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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 your out a travel bucket list? After being cooped up at home, I’m excited to see some new places. Fingers crossed that the variant doesn’t take over 2022.
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.
This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.
Last Updated: December 24, 2021
15 Best Places to Visit in January in USA
|| 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: Limelight Hotel Aspen, Hotel Durant, Hearthstone House Aspen EVENTS: Wintersköl, Gay Ski Week, X-GamesLocal 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: Stizmark Lodge, Austria Haus Hotel, The Landmark EVENTS: Annual Vail Winterfest
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: Residence inn by Marriott, Big Sky Resort, The Lodge at Big SkyPro Tip: If you plan on visiting Yellowstone, be sure to check what closures there are or go on a guided 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: Welk Resorts, Crystal Peak Lodge, Mountain Thunder Lodge EVENTS: International Snow Sculpture ChampionshipsLocal 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.
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: Mountain Modern, The Lexington at Jackson Hole, Inn on The Creek EVENTS: GlowNights, 10th Anniversary Driggs Snowscapes – The Art of Sculpting Snow
|| Warm Destinations ||
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: The Ranch at Death Valley, The Inn at Death Valley, Death Valley Inn & RV ParkLocal Tip: If you plan on visiting multiple National Parks, pick up an annual pass to save money.
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, Hungry Pants, Delaney’s Tavern STAY: Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, SPOT X, Wyndham Garden EVENTS: Mecum Auction Collector Cars, Busch Gardens Mardi Gras, Epcot Festival of Arts, Rock the Universe 2022Local Tip : Weather can be unpredictable in January so it’s best to pack in layers and a rain jacket.
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: Inn at Palm Springs, Alcazar Palm Springs, Korakia Pensione EVENTS: Palm Springs International Film Festival, Palm Springs Pinot Noir Festival, The American Express Golf Tournament
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: The Guild Downtown, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons EVENTS: South Beach Jazz Festival, Miami Festival of Laughs, Art Deco Weekend
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: Perry Hotel, Douglas House, Hyatt Residence Club EVENTS: Key West Artisan Market Market, Key West Kingfish Mayhem, Florida Keys Seafood FestivalLocal Tip: Have back up plans in case the weather causes delays or cancellations of outdoor activities.
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, Hammond’s Ice Cream, Steamy Piggy STAY: Hotel Z, Pendry San Diego, Crown City Inn EVENTS: Farmers Insurance Open (PGA)Local Tip: It gets chillier at night and closer to the ocean, so pack layers.
|| Special Events ||
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: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hampton Inn, Heat Hotel EVENTS: Annual Havasu Balloon Festival, Polar Bear Day, Annual Festival of Lights
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: The Saint Paul Hotel, Drury Plaza Hotel, Canopy by Hilton EVENTS: Ice Fishing Tournament, NHL Winter Classic, Winter CarnivalLocal 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: WorldMark, Rustic Inn, Best Western Plus EVENTS: Winter Carnival, Snow Sculpture Contest, Dog Sled ChallengeLocal Tip / Pro Tip / Note: dsfsdfsd
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: The Chateaux Deer Valley, Hyatt Place, Silver King EVENTS: Sundance Film Festival, Last Friday Gallery StrollLocal Tip: Prices are significantly higher during the festival, so book early.
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, CaliforniaMore Travel Destinations in January
What to Pack (Our Travel Favorites)
For Cold Weather Destinations:
For Warm Weather Destinations:
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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, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both 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.
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