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13 Best Places to Travel in the USA in January

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January might just be one of the most underrated months to travel in the United States. While most people are recovering from the holidays, returning to normal school schedules, or hiding indoors until spring, January quietly delivers some of the best travel experiences of the entire year. Think snowy wonderlands, mild coastal escapes, national parks with almost zero crowds, and some of the country’s most beautiful winter landscapes.

Plus, traveling in January often means cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, and a chance to start the year with an adventure that sets the tone for the next twelve months.

So if you’re ready to embrace winter magic or escape it entirely, here are the 13 best places to travel in the USA in January – complete with why each one shines in the first month of the year.

*Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Stunning snowcapped peaks under a clear blue sky in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.

1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If you want a true winter wonderland, Jackson Hole is the place to be. This cozy mountain town sits at the doorstep of Grand Teton National Park and offers world-class skiing, sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge, epic mountain views, and endless snowy scenery.

January brings deep snow, fewer crowds than the holiday rush, and crisp, beautiful winter light that makes every mountain peak look cinematic.

January Highlights:

Perfect for travelers who love mountains, winter sports, or cozy cabin vibes.

a sign on the side of a boat in the ocean

2. Key West, Florida

If winter isn’t your thing, skip the snow and head straight to the sunshine. Key West in January is warm, colorful, energetic, and full of beach-town charm. The water is gorgeous, the sunsets are unreal, and the humidity is blissfully low compared to the summer.

January Highlights:

While the rest of the country layers up, you’ll be sipping piña coladas in flip-flops.

brown rocky mountain under blue sky during daytime

3. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is magical year-round, but January is especially incredible. The red rocks dusted with snow? Absolutely stunning. Crowds? Practically nonexistent.

With cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect time for hiking iconic trails without sweating profusely.

January Highlights:

  • Cathedral Rock
  • Devil’s Bridge
  • Jeep tours through red rock country
  • Stargazing with crystal-clear desert skies

You get the beauty of winter without the harsh winter temperatures.

A vivid winter view of a ski lift at Big Sky Resort, Montana, with snow-covered mountains.

4. Big Sky, Montana

If skiing is your love language, Big Sky is your soulmate. With one of the largest ski areas in the United States, January conditions are phenomenal. You’ll also find more space and less chaos than at busier destinations like Aspen or Vail.

January Highlights:

  • Big Sky Resort (incredible terrain + fewer crowds)
  • Snowcoach tours to Yellowstone
  • Nordic skiing
  • Cozy après-ski spots

This is winter adventure at its finest.

body of wate r

5. Maui, Hawaii

Warm beaches, whale-watching season, and beautiful views! Maui in January is perfection. While it’s technically peak season, the weather is worth it. The chance of spotting humpback whales alone makes January magical.

January Highlights:

If escaping winter is the goal, Maui checks every box.

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6. Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada)

January turns Lake Tahoe into a snowy postcard. You’ll find skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing. If it’s a winter activity, you’ll find it here.

Even better? Sunny, crisp days are common, which means stunning lake views framed by snow-covered peaks.

January Highlights:

  • Skiing Heavenly, Squaw/Palidase, Northstar
  • Emerald Bay scenic overlooks
  • Snowshoeing or sledding for non-skiers
  • Casinos + nightlife in South Lake Tahoe

It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

brown and white concrete building under blue sky during daytime

7. New Orleans, Louisiana

Mardi Gras might be in February, but January in New Orleans is a sweet spot. It gives festive energy without overwhelming crowds. Mild weather makes exploring this soulful city even more enjoyable.

January Highlights:

If you love culture, music, and food, then New Orleans in January is unforgettable.

brown and gray mountains under blue sky during daytime

8. Death Valley, California

You know all those “hottest place on earth” facts? Not in January. Winter transforms Death Valley into the perfect adventure destination! It offers cool temps, unique landscapes, and zero crowds.

January Highlights:

  • Zabriskie Point sunrise
  • Badwater Basin salt flats
  • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
  • Mosaic Canyon + Golden Canyon Hikes

It’s desolate in the most beautiful way possible.

people riding on carriage on road during daytime

9. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston in January is charming, historic, and pleasantly cool. You can enjoy the pastel-lined streets, carriage rides, and waterfront views without the summer humidity.

January Highlights:

It’s a relaxing getaway full of Southern charm.

white wooden bridge over snow covered mountain during daytime

10. Park City, Utah

Park City is a snow-covered paradise in January. The ski conditions are excellent, and the town comes alive with cozy restaurants, winter lights, and alpine views.

January Highlights:

  • Park City Mountain + Deer Valley
  • Sundance Film Festival (late Jan)
  • Snowmobiling + dog sledding
  • Historic Main Street

Ideal for travelers who want a mix of adventure and refined mountain-town vibes.

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11. San Diego, California

If you’re craving warmth but not necessarily “tropical,” San Diego in January is perfect. You’ll get sunshine, beaches, hiking, and mild weather. The best part is, it’s without the summer crowds.

January Highlights:

  • La Jolla sea caves
  • Torrey Pines hiking
  • Balboa Park museums
  • San Diego Zoo

It’s the easiest winter escape with the most consistent weather.

12. Stowe, Vermont

If you want the cozy, snowy winter aesthetic straight out of a Hallmark movie, Stowe delivers. January brings soft powder, firelit inns, scenic drives, and the kind of winter charm that makes you want hot cocoa immediately.

January Highlights:

  • Skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort
  • Snowshoeing through pine forests
  • Heated outdoor pools at local resorts
  • Ice skating + small-town shopping

It’s like stepping into a real-life snow globe.

a couple of people on a boat in a body of water

13. Everglades National Park, Florida

January is prime time to visit the Everglades because it’s dry season. This means fewer mosquitoes, lower humidity, wildlife galore, and cooler temps.

January Highlights:

  • Airboat rides
  • Birdwatching
  • Mangrove kayaking
  • Alligator spotting (a lot of alligators)

If national parks are your happy place, this one feels totally different from the rest of the country.

Final Thoughts: January Travel Is Seriously Underrated

Whether you’re chasing powdery snow in the mountains, sunshine on a tropical beach, mild weather in a historic city, or unique landscapes you can’t find anywhere else, January offers some of the best destinations in the entire USA.

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