The 13 best places in the U.S. to visit in January

With the holiday rush in the rear-view mirror and spring break still weeks away, January is one of the best months of the year to travel. Airports are less hectic, hotels tend to have more availability and lower prices, and destinations often feel less rushed, especially as the month goes on.

“January is kind of two months in one: The first two weeks are still very hectic, with families finishing up winter breaks and people using their last PTO days,” explains Rebecca Alesia, owner and travel adviser at Wanderology. “Once we hit mid-January, things slow down from a traveling perspective but heat up from a booking perspective — city breaks drop off, and we see more sun seekers, wellness getaways and some last-minute ski trips as people who’ve had enough of the cold start plan for February or March.”

If you’re looking for a quick winter getaway that doesn’t require pulling out a passport, plenty of warm-weather and peak-season destinations shine this month. From beach vacations and lush landscapes to ski spots with reliable snowfall and luxury lodging, the 10 best places in the U.S. to visit in January offer something for everyone.

Park City and Deer Valley, Utah

Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City and Deer Valley sit side by side, just minutes apart. The destinations are often grouped together because they share the same easy access, town center and dining scene, but they offer two distinct ski experiences, explains Lesley Cohen, luxury travel advisor at SmartFlyer. Deer Valley is known for its impeccably groomed ski paths and ultra-luxury resorts, many of which offer ski-on, ski-off convenience. Park City has more of an eclectic feel with varied terrain, a historic Main Street and a family-friendly vibe.

Both areas are popular in January thanks to reliable snow fall, peak ski conditions and a quieter ambiance thanks to the lack of holiday crowds. Most families are back at work and school by mid-month, so the slopes feel calmer and more manageable, especially for newbies on skis. Even if you’re not big into skiing, both locations offer other activities, including snowshoeing, spa offerings and cozy evenings by the fire.

“For those who do not mind skipping snowboarding, the Deer Valley side has the Montage, Stein Eriksen Lodge, St. Regis Goldener Hirsch, etc. while the Park City side has the Waldorf Astoria and the Pendry,” Cohen says. “The Pendry is loved by families for their bunk rooms, disco pizza and great location, but there is no shortage of apres-ski fun in either location.”

Palm Beach, Florida

If your perfect January vacation includes a beach, a book and a refreshing cocktail, Palm Beach might be your best bet. The weather is comfortably warm (think 60s and 70s without sticky heat or humidity). While you might need to pack a sweater, the weather is ideal for long beach walks, outdoor lunches, golf and tennis.

Since there are fewer people traveling this time of year, hotels feel quieter, it’s easier to make reservations and the overall pace is more relaxed. You can still get the polished resort experience Palm Beach is known for — just without the crowds that tend to follow, explains Cohen.

Palm Beach International Airport is small and efficient compared to larger Florida hubs like Miami or Orlando, and most resorts are only a short drive away. That makes it an especially appealing destination for those looking to maximize their time away.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

If you picture Santa Fe as a warm-weather destination, January tells a different story — but it’s one that makes the city feel especially magical. Daytime temperatures hover in the low 40s, and the occasional snowfall dusts the adobe buildings. “It’s actually when the city feels most authentic,” says Alesia. The vibe shifts from busy patios and festivals to crackling fireplaces, slower days spent gallery hopping and cozy meals centered around New Mexican comfort food.

Without peak-season crowds, travelers can explore art galleries, studios and boutiques at a more leisurely pace. There’s also Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-inspired spa retreat just outside downtown. Guests can reserve private hot tub suites that come with their own tubs, saunas and changing areas or opt for a “community soaking” session in outdoor thermal pools that stay around 105°F.

If you’re willing to drive about an hour north, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa offers a similar winter payoff. Its mineral pools (known for their iron-rich, lithia, and soda waters) feel even more therapeutic when steam rises into cold desert air. There are fewer guests with day passes this time of year, so there’s more space to soak quietly, move between pools and hang out longer.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston in January feels like the version of the city locals wish visitors got to see more often. The summer humidity is gone, the spring crowds haven’t arrived yet and the historic streets are less crowded. Daytime temperatures are typically mild, which means you can walk for hours without needing to duck into air conditioning or fight sidewalk congestion like you would in the summer.

“Charleston’s downtown historic district is easy to explore on foot, especially when the weather is cooler like it is in January,” Alesia says. “You can stroll along Rainbow Row and through the Battery without tour-group bottlenecks, pop into the shops along King Street without waiting in long lines and actually hang out in the city’s quiet residential pockets of South of Broad, Harleston Village and Ansonborough where the architecture does most of the talking.”

January is also a great time to enjoy Charleston’s food scene, as the city’s best restaurants are still open, but reservations are much easier to come by. “It’s a great month for low-pressure dining — think lingering over Low Country classics, seafood-heavy winter menus, and cozy wine bars without the usual rush. Hotels often follow suit, offering more availability and better value, especially for travelers planning a long weekend rather than a full-blown vacation,” Alesia says.

Savannah, Georgia

Alesia also recommends this southern spot for January travel. Temperatures hover in the 60s, making it ideal for strolls through the historic district, guided food tours or sneaking in a reservation at one of the region’s most popular restaurants.

Walks through Forsyth Park and the city’s iconic squares (like Chippewa, Lafayette and Madison) feel easier, and there’s more room for tours at some of Savannah’s historic homes, including the Owens-Thomas House and the Mercer-Williams House.

Food-wise, you can easily snag tables at local favorites like The Grey, Alligator Soul and Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room without having to plan weeks (if not months) ahead. Cooler evenings also make Savannah’s bar scene shine — think slow cocktails or a cozy night of live music in a tucked-away lounge rather than crowded rooftop bars.

Hawaii

If Hawaii has been on your bucket list, now might be the perfect time to take the trip. The weather is comfortably warm, with temps hovering around the mid 70s, and the pace slows just enough after the holiday rush to make the experience less overwhelming. This is the best time of year for long beach days, early-morning hikes and dinners at some of the top restaurants (with the most insane views).

Depending on the island you choose, you can expect to have a different experience, explains travel expert Lee Abbamonte. “Oahu balances beaches with city energy and cultural sites, Maui leans into nature and wellness, Kauai feels lush and quiet, and the Big Island offers volcanic landscapes and wide-open space,” he says. “It’s a destination that rewards repeat visits without ever feeling repetitive.”

One of January’s biggest draws is whale-watching season. This is the time of year when Humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters to breed and give birth. Maui, in particular, is one of the best places in the country to see them, which you can do on a boat tour out of Lahaina or simply standing on the coast. On land, there are plenty of hiking trails that are far less brutal than during the summer months, like Diamond Head on Oahu or the Na Pali Coast viewpoints on Kauai.

January is also a great time for active travel in Hawaii — golf conditions are prime and both surfing (especially on Oahu’s North Shore) and snorkeling are ideal thanks to calmer waters on the leeward sides of the islands.

Scottsdale, Arizona

If you’re craving a warm-weather destination where you can spend most of your time outdoors but don’t want to be active 24/7, Scottsdale is for you. This time of year, the desert slows to a comfortable pace with temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s — think crisp mornings and less humid afternoons. January comes just ahead of Scottsdale’s busiest season, and that timing makes a huge difference when it comes to booking hotels, restaurant reservations and activities.

For travelers who like having options, Scottsdale works well as a base. Sedona is an easy day trip for red rock hikes and gallery hopping, and winter visits to the Grand Canyon offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and dramatically different views than summer, Abbamonte says.

Hikers will love visiting some of the popular trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve like Pinnacle Peak or Gateway Loop. Not only are they less crowded, but you’ll see just as many locals as visitors out walking before noon than you will later in the day. Golf courses are in prime condition and pools are heated to pair well with the colder outdoor temperatures.

Palm Springs, California

This well-known desert escape has some serious appeal in the earliest months of the year. You can expect daytime temperatures in the 60s and low 70s. Hiking trails in Tahquitz Canyon, Indian Canyons and nearby Joshua Tree National Park are much more enjoyable than they are in warmer months, explains Abbamonte.

If you’re not the outdoorsy type, there’s still plenty to do in January in Palm Springs, including mid-century architecture tours, vintage shopping along Palm Canyon Drive and a visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum.

January falls just before the Coachella Valley’s busiest stretch, which ramps up in February and March with an onslaught of sporting events, tournaments and, of course, festival season in April. That means easier reservations at restaurants like Workshop Kitchen + Bar or Bar Cecil, better availability at trendy hotels like the Parker Palm Springs or Arrive, and less competition for spa appointments across town.

Miami

Miami is a perennial January favorite for good reason. Not only is the weather perfect (we’re talking daytime temps in the 70s), but the ocean is swimmable and the city’s sweet spots aren’t crowded like they are once spring break kicks into gear.

While South Beach still offers its signature stretch of sand and people-watching, January is an especially good time to explore Miami’s neighborhoods, according to Abbamonte. Wynwood’s galleries, murals and studio spaces are less packed, while Coconut Grove offers a slower pace that’s more residential. Outdoor dining is a given this time of year, whether that means a table overlooking the water or a buzzy neighborhood spot full of local energy.

January also brings a strong calendar of cultural events including Art Deco Weekend in Miami Beach, which celebrates the city’s iconic architecture and design, the Miami Jewish Film Festival, the Miami Beach Antique Show and smaller art fairs like the Beaux Arts Festival.

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara tends to fly under the radar in January, which is exactly what makes it an ideal time to visit. Winter along California’s Central Coast is mild, with daytime temperatures often landing in the low-to-mid 60s.

Fewer visitors are in town, so January gives you a glimpse into a more local version of Santa Barbara. The Funk Zone, the city’s old warehouse district turned creative hub, is way less packed and easier to navigate. It’s home to a plethora of wine tasting rooms, craft breweries, coffee shops and art studios.

The Santa Ynez Valley (Santa Barbara’s wine country) also has a lot to offer this time of year. It’s just about 45 minutes inland, so it’s an ideal day trip. Enjoy a glass of wine by a fireplace or explore Los Olivos by foot (there are dozens of tasting rooms clustered there).

Hotels often have better availability this time of year, Cohen says, making it easier to book well-located stays near the beach or downtown without the premium pricing that comes later. Wellness experiences like coastal hikes and spa days are also more accessible when the pace slows.

Phoenix, Arizona

If you’ve ever visited Phoenix, Arizona almost any other time of year, you already know why January is the best time to visit. The desert finally hits its sweet spot with daytime temperatures hovering in the high 60s to low 70s, making it ideal for outdoor activities without the heat that defines much of the year. It’s also a quieter window before peak season fully ramps up in February and March, which means better availability and a more relaxed pace across the city.

This time of year is perfect for hiking Camelback Mountain or exploring trails in Papago Park, where cooler mornings make longer walks far more enjoyable. Phoenix’s food scene is bustling in January, with patio dining in full swing and seasonal menus highlighting Southwestern flavors. Cultural attractions — from the Heard Museum to Desert Botanical Garden — are easier to explore without crowds, and golf courses are in prime condition.

For travelers looking to stay somewhere that reflects Phoenix’s architectural history, the Arizona Biltmore is a splurge that feels justified. Originally opened in 1929, the resort features bold geometric patterns, soaring ceilings and a distinctly old-Hollywood desert glamour that newer properties simply can’t replicate. Over the decades, it’s hosted everyone from presidents to celebrities, and that sense of legacy is still baked into the experience today.

Portland, Maine

December is one of Portland’s most-packed months, so it only makes sense that January is welcomingly quieter. Plus, the city feels more local and less like a summer postcard. The crowds are gone, restaurant reservations are easier to come by and the waterfront takes on a slower, wintry rhythm that suits travelers who prefer food, culture and atmosphere over packed itineraries.

Portland’s food scene remains one of the strongest draws year-round, and January is when it’s easiest to experience it without the usual waits. Lobster rolls give way to heartier seasonal menus, oysters are at their best and the city’s bars and breweries feel especially inviting. It’s also a good time for museum visits, bookstore browsing and lingering coffee stops.

For a stay that’s closely tied to Portland’s history, The Docent Collection operates a small portfolio of restored historic inns located in some of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods. The properties are set in former sea captains’ homes, townhouses and historic buildings — many dating back to the 19th century — and have been updated with modern comforts while retaining original architectural details. This layout also works well for multigenerational trips or families visiting Portland for a few days rather than a single overnight stay. Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, groups can stay together in one space.

Nashville, Tennessee

With peak bachelor- and bachelorette-season taking a pause, January is the month to visit Nashville. The calmer crowds mean an easier time exploring neighborhoods beyond Broadway — think East Nashville, Germantown, and 12 South — without having to navigate packed sidewalks or long waits.

Don’t worry — live music is still everywhere in January, but it’s easier to get into venues, catch songwriter nights or stumble into smaller shows that feel more intimate than the spring and summer scene. It’s also a great month for Nashville’s food culture, when reservations at popular restaurants are easier to snag and chefs lean into heartier, comfort-driven menus. Museums like the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Frist Art Museum are less crowded, so you can make it a more culture-forward visit.

For travelers who want to stay somewhere with real ties to the city, Holston House Nashville is a great pick. The building dates back to 1927 and was originally home to the Holston National Bank before being reimagined as a hotel that still preserves much of its original Art Deco character. Staying here places you within walking distance of Broadway, Printer’s Alley and many of downtown’s landmarks, while offering a quieter, more refined alternative to Nashville’s newer high-rise hotels.

Frequently asked questions

What is the warmest place in the U.S. in January?

You’ll find the toastiest weather in south Florida and Hawaii, where temperatures land in the mid-to-high 70s (sometimes even in the low 80s). Low humidity means you get to enjoy beach walks, outdoor dining, and pool time without the sweat.

Where is the best place to go for good weather in January?

If you’re looking for good weather in January (not just warmth), consider southern California, Arizona, South Florida and Hawaii. Places like Santa Barbara and Palm Springs in California offer sunny days in the 60s and low 70s, ideal for everything from hiking and outdoor dining to visiting vineyards and humidity-free walks. Scottsdale, Arizona, is another standout, especially for travelers who want blue skies and mild temperatures for golfing and hiking.