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Best destinations to visit in January in North America

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New Orleans
Jazz, Creole Flavors and Mardi Gras Vibes
7.9
Carnival season starts on 6 January in New Orleans. King cakes appear in bakeries, each with a plastic baby inside. Parades roll on the weekends before Mardi Gras. Cafe du Monde serves beignets with chicory coffee. Jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street are warm and full.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Explore historic French Quarter’s colorful streets
  • 🍩 Savor beignets at iconic Café du Monde
  • 🎷 Experience live jazz on vibrant Frenchmen Street
Banff
Rocky Mountain Majesty, Endless Adventure
9.0
Surrounded by jagged peaks and frozen forest, this small mountain town feels like a snow globe in winter. Skiers head to Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay then soak in the Upper Hot Springs after a cold day. Banff SnowDays fills the streets with ice sculptures and live music in January.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs with mountain views
  • 🥾 Hike Johnston Canyon and explore breathtaking waterfalls
  • 🚡 Ride the Banff Gondola for panoramic Sulphur Mountain views
Costa Rica
Lush rainforests, stunning beaches, pure adventure
8.3
Pacific coast beaches in Costa Rica get dry sunshine in January. Surfers ride the waves at Tamarindo and Santa Teresa. Hot springs near Arenal flow from the volcano's slopes. Monteverde has hanging bridges over the cloud forest. Gallo pinto, rice and beans, comes with breakfast eggs.
Highlights:
  • 🦜 Spot sloths and toucans in Manuel Antonio National Park
  • 🌋 Relax in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
  • 🌿 Zip-line through the Monteverde Cloud Forest canopy
Oaxaca
Colonial Charm and Rich Traditions
7.5
January days are sunny and dry at about 26 degrees Celsius with cool evenings for long walks. Epiphany on 6 January brings a sweet ring shaped bread called rosca de reyes to bakeries across the city. Markets sell mole, chocolate and mezcal while Monte Alban is a hilltop Zapotec site.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Relax in the colorful Oaxaca Botanical Garden
  • ⛪ Marvel at the Baroque Templo de Santo Domingo
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán
Phoenix
Desert sun, art and adventure
6.9
Winter visitors known as snowbirds leave cold northern states for the Arizona sun every January. Highs reach the mid 60s Fahrenheit under blue skies, which suits morning hikes up Camelback Mountain. The Barrett Jackson classic car auction in nearby Scottsdale fills a huge tent at WestWorld every January.
Highlights:
  • 🏺 Discover cultures at the Heard Museum
  • 🌵 Explore the diverse Desert Botanical Garden trails
  • ⛰️ Hike Camelback Mountain for stunning city views
Key West
Tropical charm at the end of the road
7.9
Key West reaches highs near 75 degrees Fahrenheit in January, a welcome escape from cold weather. Mallory Square celebrates the sunset each evening with street performers. Hemingway's home has six toed cats. A ferry or seaplane reaches Dry Tortugas National Park. Key lime pie is sold everywhere.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel in the coral reefs of Dry Tortugas National Park
  • 🐈 Visit Ernest Hemingway’s House and meet its six-toed cats
  • 🌅 Watch the sunset celebration at Mallory Square
Puerto Rico
Caribbean rhythms, rainforests and beaches
8.1
Unlike most of the mainland in January, this island is warm with highs near 83 degrees Fahrenheit. The San Sebastian Street Festival in Old San Juan fills the streets with music, crafts and food in mid January. El Yunque rain forest has waterfalls and trails about an hour east of San Juan.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Relax on Flamenco Beach, one of the Caribbean’s best
  • 🌌 Kayak through the glowing Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques
  • 🏘️ Wander the colorful colonial streets of Old San Juan
Death Valley National Park
Otherworldly Extremes and Silent Beauty
6.4
Rangers recommend hiking in the cool months, when January highs stay near 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Zabriskie Point looks over golden badlands that glow at sunrise and Dante's View looks down on the salt flats. Badwater Basin sits 282 feet below sea level and its night skies are very dark.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Explore colorful rock formations at Artists Palette
  • 🦶 Walk across the vast salt flats of Badwater Basin
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise from panoramic Zabriskie Point
Whistler
Alpine Adventure, Epic Views, Year-Round Fun
8.8
Wrapped around two huge mountains, this alpine village feels lively and cosy with pedestrian streets. Whistler and Blackcomb have over 8,000 acres of skiing and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola links their summits. Heavy January snowfall keeps the powder deep and the village has ice skating and tubing in the evening.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike to Garibaldi Lake’s turquoise waters
  • 🚠 Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for alpine views
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard the legendary Whistler Blackcomb slopes
Lake Louise
Turquoise Gem of the Canadian Rockies
8.9
The Canadian Pacific Railway built a small chalet here in 1890, which grew into the grand Chateau Lake Louise hotel. In January the lake freezes and skaters glide across a rink beside carved ice sculptures. The ski resort nearby has about 4,200 acres of terrain across four mountain faces.
Highlights:
  • 🚡 Ride the Lake Louise Gondola for panoramic alpine scenery
  • 🥾 Hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House for stunning mountain views
  • 🛶 Canoe on the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise
Sedona
Red Rocks, Vortexes and Starry Skies
7.5
Red rocks sometimes wear a light coat of snow in Sedona in January. Trails to Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are quiet. Highs near 57 degrees Fahrenheit suit hiking. Airport Mesa is a short drive for sunset. Cafes with fireplaces serve hot chocolate. Galleries line the main road.
Highlights:
  • 🚙 Take a scenic jeep tour through rugged canyons
  • 🌅 Experience sunrise at Airport Mesa vortex viewpoint
  • 🏜️ Hike to Cathedral Rock for breathtaking red rock views
Barbados
Tropical paradise with year-round sunshine
8.1
January is the start of Barbados's dry season, with highs near 29 degrees Celsius. Crane Beach has pink sand and big waves. Oistins fish fry on Friday nights serves grilled mahi mahi and flying fish. Harrison's Cave has a tram ride through limestone caverns. Rum shops are on every road.
Highlights:
  • 🥃 Tour the historic Mount Gay Rum Distillery
  • 🐢 Snorkel with sea turtles in Carlisle Bay’s clear waters
  • 🏖️ Relax on the powdery white sands of Crane Beach
Jamaica
Vibrant culture meets pristine beaches
7.4
The middle of the dry season falls in January in Jamaica. Seven Mile Beach in Negril has warm water and sunset bars. Dunn's River Falls climbs in steps through a forest. Blue Mountain coffee farms offer tours. Jerk chicken is cooked over pimento wood at roadside stands.
Highlights:
  • 🎶 Visit Bob Marley’s home and museum in Kingston
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Seven Mile Beach in Negril
  • 💦 Climb up the cascading waters of Dunn’s River Falls
Moab
Red rock canyons echo adventure seekers' dreams
9.1
A small desert town of about 5,000 people, this is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands national parks. January is quiet with highs near 40 degrees Fahrenheit and red rocks dusted with snow. Arches has more than 2,000 stone arches and Delicate Arch glows orange at sunset with few other visitors around.
Highlights:
  • 🚴‍♂️ Bike the Slickrock Trail through rugged desert terrain
  • 🗿 Explore Arches National Park's iconic rock formations
  • 🏜️ Climb Delicate Arch at sunrise for breathtaking views
Holbox
Tropical paradise with crystal turquoise waters
8.2
Off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, this small island has sandy streets and golf carts instead of cars. January is dry and sunny with highs near 27 degrees Celsius and steady breezes for kitesurfing. Boats visit Pajaros Island for birdwatching and the flamingos that wade in the lagoon.
Highlights:
  • 🐟 Taste fresh seafood at beachfront taco stand
  • 🏎️ Ride a golf cart through colorful town streets
  • 🌊 Float in crystal-clear lagoons while snorkeling
Aspen
Rocky Mountain Glam Meets Outdoor Thrills
8.8
Set in a narrow valley of the Rocky Mountains, this old silver mining town is ringed by four ski areas. January brings dry powder snow and the Winter X Games take over Buttermilk in late January. Downtown has galleries, boutiques and cosy restaurants where skiers gather after the lifts close.
Highlights:
  • 🗻 Explore the scenic Maroon Bells and capture the perfect photo
  • 🚡 Ride the Silver Queen Gondola for breathtaking alpine views
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard the iconic Aspen Mountain slopes
Glenwood Springs
Mountain retreat with natural hot springs
8.9
Smaller and quieter than nearby ski resorts, this Colorado town is built around natural hot springs. The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is over 400 feet long and stays warm when snow falls. Iron Mountain Hot Springs has tiled pools above the Colorado River and Sunlight Mountain ski area is nearby.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in natural hot springs at Glenwood Hot Springs Park
  • 🚂 Ride the historic Glenwood Canyon Scenic Railway
  • 🏞️ Hike Hanging Lake trail for breathtaking turquoise pools
Sayulita
Coastal charm meets vibrant artistic community
8.0
North of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast, this small beach town sits between jungle hills and a curved bay. January is dry and sunny with highs near 29 degrees Celsius and gentle waves for beginner surfers. Humpback whales visit the nearby waters from December to March on boat trips from town.
Highlights:
  • 🍤 Taste fresh ceviche at a beachfront shack
  • 🏄‍♂️ Surf the famous Playa de los Muertos waves
  • 🛍️ Stroll through colorful streets of Sayulita market
Bend
Mountain town that's got it all
8.0
January in this high desert city brings cold sunny days and deep snow on the nearby Cascade Mountains. Mount Bachelor, about 30 minutes away, has ski runs and groomed trails for cross country skiers. Craft breweries in town have warm taprooms where skiers gather after a day on the snow.
Highlights:
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard the slopes of Mount Bachelor
  • 🛶 Float down the Deschutes River on a sunny afternoon
  • 🌋 Hike the trails and lava fields at Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Palm Springs
Desert Modernism and Mountain Views
8.1
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway rises to 8,500 feet, where snow sometimes covers the pines. January days in town reach about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Mid century modern houses line quiet streets. Joshua Tree National Park is about 45 minutes away. The International Film Festival takes place in early January.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Relax in a natural hot spring at nearby Desert Hot Springs
  • 🏡 Admire mid-century modern homes on an architecture tour
  • 🚠 Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to Mount San Jacinto
Park City (Utah)
Where Olympic dreams meet culture
8.2
Park City Mountain and Deer Valley have powder runs a short drive from Salt Lake City. The old silver mining town on Main Street has bars and galleries in brick buildings. Hot tubs at lodges steam in the cold. Free buses link the resorts. Dry Utah snow draws skiers.
Highlights:
  • 🎢 Ride the thrilling Alpine Coaster at Park City Mountain
  • 🏘️ Stroll Historic Main Street’s shops, galleries, and cafes
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard at Deer Valley Resort, world-class slopes
Baja California Sur
Desert meets ocean adventure land
8.2
Spanish Jesuits built the mission at Loreto in 1697 and the stone church at San Javier still stands. Grey whales gather in Magdalena Bay and Ojo de Liebre lagoon from January to March to calve. January days are dry and mild with highs near 25 degrees Celsius and cool evenings.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Playa Balandra
  • 🐋 Watch grey whales breach near the lagoons of Magdalena Bay
  • 🦈 Swim alongside whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz
Riviera Maya
Sun‑kissed beaches and ancient Mayan ruins
8.3
Stretching about 130 kilometres along the Caribbean coast south of Cancun, this resort area links beaches, ruins and cenotes. January days are sunny and dry near 28 degrees Celsius. Tulum has Mayan ruins on a cliff above the sea and Xel Ha is a natural lagoon for snorkelling.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Stroll through colorful streets of Playa del Carmen
  • 🐠 Snorkel vibrant coral reefs in Akumal Bay
  • 🏛️ Explore ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum beachside
Taos Ski Valley
Snow‑kissed peaks, vibrant desert charm
8.5
Peak winter arrives in January with cold dry air and about 300 inches of snow in a typical year. Steep runs drop from peaks above 12,000 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The village is small and Taos Pueblo, lived in for over 1,000 years, is a short drive away.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore historic Taos Pueblo nearby, UNESCO site
  • 🚁 Take a sunset heli-ski tour over Sangre de Cristo
  • 🏂 Hit the slopes at Taos Ski Valley's alpine trails
Belize
Tropical paradise with diverse ecosystems
7.0
A small country with fewer than 450,000 people, this Caribbean nation has the second largest barrier reef in the world. January falls in the dry season, with sunny days near 28 degrees Celsius and calm seas for diving. The Great Blue Hole is a sinkhole about 125 metres deep.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail between tropical cayes across the Belize Barrier Reef
  • 🏛️ Explore ancient Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and Caracol
  • 🤿 Dive or snorkel the breathtaking Great Blue Hole
Lake Tahoe
Crystal waters framed by towering pine peaks
Deep, clear and ringed by snowy peaks, this alpine lake offers skiing and quiet walks along the shore. More than a dozen ski areas, including Palisades Tahoe and Heavenly, sit around the lake. January is among the snowiest months and the Sand Harbor boulder beaches are quiet in winter.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Stargaze from the summit of Mount Tallac in summer
  • 🥾 Hike to Emerald Bay for panoramic lake views
  • 🏂 Ski or snowboard at Heavenly Mountain Resort during winter
U.S. Virgin Islands
Caribbean Paradise with U.S. Convenience
8.3
Denmark ruled these islands for over 200 years before the United States bought them in 1917. January days are sunny and breezy near 82 degrees Fahrenheit with lower rainfall than the summer months. Trunk Bay on Saint John has an underwater snorkel trail inside Virgin Islands National Park.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic Reef Bay Trail and visit ruins
  • 🤿 Snorkel the vibrant coral reefs at Trunk Bay
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Magens Bay Beach
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