to the northeast entrance at Cooke City. This road passes through Lamar Valley and is great for wildlife spotting. Otherwise, you’ll need to use snow vehicles to travel elsewhere.
But, it’s a great time to enjoy Yellowstone winter activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on lower-elevation trails. Rent gear at Mammoth Hot Springs and explore the trails around Old Faithful and Norris Geyser Basin.
Finally, spend the night at either Old Faithful Snow Lodge or Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. They are both open all year long. But, make reservations well in advance since rooms are booked quickly.
🏨 Where to Stay: Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Recommended by Jamie from PhotoJeepers
17. Oahu, Hawaii
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 80°F/66°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 2.3 inches
If you are thinking about a January vacation in the US, consider the Hawaiian island of Oahu!
Especially if you are a snowbird seeking to escape the winter where you live, Oahu makes the perfect getaway, with gorgeous weather and a variety of activities.
One of the best things to do in Oahu, even in January, is spend some time on its beautiful beaches. Waikiki Beach is lively and crowded, but with great eateries nearby and walking distance from many resorts, it’s the perfect choice for beach time.
And be sure to go to the north shore of the island to see the massive waves and watch expert surfers from around the world take part in competitions.
Snorkel in Hanauma Bay, hike to the top of the Diamond Head crater, and go waterfalls chasing on the Manoa Falls trail. January is the perfect month for outdoor activities on Oahu.
For an excellent stay in Waikiki, the heart of all the action on Oahu, consider the Halepuna!
🏨 Where to Stay: Halepuna Waikiki
Recommended by Sam of Travel Hawaii with Us
18. St Croix, USVI
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 85°F/75°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 2.1 inches
St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands is a great place to vacation in January. It’s the largest of the three main US Virgin Islands but it’s also the least visited.
While this is typically peak season for the Caribbean, you can still enjoy the best weather without the crowds. And there are convenient direct flights from south Florida.
There are a lot of fun things to do in St. Croix. The island is mountainous with beautiful beaches and coastal hikes. There are two historical forts to explore, Fort Christiansvaern and Fort Frederik, and sugar mill ruins around the island.
You can hike to Issac’s Bay or Jack’s Bay to reach secluded beaches or relax on any of the sandy beaches on the coast–some that you can even drive right up to!
One of the most beautiful beaches to visit is located on Buck Island and is only accessible by boat from the main town of Christiansted. It’s a fun day trip with a great snorkeling trail and pristine, white sand beach!
🏨 Where to Stay: The Buccaneer Beach Resort
Recommended by Ashley from Jetset Jansen
19. St Thomas, USVI
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 85°F/74°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 1.8 inches
If you’re in search of warm weather, beautiful beaches, plus a little adventure, then St. Thomas is one of the best places to visit in the US in January.
It’s a quick flight if you live on the East Coast and you don’t even need your passport since it’s a US Territory. Hang out on beaches like Magens Bay or Coki Point, take a day trip over to St. John for Virgin Islands National Park, or go shopping in Charlotte Amalie.
There are also plenty of great tours in St. Thomas like kayaking through mangrove lagoons, food tours, and snorkeling tours.
The only downside to visiting in January is that it’s the middle of high season, so the island will be pretty crowded. Book private tours or head to the more secluded beaches!
There are plenty of great places to stay in St. Thomas and Marriott’s Frenchmans Cove is one of them. It’s just outside of Charlotte Amalie, has a private beach, and great amenities.
🏨 Where to Stay: Marriott’s Frenchmans Cove
Recommended by Anna from Stuck on the Go
20. Austin, Texas
🌡️ Average Temperature in January: 61°F/41°F | ☔ Average Rainfall: 1.9 inches
Austin, TX is a great destination to visit in January. The city has plenty of activities for every traveler this time of the year.
Music lovers should come to the “Live Music Capital of the World” in early January. Hundreds of Austin bands participate in the Free Week event in the Red River Cultural District during the first weekend of the year.
Spend time exploring the murals, cross the Congress Bridge, and tour the Texas State Capitol during the day. Enjoy the views of the University of Texas Tower and visit the Blanton Museum of Art on campus before the show begins. Head to Sixth Street afterwards to continue the party.
Consider venturing outside of the city to experience the Texas Hill Country. A hike in Pedernales Falls State Park followed by a stop at Salt Lick BBQ is a great day trip from Austin. You should reserve a park pass at least a week in advance.
Pack layers when visiting Austin in January since temperatures can change drastically during the day. It can be just above freezing in the morning. But the afternoon temperatures often climb above 60°F. A warm and sunny afternoon is a perfect time to explore the city.
Top January Activities:
- Enjoy the Free Week at the Red River Cultural District.
- Dine at Franklin Barbeque, la Barbeque, or Salt Lick BBQ.
- Tour the Texas State Capitol or Blanton Museum of Art.
🏨 Where to Stay: The Driskill, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Recommended by Anastasia from TravelRealist
Before You Go…
Another great trip idea near the US in January is a Caribbean cruise. You can depart from a US port such as Miami or Orlando, then visit multiple international islands.
I’m not sure if there is a better way to start the new year than sipping a rum punch on a warm beach in the Caribbean.
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