When the New Year begins, travelers eagerly search for the best place to go in USA in January to start their adventures with excitement and warmth. January offers diverse travel experiences, from snow-covered mountains to sunny beaches. Whether you want to ski in Aspen, explore New York’s winter charm, or relax on the sandy shores of Florida, there’s something special for everyone.
The best place to go in USA in January depends on the kind of trip you desire — adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery. Winter lovers can embrace the cold in destinations like Colorado or Vermont, while sun-seekers can find bliss in Hawaii or California.
Best Place to go in USA in January
Exploring the best place to go in USA in January means enjoying off-season prices, fewer crowds, and breathtaking scenery. From national parks blanketed in snow to vibrant city festivals, every location promises unforgettable memories. So, whether you’re chasing snowflakes or sunshine, finding the best place to go in USA in January will set the perfect tone for your travel year ahead.
1. San Francisco
Location: California
Average January temperatures in San Francisco: High of 58°F and low of 47°F, 8 days of rain
San Francisco doesn't get too cold in January; daytime highs are in the mid-50s and into the upper 50s by the end of the month. It's sunny, or at least partly sunny, throughout the month.
At Pier 39, next to the Carousel, you can enjoy both the weather and the daily live entertainment by famous street performers.
The city also has special days during the month when visitors can get into museums for free - the Botanical Gardens, Conservatory of Flowers, and the de Young Museum of Fine Arts are on this list!
Plus, around the Bay Area, you'll find big events like Broadway musicals and stand-up comedy.
For sports, you might catch the 49ers’ last game before the football season ends, or get tickets to a Golden State Warriors basketball game. Otherwise, the city has plenty of high-quality sports bars!
2. St. Petersburg
Location: Florida
Average temperature in St. Petersburg in January: High of 70°F and low of 54°F, 5 days of rain
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this city isn’t called the Sunshine City for nothing! With daily average temperatures ranging from the high 60s to the mid 70s, St. Petersburg attracts Florida locals and cold northerners for the rest of the season.
As part of the Tampa Bay area, there are several popular beaches to enjoy. You’ll also find many cute little towns in the area.
Head to Weedon Island Preserve where you can do a lot of things like fishing or bird watching. There are also camping and hiking opportunities at Fort De Soto Park.
The Sunken Garden is another popular local attraction, featuring a beautiful collection of rare tropical plants from around the world.
Other mixed outdoor-indoor activities include the city’s notable winter festivals, such as the delicious John’s Pass Seafood Festival, which will be held this season from January 17-19, 2025!
The Museum of Fine Arts is another great option for keeping busy in the city. And, if you’re a beach lover – St. Pete has some of the best beaches around Tampa!
3. Austin
Location: Texas
Average temperature in Austin in January: High of 61°F and low of 41°F, 5 days of rain
January may be the coldest month of the year for Austin, but its daily high of 62°F and low of 41°F won’t spoil your plans to explore the city.
If you’re a music fan, head to Austin during the first week of January for their annual music festival, Free Week (January 3-4, 2025), where nearly two hundred local bands perform free shows at venues across the city.
One of the top-rated hiking spots in Texas is Austin’s Barton Creek Greenbelt, which has about 13 miles of trails that wind through lush forest landscapes, mountains, and waterfalls. And at Lady Bird Lake, you’ll find the popular Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, which offers views of the city skyline for about 10 miles.
4. Philadelphia
Location: Pennsylvania
Average temperatures in Philadelphia in January: High of 41°F and low of 28°F, 8 days of precipitation
January is Philadelphia's coldest month, with an average high of 37°F and an average low of 25°F. However, that doesn't dampen the city's joy - in fact, expect an extended Christmas event!
In Dilworth Park, the Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink hosts ice skating sessions (November 15, 2024 to March 9, 2025), and adjacent booths serve snacks and seasonal cocktails while overlooking the Winter Garden's lights.
Thousands of lights dance to the famous tunes performed by the Philly Pops Orchestra at the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show in Franklin Square (November 21, 2024 to February 23, 2025).
Until January 12, 2025, you can see the winter wonderland created at Longwood Gardens, featuring more than 500,000 lights, fire pits, live music, and a fountain show.
One of Philly’s best skating rinks, with an amazing view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Blue Cross Riverrink hosts Winterfest, where carnival games, fire pits, food, drinks, and even a Ferris wheel can keep you entertained.
5. St. Simons Island
Location: Georgia
Average January temperatures in St. Simons Island: High of 61°F and low of 43°F, 6 days of rain
The Georgia coast has ideal winter temperatures for those looking for something a little cooler than paradise, with average temperatures in the mid-60s.
Cannons Point Preserve on St. Simons Island has a 5-mile trail with many checkpoints, which passes through maritime forest and Glynn's Marsh and is popular for off-road biking.
Take a horseback ride through the Frederica Stables, which offers both beach and marsh riding.
On the coast is Fort Frederica, now a National Historic Site and museum with scenic views of the famous marsh.
The island is also a great place for bird watching, with over 11,000 acres and over 300 species of birds to see.
King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort is another popular destination for visitors, with an 18-hole golf course and its stunning facilities, a great place to spend the night, and a clubhouse for dining and socializing.
St. Simons Island is a great winter getaway from Savannah (just 1.5 hours!) and other areas in the region.
6. McCall
Location: Idaho
Average January temperatures in McCall: Highs of 30°F and lows of 12°F, 10 days of rain
If you’re looking for a chance to snowmobile into the wilderness, McCall has over 500 miles of trails and endless possibilities.
The area's ski resorts have a combined 2,600 acres of skiable terrain, with a network of trails with vertical drops and dips for enthusiasts of all levels.
For trips further into the woods, there is more than 20,000 acres of backcountry that is accessible to guides and tour groups such as Brundage Snowcat Adventures.
Other activities include sleigh rides, snow biking, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Average high temperatures range from 27°F to 30°F, ideal for these types of snow activities throughout the day.
Other trails include the McCall Ale Trail, which takes you past a variety of craft breweries and restaurants. The trip can end at a hot spring overlooking the snow-capped wilderness.
7. Boulder
Location: Colorado
Average January temperatures in Boulder: High of 47°F and low of 22°F, 3 days of rain
Boulder's average daily high of 45 degrees is the perfect temperature for relaxing at local craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cideries, such as Asher Brewing Co. or Boco Cider. It's a great day trip from Denver!
In addition to relaxing and enjoying the city's social life, enjoy the city's natural beauty, which hosts events throughout the city.
The Polar Plunge is an event held annually at the Boulder Reservoir, where locals take a dip in the freezing water. (Note: It's been moved to February 2025, but I'm leaving if it's January next year.)
On January 1st, there is the First Day Hikes event where locals gather in groups to hike one of the many popular trails, such as the Red Rocks Trail at People's Crossing, a fairly easy trail about a mile long that loops around a stunning sandstone formation nestled in the landscape; it's located right around the corner from downtown and offers a scenic view of the city from below.
8. Palm Springs
Location: California
Average January temperatures in Palm Springs: High of 71°F and low of 45°F, 5 days of rain
Hiking any of Palm Springs' 100 trails will give you unforgettable views of the canyons and waterfalls surrounding the city.
Some of the most popular trails are the Andreas Canyon Trail and the Arabi Trail in Indian Canyon, which either pass through tribal lands or iconic developments - a glimpse into the history of the area.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes passengers to an elevation of over 8,000 feet and offers incredible views of Mount San Jacinto State Park.
Palm Springs is also famous for its impressive bike loops and trails around the city; it's so popular that several businesses offer bike rentals.
The American Foot Gold League is located throughout the city, and so some of the best places to play the game are locally The Lights at Indio Golf Course, a popular attraction.
The month of January is known for its International Film Festival, which attracts celebrities and other events and culminates with a gala and awards ceremony and is taking place from January 2-13, 2025.
9. Boone
Location: North Carolina
Average January temperatures in Boone: High of 41°F and low of 23°F, 10 days of rain
The city of Boone offers a wide variety of winter activities for beginners and experts, from snowboarding, sledding, and ice skating at various resorts and parks to snow tubing at the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast and winter ziplining.
Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding are additional activities that should be considered for a more gradual experience, as opposed to the thrilling adventures mentioned above.
Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort, and Hawksnest Snowtubing are all great options to consider for all of these activities.
Hiking through Elk Knob State Park, Otter Falls, and Rowan Mountain adds another level of magic to the trails in the winter.
The Blowing Rock Winter Festival (January 23-26, 2025) is a highlight of the High Country; the festival includes four days of events, including ice sculpture carving and the Polar Plunge at Chetola Resort, and features local businesses and vendors.
10. Jackson Hole
Location: Wyoming
Average January temperatures in Jackson Hole: High 28°F and low 5°F, 8 days of precipitation
Jackson Hole is perhaps the most important winter travel destination.
With Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, or Elk National Park, no other city in the United States can match the natural beauty of the country; take a wildlife tour or park tour to see unique sights like Old Faithful and catch a glimpse of or meet moose, elk, and bald eagles.
Otherwise, an endless list of popular winter sports activities can keep you busy: from snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, snow tubing to sleigh riding.
Snow King Ski Area features a brand-new attraction called the Cowboy Coaster, which takes riders through thrilling twists and turns up to 456 feet.
The Aerial Tram also offers panoramic views of the national park from over 10,000 feet, traveling from the Mountain Resort to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain.
11. Miami
Location: Florida
Average temperature in Miami in January: High of 74°F and low of 63°F, 4 days of rain
If you want to experience the beauty of Florida without the bugs, humidity, and heat, traveling to Miami in the winter is your best choice.
Beaches are a priority as they are less crowded but just as sunny and warm, and some of the best places in Miami include Miami Beach, Crandon Park, Biscayne Bay and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
In January, there are plenty of events and festivals to enjoy with a huge social life; the South Beach Jazz Festival (January 9-12, 2025), the Beaux Arts Festival (January 18-19, 2025) and the International Chocolate Festival (January 18-19, 2025) are a few notable ones.
One of the city's major festivals will be Art Deco Weekend, which celebrates its 48th year on January 18-20, 2025; there are dozens of activities and events to participate in, including car shows, live music, tours and fairs.
12. Lake Havasu City
Location: Arizona
Average January temperatures in Lake Havasu: High of 66°F and low of 43°F, 2 days of rain
Lake Havasu City's beautiful outdoor environment attracts many visitors during the winter months who want to enjoy the pleasant climate in Arizona.
From kayaking on the Bridgewater Channel to hiking the desert trails throughout the park, the stunning scenery is hard to miss and enjoy.
Lake Havasu State Park is open 24 hours a day year-round and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, swimming, and picnicking.
Explore Lake Havasu and the Colorado River with a chartered boat service from Havasu Sunseekers and take in the full beauty of the city; there are opportunities to go cliff jumping or swimming at the lake's various beaches.
Try some water activities like jet-skiing by renting from Sandbar Powersports, or go off-roading in the high sand dunes of the desert with a Sandbar Powersports Off-Road Tour.
13. Oahu
Location: Hawaii
Average January temperatures in Oahu: High of 78°F and low of 64°F, 5 days of rain
Swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or surf on the seemingly endless beaches of Oahu in January!
From the North Shore beaches of Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay Beach Park to Honolulu’s famous Waikiki, there’s a beach for everyone, whether you want to head to the North Shore for those crazy winter storms or head south for snorkeling at Hanauma Bay.
You can also watch humpback whale migration with knowledgeable guides at the best spots on the island, which often include these beaches (I took a nice whale watching tour straight from Honolulu and saw many!).
Hike to the top of Leahi's volcanic crater (Diamond Head) for a panoramic view of Waikiki and one of the best things to do in Honolulu, as does a short hike to Manoa Falls.
Take advantage of the extensive rental services, such as renting a boat or ATV to further explore the island's nature and hidden gems. Helicopter tours and parasailing tours are also available for the more adventurous!
14. Keystone
Location: Colorado
Average January temperatures in Keystone: High 27°F and low 3°F, 12 days of rain
Keystone is primarily known as a ski resort (but a cute little town nonetheless!), with some of the best skiing terrain in the state.
Other outdoor activities include snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snow tubing, and are often experienced at Keystone Resort due to its vast natural landscape.
There are 135 trails with options for beginners and experienced skiers of all levels, and the rest are spread across three mountain ranges: North Peak, Durcum Mountain, and Outback.
There are also opportunities to freestyle ski and night ski, which are unique options that not all resorts offer. With Keystone Lake frozen over, there is ice skating day and night on the 7,200-square-foot rink.
Finish the evening with a 15-minute horse-drawn sleigh ride, under both blankets and stars, to dinner at a cabin in the heart of the forest.
You can also take a day trip to Breckenridge, one of my favorite places in Colorado during the winter months!
15. Apostle Islands
Location: Wisconsin
Average temperature in Apostle Islands in January: High of 24°F and low of 15°F, 9 days of rain
The highlight of the Apostle Islands is the ice caves, and for this reason, it is one of the most popular weekend getaways in Wisconsin.
Seeing the ice on Lake Superior is something that not many Americans get to experience south of the Great Lakes, and it’s awesome!
Once confirmed (and safety checked), visitors can take their winter boots, poles, and other essentials with them to keep warm and fed, and head out to the ice caves on the mainland. You can enjoy the incredible views of the sandstone caves independently or with a tour guide.
After exploring the ice caves and frozen lakes, there's always snowmobiling and winter lodging, skiing at Mount Ashwauben or Drummond Ski Trails, or hiking the Lakeshore Trail. This trip is definitely worth a full weekend.
16. Washington, DC
Average temperature in Washington, DC in January: High of 43°F and low of 25°F, 7 days of rain
Ice skating is popular and accessible in Washington, DC for months after Christmas. The Wharf Ice Rink, Pentagon Row Outdoor Skating Rink, National Gallery of Art Sculpture, and Garden Ice Rink all offer ice skating opportunities at iconic locations throughout the city.
If the city gets snow (it's unexpected... as someone who's been there before!), it's a unique way to see famous landmarks like the National Mall (located next to the Capitol and Washington Monument), Georgetown (a beautiful neighborhood), and Arlington Cemetery (in the Valley).
17. Bend
Location: Oregon
Average January temperatures in Bend: High 42°F and low 23°F, 6 days of rain
The Three Sisters, Broken Top, Mount Bachelor, and Tumalo Mountain are located in the scenic Bend area - considered one of the best views in Central Oregon.
When visiting Bend's many ski resorts and snow parks, consider snowshoeing or skiing to these incredible sights for a two-in-one experience.
Mount Bachelor Ski Resort is the sixth largest ski resort in North America and is highly recommended for a visit.
Virginia Meisner Snow Park, Wanoga Snow Park, Swampy Lakes Snow Park, Cascade Snow Bike, Edison Butte Snow Park, and Central Oregon Adventure are great places for winter activities, including snowmobiling and snow biking.
The Oregon Trail of Dreams offers an authentic dog-sledding experience where you can trail and tour some of the area's most beautiful sights.
18. Fairbanks
Location: Alaska
Average temperature in Fairbanks in January: High of 0°F and low of -15°F, 2 days of rain
A trip to Fairbanks in January will see you in one of the best places to visit in Alaska, right in the middle of its aurora season! It’s one of the best places to see the northern lights in the United States.
If you don’t want to hunt it down alone, you can also hire a tour guide or special accommodations that can maximize your chances of seeing the aurora. Borealis Basecamp and Salmon Berry Tours are two of the top-rated companies in Fairbanks.
Travelers can enjoy dog-sledding in Fairbanks! Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service, Black Spruce Dog Sledding, and Paws for Adventure are great options to consider, and may even offer sledding tours in the evening when the northern lights are visible.
Plus, you can explore wildlife parks like Fountainhead Wedgwood Wildlife Sanctuary, go snowmobiling with Rod's Alaskan or Alaska Wildlife Guide, or even soak in the hot springs at Chena Hot Springs Resort to unwind from the day's adventures while you're in Fairbanks!
19. Los Angeles
Location: California
Average temperature in Los Angeles in January: High of 68°F and low of 49°F, 4 days of rain
Winter is probably the best time to visit Los Angeles because of its pleasant average temperature of 68°F - not too hot and not too cold - and enjoy the city's bustling social life.
The city has more than you can handle, from thrill rides at theme parks and Universal Studios Hollywood to entertainment, including the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Disneyland Park and the Griffith Observatory (a planetarium with amazing views).
Shopping in Los Angeles is also irresistible (in a good way!) with its endless malls and shopping centers. And January is the perfect time to spend some of that Christmas cash.
Try watching a Lakers game live, or at one of the many sports bars around town. The city is huge and incredibly diverse, and internationally acclaimed as a foodie's paradise... so be sure to book a weekend getaway there!
20. Memphis
Location: Tennessee
Memphis Average Temperature in January: High of 50°F and Low of 32°F, 7 days of rain
January is the month when Memphis sees its heaviest snowfall in the winter, and while the city may offer milder weather than other northern destinations, there are still plenty of things to do both indoors and outdoors to ring in the new year.
Sun Studio, the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music are important music landmarks in Memphis, and you can catch seasonal performances at the Children's Museum of Memphis and the Orpheum Theater.
Graceland also has a celebration commemorating Elvis' birthday (January 8) that will run from January 8-11, 2025. Memphis is a great winter city-getaway, whether you're traveling alone, with your loved one, or with the whole family!
21. Atlanta
Location: Georgia
Average January temperatures in Atlanta: High of 53°F and low of 33°F, 7 days of rain
Atlanta has an average daytime high in the 50s in January, and it rarely snows (however, it can be icy!).
If you're looking for a snowy getaway, you can enjoy winter activities including artificial snow at Stone Mountain Park; otherwise, you'll be in the sun no matter what you do.
The Atlanta Beltline allows you to walk or bike to some of the city's best sights, the most popular being the Eastside Trail.
Piedmont Park and the adjacent Botanical Gardens, located in the heart of Midtown, are great places to wander to see the city's urban life and culture, with lush gardens and stunning views.
The Botanical Garden's Garden of Lights displays Christmas and holiday lights until mid-January (it will end on January 12, 2025), when it transforms into a Chinese New Year theme with illuminated lanterns.
22. Taos
Location: New Mexico
Average January temperatures for Taos: High of 41°F and low of 10°F, 2 days of rain
New Mexico's desert north is bordered by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and offers a myriad of Native American cultures as well as ski resorts to explore the full potential of the mountains' steep, snow-capped peaks.
Taos' most prominent landmark would be Taos Pueblo, which is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a continuously inhabited Native American community.
You can also enjoy the area's mountain towns and villages, including the iconic Eagle Nest and Cuesta Village, which are excellent stops for both skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling between resorts.
Hot air ballooning is another popular activity that offers a scenic view of the desert mountains in the distance against the snow-capped mountains.
End your trip at the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, which was historically considered a sacred place to the locals due to its unique combination of five waters.
23. Chicago
Location: Illinois
Average January temperatures in Chicago: High 32°F and low 22°F, 5 days of rain
In addition to visiting the famous metropolitan city of Chicago and enjoying its stunning buildings, there are many other things to do in the Windy City in the winter!
For a simultaneous, stunning view of Michigan Avenue, Cloud Gate (aka The Bean), and the famous Chicago winter skyline, go ice skating at the ice rink in Millennium Park. You can also catch a glimpse of frozen Lake Michigan as you walk along the Lakefront Trail.
For activities that keep you out of the bitter cold, there’s the Magnificent Mile, a seemingly endless shopping street lined with luxury boutiques, shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes. It’s easy to pop in and out of each one to warm yourself up!
Both the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Garfield Park Conservatory are green, picturesque greenhouse spaces and gardens where you can take shelter and take a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s third-largest city.
The iconic Adler Planetarium, which hosts exhibits and interactive displays, offers a surreal experience in space and another glimpse into Chicago’s historic past. It’s a great place to take the kids if you’re joining the tour.
24. Sandpoint
Location: Idaho
Average January temperatures in Sandpoint: High of 34°F and low of 22°F, 11 days of precipitation
In winter, there's just as much to do in Sandpoint when more than three hundred inches of snow blankets the mountains, creating plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Round Lake State Park, Farragut State Park, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch are just a few of the dozen local parks that have their own groomed trails for a variety of activities.
When the weather is favorable, visitors can go ice skating on Lake Pend Oreille and enjoy the beautiful scenery of its epic location.
For city living, the Sandpoint Shopping District is home to popular, local craft breweries and wineries, such as Micduff's Brewing Company and Pend d'Oreille Winery, among other small businesses.
25. Lincoln
Location: New Hampshire
Average January temperatures in Lincoln: High of 28°F and low of 8°F, 9 days of rain
Lincoln is nestled in the western White Mountains and becomes a world-class skiing destination during the winter months!
With a variety of difficulty levels from beginner to expert, there are plenty of opportunities for both potential skiers and non-skiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best place to go in USA in January for warm weather?
A1: The best place to go in USA in January for warm weather is Florida, especially Miami and Key West, where you can enjoy sunny beaches, water activities, and vibrant nightlife.
Q2: Which destinations are best for snow and winter sports in January?
A2: Aspen in Colorado, Lake Tahoe in California, and Park City in Utah are among the best places to visit for skiing, snowboarding, and winter festivals.
Q3: Is January a good month to travel in the USA?
A3: Yes, January is a great month to travel because there are fewer crowds, discounted hotel rates, and diverse weather conditions across the country—from snowy mountains to tropical beaches.
Q4: What are the best family-friendly places to visit in January?
A4: Orlando, Florida; San Diego, California; and Washington, D.C. are family favorites with theme parks, museums, and cultural attractions perfect for all ages.
Q5: Where can I find budget-friendly destinations in January?
A5: For travelers seeking affordable options, consider Nashville, Savannah, or New Orleans. These cities offer great experiences without breaking the bank.
Note: January is one of the most versatile months to explore the United States. Whether you’re searching for snowy adventures or sunny getaways, you’ll find the best place to go in USA in January suited to your travel style. Always check local weather conditions, travel restrictions, and event schedules before planning your trip. Booking flights and accommodations early can also help secure the best deals. From mountain retreats to beach escapes, the best place to go in USA in January offers unforgettable experiences to start your year with excitement and joy.