If you’re looking for a fun destination to spend your January holidays, here are a few great places to visit in January. The best part? They all feature some of the best weather in the country, making them an ideal choice for anyone’s travel plans. From New Orleans to Miami, you’ll have no problem finding an affordable flight to any of these places. Read on to learn about some of the best places to visit in January, and start planning your vacation today.
January is a great time to travel and U.S. News has identified the best destinations for this time of year. January is ideal if you can’t deal with humidity but don’t want to deal with snow (I live in Utah and this sentence brought back numerous horrible memories). You’ll also avoid rainy weather at most popular warm weather destinations in January (excluding Hawaii). If you are a snow bunny like me, January is the time to go skiing! With the exception of a select few, the ski resorts will have fresh powder waiting for you just when you need it most.
San Diego
Although January may not be the best time to visit San Diego, it’s still a great time to visit the city. The weather is still mild, with temperatures hovering around 58 degrees, and San Diego is also a hotspot for snow skiing. Visitors who love surfing should visit during the warmer months of August and November, when the swells create great offshore walls and barrels. The water temperature is also warm, making it the perfect temperature to practice your newfound skills.
The weather is still great in San Diego in January, with sunny skies and cool temperatures at night. Average temperatures are only 49degF (9degC) during this time, with a few days with rain. Unlike December, there aren’t as many tourists in town, and hotel rates are also low, which makes it a great time to visit San Diego. The city is also popular with families and has some great events throughout the year.
New Orleans
New Orleans is a fun city to visit, with sunny Gulf Coast days and exciting festivities at night. There is no shortage of history, food, and music in the Crescent City, and a January trip is no exception. Mardi Gras, also known as the “Twelfth Night” celebration, kicks off on January 6, and is not to be missed. If you can avoid these events, you can enjoy a less busy, less crowded New Orleans in January.
Springtime brings warmer temperatures and plenty of blooms, and the average temperature is around 20°C. Temperatures can reach up to 70°F, which is great for outdoor activities. Though March is mostly sunny, there are 9 rainy days, so be prepared to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and t-shirts and shorts. You can also take along a raincoat if you are not too concerned about the weather.
Miami
If you’re planning a winter vacation in Florida, one of the best places to go is Miami in January. The warm, sunny weather and frequent rain make for an abundant growth of lush tropical vegetation. If you’re looking for a place to relax and recharge, look no further than Miami Beach. Here, you’ll find everything from beachside umbrellas to water sports. This place is not just a destination for the rich and famous.
The city is not the warmest place in the south, but the temperatures remain comfortable. Expect temperatures around 57°F/14°C in January. The city is also an ideal location for New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations, but you’ll want to plan a trip early enough to rest and recover. Most visitors stay in some of the city’s most popular hotels, like the Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino.
South Padre Island
If you are considering a trip to South Padre Island, you’ll be glad to know that the winter months are the best for enjoying the sun, sand and surf. You can also watch migratory birds, go kiteboarding, and catch the best surf conditions in January. The best time to visit is from September to February, when temperatures range between fifty to seventy degrees Fahrenheit. But it is still possible to find great hotel deals in these months.
While the colder months of January aren’t the most ideal months for beach vacations, you can still enjoy the mild winter weather on the island. During the daytime, temperatures are usually in the low seventies, while the Gulf water temperature is 70 degrees. It can be a little cold at night, but the temperatures are still comfortable enough to walk on the beach or explore nature. And if you’re planning to take your pet with you, make sure to pack enough food and water for a few days. Don’t forget your pet’s medicine, vitamins and other supplies.
South Kona
When you visit Hawaii, the best time to go is during the January months. While Hawaii is known for its mild winters, January can still be a bit chilly, so visiting during this time will help you avoid the cold. Besides the winter season, the weather is perfect for hiking. Also, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities on the island. Here are a few ideas for what to do during your stay in Hawaii.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience, you can visit the farmers market in Kailua-Kona, or spend time at a brew pub downtown. Of course, if you don’t feel like going out on the town, you can also take part in activities that require a little travel, such as snorkeling in the Captain Cook Monument or visiting the historical Waikoloa petroglyph field. Other fun things to do in Kona include farm tours, exotic animals, and beehives.
Lake Placid
If you’re looking for the perfect getaway in the coldest month of the year, Lake Placid is the place to go. With mild temperatures and a snow-covered mountain backdrop, the town offers plenty of fun activities for visitors of all ages. The town’s bowling alley is a popular winter activity, and rental balls and shoes are plentiful. Plus, a trip to Lake Placid’s eclectic village is under $40 for five people!
There’s a whole host of activities in the Adirondack Park, including ice fishing, which is a popular activity in the winter. A five-mile drive from downtown, Connery Pond is a quiet spot away from the touristy strip. If you’re looking for a more scenic location, consider heading 6.5 miles away to Copperas Pond, where you’ll need to hike about a half-mile to reach the shore. Late-season yellow perch and northern pike can be caught here, so don’t forget to bring your fishing pole!
U.S. News worked with a panel of travel and tourism industry experts to compile a list of leading January travel destinations (in alphabetical order). Whether you’re looking to kick back in a sophisticated city or enjoy the thrill of an icy adventure, we think at least one destination on this list will help satisfy your wanderlust.