If you’re mapping out where to travel in January for warm weather in the U.S., you’re in luck. Swap the jackets for bathing suits in these warm spots.
Here’s where to travel in January for Warm Weather in the U.S.:
Miami, Florida
Weather: Highs around 76 °F with plenty of sunshine.
When deciding where to travel in January for warm weather, Miami shines with its happy neighborhoods and sunny beaches.
Explore Little Haiti for colorful art, live music, and authentic cuisine. Walk through Wynwood Walls, lounge on South Beach, and take a sunset cruise.
Note: it’s hurricane season, you’ll pay less for hotels and flights than other times of the year.
Where to stay:
- Fontainebleau Miami Beach (Luxury): Iconic oceanfront resort with multiple pools.
- The Betsy Hotel (Mid-Range): Boutique South Beach hotel on Ocean Drive with beachfront access, walking distance to everything.
- Freehand Miami (Budget): Restored Art Deco building with a pool and quick access to South Beach.
Read:
Pensacola, Florida
Weather: Expect highs around 63 °F and crisp, sunny days.
Thinking about where to travel in January for warm weather, in the U.S., but want something lowkey?
January is more peaceful than the busy summer months, and the weather will feel warm but comfortable.
Enjoy Fort Pickens, the Naval Aviation Museum, and explore downtown’s cute shops, fresh seafood, coffee shops, and colorful buildings dotted with tropical plants.
Pensacola is a hidden gem for your warm weather travel list.
Where to stay:
- Hilton Pensacola Beach (Luxury): Gulf-front resort with private balconies, multiple restaurants, and direct beach access just minutes from downtown Pensacola.
- Sole Inn and Suites (Mid-Range): Centrally located in downtown Pensacola with modern rooms, free breakfast, and easy walking distance to Palafox Street shops and dining.
- Best Western Plus Blue Angel Inn (Budget): Affordable stay near downtown offering free breakfast, parking, and quick access to Pensacola Beach and the Naval Aviation Museum.
Read More: Best Beaches in Pensacola or Where to Eat in Pensacola
St. Augustine, Florida
Weather: Highs near 65 °F with mild sunshine and cool evenings.
If you’re looking for a U.S. destination with warm weather in January, history, and non-American charm, then St. Augustine delivers.
Visit the historic Castillo de San Marcos, stroll the old town’s cobblestone streets, take a ghost-tour in the evenings, and hit the beach for a refreshing walk.
Fact: St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the U.S.
Where to stay:
- Casa Monica Resort & Spa (Luxury): Historic Moorish-style hotel in the heart of downtown with an outdoor pool, spa, and easy access to St. George Street’s shops and restaurants.
- The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens (Mid-Range): Adults-only boutique inn set in restored 18th-century buildings with garden courtyards, a cocktail bar, and a short walk to Castillo de San Marcos.
- St. George Inn (Budget): Value stay on pedestrian-only St. George Street offering complimentary breakfast and private balconies.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Weather: Highs around 77 °F under dry skies and minimal rain.
When you ask where to travel in January for warm weather in the U.S. you probaaably don’t think about the Everglades, but you should.
Take an airboat tour, hike the Anhinga Trail, kayak through mangroves, and yes, you’ll spot gators, pretty much guaranteed.
The comfortable weather makes it easier to spend full days outdoors without the summer humidity you expect in the Everglades.
Where to stay:
- Everglades City Motel (Mid-Range): Centrally located near the Gulf Coast Visitor Center with spacious rooms, free parking, and easy access to kayaking and boat excursions.
- Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel (Budget): Located in Everglades City, within minutes of the park entrance, it has breakfast, a screened outdoor pool, and on-site airboat tours.
Read my Guide to the Florida Everglades
Puerto Rico
Weather: Highs around 83 °F with warm tropical breezes.
If you’re estimating where to travel in the U.S. for warm weather in January and want island vibes, then Puerto Rico is it.
Visit Old San Juan’s lovely, colorful architecture, hike in El Yunque Rainforest, relax on Isla Verde Beach, and do nightlife in Condado if that’s your thing.
Where to stay:
- Condado Vanderbilt Hotel (Luxury): Historic oceanfront resort in Condado with elegant rooms, two infinity pools, and dining, just minutes from Old San Juan.
- Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Luxury Resort): Exclusive beachfront retreat on Puerto Rico’s north coast with private plunge pools and direct ocean access surrounded by tropical gardens.
- AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado (Mid-Range): Condado district hotel with a rooftop pool, fitness center, and easy walking access to beaches, shops, and food.
- CasaBlanca Hotel (Budget): Boutique stay in Old San Juan with a rooftop terrace, local décor, and convenient access to forts, plazas, and cafés.
Read:
How to get the BEST Deals on Puerto Rico Plane Tickets
The 26 Best Things to do in Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
Weather: Highs in the low 80s °F with breezy, calm days.
I LOVE the USVI! You don’t need a passport, yet you’re in the Caribbean.
Underrated, the U.S. Virgin Islands are golden.
Use the ferry to hop between St. Thomas and St. John for beaches and snorkeling through coral reefs.
Think turquoise water, rum in the sand, and tropical ‘fits.
Where to stay:
- The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas (Luxury): Oceanfront resort on Great Bay with private balconies, a lux spa, and easy access to Red Hook’s restaurants and ferries to St. John.
- Secret Harbour Beach Resort (Mid-Range): Condo-style resort on St. Thomas with a calm beach, on-site diving center, and a short drive to Charlotte Amalie and island excursions.
- Midtown Guest House Hotel (Budget): Centrally located in Charlotte Amalie, a cute boutique hotel with excellent service and lots of stairs.
Read:
6 All-Inclusive Resorts in the USVI
10 Best Virgin Islands Beaches
Phoenix, Arizona
Weather: Highs around 68 °F with sunny, dry skies.
Want to know where to travel in January for warm weather in the U.S. that isn’t the beach?
Phoenix checks that box.
Explore Camelback Mountain, visit the Desert Botanical Garden (my favorite place in Phoenix!), wander Old Town Scottsdale’s art galleries, and sip rooftop cocktails.
No ocean needed when the desert is this pretty!
Where to stay:
- Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (Luxury): Iconic Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired resort with multiple pools, a spa, and easy access to downtown Phoenix and Camelback Mountain.
- FOUNDRE Phoenix (Mid-Range): Artsy boutique hotel in downtown Phoenix with a lively restaurant, near Roosevelt Row’s galleries and nightlife.
- Hampton Inn Phoenix Downtown (Budget): Convenient downtown stay with breakfast, a fitness center, and walkable access to the Convention Center and Talking Stick Arena.
Read: Full Guide to the Grand Canyon
San Diego, California
Weather: Highs around 66 °F with calm ocean breezes and clear days.
When calculating where to travel in January for warm weather in the U.S., San Diego is tried and true.
Visit Balboa Park, paddle at La Jolla Cove, take a harbor cruise, and check out the super cute and historic Gaslamp Quarter.
January in SD means fewer tourists, lower hotel rates, and gorgeous light for walking coastal trails.
Where to stay:
- Hotel del Coronado (Luxury): Iconic beachfront resort on Coronado Island with ocean-view rooms. Read: The BEST beachfront hotels in SD.
- The Sofia Hotel (Mid-Range): Centrally located in the Gaslamp Quarter, walkable to the waterfront.
- Best Western Island Hotel (Budget): Right on the marina, it has a pool and quick access to the harbor, Little Italy, and Seaport Village. See my top picks for budget hotels in San Diego.
Read:
What to Wear in San Diego in January
How to visit San Diego on a Budget
Los Angeles, California
Weather: Highs near 68 °F with cool breezes at the beach.
If you’re deciding where to travel in January for warm weather U.S. with a city-plus-beach combo, then Los Angeles is fun and full of options.
L.A. beaches are swimmable in Jan, if you don’t mind them a bit cooler, and they’re less crowded than in summer.
Sunbathe at Venice or Santa Monica, hike in Griffith Park, drive the Pacific Coast Highway. Take pics in Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and catch awards-season events if that’s your thing.
Where to stay:
- The Ritz-Carlton (Luxury): Upscale downtown hotel with a rooftop pool, close to the L.A. Live and the Crypto.com Arena.
- The Hollywood Roosevelt (Mid-Range): Iconic Hollywood hotel across from the Walk of Fame with a historic pool.
- Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel (Budget): Convenient West Hollywood stay with breakfast, a pool, and walkable access to Sunset Strip restaurants and nightlife.
Read:
Guide to the Neighborhoods of L.A.
Top 5 Los Angeles Hotels in Downtown
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Weather: Highs around 65 °F with crisp, clear desert air and cool nights.
If you want to travel in January for warm weather in the U.S., epic landscapes are a must; then Joshua Tree is for you.
Hike Hidden Valley, scramble the boulders, explore the Cholla Cactus Garden, and catch a desert sunset.
In January, fewer visitors means you’ll have the trails and views more to yourself.
Where to stay:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage (Luxury): Mountain-view resort about 45 minutes from Joshua Tree with luxury rooms, a spa, and panoramic desert views near downtown Palm Springs.
- High Desert Hotel (Mid-Range): Historic boutique inn just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.
- Surestay Best Western at Twentynine Palms (Budget): Affordable stay in Twentynine Palms with breakfast, a spa tub, terraces, and quick access to park entrances and food.
Read: Best U.S. National Parks to Visit in the Winter
Maui, Hawaii
Weather: Highs around 81 °F and lows near 65 °F
Ready to know where to travel in January for warm weather in the U.S., but go full tropical?
Maui calls.
Swimable beaches, whale-watching season in full swing, and lush scenery everywhere you look. Waves on the north shore can be big, so pick calmer south and west beaches.
Note: Maui is still recovering from the 2023 fires, so travel respectfully and support local communities.
Where to stay:
- Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (Luxury): Oceanfront resort with three pools, world-class dining, and easy access to Wailea Beach and snorkeling spots.
- Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Hotel (Mid-Range): Centrally located on Ka’anapali Beach with oceanfront dining and short walks to Whalers Village shops.
- Maui Seaside Hotel (Budget): Affordable stay in Kahului near the airport with an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and easy driving access to beaches and Haleakalā National Park.
Oahu, Hawaii
Weather: Around 82 °F with sunshine and occasional showers.
For where to travel in January for warm weather in the U.S., Oahu is epic.
Expect swimable beaches like Waikiki, surf breaks on the North Shore, hiking Diamond Head, exploring the Polynesian Cultural Center, and enjoying chill evenings in Honolulu.
January is ideal for fewer crowds and fantastic Hawaiian scenery.
Where to stay:
- The Royal Hawaiian (Luxury): Called the Pink Palace of the Pacific, because it’s actually pink, this beachfront resort in Waikiki should be on everyone’s hotel bucket list.
- The Laylow, Autograph Collection (Mid-Range): In Waikiki with a laid-back Hawaiian vibe and easy access to shopping and food.
- Queen Kapiolani Hotel (Budget): Just one block from Waikiki Beach and affordable!
Charleston, South Carolina
Weather: Highs near 60 °F with crisp, mild days and sun.
What’s that one saying? Charleston is always a fine idea.
Visit Rainbow Row, tour historic plantations, take a carriage ride through cobblestone streets, dine on Lowcountry cuisine, and stroll Waterfront Park.
It’s not hurricane season, so you’re safe from storms. Elegant, mellow, historically blessed, and sunny without the heat, Charleston in January is a gem.
Where to stay:
- The Charleston Place (Luxury): 5-star hotel in the historic district, close to King Street shopping.
- The Restoration Hotel (Mid-Range): Cute stay in downtown Charleston, walkable to everything.
- Fulton Lane Inn (Budget): Centrally located hotel near Charleston City Market.
Savannah, Georgia
Weather: Highs around 63 °F and comfortable for walks and exploring.
Savannah is lovely in Jan.
Wander Forsyth Park, explore River Street, check out historic squares, visit Bonaventure Cemetery, and take that quick trip to Tybee Island for a brisk beach walk (swimming is too chilly).
Where to stay:
- Perry Lane Hotel (Luxury): Stylish downtown hotel with a rooftop pool, on-site restaurant, and walkable access to Forsyth Park and historic district squares.
- The Marshall House (Mid-Range): Historic boutique hotel on Broughton Street with easy access to River Street and local shops.
- Hampton Inn Savannah-Historic District (Budget): Centrally located near River Street with a rooftop pool and quick access to museums and restaurants.
Palo Duro Canyon, Texas
Weather: Highs near 58 °F with big, sunny, Texas skies.
Palo Duro Canyon in January has warm weather, fewer crowds, and big views.
Hike the Lighthouse Trail, explore rim viewpoints, watch wide open skies, and enjoy the peace of off-peak season. The mild daytime temps make it comfortable, and you’ll likely have the trails to yourself.
Where to stay:
Palo Duro is closest to the cities of Canyon and Amarillo.
Amarillo has more chain food and grocery options BUT, the Canyon is where you can find properties with scenic views of the Canyon.
Canyon
- Just cool: The Hudspeth: The Georgia O’Keeffe used to eat here!
- Best retreat: Palo Duro Canyon State Park Cabins has the best views of all the places to stay nearby!
- Budget stay: Buffalo Inn is a clean stay next to lots of food and amenities in Canyon.
Amarillo
- Best retreat: Big Texan Cabins & Wagons lets you stay in a wagon. Enough said.
- Budget stay: The Big Texan Motel is Southern chic.
Read my ultimate guide to Palo Duro Canyon in Texas
Galveston, Texas
Weather: Highs around 63 °F with mild sun.
As a native Texan, I know (and love!) Galveston like the back of my hand.
If you’re eager to decide where to travel in January for warm weather in the U.S. and want beach-town charm, then Galveston works beautifully.
Explore The Strand Historic District, which is historic, cute, and pro-open container.
Do Moody Gardens if you’re into aquariums and theme park stuff, visit Pleasure Pier, and stroll the beach (swimming is cool, but the walks are dreamy).
January in Galveston means fewer tourists and calm weather, perfect for a chill but not chilly coastal escape.
Where to stay:
- The Grand Galvez (Luxury): Historic beachfront hotel on Seawall Boulevard with a full-service spa, ocean-view pool, close to Pleasure Pier and The Strand.
- Harbor House Hotel & Marina (Mid-Range): Waterfront stay at Pier 21 offering spacious rooms, marina views, and short walks to The Strand’s shops and restaurants.
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Galveston East Beach (Budget): Value hotel across from the beach with free breakfast and parking.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Weather: Highs near 60 °F with bright Gulf skies and light breezes.
For where to travel in January for warm weather in the U.S., on a budget, and with less fuss, Biloxi is an easy choice.
Visit the Biloxi Lighthouse, go seafood dining on the coast, explore casino boardwalks, and enjoy beachside views (swimming might be chilly, though).
It’s low-key, scenic, and a cozy winter warm-weather option.
Where to stay:
- Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (Luxury): Upscale waterfront resort with a casino, spa, restaurants, and walkable access to the Biloxi Lighthouse and downtown.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Biloxi (Mid-Range): Centrally located across from the beach with a pool, on-site restaurant, and close to casinos and attractions.
- Best Western Oak Manor (Budget): Affordable hotel near Beach Boulevard with breakfast, parking, near the Biloxi Lighthouse and beaches.
Orange Beach, Alabama
Weather: Highs around 62 °F with calm Gulf views and soft light.
If you’re exploring where to travel in January for warm weather in the U.S. and prefer quieter beach time, then Orange Beach fits.
Walk the Wharf, cycle the Backcountry Trail, spot dolphins, snorkel if you’re brave (cool water though), and enjoy off-season prices.
Where to stay:
- Perdido Beach Resort (Luxury): Beachfront resort with private balconies, multiple restaurants, and direct access to the Gulf, plus a short walk to The Wharf entertainment district.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orange Beach at The Wharf (Mid-Range): Centrally located near shopping and dining with marina views, free breakfast, and an outdoor pool.
- Best Western Premier The Tides (Budget): Oceanfront hotel with breakfast, beach access, and easy walking distance to coastal trails.
Read:
11 Cheap, Warm Places to Visit in February (U.S.)
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Where will you vacay this Jan? Comment below and let me know!
