Where to Go in January in the US: Warm Places, Ski Towns, Deals

The best places to go in January in the US are Hawaii, South Florida and the Keys, Southern California and the Arizona and California deserts for warm weather, and the Rocky Mountain, Utah and Lake Tahoe ski towns for snow. The weeks after New Year’s are among the quietest of the year for many cities and parks, but warm-weather destinations stay in peak season.

Where is it warmest in the US in January?

Hawaii is the warmest choice, with coastal highs around 80°F, followed by the Florida Keys and the Miami area in the mid-70s°F. The deserts are sunny and mild by day but cold at night. Temperatures in the table are approximate average highs; the Death Valley figures are from the National Park Service.

The National Park Service Death Valley weather page lists January averages of 67°F and 40°F at Furnace Creek, which makes this one of the best months for hiking there.

Is Florida warm enough in January?

South Florida is, north Florida often is not. Miami, the Keys, Naples and Fort Myers usually have sunny days in the 70s°F, although cold fronts can bring a few cool, windy days. The Gulf Coast north of Tampa and the Panhandle are noticeably cooler, and beach days there are hit or miss.

• Everglades: January is in the dry season, when wildlife gathers around remaining water and mosquitoes are far less of a problem than in summer.
• Manatees: in cold spells, manatees gather in warm springs and power-plant outflows; Blue Spring State Park and the Crystal River area are known viewing spots in winter.
• Prices: January through March is peak season in southwest Florida and the Keys because of seasonal residents, so book lodging well ahead.

Is Hawaii worth it in January?

Hawaii is one of the most reliable January choices for warm weather. Humpback whales are present from about November to May, with the peak from January through March, so whale watching is at its best. Winter is also big-wave season on north-facing shores such as Oahu’s North Shore, where surf can be dangerous for swimmers; calmer beaches are usually on south and west shores. Windward sides of each island get more rain in winter.

Prices are highest over the New Year holiday and stay high through winter. Sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā on Maui requires an advance reservation on Recreation.gov. For a full cost breakdown by island, see our guide to how much a trip to Hawaii costs.

What about Southern California and the desert parks?

January is a strong month for the California and Arizona deserts if you want hiking without heat. Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Anza-Borrego and Saguaro all have comfortable daytime temperatures, though nights can drop to freezing and higher elevations occasionally see snow. Campgrounds in Joshua Tree fill on weekends, so reserve ahead; our Joshua Tree National Park guide covers camping and the best stops.

Farther north, the Grand Canyon’s South Rim stays open but is cold, with snow and icy trails common in January; the North Rim is closed for the winter. Sedona is cooler than Phoenix and can see occasional snow on the red rocks.

Which ski towns are best in January?

January usually brings a deeper snowpack than December and fewer crowds than the holidays or Presidents’ Day weekend. The exception is Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, which falls on January 16–18, 2027, and is busy at most resorts.

• Utah and Colorado: dry, light snow and the largest choice of resorts; temperatures can drop well below zero at night.
• Jackson Hole and Big Sky: steep terrain and real cold; dress for frostbite risk on lifts.
• Lake Tahoe: big storms and heavy snow, with chain controls on mountain highways.
• Vermont: the closest big skiing for the East Coast; January is cold, so pack face protection.

One change for 2027: the Sundance Film Festival, long held in Park City, moves to Boulder, Colorado, and runs January 21–31, 2027. Our guide to the best ski towns in the US compares towns, passes and price levels.

Is January a cheap month to travel?

For many trips, yes. After the New Year holiday, demand for city hotels, rental cars and domestic flights generally drops, and the first weeks of January are often among the best-value dates of the year for cities like Chicago, New York and Washington, DC. National parks outside the deserts are quiet.

The main exceptions are warm-weather destinations, ski resorts on holiday weekends, and cities hosting big events. In Las Vegas, the CES technology trade show in early January drives hotel rates sharply up for that week. Compare prices for a few date ranges before you commit.

Bottom line

Choose Hawaii or South Florida for beach warmth, the deserts for hiking in comfortable temperatures, and Utah or Colorado for snow. If price matters most, travel in the first three weeks of January to a city or a cooler region, and avoid MLK weekend at ski resorts.

FAQ

Where is the warmest place in the US in January?

Hawaii is the warmest, with coastal highs around 80°F. The Florida Keys and Miami are next, with highs in the mid-70s°F.

Where can you go in January without a passport?

US citizens can travel to Hawaii, Florida and the rest of the 50 states with a standard ID. Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are US territories and also do not require a passport for US citizens flying from the mainland.

Is January a good time to visit national parks?

It is for desert and subtropical parks such as Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Saguaro and the Everglades. Many mountain parks close scenic roads for winter, so check road status pages first.

Is January too cold for the Grand Canyon?

The South Rim is cold, often below freezing at night, and trails can be icy, but it stays open and is much less crowded than in summer. Bring traction devices for the trails and expect possible snow.