After the December holidays, tourism slows down throughout the US, making January a fantastic time to explore a new place. Prices are generally lower, meaning you might be able to snag a great deal on accommodations and flights.
When deciding where to travel this January, consider whether you want to embrace a wintry wonderland along with its freezing temps, or head somewhere a bit warmer for a break from the cold. This list has a bit of each, including beaches, uncrowded national parks, nippy cities, and more:
20. Big Island, Hawai’i
If you tend to get the winter scaries and are looking for the perfect tropical destination this January, there’s no better place than the Big Island of Hawai’i. Not only does the Big Island have some incredible beaches, but there are also some fantastic snorkeling spots and gorgeous hikes as well.
The Big Island is home to a diverse ecosystem that offers visitors an incredible variety of scenery. From the beaches and the mountains to waterfalls to lookout points, it has it all. It’s also a hub for spiritual and transformative experiences.
So, why visit the Big Island in January? First of all, escaping the frigid temperatures of winter is an enticing proposal. (You won’t be the only one with this idea though, as winter is one of the most popular times to visit Hawai’i. Compared to November and December, however, January is a bit less crowded.) There’s also less rainfall that month, so it’s just right for all the outdoor activities you can do. Plus, humpback whale season is also in full swing in January, giving you another reason to visit.
19. Fairbanks, Alaska
It might sound completely bonkers to go to Alaska in the winter, but hear me out. If you don’t mind bundling up and braving the cold, Fairbanks is an incredibly magical place to visit in January. During this time, there’s a chance you can catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, aka the northern lights. Plus, it’s a fantastic time to check out the Chena hot springs and go dog sledding.
In Fairbanks, you can fully immerse yourself in an icy wonderland. Visit the Aurora Ice Museum to see some spectacular sculptures, or embark on an epic snowmobiling adventure. There’s plenty to do in Fairbanks this January for anyone who wants to fully experience Alaskan winter in all its snowy glory.
18. Olympic National Park, Washington
There’s a lot to love about wintertime in the PNW. The moody coastline, sparkling trees heavy with newly fallen snow, and white mountain peaks are all features of Olympic National Park in Washington during the month of January. Although some parts of the park are closed in the winter months, most of it remains open to explore.
If you’re hoping to get out and explore, there are plenty of hikes in Olympic National Park to choose from. One of them is Hurricane Ridge, where you can go snowshoeing, skiing, tubing, or snowboarding. The coastal hikes are also great in the wintertime, as you can easily walk along the beaches, like Rialto Beach. Just make sure to visit during low tide, as the winter waves can be treacherous and unpredictable during high tide.
17. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake in Oregon is a magnificent site any time of year, although the snowy weather of January makes it extra special. From cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, sledding, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy here. Although this area gets more snow than most other places in the US, the park remains open throughout the winter months.
There’s a chance that you may encounter some road closures if there’s heavy snowfall, which will make it difficult to impossible to reach the lake itself, so make sure to check weather conditions before you depart. If you are able to make it to the rim of the majestic lake, the wintertime view is nothing short of spectacular.
16. Mammoth Lakes, California
The Mammoth Lakes region in California is one of the state’s most popular destinations to go skiing. However, there’s much more to do in Mammoth Lakes in the winter than just skiing. Most notably, checking out the hot springs here is a must in January. When there’s snow on the ground, the hot springs are extra steamy and even more beautiful than in the warmer months. Plus, they’re not as crowded during this time of year, so you’ll have a better chance of getting to soak solo.
Within Mammoth Lakes, some of the best spots to visit in January are Convict Lake for a gorgeous view of the mountains reflected on the water, the Hot Creek Geological site for a magical steamy scene, and Mono Lake for a truly unique landscape and salty water that doesn’t freeze in the winter. Most places will be quite snowy this time of year, so pack snowshoes for easier access.
15. Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada
The California deserts are ideal to visit in the winter months, especially in January, when the mild temperatures make exploring more accessible — in the warmer months, some spots like Death Valley are simply too scorching to hike through safely.
The desert landscapes in Death Valley National Park are almost otherworldly. From the subtle color spectrum of the Artist’s Palette to the salty Badwater Basin and smooth Mesquite Flat sand dunes, there is plenty to enjoy in Death Valley for nature lovers. The most popular hike in the park is the Golden Canyon hike, which is great to do in the winter, because it’s the only time of year when the heat isn’t completely overwhelming.
If you’re thinking of heading to Death Valley this January, check out this guide on finding the best places to stay and camp in and around the park.
14. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
If you thought Lake Tahoe was perfect for summer, you’re in for a treat when you see how much there is to do here in the wintertime. January in Lake Tahoe is ideal for travelers who adore outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh riding, dog sledding, ice skating, and more.
The weather is cold, with highs barely reaching the mid 40s, so prepare yourself with plenty of warm layers so you can fully embrace Lake Tahoe’s beauty and availability of outdoor activities.
Lake Tahoe is shared by both California and Nevada, and has two distinct regions: North and South. North Tahoe is more laid-back and has less development overall, making it more ideal for January travelers who want to escape and connect with nature. South Tahoe has more accommodations and restaurants to choose from, but you might find wintertime ski crowds there.
13. Kirkham Hot Springs, Idaho
In case you can’t tell, I’m a big fan of visiting hot springs in the wintertime. There’s something so soothing about dipping into a hot pool when the outside air is frigid, with steam rising up from the water so beautifully. Some of the best hot springs to visit in the USA are in Idaho, and Kirkham Hot Springs is a strong contender for the very best of all.
Kirkham is relatively uncrowded in the winter months, which makes it such a great spot to visit in January, as there’s a chance you could have the springs to yourself. The pools sit right next to a flowing river, with snowcapped mountains in the background. The scenery alone is a beautiful sight, but being able to admire it from a steaming natural pool makes it even more idyllic.
12. Moab, Utah
If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Arches or Canyonlands National Park but are discouraged by the thick crowds of high season (March through October), consider visiting in January. Winters are cold in Moab, with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s, but the potential of having beautiful rock formations to yourself and lower rates on accommodation might be worth it.
There’s plenty to do and see in Moab, such as visiting the iconic Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, catching a sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, or grabbing a bite at the Moab Food Truck Park. Moab is also an essential stop on any Utah national parks road trip.
11. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
If you want to get far off the beaten path this January, there’s no better destination than White Sands National Park in New Mexico. It’s the world’s largest gypsum sand dune field and spans 275 miles in the middle of the desert. The dunes here are unlike anywhere else in the US; you can even climb to the top and sled down if you’d like. Visiting in January means enjoying milder temperatures, but make sure to still bring plenty of sun protection, as there is absolutely no shade once you venture outside of the visitors’ center.
Unlike most national parks that are open 24/7, White Sands has operating hours that vary from season to season. The best time to go is right before sunset, as the scenery is phenomenal when the sun goes down. Shadows cast from the dunes create beautiful patterns in the sand, and the whole place glows with different hues. This national park rarely becomes crowded in general, but January yields even fewer visitors. Chances are, you’ll get a whole sand dune to yourself! Find out everything you need to know about visiting White Sands National Park here.
10. Albuquerque, New Mexico
If you’re taking a road trip through New Mexico, chances are you’ll start in Albuquerque or at least pass through. This quirky city deserves to be a destination all on its own, however, as there’s plenty to do in Albuquerque. From visiting the Breaking Bad filming locations to taking a hot-air balloon ride over the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque is full of adventure.
Visiting Albuquerque in January is a great option for anyone who wants to escape frigid winter temperatures but doesn’t mind a little chill. January offers mild temperatures, with highs barely reaching the 50s but rarely dipping below 30 degrees. Bring some layers and you’ll be good to go.
9. Breckenridge, Colorado
This is one for those of you out there who truly want to embrace winter and all the outdoor activities that you can do in the snow. Breckenridge is one of the USA’s most prominent ski towns, so it’s no surprise that January is the ideal time to visit. Sure, it might be a bit crowded, but the sunny skies and abundance of events this month make it worth it.
One of the best winter events in Breckenridge is the International Snow Sculpture Championships at the end of January. This month also sees the most snowfall of the year, which makes it the ideal time for skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh riding, dogsledding, snowmobiling, and more.
8. Big Bend National Park, Texas
You might recognize Big Bend from other lists of where to visit in the USA by month. The truth is, there’s really not a bad time to visit Big Bend National Park, one of the most underrated in the US. There are rarely large crowds any time of year, but this is especially true in January. You’ll love having some solitude here, as the landscapes are delightful and the night sky is perfect for stargazing. Does it get any more peaceful than that?
Although January is the coldest month in Big Bend, temperatures still hover in the high 60s and barely dip below the 40s. That means camping is totally doable in January. With four campgrounds to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options.
7. Chicago, Illinois
You might think I’m insane for adding this, but Chicago is my hometown, and I think there’s something special about every season here. Not convinced? Although summertime in Chicago is exciting and the weather is fantastic for outdoor activities, visiting the Windy City in January is perfect for grabbing a deal on hotels and visiting world-class museums (some are even free!).
Chicago winters are brutal, but if you’re prepared for the cold, it doesn’t have to be such a deterrent. Wear plenty of warm layers and take advantage of all the amazing things to do in Chicago that are indoors. Catch a production at the Chicago Theatre, see a comedy show at The Second City, visit the Art Institute, or get your adrenaline pumping by standing on a glass platform 95 floors in the air at 360° Chicago. The options are endless for things you can do here in the wintertime, so why not take advantage of the cheapest prices of the year by visiting in January?
6. Nashville, Tennessee
Visiting Nashville is a fantastic option for travelers looking to save money on their January vacation. Not only are there a ton of free things to do in the Music City, but Nashville also made our list of the cheapest vacations in the US because of the affordable accommodation options and generous portions at restaurants.
January also marks the middle of Nashville’s low season, meaning prices are even better than usual, and there’s a good chance you’ll get a deal on airfare as well. There may not be as many live shows during this time, and the nightlife scene won’t be as vibrant, but that could be a draw for travelers who are looking to have a more laid-back experience.
Nashville winters are chilly, with temperatures peaking in the high 40s during the day and plunging to as low as 28° at night. If you’re coming from further north, however, this might be warmer than the January temps you’re used to.
5. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is perhaps one of the most underrated small cities in the US. Not only is there tons to do here, but the city is famous for its warm Southern hospitality and cultural diversity.
January is chilly in Louisville, but there are a few reasons why it’s a great time to visit. There’s an ice rink at 4th Street Live where you can go skating throughout the winter. Since holiday crowds have died down by January, it’s also a great time to take advantage of the city’s excellent museums, such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Kentucky Derby Museum. Here you can also find the Seelbach Hilton Hotel, which was a favorite place of Al Capone’s. Louisville is full of interesting history like this, which you can get an earful of on a walking tour.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
Although Boston’s winters can be harsh, this historic city maintains its enchanting quality the whole year. Since one of the main draws is the plethora of museums and historical sites, you don’t have to spend too much time outside in the cold, as most of them are indoors.
If you get lucky with sunny weather, though, you can also check out the Freedom Trail, which is 2.5 miles long and has 16 historical sites, with plenty of options to duck into a building to warm up. Since this is one of Boston’s most popular tourist attractions, it can get crowded in the spring through the fall, so visiting in January is ideal.
Another reason to visit Boston in January is to get a tour of Fenway Park, since it’s the off-season for the Red Sox. Even if you aren’t a baseball fan, the stadium is full of historical relics and stories. Boston is also set to host the 2023 Travel & Adventure Show, which will happen at the end of the month.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
There is just as much to do in Atlanta in January as there is any other time of year. The weather here is mild, with average highs in the 50s and occasional 70-degree days. That means you can enjoy outdoor spots like Atlantic Green, the Atlanta Belt Line, and the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center in January. In case you encounter rain, there are also plenty of museums and other indoor attractions, like the Atlanta Contemporary Art Museum, the Fernbank Science Center, and the Atlanta History Center.
Although the weather is a plus, January in Atlanta is extra special because of the Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations throughout the city. From the parade downtown to the celebration at the King Center, you’ll see why ATL is the place to be in January. Other events include the Cathedral Antiques Show and Tour of Homes as well.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Tourism in Charleston continues to rise each year, and for good reason. This charming city is full of historical richness, amazing food, and excellent hospitality. Dare I say more? Although Charleston is booming right now, the winter months remain quiet here, making January a fantastic time to visit.
Charleston’s weather in January is ideal if you’re looking to escape the cold. Temperatures hover around 60 degrees, with chillier nights and mornings.
This is also the best time for foodies to visit, as the city celebrates restaurant week in January. Even if you don’t visit during that week, the dip in tourism means you’ll have a better chance at getting a table at popular restaurants that are usually booked up in the spring and summer months.
1. Orlando, Florida
I’m here to break the news: Orlando is so much more than Disney World! Central Florida is home to abundant natural springs with crystal-clear water, some of which look bright baby blue in the sunlight. One of the best is the Rock Springs swimming hole, just a 35-minute drive outside of Orlando. That is just the beginning of all the beautiful places there are to see in and around Orlando. Wekiwa Springs State Park, Seminole State Forest, and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive are all within an hour’s drive.
Since January is cooler than most of the year yet still warm enough to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities, it’s a great time to visit. It’s also low season for the theme parks, so you can enjoy fewer crowds if you decide to go. Low season also comes with lower rates on accommodation, and you can save even more by checking out Orlando’s many free activities and places to visit.
Pin me for later:
I have to admit that I tend to hibernate in January, as the cold keeps me indoors and snuggled up at home. However, there are so many places to visit in January in the USA that sound so exciting that I might just have to venture out and explore.
Which of these destinations sounds the best to you?
