❄️ 13 Best Places to Visit in January in the USA for an Epic Winter Adventure 🇺🇸

For winter sun in January, go to Miami (average highs of 24°C) or Southern California. For snow, skating and cheaper rooms after the holidays, pick New York, Chicago or Boston. New Orleans is the one for atmosphere: Carnival season starts on 6 January, and in 2027 Mardi Gras falls on 9 February.

We checked every city on this list for January 2027: average temperatures, event dates, opening hours and the bookings you now need to make in advance. Each city has what to do, what to eat and a link to compare hostels in the USA. Planning a longer trip? Our backpacking USA guide covers routes, costs and getting around, and our USA travel guides go deeper on each region.

13 best places to visit in the USA in January

1. New York City, New York

The Big Apple draws smaller crowds in January than at other peak times of year, and the city still feels wintry and festive. It is chilly, with highs around 4°C and lows around -3°C, so pack a proper coat. Central Park is at its prettiest under snow, and since 1949 it has opened Wollman Rink for skating every winter, popular with tourists and locals alike. The 2026-27 season opened in late October and is scheduled to run daily until 16 March 2027, so you can glide across the ice with the Manhattan skyline behind you.

January is also a good month to eat out on a budget. NYC Restaurant Week usually runs from mid or late January into February with set-price menus at hundreds of restaurants (the 2026 winter edition ran from 20 January to 12 February), so check NYC Tourism for the 2027 dates. Want to get out of the city for a day? These day trips from NYC by train need no car, and the New York events page lists what is on while you are in town.

❄️ 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 one of the best winter sun destinations in the USA, with an average high of 19°C and an average low of 9°C in January. Awards season is in full swing: the 84th Golden Globes take place on Sunday 10 January 2027 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, so expect road closures around the hotel and the odd celebrity sighting. January is low season in LA, and once the New Year holiday week is over, Disneyland is usually quieter than in summer or at Christmas. Eat well for less with our list of the best cheap places to eat in LA, and if you want to carry on up the coast, our backpacking California guide has the route.

☀️ 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 Sin City, Las Vegas is cooler in January than most people expect, with an average high of 14°C and an average low of 3°C, so you will spend less time poolside and more time at the shows. Residencies change all the time, so check what is playing at the big casino theatres before you book. One week to plan around: CES, the huge tech trade show, takes over the city from 6 to 9 January 2027, and room prices jump while it is on. The cool weather is ideal for hiking at Red Rock Canyon, just west of the city. Its Scenic Drive needs a timed-entry reservation on Recreation.gov between 1 October and 31 May, so book your slot before you go.

🎰 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 a good time to visit Austin, with an average high of around 16°C and an average low of 5°C: comfortable without being cold. On Saturday mornings, the SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown sets up at Republic Square, open year-round with local food and produce. No visit to Texas is complete without proper Texan BBQ, and in Austin one place reigns supreme. Franklin Barbecue opens Tuesday to Sunday from 11am until it sells out (usually by 2pm or 3pm), and it is closed on Mondays, so join the queue well before opening. Evenings are for live music on Sixth Street or Red River.

🎶 Why visit Austin in January? Pleasant climate, great food, 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 the home of gumbo, a Louisiana stew with West African roots, usually made with shrimp, crab, chicken or andouille sausage. January is one of the best months to be here, because Carnival season starts on 6 January (Twelfth Night) and builds all month towards Mardi Gras, which falls on Tuesday 9 February in 2027. The average high is 17°C and the low is 8°C, so a light jacket does the job most days.

The best things to do in New Orleans in January start on the 6th. That evening the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc parades through the French Quarter for Joan of Arc’s birthday, and the Phunny Phorty Phellows ride the St. Charles streetcar to open the season (the preliminary 2027 schedule lists both for 6 January). From then on, bakeries sell king cake, eaten only between Twelfth Night and Mardi Gras. Spend your nights in the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street, and walk the Old French Quarter for its colourful buildings, St. Louis Cathedral and, of course, Bourbon Street, famous for its neon, street parties and late nights.

Parade dates and routes for 2027 are posted on the official New Orleans Mardi Gras guide as the season gets closer. Beds go fast around parade weekends, so compare hostels in New Orleans early.

🎭 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 of around 14°C and an average low of 8°C. It is not beach weather, but there is plenty to do. Beyond the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, head down to Pier 39 for the cafes, street performers and views of the marina. The real reason to go is the sea lions that haul out on the docks, wrestling each other for the best spots in the sun. For a day out of the city, Muir Woods National Monument is home to towering old-growth coast redwoods and trails for every fitness level. It is about 40 minutes’ drive north of San Francisco, and you need a parking or shuttle reservation every day of the year (parking is $9.50 per vehicle and the shuttle $3.75 per person, on top of the $15 entrance fee for anyone 16 or over). Book on the Muir Woods reservations page and download your ticket before you go, as there is no phone signal there.

🌁 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 ready for harsh weather, with average lows of -2°C and highs of a balmy 5°C. The year starts with the Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day, and the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the Delaware River waterfront usually runs from late November into early March (the 2025-26 season ran from 28 November to 1 March). Entry is free; last season skating cost $5 and skate rental $12, so check Visit Philly for 2026-27 prices. Speaking of snacks, it would be sacrilege to come to Philadelphia and not try a Philly cheesesteak: thin-sliced beef and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. Trust me, in Philly it is a way of life. Locals argue endlessly about who makes the best one, but these are some of our favourite spots:

• 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 the coldest month in the US capital, with an average high of about 7°C, lows around -1°C and the occasional snowstorm. The good news is that many of the best ways to stay warm are free: the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art charge no entry, and the National Mall memorials, including the World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, are open to all. Lace up your skates at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink, open from 23 November 2026 to 7 March 2027 (skate rental is $7). Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday 18 January 2027, and the long weekend usually brings a peace walk and parade plus a ceremony at the MLK Memorial, which makes it a special 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 had serious snowfall and stretches of severe weather. The average high is around 3°C and the low -5°C, so you will need to keep yourself as snug as a bug in a rug. For a truly American experience, catch some live sport: the Boston Celtics (basketball) play plenty of home games at TD Garden in January, and the atmosphere is fast and loud. Sport not your thing? The Boston Wine & Food Festival at the Boston Harbor Hotel is the country’s longest-running wine festival, with winemaker dinners and tastings through winter. The 2026 edition (its 37th) ran from 23 January to 28 March, and 2027 dates are announced by the hotel. 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 in Chicago in January is 0°C, layers, gloves, a scarf and a hat are essential for survival. Navy Pier’s indoor Winter WonderFest usually stays open into the first days of January (the 2025-26 edition ran from 5 December to 4 January), so come early in the month if you want to catch it. After that, Chicago’s art and theatre scene is the best way to escape the cold: the Art Institute of Chicago, a Broadway-style show in the Loop or a set at one of the city’s jazz and comedy clubs will fill your evenings. Book a bed close to the L train so you spend less time outside.

🧣 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 warm weather for January! Miami averages a high of 24°C and a low of 16°C, which makes it the warmest city on this list. Known as the Magic City, it is famous for its food, beaches and Art Deco architecture. Start on Miami Beach, the best area for soaking up the sun, then walk along Ocean Drive. In 2027, the free Art Deco Weekend celebrates its 50th edition on Ocean Drive and in Lummus Park from 15 to 17 January (MLK weekend), with tours, music and design. Bayside Marketplace sits on the downtown waterfront with daily live music, and in Little Havana you can eat some of the best Cuban food anywhere, with Latin music filling the air. Want more of Florida? Our guide to Florida beyond the theme parks and our list of warm winter vacations in the USA have more sunny ideas.

🌴 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 beach city just west of Downtown Los Angeles, and Santa Monica Beach is one of the best-known beaches in California. January is still mild, with an average high of 19°C. It is very walkable and bike-friendly, so explore on foot or ride the beach path. The sunsets over the pier are what make it special. Visit the Santa Monica Pier for its shops, restaurants and fairground rides, including the famous Ferris wheel. It is great by day and even livelier at night under the lights.

🌅 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 of 8°C and an average low of 3°C. Dress in layers and always carry a rain jacket (ideally with a hood). January brings far fewer tourists than the summer months, so it is a good time to avoid the crowds. Go up the Space Needle, the 605-foot icon of the city, for views over Seattle and, on a clear day, Mount Rainier. On rainy days, head for the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and you can stay entertained for hours. Fun fact: Starbucks opened its first shop in 1971 at 2000 Western Avenue and moved to 1912 Pike Place in 1976. The Pike Place store is now the oldest one still open and is known as the “Original Starbucks”, so expect a queue.

☔ 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.

 

Tips for travelling the USA in January

January in the USA covers every kind of weather, with snowy cities in the north and sunny beaches in the south, so it takes a bit more planning. These tips will keep your winter trip comfortable and safe.

🌨️ 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 fill up quickly around big events: CES in Las Vegas (6 to 9 January 2027), MLK weekend (15 to 18 January 2027) and the Carnival parade weekends in New Orleans. Book your hostel early to get the best locations and rates, and check our pick of the top hostels in the USA.

Travelling solo? The free Hostelworld app lets you join City Chats with travellers staying anywhere in the city, and Linkups such as walking tours and bar crawls open up 14 days before check-in. No booking yet? A Social Pass gets you into the chats anyway. Our guide to the best places to travel solo as a woman in the US has more ideas.

☀️ 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 you rent a car in snowy destinations, make sure it has winter tyres and carry snow chains where they are required. If you are unsure about driving conditions, use public transport or shuttles instead. Heading south for the sun? These road trips in the USA are easier in winter than in the summer heat.

🍲 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.

What to pack for the USA in January

Pack for both cold and sun if you are visiting more than one region. For the hostel basics, see our hostel packing list. For January in the US, add these:

• 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 or phone with plenty of storage for winter photos

 

Book early for MLK weekend and Mardi Gras

The busiest dates in January 2027 are easy to plan around. MLK weekend (15 to 18 January) brings Art Deco Weekend in Miami and events in Washington D.C., and New Orleans gets busier with every parade weekend before Mardi Gras on 9 February. If your dates are flexible, travel either side of those weekends, or book as soon as you know your plans. Check the Hostelworld Events pages for what is on in each city, then compare hostels across the USA and book your first stop.

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.