❄️ 13 Best Places to Visit in January in the USA for an Epic Winter Adventure 🇺🇸
With the holiday rush behind you, January is the perfect time to explore the USA. From snowy cityscapes to warm beach escapes, January travel offers fewer crowds, better rates, and plenty of seasonal charm. Here are the best winter travel destinations in the US to kickstart your year with adventure and fun.
10 Incredible Places to Visit in January in the US
1. New York City, New York 🗽
The Big Apple tends to draw in smaller crowds in January than other peak times of year. However, January in New York City still boasts an incredible festive spirit and turns into a winter wonderland, making it a truly enchanting time to visit. The average temperature is rather chilly, with highs around 4°C and a lows around -3°C. To make the most of your visit to New York City during January, be sure to explore the beauty of Central Park that will likely be covered in snow. In the city known as the concrete jungle, Central Park provides New Yorkers a much-needed green oasis, and is one of the most famous parks in the world. Since 1949, during the winter months, Central Park opens an ice skating rink called Wollman Rink that is popular with tourists and locals alike. Glide across the ice while enjoying the iconic Manhattan skyline!
❄️ Why visit NYC in January? Smaller crowds, iconic winter atmosphere.
🌟 Top highlights: Ice skating, Central Park, Broadway shows.
💎 Hidden gems: Speakeasy bars, Chelsea Market, Brooklyn Flea.
2. Los Angeles, California 🌴
The City of Angels is a gorgeous destination no matter what time you visit. Los Angeles enjoys an average high of 19°C and an average low of 9°C for the month of January, making it one of the best winter sun destinations in all of the United States. If you want a taste of the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood lifestyle, January is a great time of year for celebrity spotting, with the Golden Globes Awards taking place. January in LA is considered low season, so it’s also a great chance to venture out to Disneyland to enjoy the smallest crowds of the year – which means no waiting in line, win!
☀️ Why visit LA in January? Warm weather, fewer tourists, Hollywood events.
🌟 Top highlights: Disneyland, Hollywood, beaches.
💎 Hidden gems: Griffith Observatory, Runyon Canyon hikes, Santa Monica cafes.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada 🎲
Also known as Lost Wages and the City of Sin, we all know that what happens in Vegas, well, stays in Vegas. Las Vegas in January can be a little on the cooler side, with an average high of 14°C and an average low of 3°C, meaning you’ll want less time poolside and more time spent at the poker table. During your time in Las Vegas, be sure to check out one of the many acts happening around the city. A few of the Vegas regulars such as Jerry Seinfeld and David Copperfield often have great shows during the month of January. The cooler January weather also makes it a perfect time of year to get some hiking done so be sure to check out Red Rock Canyon!
🎰 Why visit Las Vegas in January? Comfortable weather, entertainment shows.
🌟 Top highlights: Casinos, Red Rock Canyon, live shows.
💎 Hidden gems: Fremont Street, Neon Museum, off-strip dining.
4. Austin, Texas 🎸
January is the perfect time to explore Austin with lots of great functions and events happening all around the city. The month brings an average high temperature of around 16°C and an average low of 5°C, making it comfortable without being too cold. Starting from the 1st of January and running until the 31st, the Wolf Ranch Farmers Market operates every Saturday, showcasing amazing local food and produce. No visit to the State of Texas would be complete without trying some of that famous Texan BBQ, and in Austin one place reigns supreme. Franklin’s Barbecue is open from 11am until sold out, and it sells out every single day! Be sure to get here early enough to experience why Texas BBQ is so famous.
🎶 Why visit Austin in January? Pleasant climate, vibrant food scene, live music.
🌟 Top highlights: Franklin’s BBQ, Sixth Street, Farmers Markets.
💎 Hidden gems: South Congress shops, Zilker Park, street art.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana 🎷
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and home of the unbelievably tasty soul food known as Gumbo. Gumbo is a West African dish that contains ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, duck, crab and sausage, and no trip to New Orleans would be complete without sampling this world famous Louisiana speciality. New Orleans is a city full of buzz and excitement during the month of January, for just as the festive season is coming to an end the preparations for the annual Mardi Gras celebrations are underway. The average high temperature reaches 17°C and the average low is 8°C, making for an extremely pleasant winter destination with plenty of hours of sunshine to enjoy. While travelling in New Orleans be sure to visit the Old French Quarter, the city’s historic heart famous for its jazz clubs, colourful buildings, St. Louis’ Cathedral and of course, Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street is world famous for its nightlife, neon lights, street parties, live music and for its constant flow of alcohol. The atmosphere and vibe of Bourbon Street should be your first stop while in New Orleans.
🎭 Why visit New Orleans in January? Mardi Gras kickoff, amazing food.
🌟 Top highlights: Bourbon Street, French Quarter, jazz clubs.
💎 Hidden gems: Frenchmen Street, Garden District, local eateries.
6. San Francisco, California 🌉
San Francisco is at its coldest in January, with an average high temperature of around 14°C and an average low of 8°C. Although you might not spend too much time at the beach, there’s still plenty to see and do during the winter months in San Fran. While you’ll obviously be visiting the major tourist hotspots such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Prison, there are a few other hidden gems that most tourists don’t know about, so be sure to check these out. Firstly you’ll want to get down to Pier 39 for the amazing cafes and restaurants, street performers and gorgeous views of the marina. But the real reason to venture down here is to see the hundreds of sea lions that call this pier their home! Watching these sea lions wrestle each other for prime spots in the sun on the docks is an amazing (and adorable) thing to witness! Another great place to visit in San Francisco is Muir Woods National Monument, home to the towering old Californian redwood trees, some being over 2000 years old. There’s lots of great hikes in Muir Woods all varying in difficulty and distance, meaning there will be something to suit all fitness levels or time commitments. Getting to Muir Woods takes a little bit of organisation, as it is north of San Francisco (about a 40 minute drive). You can either hire a car for the day or opt for the Muir Wood Shuttle.
🌁 Why visit San Francisco in January? Quiet landmarks, mild winter weather.
🌟 Top highlights: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Pier 39.
💎 Hidden gems: Muir Woods, Mission District murals, local coffee spots.
7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 🥪
January is a fantastic month for travelling around Philly, but be prepared for some harsh weather with average lows of -2°C and the average high of a balmy 5°C, yikes. But with these wintry conditions comes Philly’s Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest that runs through the month of January, with ice-skating, arcades, free concerts and of course scrumptious snacks. Speaking of scrumptious snacks, it would be considered sacrilege to come to Philadelphia and not sample a Philly Cheesesteak. What is a cheesesteak you ask? It’s essentially a sandwich filled with beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll, but trust me it is so much more than just a sandwich; in Philly it’s a way of life. While there is a lot of dispute around the city as to who makes the best cheesesteak, these are some of our favourite spots for a truly authentic Philly experience:
- John’s Roast Pork
- Pat’s King of Steaks
- Geno’s Steaks
- Campo’s
⛄ Why visit Philadelphia in January? Cheesesteaks, historic sites, Winterfest.
🌟 Top highlights: Liberty Bell, RiverRink Winterfest, iconic food spots.
💎 Hidden gems: Reading Terminal Market, street art, local breweries.
8. Washington D.C. 🇺🇸
January is undoubtedly the coldest month of the year to travel to the US Capital, with an average low of -4°C and frequent snowstorms, but thankfully there’s a lot of great (and cheap) ways to stay warm in Washington D.C. during the winter months. Washington has a vast and varied range of amazing galleries and museums to keep you out of the cold, so be sure to spend a few hours at the amazing Smithsonian, National Gallery of Art and of course visit the iconic National Monuments. Being the nation’s capital city, there are also a lot of memorials that are really worth visiting such as the World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. January is also the perfect month to bundle up warm, lace up your skates, and head to one of the city’s many popular ice skating rinks that operate for almost all of the month! January also sees the annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with weekend events taking place from January 18-21st in 2019, making it a unique and prestigious time to be in Washington.
🏛️ Why visit Washington in January? Museums, monuments, cultural events.
🌟 Top highlights: Smithsonian Museums, monuments, ice-skating.
💎 Hidden gems: Georgetown cafes, National Arboretum, indie bookstores.
9. Boston, Massachusetts ⚓
By the end of January, Boston has usually experienced significant snowfall and stints of severe weather. The average high during January is around 3°C while the low is -5°C, so you’ll definitely need to keep yourself as snug as a bug in a rug. For a truly authentic US experience, you’ll want to attend some live sport, and Boston is a great city to do it in! The Boston Celtics (basketball) have a lot of home games at TD Garden during the month of January, where you’ll be able to experience the fast paced and atmospheric US sporting environment. Maybe sports aren’t your thing? Perhaps the Boston Wine Festival sounds more favourable! It’s the nation’s longest running wine festival celebrating 30 years of delicious wines from the world’s best winemakers, which runs through the month of January. Wine not?!
❄️ Why visit Boston in January? Winter sports events, wine festival.
🌟 Top highlights: Celtics game, Boston Wine Festival, Freedom Trail.
💎 Hidden gems: Beacon Hill cafes, Boston Public Library, local breweries.
💰 Price range: Regular.
10. Chicago, Illinois 🎭
When the average high for the month of January in Chicago is 0°C, wearing layers of clothing, gloves, a scarf and a hat are essential for winter survival. Thankfully, Chicago’s biggest indoor winter wonderland, Winter WonderFest, is open in January to enjoy all of the perks of winter. Chicago is world famous for its art and theatre culture, and what better way to escape the cold than by enjoying a show or concert! January brings a lot of great musicals, concerts and shows so keep an eye out for what’s happening in 2019! If you’re looking for a completely quirky event to attend in Chicago, all winter movie enthusiasts can gather at Northwestern University for a 24-hour binge session of low-budget films. Tickets are cheap and it will no doubt keep you entertained.
🧣 Why visit Chicago in January? Arts, indoor attractions, festive events.
🌟 Top highlights: Theatre shows, Winter WonderFest, Art Institute.
💎 Hidden gems: Jazz clubs, comedy clubs, indie cinemas.
11. Miami, Florida 🏖️
Finally some delicious weather for January! Miami enjoys an average high of 23°C and a low of 19°C, making the city a perfect January travel destination. Miami is known as the Magic City, famous for its culinary scene, amazing beaches, Art Deco architecture and friendly locals! Your first stop in Miami needs to be to the iconic Miami Beach, the best area for soaking up some delicious sun and relaxing to the max (you are on holiday after all!) followed by a visit to Bayside Marketplace. The Bayside Marketplace has everything you could possibly need and is located along the Miami waterfront, with daily live music and an atmospheric vibe. Eating is a favourite activity amongst the locals, and here in Miami you can head to Little Havana to indulge in some of the best Cuban food found anywhere in the world. With non-stop lively Latin music filling the air and some amazing Cuban restaurants and food stalls, you may forget you’re in the states at all!
🌴 Why visit Miami in January? Warm beaches, culture, nightlife.
🌟 Top highlights: South Beach, Art Deco District, Little Havana.
💎 Hidden gems: Wynwood Walls, Bayside Marketplace, local eateries.
💰 Price range: Regular to Expensive.
12. Santa Monica, California 🎡
Santa Monica is a coastal area west of Downtown Los Angeles and is home to the most famous beach in the US, Santa Monica Beach. The weather in January is still warm with an average high of 19°C. Santa Monica is a very walkable and bike-friendly location, and there is no better way to experience the beauty of this area than by foot. The beach enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, but it’s the sunsets over the pier that truly make Santa Monica special. Be sure to visit the Santa Monica Pier with its range of amazing shops, restaurants and carnival attractions including the iconic Ferris wheel. An amazing place to enjoy by day, the pier transforms by night underneath the stars and lights, creating an amazing atmosphere bustling with energy!
🌅 Why visit Santa Monica in January? Mild climate, beautiful sunsets.
🌟 Top highlights: Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, beach paths.
💎 Hidden gems: Local cafés, farmers markets, street performers.
13. Seattle, Washington ☕
In January, Seattle has an average high temperature of 8°C and an average low of 3°C. When visiting during the winter months, dressing with layers and always having a rain jacket (ideally with a hood) is a smart idea. January brings far fewer tourists to the city than other peak times, making it a great time to avoid the large crowds that usually congregate. While in Seattle be sure to venture into the Space Needle, the 605-foot tall icon of the city. From the observation level you’ll be rewarded with scenic panoramic views over the city and of Mount Rainer. During those rainy January days, head for the Museum of Pop Culture and keep yourself entertained for hours. Fun fact: The original Starbucks store, which was established in 1971, is located in Downtown Seattle at the Pike Place Market. There are now more than 27,000 Starbucks stores worldwide, so if you’re only going to visit one, why not make it the original here in Seattle?!
☔ Why visit Seattle in January? Fewer tourists, unique attractions.
🌟 Top highlights: Space Needle, Pike Place Market, MoPOP.
💎 Hidden gems: Capitol Hill eateries, Fremont Troll, indie bookstores.
💰 Price range: Regular.
❄️ Winter Travel Recommendations for January in the US 🇺🇸
Exploring January destinations in the US requires some extra planning due to the diversity of climates—from snowy northern cities to sunny southern beaches. Follow these essential recommendations to ensure your US winter adventure is comfortable, safe, and unforgettable:
🌨️ Check Local Weather Conditions
Weather across the US varies greatly in January. Northern cities like New York or Chicago can be snowy and freezing, while southern spots like Miami and Los Angeles remain sunny and mild. Always check local forecasts before packing.
🧳 Pack Appropriately for Your Destination
For northern January destinations, pack thermal layers, waterproof jackets, warm boots, gloves, and scarves. For sunny southern locations, lighter clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen will keep you comfortable.
💧 Stay Hydrated and Moisturised
Cold winter air or sunny climates can quickly dry out your skin. Bring moisturisers, lip balm, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated wherever your January travels take you.
🏠 Book Accommodation Early
Popular US winter destinations can fill up quickly, especially those near ski resorts or winter festivals. Secure your hostel or hotel early to get the best locations and rates.
☀️ Maximise Daylight Hours
Winter days are shorter, particularly in northern states. Plan your outdoor sightseeing activities early to make the most of available daylight.
📑 Invest in Good Travel Insurance
January travel in the US can involve unpredictable weather. Choose insurance that covers cancellations, delays, winter sports, and rental vehicles, ensuring peace of mind during your trip.
🔋 Keep Your Devices Charged
Cold weather drains batteries faster, especially in places like Chicago, Boston, or New York. Bring portable chargers and keep electronic devices warm to maintain battery life.
🚗 Stay Safe on Winter Roads
If renting a car in snowy destinations, ensure it has winter tires and snow chains. If you’re unsure about driving conditions, opt for reliable public transport or shuttle services.
🍲 Try Local Comfort Foods
From hearty gumbo in New Orleans to warm clam chowder in Boston or authentic cheesesteaks in Philly, embrace local winter cuisine to keep warm and immerse yourself in regional culture.
🗺️ Respect Local Customs and Events
Participate respectfully in local winter traditions, festivals, and events, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Washington D.C. or Mardi Gras preparations in New Orleans, to enrich your travel experience.
🧳 Essential Packing List for January Travel in the US
Make sure you’re fully prepared for your US winter adventure by packing these essentials:
- Thermal layers (base layers, fleeces)
- Warm, waterproof winter coat
- Hats, gloves, scarves
- Waterproof boots or comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen (important even in winter sun)
- Lip balm and moisturisers
- Travel adapter (for international visitors)
- Portable power bank
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera for capturing unforgettable winter moments
🌟 Start Your Year Right with a January Adventure in the US!
Travelling across the US in January provides endless opportunities, whether you’re chasing snowy adventures, attending lively festivals, or soaking up winter sunshine. Choose your favourite January destination, pack your bags, and kick off your year with incredible memories waiting to happen!
Special contribution for this article:
My name is Louis Cuthbert; I have been travelling the globe for the last two and a half years documenting my adventures. Follow my journey on Instagram @one_globe_travels.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions about Travelling in the USA in January
2. Which US destinations are warmest in January?
Miami, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica typically offer the warmest temperatures in January, ideal for escaping winter’s chill.
3. Is January a cheaper time to travel in the US?
Yes, January is generally cheaper, offering off-season rates and fewer crowds, particularly after the holiday season.
4. What should I pack for a January trip in the US?
Pack thermal clothing, a waterproof coat, gloves, sturdy boots for snowy areas, or lighter clothing and sunscreen for warmer southern destinations.
5. Are US national parks open in January?
Most parks remain open, though certain areas or trails might close due to weather conditions. Always check official park websites in advance.
6. What unique US events occur in January?
January hosts events like Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations nationwide, Mardi Gras preparations in New Orleans, and the Aspen Wintersköl festival in Colorado.
7. What’s the best city for winter sports in January in the US?
Aspen, Colorado is excellent for skiing, snowboarding, and winter festivals. Lake Tahoe, California and Park City, Utah are also great alternatives.
8. Can you visit beaches in January in the US?
Yes—especially in Miami, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica, which offer warm temperatures and sunny skies perfect for beach visits.
9. Is driving safe in January in the US?
Northern states may have icy or snowy roads. Use winter-equipped vehicles or public transportation. Southern states typically have clearer road conditions.
10. What’s the best way to find affordable accommodation in the US in January?
Hostels and budget accommodations typically offer discounted rates in January. Booking early can further reduce costs.
11. Are popular tourist attractions crowded in January?
Generally, no. January is an off-peak month, so most major attractions see fewer visitors, making it a great time to explore without large crowds.
12. Are flights within the US cheaper in January?
Domestic flights often drop in price after the holiday season, making January an affordable time for air travel within the US.
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