Planning a trip for next year? How about visiting one of the greatest countries in the world? The United States is a vast destination, offering a wide range of places to visit and activities to do, even in the winter. If you’re interested in hearing about incredible cities and national parks, here are the best places to visit in the USA next January.
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What’s the Weather Like in January Across the USA?
The USA is such a big country that even in January, the middle of winter, you can find quite different temperatures depending on where you’re traveling. For instance, in a city like New York on the Eastern coast, temperatures drop significantly, with an average of only 6 °C, and there’s plenty of snow. But if you move to the Southwest, you’ll find a pretty warm climate in cities like Los Angeles, with temperatures around 12°C.
Now, if we are talking about the warmest continental location, that would be Miami, where winter doesn’t even exist. While in the coldest city, Minneapolis, temperatures don’t even go above 0 in January.
A summary of the weather across the country would look like:
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East Coast: Freezing temperatures between -4°C and 8°C, and potential snowstorms
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West Coast: Rainy but temperate between 9°C and 20°C, especially in California, but snowy in the mountains.
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Midwest: Cold and snowy with icy winds. Another area with snowstorms and low temperatures of -10°C to 5°C.
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South: Mild, warm climates with perfect cities to escape the cold, average temperatures between 4°C and 17°C. Rains are common, though, and humidity is high.
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Hawaii and Florida: Tropical warmth, ideal for beach lovers. Winter doesn’t know that land.
What to Pack for a January Trip in the U.S.
Packing for a January trip to the USA depends a lot on where you’re traveling to. For example, let’s say you’re visiting New York. Then, you will need to pack several layers to ensure you’re staying warm and comfortable. However, for the other layers, try to choose stylish and nice clothes, since New York is a pretty fashionable city.
On the other hand, if you’re traveling to Florida or Hawaii, you can dress much more casually, and beach attire is pretty standard. For example, you can put on linen shorts and a Hawaiian shirt, and you will look well put together. Just don’t forget your bathing suits, sunglasses, and sunscreen, because even if it’s January, the weather is quite hot and the sun quite strong.
Now, if you are traveling to a region where the weather can be more variable, your suitcase will look a bit different. First of all, try choosing items that are multifunctional, like a light jacket that can serve to protect your skin against the sun or to keep you warm during a cold afternoon. Underlayers are pretty helpful as well; for example, leggings are lightweight and surprisingly warm. And don’t forget accessories!
10 Best Places to Visit in the USA in January and Why
Aspen, Colorado
If you’re looking for a cold place to explore in January, Aspen, Colorado, is waiting for you, offering an unforgettable winter experience. No matter if you’re new to skiing or a certified pro, you’ll find plenty of world-renowned ski resorts with great slopes.
Photo by Derek Baumgartner on Unsplash
The most famous are Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Buttermilk, and Snowmass. And for staying, there are great lodging options like Aspen Mountain Lodge, Shadow Mountain Lodge, and Tyrolean Lodge. Because there’s nothing better than coming into a warm cabin after a full day outdoors in the snow.
Park City, Utah
Another great place to visit in the USA in January, if you’re interested in skiing, is Park City, in Utah. It has two of the best ski resorts in the United States, Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort. Both offer more than 9,000 acres of skiable terrain, slopes for all levels, and plenty of instructors so you can level up your ski and snowboarding game.
Aside from the skiing, you can also attend the Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the country. Every year, it attracts filmmakers, celebrities, and film lovers from around the world, so you can meet a lot of people with similar interests.
New York City
Perhaps you do enjoy winter sports, just not skiing or snowboarding. And we offer you an alternative. New York is a great place to visit in January if you want ice skating, and you can experience iconic spots such as the Wollman Rink in Central Park and the Rink at Rockefeller Center.
New York in general is a fun city to visit, with plenty of activities no matter the time of year, and during the winter, there’s a different charm with all the festive decorations adding a special touch to the famous Times Square. While you walk across it you can see how it sparkles with twinkling lights. For cultural travelers, the area is surrounded by theaters, restaurants, bars, and stores, so you have several options to enjoy.
Photo by Aleks Marinkovic on Unsplash
Miami, Florida
But if you want to go as far away from the cold and snow as you can, Florida is probably your best option. It offers pleasant weather, with warm temperatures year-round, and is a very popular destination for all kinds of travelers. January in particular is perfect for outdoor activities, as the heat of the summer is quite extreme.
Florida is very famous for its beaches and attraction parks, and we have a whole guide of what you’ll need to pack for a stay at Disney World, as well as a guide to discover hidden gems in the area, if you’re not a fan of overly touristy attractions. But in Miami, you can do other activities, like enjoying the nightlife and going to museums, and with better prices since it’s the low season.
Photo by Ryan Parker on Unsplash
Orlando, Florida
And speaking of Florida, another great city to visit in the USA in January is Orlando. That’s the perfect moment for enjoying exciting events and activities like the EPCOT Annual Festival of the Arts held at Walt Disney World Resort. It features art, concerts, and culinary experiences, perfect for solo travelers and families alike.
If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll enjoy a lot of the themed parks, like Disney World and Universal Studios with fewer crowds since it’s the low season. Or Discovery Cove Water Park to swim with dolphins and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. But there are other activities, like Sesame Street Kids’ Weekend at SeaWorld, a celebration for the little ones with interactive activities and parades.
Photo by Freysteinn G. Jonsson on Unsplash
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans offers a unique experience, filled with celebrations and activities like the Krewe of Joan of Arc, an annual walking parade that recreates medieval scenes, and Pardi Gras, a lesser-known celebration that anticipates the famous Mardi Gras. Both of these events feature music and incredible food, offering a unique way to connect with the local culture.
If you want to visit popular places, outside of the celebrations, you can also explore the Garden District or the New Orleans Museum of Art. Both are like a breath of fresh air between all the music and crowds.
Photo by Morgan Petroski on Unsplash
Honolulu, Hawaii
Many people forget that Hawaii is one of the states in the USA, so taking a January trip to Hawaii is pretty on theme here. Among all the great places to explore, Honolulu is one of the most complete destinations, offering a mix of city life, natural wonders, and incredible beaches.
Just imagine this: your coworkers are suffering through winter back home, while you’re sunbathing in the beautiful Waikiki and swimming in the turquoise waters. Plus, January is not a popular season to visit Hawaii, so you can get better deals and a more personal experience.
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San Diego, California
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the variety of exciting activities that San Diego offers for visitors and locals alike in January. You can catch the Annual Surfing Championships or the Ice Skating at the Hotel del Coronado, for example. And since plenty of fans also enjoy drinking beer, they will have a great time on the San Diego Brew Fest.
If you’re a quieter traveler, don’t worry, there are still activities for you in San Diego. For example, you can go on a whale watching tour, since January is part of the migration season. Additionally, museum and aquarium visits are a must, with great options like The Birch Aquarium.
Photo by Alejandro Luengo on Unsplash
Final Words
January is a great month to visit the USA, with plenty of great places to visit and activities to do. Being such a big country, it caters to all kinds of travelers, from those who like warm destinations at a discount to winter lovers. Even culturally, it offers a great mix of festivals and educational fun for all family members. What are you waiting for?
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