Things to Do in United States in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in United States
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Winter sports season is in full swing across mountain states - ski resorts from Colorado to Utah typically see excellent powder conditions in January, with lift lines shorter than holiday weeks and accommodation prices dropping 20-30% after New Year's Day
- Major cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston are significantly less crowded than summer months, making January ideal for museum visits, Broadway shows, and restaurant reservations that would require weeks of advance booking in peak season
- Florida, Southern California, Arizona, and Hawaii offer warm weather escapes when most of the country is frozen - temperatures in Miami average 24°C (75°F) and San Diego stays around 18°C (65°F), perfect for outdoor activities without summer's oppressive heat and humidity
- Post-holiday sales and winter travel deals make January one of the cheapest months to visit - domestic flights can be 40% cheaper than summer, hotels offer winter promotions, and attraction passes frequently go on sale to boost off-season traffic
Considerations
- Northern and Midwestern states experience genuinely harsh winter weather - Chicago sees average highs around -2°C (28°F), and snowstorms can disrupt travel plans with flight cancellations and road closures happening regularly throughout the month
- Daylight hours are limited across the entire country, with sunset as early as 4:30pm in northern cities like Seattle and Boston, which compresses sightseeing time and can affect outdoor activity planning significantly
- Many seasonal attractions and national parks have limited access or closures - portions of Yellowstone, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks close roads due to snow, and coastal beach towns from the Carolinas to New England essentially shut down for winter
Best Activities in January
Colorado Ski Resort Days
January hits the sweet spot for Rocky Mountain skiing - resorts have solid snow base by now, holiday crowds have cleared out, and you avoid the spring slush. Temperatures typically range from -8°C to 2°C (18°F to 36°F) at elevation, with powder days common after storm systems move through. Mid-week skiing offers the best value and emptiest slopes.
Florida Everglades Airboat Tours
January is actually the best month for Everglades visits - low humidity around 65%, minimal mosquitoes compared to summer swarms, and wildlife is more active in cooler temperatures around 22°C (72°F). Alligators are easier to spot, and the lack of afternoon thunderstorms means tours rarely get cancelled. Water levels are ideal for accessing different areas of the wetlands.
New York City Museum and Theater Days
Cold weather makes January perfect for indoor cultural experiences, and you will actually get into places that require advance reservations in summer. The Met, MoMA, and Natural History Museum are noticeably less crowded on weekday mornings. Broadway shows have better seat availability, and restaurant reservations at popular spots open up. Temperatures hover around 1°C to 5°C (34°F to 41°F), so you will be ducking inside anyway.
Arizona Desert Hiking Routes
Desert hiking is genuinely miserable in summer but perfect in January when daytime temperatures reach 18°C to 21°C (65°F to 70°F) in Phoenix and Sedona areas. Trails that are dangerously hot from May to September become comfortable for full-day hikes. Clear skies are typical with minimal rainfall, and sunrise hikes offer stunning light on red rock formations without the brutal heat.
Hawaii Whale Watching Expeditions
January through March is peak humpback whale season in Hawaiian waters, with thousands migrating from Alaska to breed. Maui's western coast offers particularly reliable sightings, and morning ocean conditions tend to be calmer with better visibility. Water temperatures stay around 24°C (75°F), and you will avoid summer's cruise ship crowds while still getting excellent weather with temperatures around 27°C (80°F).
New Orleans Food and Music Walking Tours
January weather in New Orleans is ideal for walking the French Quarter and Garden District - temperatures around 16°C (61°F) mean you can actually enjoy being outside without the oppressive humidity that defines summer months. This is shoulder season before Mardi Gras crowds arrive in February, so restaurants and music venues are accessible without long waits. Live music happens nightly on Frenchmen Street regardless of season.
January Events & Festivals
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Federal holiday on the third Monday in January creates a three-day weekend that Americans use for travel, meaning slightly higher crowds and prices that weekend. Atlanta hosts significant commemorative events at the King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church, with marches and community gatherings throughout the city. Museums nationwide often offer free or discounted admission this day.
Sundance Film Festival
Park City, Utah transforms into the epicenter of independent cinema for ten days each January. While the festival itself requires passes that sell out months ahead, the town hosts free outdoor screenings, pop-up events, and celebrity sightings that anyone can experience. Expect Park City accommodation prices to triple during festival dates, but nearby Salt Lake City stays relatively normal and is only 56 km (35 miles) away.
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Major Chinatowns in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle host elaborate celebrations with parade floats, dragon dances, and street festivals. San Francisco's parade is the largest outside Asia, typically drawing 500,000 spectators. Festivities span multiple days around the lunar new year date, and restaurants offer special banquet menus worth seeking out.