12 Best Warm Places to Visit in January (USA Edition)

By the time winter settles into January, it’s about time for a break, right? Just about everyone has had their fill of the cold at this point. So why not escape to a place that’s warm and inviting.

Imagine yourself lounging on the warm sand, the lapping waves soothing your thoughts. And most importantly, the sun melting away all of the winter blues.

Start out the new year right with a dreamy vacation somewhere hot and sunny. This list of the best warm places to visit in January is here to help get you one step closer to making that dream a reality.

All you have to do is read through and pick the one that speaks to you.

Okay, let’s get going to someplace hot for winter vacation!

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Oahu

At the top of this list of warm places to visit in January is, an absolute fav, Oahu, Hawaii.

The consistently beautiful weather extends into January. You’ll see temps easily in the upper 70s and possibly into the 80s.

This gorgeous weather means you’ll be enjoying everything Oahu has to offer.

In January you can go whale watching, enjoy a New Year Luau, and enjoy swimming in the ocean.

Big Island Hawaii

Keeping it going with Hawaii! Big Island is just another awesome destination in January.

Like Oahu, the daytime temps are in the upper 70s and can get into the 80s.

Swimming in the ocean is a year round activity. But you’ll also have a great chance of seeing migrating Humpback whales in January, a major plus.

For a unique Hawaii experience you can try this night manta ray snorkeling tour from Kona.

Also, if you want to do some sightseeing and don’t want to rent a car you can book a seat on the small group tour Big Island in a Day that includes waterfalls, volcanoes, and historical info (lunch included).

January is part of Hawaii’s rainy season (October through March) but it’s really not that bad. And you can usually find better rates for accommodations in January.

Tour around Big Island and see gorgeous waterfalls like Rainbow Falls

San Diego

San Diego is a fabulous place to go just about any time of year because there’s always cool stuff to do.

Let’s be real for a second. It’s one of the warm places in January, but it’s not necessarily bathing suit weather.

But you can expect blue skies and sunshine in San Diego in January making it a great time to escape wintery weather elsewhere.

Daytime temps normally reach up into the mid-60s making it perfect to get out and see the sights.

You’ll love seeing the sea lions in La Jolla, hiking nearby coastal trails, or strolling the gardens of Balboa Park.

La Jolla Shores Beach San Diego California.

How about a January vacation to San Diego and beautiful La Jolla Shores beach?

Puerto Rico

January in Puerto Rico is the coldest month on the island. But with an average high of 83, it’s a place the rest of us are wishing to spend some time.

Pack your bathing suit because swimming and sunbathing are totally on the itinerary.

The water temps are usually in the lower 80s making Puerto Rico one of the absolute best warm places to visit in January.

You’ll have a blast checking out the impressive Castillo San Felipe del Morro and exploring the Yunque National Forest.

Boardwalk by the beach in Isabela Puerto Rico.

Sun and sand are in your future when you book a January trip to Puerto Rico

Florida Keys

With hurricane season long gone, the dry weather makes the Florida Keys one of the best January vacation spots.

Now, it is technically the coolest month in the Keys, but with temps in the 70s it’s an escape to tropical paradise for the rest of us.

With weather like this, you’ll be spending your days in the sun, enjoying the beach, and exploring downtown Key West.

For something fun why not take a snorkeling tour during the day and in the evening try the Key West sunset sail with live music!

Kayaks on beach with palm tress in Key West.

Key West in January is a great place to chase away the winter blues!

Phoenix

Looking for a place that has tons of sun and mild temperatures in January? Phoenix is the place!

This city is perfectly situated in the desert with tons of outdoor adventures and urban fun.

Get into nature on the hiking trails through the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve or the Desert Botanical Garden.

If you’re looking to recharge the spas and yoga centers are ready to help you get recentered.

Traveling on a budget? Check out my list of free things to do in Phoenix.

Regardless of how you spend your time, you’ll be warmed by sunny days and temperatures in the upper 60s.

Take to the hiking trails at Phoenix Sonoran Preserve on your January getaway to Arizona

Las Vegas

Why not kick off the new year Vegas-style? In January you’ll enjoy smaller crowds, lower prices, but the same level of Vegas fun.

And it isn’t just all about gambling, Las Vegas has lots of fun stuff to do besides casinos.

One of the best warm places in January, Vegas sees average high temp is 60 degrees.

This makes it really nice to explore the Strip during the day – something that’s just too uncomfortable during most of the year.

You can also get out and explore the nearby sites with some cool day trips from Vegas.

One of the most rad experiences from Vegas is the Grand Canyon deluxe helicopter tour.

At night it can get pretty chilly, reaching lows of nearly freezing. The simple cure for this is to enjoy the incredible indoor nightlife only Vegas can offer.

Reserve a window seat at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Las Vegas for the best views and tasty food

Santa Barbara

Sunny days and warm temperatures await in Santa Barbara.

January brings beautiful weather and temps in the mid 60s.

This makes it perfect to explore everything from the Botanical Garden to the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Don’t forget to visit Stearns Wharf too.

Read my full list of things to do in Santa Barbara.

A visit to Santa Barbara in January also means you might spot a Grey Whale as they migrate along the coast. January is also the best time to see Monarch butterflies in nearby Goleta.

Where to stay: La Playa Inn Santa Barbara is a short walk to the beach and Stearns Wharf, see photos and read reviews now.

Santa Barbara is a delightful warm winter weather destination on the California coast

Tucson

January is just about the best time of year to visit Tucson.

With mild day temps reaching the upper 60s during the day, you’ll find yourself outdoors exploring everything Tucson has to offer.

If it’s nature you seek, you’ll find it in Tucson. The Sonoran Desert is the perfect place to get into the great outdoors.

For a day of exploring check out the best day trips from Tucson with hiking and biking at Saguaro National Park, visit the beauty of Sabino Canyon, or learn about aviation at Pima Air and Space Museum.

You can’t beat downtown Tucson. It’s the perfect place to stroll through the shops, enjoy delicious food, and have a fun night out.

Another fun thing to do in Tucson is spend some time checking out all the amazing murals around town, there are a ton!

Tucson is a city full of gorgeous murals like the beautiful and colorful Goddess of Agave by Rock “CYFI” Martinez

Palm Springs

The weather is definitely a major reason Palm Springs is one of the best warm places to visit in January.

You can’t beat the sunshine and daily temps that reach into the 70s.

Beyond the perfect weather, this desert oasis is teeming with ways to relax and recharge.

You’ll find everything from spa resorts ready with massages and mud baths to world class golf courses. And January is the perfect time to hit the hiking trails around Palm Springs.

Spending more time in Palm Springs? Why not get out and go exploring nearby with the best day trips from Palm Springs.

For sure you’ll want to visit Joshua Tree National Park.

No matter how you choose to wind down you’ll find it in Palm Springs. Read my list of the Best Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs

A lone Joshua tree and boulders in winter at Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent winter destination for exploring gorgeous landscapes and the unique Joshua trees

US Virgin Islands

Paradise awaits in the US Virgin Islands.

No matter which one you choose, be it St. John, St. Croix, or St. Thomas, you’ll definitely melt away the winter blues.

With temperatures getting into the 80s, the US Virgin Islands is one of the hottest places to visit in January.

In the summer-like weather you’ll be putting your toes in the sand and snorkeling with the fish.

Maui

***While Lahaina is recovering from devastating wildfires of August 2023 visitors should stay away from the area but the remainder of West Maui, Southern and Eastern Maui regions are open for tourism. Check Maui Travel Updates for more info***

One more place in Hawaii to put on your list for a warm places to travel in January is Maui.

Because it’s whale watching season you can see whales from the shore or you can grab a seat on a whale watching tour like this eco-raft tour from Lahaina Maui for a chance to see them up close.

Warm waters around Maui will provide the perfect ocean playground for watersports like snorkeling or scuba diving.

And since January is the middle of Maui surfing season you can rent a board and catch the waves or take a surfing lesson.

Just want to chill? Spend your time on the beach watching the waves and catching some Vitamin D from the sunshine.

Stay at Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateau for the perfect (adults only) location overlooking Maui’s southern coastline.

Outdoor adventurers should put Haleakala National Park on the to-do list and Road to Hana is a gorgeous world-famous scenic drive you won’t want to miss.

For extraordinary landscapes visit Haleakala National Park in Maui

Final Thoughts

As you can see there are some toasty places to spend your winter getaway. And they’re all right here in the beautiful USA. This list of the best January warm winter vacation destinations in the US will make sure that soon after you ring in the New Year you’ll be headed off to a better, warmer, you. Have fun!

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