Things to Do in United States in January

January Weather in United States

5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) High Temp

-10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F) Low Temp

50-100mm (2-4 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Lowest accommodation prices of the year - hotels in major cities drop 40-60% from December peaks, with luxury properties offering substantial winter packages
Unmatched winter landscapes in national parks - Yellowstone transforms into a snow-covered wonderland with frozen waterfalls and active geysers steaming against white backdrops
Indoor cultural attractions at their finest - museums, galleries, and theaters operate extended winter hours without summer crowds, plus Broadway shows resume full schedules after holiday breaks
Unique winter-only experiences like aurora viewing in Alaska (peak season), ice festivals across northern states, and skiing at world-class resorts during prime powder conditions

Considerations

Severe weather disruptions - winter storms can cancel flights, close highways, and shut down attractions with little warning, requiring flexible itineraries and travel insurance
Limited daylight hours - northern states see only 8-9 hours of daylight, significantly reducing sightseeing time and outdoor activity windows
Many seasonal attractions closed - beach towns, some national park roads, outdoor adventure operators, and tourist-dependent businesses in resort areas shut down completely

Best Activities in January

National Park Winter Programs

January offers exclusive winter access to parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite with ranger-led snowshoe tours, frozen waterfall viewing, and wildlife tracking in snow. Cold temperatures create dramatic ice formations and clearer wildlife spotting opportunities as animals congregate near thermal features and lower elevations.

Booking Tip: Reserve winter lodging 4-6 months ahead as only select accommodations remain open. Winter programs typically cost $75-150 per person. Look for parks with heated visitor centers and maintained winter trails. Book through official park services for guaranteed access.

Urban Museum and Cultural Districts

January is prime time for exploring world-class museums in New York, Washington DC, and Chicago without summer crowds. Extended winter exhibitions, new year installations, and indoor cultural events provide perfect cold-weather activities. Many museums offer winter resident discounts and special January programming.

Booking Tip: Purchase city museum passes for 30-40% savings on multiple attractions. Book timed entry tickets online to avoid disappointment. Many institutions offer free winter resident hours - check local schedules. Expect 2-3 hours per major museum.

Florida Keys Island Hopping

While northern states freeze, the Florida Keys maintain perfect 21-26°C (70-79°F) temperatures with minimal humidity and virtually no rain. January is the absolute best weather month for driving the Overseas Highway, snorkeling in clear waters, and enjoying outdoor dining without oppressive heat or summer crowds.

Booking Tip: Book Keys accommodations early - this is peak season for Florida with prices 50-70% higher than summer. Snorkel tours cost $45-85 and operate daily in calm conditions. Rent cars in Miami before heading south to avoid inflated Keys rental rates.

Arizona Desert Hiking Adventures

January transforms Arizona's scorching deserts into perfect hiking weather with daytime temperatures of 15-21°C (59-70°F). Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Phoenix-area trails become accessible for all-day adventures without extreme heat risks. Clear winter skies provide exceptional photography conditions and distant mountain views.

Booking Tip: Book desert resorts 6-8 weeks ahead for best rates during peak season. Guided hiking tours range from $80-200 per person. Start early morning hikes even in January - temperatures can reach 26°C (79°F) by afternoon. Look for operators providing winter gear for elevation changes.

California Wine Country Tours

January is harvest aftermath season when wineries focus on intimate tastings, barrel sampling, and behind-the-scenes cellar tours without summer crowds. Cooler 10-18°C (50-64°F) temperatures make vineyard walks comfortable, and many wineries offer special winter releases and vertical tastings unavailable in busy seasons.

Booking Tip: Book wine tours 2-3 weeks ahead with transportation included - January rain makes driving inadvisable. Premium tours cost $150-300 per person including tastings at 4-5 wineries. Many offer winter lodging packages with significant savings over spring peak season.

New Orleans Cultural Immersion

January in New Orleans means perfect 18-22°C (64-72°F) weather, pre-Mardi Gras excitement building, and comfortable walking temperatures for French Quarter exploration. Live music venues operate without oppressive summer humidity, and outdoor dining becomes pleasant for experiencing authentic Creole cuisine.

Booking Tip: Book before late January when Mardi Gras pricing begins. Walking food tours cost $65-95 and operate comfortably in cool weather. Music venue cover charges drop from holiday peaks. Look for operators offering indoor/outdoor flexibility for occasional rain showers.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to Late January

Sundance Film Festival

World's premier independent film festival transforms Park City, Utah into cinema central with 10 days of premieres, celebrity sightings, and industry networking. High altitude mountain setting provides stunning backdrop for film screenings and après-ski entertainment.

Early January

Rose Bowl and College Football Playoffs

Pasadena's iconic New Year's Day game extends into January playoff season, drawing massive crowds to Southern California. Perfect weather and festival atmosphere make this America's premier winter sporting event with extensive pre-game entertainment.

Throughout January

International Winter Festival

Major northern cities host ice sculpture competitions, winter markets, and cold-weather celebrations throughout January. Minneapolis, Buffalo, and Anchorage feature elaborate frozen art installations and winter sports demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - base thermal layer, insulating fleece/wool, waterproof outer shell for temperature swings from -10°C to 15°C (14°F to 59°F)

Waterproof winter boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) with good traction - icy sidewalks and snowy trails require serious footwear beyond regular sneakers

Heavy-duty moisturizer and lip balm - indoor heating and cold winds create severe skin dryness, especially in northern and mountain states

Portable phone charger/power bank - cold weather drains batteries 30-50% faster, critical for navigation and emergency communication

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - snow reflection intensifies UV rays significantly, causing unexpected sunburn even in cold temperatures

Emergency car kit if driving - ice scraper, jumper cables, emergency food, blankets, and sand/kitty litter for traction during winter storms

Packable down jacket - versatile for variable indoor/outdoor temperatures and essential for mountain destinations where temps drop rapidly

Wool socks and moisture-wicking underwear - cotton kills in cold weather, synthetic or merino wool materials maintain warmth when wet

Waterproof gloves and warm hat - extremities lose heat fastest, quality accessories prevent frostbite during outdoor activities

Travel insurance documents - winter weather causes more trip disruptions than any other season, comprehensive coverage essential for flight cancellations

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with free cancellation through January 15th - winter storms frequently disrupt travel plans and flexible booking prevents financial losses from weather-related changes

Rental cars need winter preparation in northern states - request all-wheel drive, check tire tread, keep gas tank above half full, and pack emergency supplies for potential road closures

Many tourist attractions offer winter local discounts - museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues provide resident pricing to boost January attendance, ask about winter specials

Airlines typically oversell January flights due to weather cancellation expectations - arrive early, join airline loyalty programs for rebooking priority, and avoid connecting through weather-prone hubs

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating winter weather impact - tourists pack for average temperatures but ignore wind chill, precipitation, and rapid weather changes that make conditions feel 10-15°C (18-27°F) colder

Booking non-refundable accommodations - January weather causes more trip disruptions than any other month, inflexible bookings result in total financial loss during storm cancellations

Planning jam-packed itineraries - winter daylight limitations and weather delays require 30-40% more time buffers between activities compared to summer travel schedules