After the December holidays, tourism slows down all through the US, making January a implausible time to discover a brand new place. Prices are usually decrease, which means you would possibly have the ability to snag an ideal deal on lodging and flights.
When deciding the place to journey this January, think about whether or not you need to embrace a wintry wonderland together with its freezing temps, or head someplace a bit hotter for a break from the chilly. This listing has a bit of every, together with seashores, uncrowded nationwide parks, nippy cities, and extra:
20. Big Island, Hawai’i
If you are likely to get the winter scaries and are searching for the right tropical vacation spot this January, there’s no higher place than the Big Island of Hawai’i. Not solely does the Big Island have some unbelievable seashores, however there are additionally some implausible snorkeling spots and beautiful hikes as effectively.
The Big Island is residence to a various ecosystem that provides guests an unbelievable number of surroundings. From the seashores and the mountains to waterfalls to lookout factors, it has all of it. It’s additionally a hub for non secular and transformative experiences.
So, why go to the Big Island in January? First of all, escaping the frigid temperatures of winter is an attractive proposal. (You received’t be the one one with this concept although, as winter is among the hottest occasions to go to Hawai’i. Compared to November and December, nevertheless, January is a bit much less crowded.) There’s additionally much less rainfall that month, so it’s good for all of the outside actions you are able to do. Plus, humpback whale season can be in full swing in January, supplying you with another excuse to go to.
19. Fairbanks, Alaska
It would possibly sound utterly bonkers to go to Alaska within the winter, however hear me out. If you don’t thoughts bundling up and braving the chilly, Fairbanks is an extremely magical place to go to in January. During this time, there’s an opportunity you may catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, aka the northern lights. Plus, it’s a implausible time to take a look at the Chena sizzling springs and go canine sledding.
In Fairbanks, you may absolutely immerse your self in an icy wonderland. Visit the Aurora Ice Museum to see some spectacular sculptures, or embark on an epic snowmobiling journey. There’s a lot to do in Fairbanks this January for anybody who needs to completely expertise Alaskan winter in all its snowy glory.
18. Olympic National Park, Washington
There’s quite a bit to like about wintertime within the PNW. The moody shoreline, glowing bushes heavy with newly fallen snow, and white mountain peaks are all options of Olympic National Park in Washington throughout the month of January. Although some components of the park are closed within the winter months, most of it stays open to discover.
If you’re hoping to get out and discover, there are many hikes in Olympic National Park to select from. One of them is Hurricane Ridge, the place you may go snowshoeing, snowboarding, tubing, or snowboarding. The coastal hikes are additionally nice within the wintertime, as you may simply stroll alongside the seashores, like Rialto Beach. Just be certain to go to throughout low tide, because the winter waves may be treacherous and unpredictable throughout excessive tide.
17. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake in Oregon is an impressive website any time of 12 months, though the snowy climate of January makes it further particular. From cross-country snowboarding to snowshoeing, sledding, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, there are many winter actions to get pleasure from right here. Although this space will get extra snow than most different locations within the US, the park stays open all through the winter months.
There’s an opportunity that you could be encounter some street closures if there’s heavy snowfall, which is able to make it troublesome to not possible to succeed in the lake itself, so be certain to test climate situations earlier than you depart. If you’ll be able to make it to the rim of the majestic lake, the wintertime view is nothing in need of spectacular.
16. Mammoth Lakes, California
The Mammoth Lakes area in California is among the state’s hottest locations to go snowboarding. However, there’s rather more to do in Mammoth Lakes within the winter than simply snowboarding. Most notably, testing the new springs here’s a should in January. When there’s snow on the bottom, the new springs are further steamy and much more stunning than within the hotter months. Plus, they’re not as crowded throughout this time of 12 months, so that you’ll have a greater probability of attending to soak solo.
Within Mammoth Lakes, among the finest spots to go to in January are Convict Lake for a beautiful view of the mountains mirrored on the water, the Hot Creek Geological website for a magical steamy scene, and Mono Lake for a really distinctive panorama and salty water that doesn’t freeze within the winter. Most locations will probably be fairly snowy this time of 12 months, so pack snowshoes for simpler entry.
15. Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada
The California deserts are best to go to within the winter months, particularly in January, when the gentle temperatures make exploring extra accessible — within the hotter months, some spots like Death Valley are just too scorching to hike by way of safely.
The desert landscapes in Death Valley National Park are nearly otherworldly. From the delicate colour spectrum of the Artist’s Palette to the salty Badwater Basin and clean Mesquite Flat sand dunes, there’s a lot to get pleasure from in Death Valley for nature lovers. The hottest hike within the park is the Golden Canyon hike, which is nice to do within the winter, as a result of it’s the one time of 12 months when the warmth isn’t utterly overwhelming.
If you’re considering of heading to Death Valley this January, take a look at this information on discovering the most effective locations to remain and camp in and across the park.
14. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
If you thought Lake Tahoe was excellent for summer season, you’re in for a deal with whenever you see how a lot there’s to do right here within the wintertime. January in Lake Tahoe is right for vacationers who adore outside actions like snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh using, canine sledding, ice skating, and extra.
The climate is chilly, with highs barely reaching the mid 40s, so put together your self with loads of heat layers so you may absolutely embrace Lake Tahoe’s magnificence and availability of out of doors actions.
Lake Tahoe is shared by each California and Nevada, and has two distinct areas: North and South. North Tahoe is extra laid-back and has much less growth general, making it extra best for January vacationers who need to escape and join with nature. South Tahoe has extra lodging and eating places to select from, however you would possibly discover wintertime ski crowds there.
13. Kirkham Hot Springs, Idaho
In case you may’t inform, I’m a giant fan of visiting sizzling springs within the wintertime. There’s one thing so soothing about dipping right into a sizzling pool when the skin air is frigid, with steam rising up from the water so fantastically. Some of the finest sizzling springs to go to within the USA are in Idaho, and Kirkham Hot Springs is a robust contender for the perfect of all.
Kirkham is comparatively uncrowded within the winter months, which makes it such an ideal spot to go to in January, as there’s an opportunity you possibly can have the springs to your self. The swimming pools sit proper subsequent to a flowing river, with snowcapped mountains within the background. The surroundings alone is a phenomenal sight, however having the ability to admire it from a steaming pure pool makes it much more idyllic.
12. Moab, Utah
If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Arches or Canyonlands National Park however are discouraged by the thick crowds of excessive season (March by way of October), think about visiting in January. Winters are chilly in Moab, with highs within the 40s and lows within the 20s, however the potential of getting stunning rock formations to your self and decrease charges on lodging is likely to be value it.
There’s a lot to do and see in Moab, corresponding to visiting the enduring Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, catching a dawn at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, or grabbing a chew on the Moab Food Truck Park. Moab can be an important cease on any Utah nationwide parks street journey.
11. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
If you need to get far off the overwhelmed path this January, there’s no higher vacation spot than White Sands National Park in New Mexico. It’s the world’s largest gypsum sand dune discipline and spans 275 miles in the course of the desert. The dunes listed below are not like wherever else within the US; you may even climb to the highest and sled down if you happen to’d like. Visiting in January means having fun with milder temperatures, however be certain to nonetheless carry loads of solar safety, as there’s completely no shade when you enterprise outdoors of the guests’ heart.
Unlike most nationwide parks which are open 24/7, White Sands has working hours that modify from season to season. The finest time to go is correct earlier than sundown, because the surroundings is phenomenal when the solar goes down. Shadows forged from the dunes create stunning patterns within the sand, and the entire place glows with totally different hues. This nationwide park not often turns into crowded normally, however January yields even fewer guests. Chances are, you’ll get a complete sand dune to your self! Find out all the things it is advisable to learn about visiting White Sands National Park right here.
10. Albuquerque, New Mexico
If you’re taking a street journey by way of New Mexico, likelihood is you’ll begin in Albuquerque or at the very least cross by way of. This quirky metropolis deserves to be a vacation spot all by itself, nevertheless, as there’s a lot to do in Albuquerque. From visiting the Breaking Bad filming places to taking a hot-air balloon journey over the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque is stuffed with journey.
Visiting Albuquerque in January is a good possibility for anybody who needs to flee frigid winter temperatures however doesn’t thoughts a bit of chill. January presents gentle temperatures, with highs barely reaching the 50s however not often dipping under 30 levels. Bring some layers and also you’ll be good to go.
9. Breckenridge, Colorado
This is one for these of you on the market who really need to embrace winter and all of the outside actions that you are able to do within the snow. Breckenridge is among the USA’s most outstanding ski cities, so it’s no shock that January is the perfect time to go to. Sure, it is likely to be a bit crowded, however the sunny skies and abundance of occasions this month make it value it.
One of the most effective winter occasions in Breckenridge is the International Snow Sculpture Championships on the finish of January. This month additionally sees essentially the most snowfall of the 12 months, which makes it the perfect time for snowboarding, snowshoeing, sleigh using, dogsledding, snowmobiling, and extra.
8. Big Bend National Park, Texas
You would possibly acknowledge Big Bend from different lists of the place to go to within the USA by month. The fact is, there’s actually not a dangerous time to go to Big Bend National Park, one of the vital underrated within the US. There are not often giant crowds any time of 12 months, however that is very true in January. You’ll love having some solitude right here, because the landscapes are pleasant and the evening sky is ideal for stargazing. Does it get any extra peaceable than that?
Although January is the coldest month in Big Bend, temperatures nonetheless hover within the excessive 60s and barely dip under the 40s. That means tenting is completely doable in January. With 4 campgrounds to select from, you’ll have loads of choices.
7. Chicago, Illinois
You would possibly suppose I’m insane for including this, however Chicago is my hometown, and I feel there’s one thing particular about each season right here. Not satisfied? Although summertime in Chicago is thrilling and the climate is implausible for outside actions, visiting the Windy City in January is ideal for grabbing a deal on lodges and visiting world-class museums (some are even free!).
Chicago winters are brutal, however if you happen to’re ready for the chilly, it doesn’t should be such a deterrent. Wear loads of heat layers and reap the benefits of all of the superb issues to do in Chicago which are indoors. Catch a manufacturing on the Chicago Theatre, see a comedy present at The Second City, go to the Art Institute, or get your adrenaline pumping by standing on a glass platform 95 flooring within the air at 360° Chicago. The choices are countless for issues you are able to do right here within the wintertime, so why not reap the benefits of the most cost effective costs of the 12 months by visiting in January?
6. Nashville, Tennessee
Visiting Nashville is a implausible possibility for vacationers trying to save cash on their January trip. Not solely are there a ton of free issues to do within the Music City, however Nashville additionally made our listing of the least expensive holidays within the US due to the inexpensive lodging choices and beneficiant parts at eating places.
January additionally marks the center of Nashville’s off-season, which means costs are even higher than typical, and there’s a superb probability you’ll get a deal on airfare as effectively. There might not be as many stay exhibits throughout this time, and the nightlife scene received’t be as vibrant, however that could possibly be a draw for vacationers who need to have a extra laid-back expertise.
Nashville winters are chilly, with temperatures peaking within the excessive 40s throughout the day and plunging to as little as 28° at evening. If you’re coming from additional north, nevertheless, this is likely to be hotter than the January temps you’re used to.
5. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is maybe one of the vital underrated small cities within the US. Not solely is there tons to do right here, however the metropolis is legendary for its heat Southern hospitality and cultural range.
January is chilly in Louisville, however there are a couple of the reason why it’s a good time to go to. There’s an ice rink at 4th Street Live the place you may go skating all through the winter. Since vacation crowds have died down by January, it’s additionally a good time to reap the benefits of the town’s wonderful museums, such because the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Kentucky Derby Museum. Here you can even discover the Seelbach Hilton Hotel, which was a favourite place of Al Capone’s. Louisville is stuffed with fascinating historical past like this, which you will get an earful of on a strolling tour.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
Although Boston’s winters may be harsh, this historic metropolis maintains its enchanting high quality the entire 12 months. Since one of many primary attracts is the plethora of museums and historic websites, you don’t should spend an excessive amount of time outdoors within the chilly, as most of them are indoors.
If you get fortunate with sunny climate, although, you can even take a look at the Freedom Trail, which is 2.5 miles lengthy and has 16 historic websites, with loads of choices to duck right into a constructing to heat up. Since that is one in every of Boston’s hottest vacationer points of interest, it may get crowded within the spring by way of the autumn, so visiting in January is right.
Another cause to go to Boston in January is to get a tour of Fenway Park, because it’s the low season for the Red Sox. Even if you happen to aren’t a baseball fan, the stadium is stuffed with historic relics and tales. Boston can be set to host the 2023 Travel & Adventure Show, which is able to occur on the finish of the month.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
There is simply as a lot to do in Atlanta in January as there’s every other time of 12 months. The climate right here is gentle, with common highs within the 50s and occasional 70-degree days. That means you may get pleasure from outside 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 additionally loads of museums and different indoor points of interest, just like the Atlanta Contemporary Art Museum, the Fernbank Science Center, and the Atlanta History Center.
Although the climate is a plus, January in Atlanta is further particular due to the Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations all through the town. From the parade downtown to the celebration on the King Center, you’ll see why ATL is the place to be in January. Other occasions embody the Cathedral Antiques Show and Tour of Homes as effectively.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Tourism in Charleston continues to rise every year, and for good cause. This charming metropolis is stuffed with historic richness, superb meals, and wonderful hospitality. Dare I say extra? Although Charleston is booming proper now, the winter months stay quiet right here, making January a implausible time to go to.
Charleston’s climate in January is right if you happen to’re trying to escape the chilly. Temperatures hover round 60 levels, with chillier nights and mornings.
This can be the most effective time for foodies to go to, as the town celebrates restaurant week in January. Even if you happen to don’t go to throughout that week, the dip in tourism means you’ll have a greater probability at getting a desk at widespread eating places which are normally booked up within the spring and summer season months.
1. Orlando, Florida
I’m right here to interrupt the information: Orlando is a lot greater than Disney World! Central Florida is residence to plentiful pure springs with crystal-clear water, a few of which look vivid child blue within the daylight. One of the most effective is the Rock Springs swimming gap, only a 35-minute drive outdoors of Orlando. That is just the start of all the gorgeous locations there are to see in and round Orlando. Wekiwa Springs State Park, Seminole State Forest, and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive are all inside an hour’s drive.
Since January is cooler than many of the 12 months but nonetheless heat sufficient to get pleasure from every kind of out of doors actions, it’s a good time to go to. It’s additionally off-season for the theme parks, so you may get pleasure from fewer crowds if you happen to resolve to go. Low season additionally comes with decrease charges on lodging, and it can save you much more by testing Orlando’s many free actions and locations to go to.
Pin me for later:
I’ve to confess that I are likely to hibernate in January, because the chilly retains me indoors and snuggled up at residence. However, there are such a lot of locations to go to in January within the USA that sound so thrilling that I’d simply should enterprise out and discover.
Which of those locations sounds the most effective to you?