Looking for the best places to visit in January in the USA? These are the places you want to travel to this month whether you’re looking for a winter wonderland, special events, or you’re running from the cold.
The holidays are over, but winter adventures are just getting started. Have you written out a travel bucket list? After being cooped up at home, I’m excited to see some new places.
January is a great time to travel if you have the flexibility. In most cases, you get to avoid the large crowds from winter break, and you’ll get better hotel deals.
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Last Updated: October 31, 2024
:: Winter Activities ::
1. Aspen, Colorado
590 N Mill St, Aspen, CO 81611, map
Weather Avg: 36° / 10° F
If you love snow, Aspen is one of the best places to visit in January in USA. You’ll find groomed runs or fresh powder. Since school break is over, it will be much less crowded, and hotel prices will be more reasonable. Plus, there are some notable events!
- TO DO: Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, Tubing, Snowcat Dinners
- EAT: White House Tavern, Meat & Cheese Restaurant, French Alpine Bistro
- STAY: Search for Aspen Hotels
- EVENTS: Wintersköl, Gay Ski Week, X-Games
Local Tip: During the big events, like X-Games, it will be crowded and prices will be higher.
2. Vail, Colorado →
241 S Frontage Rd W #8150, Vail, CO 81657, map
Weather Avg: 29° / 6° F
Vail is another magical spot in January. The crowds have thinned, while the snow is still excellent. You’ll find better travel deals, and you can hit the slopes, go dog sledding, have a spa day, and more.
- TO DO: Sleigh Rides, Snow Activities, Dog Sledding
- EAT: The Little Diner, Annapurna Nepali and Indian Cuisine, Mountain Standard
- STAY: Search for Vail Hotel Deals
- EVENTS: Annual Vail Winterfest
See More: 15 Best Things to Do in Vail in Summer
3. Big Sky, Montana
88 Ousel Falls Rd Unit A1, Big Sky, MT 59716, map
Weather Avg: 32° / 9° F
Big Sky has earned the nickname The Biggest Skiing in America with 5800 acres of skiable terrain and 4350 feet of vertical drop. It’s also a great launching point to discover Yellowstone National Park during the winter.
- TO DO: Skiing, Yellowstone National Park, Ousel Falls
- EAT: Riverhouse BBQ & Events, Buck’s T-4 Hopitality, Horn and Cantle
- STAY: Search for Big Sky Hotels
Local Tip: If you plan on visiting Yellowstone, be sure to check what closures there are or go on a guided visit.
See More: Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park + Essential Tips for Your Visit
4. Breckenridge, Colorado
203 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424, map
Weather Avg: 31° / 19° F
Breckenridge in January means it’s either snowy or sunny, both making for fun outdoor adventures. The average snowfall for January is 20+ inches, so you’ll find fresh powder often. Just bundle up since it’s the coldest month of the year.
- TO DO: Snowcat Tour, Sledding at Carter Park, Skiing and Snowboarding
- EAT: The Canteen Taphouse and Tavern, Hearthstone Restaurant, Giampietro Pasta & Pizzeria
- STAY: Breckenridge Hotel Deals
- EVENTS: International Snow Sculpture Championships
Local Tip: You don’t need a car. There are shuttles from Denver International Airport to breezily get to Breckenridge, and there is a free bus system throughout the town. Most hotels also offer free shuttles to and from town.
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming →
532 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001, map
Weather Avg: 28° / 5° F
Jackson Hole is another beautiful destination for outdoor winter adventures, like skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. You can also explore the town, take a dip in the hot springs, or sleigh rides at National Elk Refuge. Grand Teton National Park is right there too.
- TO DO: Things to Do in Jackson Hole in the Winter
- EAT: Persephone Bakery, Hand Fire Pizza, Gather
- STAY: Jackson Hole Hotel Deals
See More: 11+ Unforgettable Things to Do in Jackson Hole Wyoming in the Winter
:: Warm Destinations ::
6. Death Valley National Park, California →
36.4617588,-116.8688057, map
Weather Avg: 67° / 40° F
Death Valley is of our favorite national parks because of the variety of landscapes. You can walk the dunes, check out the lowest point in North America, or hike along colorful hills. It’s unbearably hot during the summer, but you can comfortably spend all day outside in the winter. Just be sure to bring layers since the temperatures drop significantly when the sun goes down.
- TO DO: Badwater Basin, Mesquite Dunes, Zabriskie Point
- EAT: Last Kind Words Saloon, Happy Burro Chili & Beer, Smokin J’s Barbecue
- STAY: Death Valley Hotels and Rentals
Local Tip: If you plan on visiting multiple National Parks, pick up an annual pass to save money.
See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
7. Orlando, Florida →
8102 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, map
Weather Avg: 72° / 51° F
January is one of the cooler months, perfect for spending all day at the parks (it’s historically the least busy time at Disney World), checking out the local festival and events, or exploring outdoor activities.
- TO DO: Disney Parks, Stetson Mansion Holiday Tours, New Smyrna Beach
- EAT: Chi-Kin, Delaney’s Tavern
- STAY: Find the Best Hotels and Rentals in Orlando
- EVENTS: Mecum Auction Collector Cars, Busch Gardens Mardi Gras, Epcot Festival of Arts
Local Tip: Weather can be unpredictable in January so it’s best to pack in layers and a rain jacket.
See More: The Ultimate Orlando Bucket List
8. Palm Springs / Palm Desert, California →
2901 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, map
Weather Avg: 71° / 45° F
The winter is prime time for desert travel. You get beautiful sunshine and reasonable temperatures making it perfect for exploring Palm Springs. There are also plenty of delicious restaurants, bars, and concerts happening throughout the month.
- TO DO: 15 Best Things to Do in Palm Springs
- EAT: Farm, Trio, The Tropicale
- STAY: Search All Palm Springs Hotels
- EVENTS: Palm Springs International Film Festival, The American Express Golf Tournament
See More: 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Palm Springs
9. Miami, Florida
1701 Meridian Ave #403, Miami Beach, FL 33139, map
Weather Avg: 74° / 63° F
While the water temps aren’t ideal for swimming, you can still soak in the sun on the beaches, check out clubs, or explore other city attractions without crowds. You also get better hotel prices throughout the city.
- TO DO: Boat Tour, Charter a Fishing Boat, Everglades National Park
- EAT: CVI.CHE 105, The Salty Donut, KYU
- STAY: Miami Hotel Deals
- EVENTS: South Beach Jazz Festival, Miami Festival of Laughs, Art Deco Weekend
10. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida Keys, Florida →
281 Trumbo Rd, Key West, FL 33040, map
Weather Avg: 74° / 65° F
January is a beautiful time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park and the Florida Keys area to beat the crowds. However, the downside is that weather can be unpredictable, making it harder to get to Dry Tortugas. If you can’t make it out to the National Park, there’s a lot to see and do in Key West and the rest of the Keys.
- TO DO: Fort Jefferson Tour, Snokel / Dive, Camping
- EAT: Blue Heaven, Santiago’s Bodega, DJ’s Clam Shack
- STAY: Search Key West Hotel Deals
- EVENTS: Key West Artisan Market Market, Key West Kingfish Mayhem, Florida Keys Seafood Festival
Local Tip: Have back up plans in case the weather causes delays or cancellations of outdoor activities.
See More: 7+ Remarkable Things to Do in Key West Florida
11. San Diego, California →
996 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, map
Weather Avg: 66° / 50° F
San Diego is still one of our favorite cities in the US we lived in. If you visit during January, you avoid the holiday crowds, and the weather is great year round.
- TO DO: San Diego Bucket List, Best Photo Spots
- EAT: Carnitas Snack Shack, Steamy Piggy
- STAY: San Diego Hotel Deals
- EVENTS: Farmers Insurance Open (PGA)
Local Tip: It gets chillier at night and closer to the ocean, so pack layers.
See More: 25 Free Things to Do in San Diego
:: Special Events ::
12. Lake Havasu, Arizona →
422 English Village, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, map
Weather Avg: 66° / 43° F
January is extra special because of the Annual Havasu Balloon Festival where hot air balloons fill the skies.
During the summers, Lake Havasu is a giant party and the lake if filled with boats. In the winter, it becomes more relaxing and laid back. You still get sunny days but cooler weather.
- TO DO: Lighthouses, London Bridge, Sara’s Crack
- EAT: La Vita Dolce Italian Bistro, Mudshark Brewery and Public House, Cha-Bones
- STAY: Search Lake Havasu Hotels
- EVENTS: Annual Havasu Balloon Festival, Polar Bear Day, Annual Festival of Lights
See More: 15 Fun Things to Do in Lake Havasu City Arizona
13. St Paul, Minnesota
175 W Kellogg Blvd #502, St Paul, MN 55102, map
Weather Avg: 23° / 6° F
Winter Carnival happening Jan 28 to Feb 6, 2022, is the main attraction of St Paul this month. It celebrates all things cold with an Ice Sculpture Park, Ice Fishing Tournament, parades, and more. And the best part is that a lot of the activities are free.
- TO DO: Winter Carvinal, Sledding, Ice Skate
- EAT: Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook, Red Cow, The Buttered Tin
- STAY: More Hotels in St Paul
- EVENTS: Ice Fishing Tournament, NHL Winter Classic, Winter Carnival
Local Tip: Do yourself a favor and get a rechargeable hand warmer.
14. McCall, Idaho
44.9161982,-116.1128458, map
Weather Avg: 30° / 12° F
Another Winter Carnival happens in McCall, Idaho, throughout most of January. You’ll find snow sculpture events, dog sled challenges, special dinners, concerts, and more.
- TO DO: Skit / Snowboard, Annual Ice Sculpture Contest, McCall Hot Springs
- EAT: My Father’s Place, Hometown Pizza, Steamers Steak & Seafood
- STAY: Hotel Deals in McCall
- EVENTS: Winter Carnival, Snow Sculpture Contest, Dog Sled Challenge
15. Park City, Utah
1794 Olympic Pkwy, Park City, UT 84098, map
Weather Avg: 35° / 14° F
Park City has world-class skiing and snowboarding. We went snowboarding here a while back, but we’re due for a trip soon. If you aren’t into either, there are plenty of other winter activities like ice skating, sleigh rides, dog sledding, and more.
At the end of January, filmmakers, actors, and fans gather here for the largest independent film festival in the US.
- TO DO: Snowmobile, Ski / Snowboard, Sleigh Rides
- EAT: High West Saloon, Freshies Lobster, Five5eeds
- STAY: Park City Hotel Deals
- EVENTS: Sundance Film Festival, Last Friday Gallery Stroll
Local Tip: Prices are significantly higher during the festival, so book early.
See More: 15 Best Festival in the US to Add to Your Bucket List
Map of the Best Places to Visit in January in the USA
Warmest Destinations in the US
The warmest states in the winter are Hawaii, Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana.
The warmest cities based on average highs are:
- 82°F – Kailua Kona, Hawaii Big Island || Lahaina, Maui
- 81°F – Kahului, Maui || Everglades National Park, Florida
- 80°F – Honolulu, Oahu
- 79°F – Hilo, Hawaii Big Island
- 76°F – Miami, Florida
- 74°F – Key West, Florida
- 71°F – Orlando, Florida || Anaheim, California || Palm Springs, California
- 70°F – Yuma, Arizona
- 69°F – Anza Borrego, California || Phoenix, Arizona || Big Bend National Park, Texas
- 68°F – Daytona Beach, Florida || Los Angeles, California
More Travel Destinations in January
- ALASKA: Fairbanks
- ARIZONA: Santa Fe, Scottsdale, Sedona, Tucson, Flagstaff
- CALIFORNIA: LA / Santa Monica, Lake Tahoe, SF, Yosemite
- FLORIDA: Fort Lauderdale
- GEORGIA: Atlanta, Brunswick + Golden Isles, Jekyll Island, Savannah
- HAWAII: Big Island, Kona, Kaui, Lanai, Maui
- ILLINOIS: Chicago
- LOUISIANA: New Orleans
- MASSACHUSETTS: Boston, Moosehead Lake
- NEVADA: Las Vegas
- NEW MEXICO: Taos, White Sands
- NEW YORK: New York
- PENNSYLVANIA: Philadelphia
- SOUTH CAROLINA: Hunting Island State Park, Palmetto Bluff
- TENNESSEE: Nashville
- TEXAS: Austin, Dallas, South Padre Island + Port Isabel
- UTAH: Alta, Snowbird, SLC, Zion
- WASHINGTON: Mt Baker, Seattle
- WISCONSIN: Milwaukee
What to Pack (Our Travel Favorites)
- Backpack
- Raincoat
- Water Bottle (our current favorites)
- Portable Charger
For Cold Weather Destinations:
- Rechargeable Hand Warmer
- Insulated and Waterproof Shoes
- 3-in-1 Parka (our favorite jackets for travel)
- Midlayers
- Heavyweight Socks
- Beanie
- Balaclava
- Gloves
For Warm Weather Destinations:
Want to know what to wear to the airport? These are our ideal airport outfits and our carry on essentials for every flight.
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
More Resources
- USA Travel Guide
- Rand McNally Road Atlas
- 50 Best Road Trips in the USA
- Scenic Highways and Byways in the US
- National Parks Travel Guide
- Annual National Park Pass
USA IN: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.