Top 3 Best US Winter Sun Destinations in January
January falls in the middle of winter in the United States, but not every state possesses the same climate. Mostly, the southern regions have warmer weather, even during the winter months. What are the best winter sun destinations in the US when you want to beat the cold?
These are the results from our survey where we asked our visitors for the top 3 best US winter sun destinations in January.
The top three best US winter sun destinations in January are Phoenix, Palm Springs, and New Orleans. These places have milder winters than northern states, making for a pleasant holiday with warmer temperatures.
Let’s dive into why you should pick these places for your winter sun vacation. I’ll tell you about what the weather’s like in January and give you a list of some of the activities you can do while on your holiday.
1. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is a popular destination among snowbirds and older visitors because the weather is warm, even at the peak of winter. The sun is out in this desert city, but it isn’t as hot as it is during summertime. Nicknamed the “Valley of the Sun,” you can do a lot of recreational activities in Phoenix, so you may want to plan a more extended trip if you love the outdoors.
It’s common for tourists to base themselves in Phoenix and travel out to see attractions around Arizona. Arizona’s northern and southern regions differ geographically, so you’ll experience desert and forest landscapes if you make the trip out.
Being the largest city in Arizona, there are plenty of things to do when you stay within city limits. You can indulge in retail therapy or book a spa session when you need a break from the outdoors. Additionally, Phoenix has an active events calendar in January, so the holiday season isn’t truly over yet.
Weather
Snowbirds and 50+ visitors love flocking to Phoenix because, as a Southern US state, it’s warmer than the nation's northern parts. However, the city is situated within a desert, so daytime temperatures are warm while nighttime can get rather cold.
Although January is noted to be the coldest month for Phoenix, daytime temperatures only reach highs of 69℉ (21℃), while lows can reach 46℉ (8℃). You’ll also get 10.3 hours of sunshine daily, meaning long daylight hours with warm temperatures.
As it’s a desert climate, temperature changes are extreme, so pack warm clothing for after sunset. Temperatures remain low until sunrise, so pack some thicker gear if you’re going for an early morning hike. There’s also a chance of rain in January, so pack a travel umbrella.
Also, the area has low humidity. Remember to bring a water bottle along to hydrate yourself throughout your trip.
Getting There
Like most US cities, you can drive into Phoenix or take a plane. Flying into the city is the most convenient way to get there, but you need to know your starting point because Phoenix has three airports:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX)
- Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
- Goodyear Airport (GYR)
PHX is the city’s main airport and the nearest one to the city center, with the journey taking roughly 15 minutes. You can take a bus or train from PHX to the city or book an airport transfer if you have a lot of luggage.
Once you’re there, getting around the city is easy — you can take public transport, hire a taxi, or rent a car. Although Phoenix is a metropolis, the roads are easy to navigate because urban planning in the city is based on a grid system. Also, driving gives you a lot of freedom if you plan to visit parks and reserves outside the city.
Things To Do
Grand Canyon National Park
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is a must-see when you’re in Arizona. The park is a four-hour drive from Phoenix, but the natural beauty of the rock formations makes the journey worthwhile.
If you’re driving, you can stop by Sedona to admire the red rock formations surrounding the city. There are also hiking trails to explore in Sedona, so stay over for a night to recharge before continuing your journey. Sedona is situated midway between Phoenix and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, so the south entrance is the one you want to aim for when traveling from the city.
The Grand Canyon National Park is sometimes closed to visitors for maintenance or safety. You can check the official website for announcements on park closure here.
Go Hiking
Many outdoor enthusiasts choose to holiday in Phoenix because it’s one of the best hiking spots in the country. There are many hiking trails in and around the city, so it’s best to research beforehand and pick a route that matches your experience.
Some routes and parks to consider are:
- Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
- Hole-in-the-Rock Trail
- South Mountain Park
- Pinnacle Peak Park
- Black Canyon Trail
- Camelback Mountain
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden houses many plant species growing both in the Arizonian desert and elsewhere in the world. Researchers from the botanical garden work hard to educate the public on the significance of the desert flora, with conservation and outreach efforts ongoing throughout the year.
You can purchase tickets to see the exhibits even if you don’t participate in any educational events. There are over 50,000 plants on display along the botanic garden’s nature trails, which take you into the Sonoran Desert.
In December, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts the annual Las Noches de las Luminarias event. The event is a wonderful start to the holiday season, with up to 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags lining the paths in the garden.
The Musical Instrument Museum
One of Phoenix’s most famous museums, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) displays musical instruments from a variety of cultures all over the world. MIM is open 364 days a year; Thanksgiving is the only day it’s shut.
Walk through the museum and admire the designs of over 4,200 instruments, which MIM reconstructs acoustically using technology that simulates their real-life sound and cultural settings. Overall, you can expect to spend about three hours at the museum.
For ticketing information, you can check out MIM’s official website here.
Healthcare Facilities and Safety
Outdoor enthusiasts know there’s always a risk of injury when you’re active in the wilderness. Phoenix has an excellent healthcare system, with private and public medical facilities available. Some hospitals operate 24/7 Accident and Emergency departments, so you can call for emergency services anytime you need medical attention.
Call emergency services if you injure yourself while hiking, and refrain from straining yourself further while waiting. Typically, the Phoenix Fire Department handles rescues from hiking and mountain trails, and evacuation can be done on foot or by helicopter. Although the local firefighters are trained and experienced in rescues, it's still best to look after yourself and take the necessary precautions instead of getting hurt.
2. Palm Springs, California
California has nice weather all year round, making Palm Springs a great place for snowbirds and 50+ visitors to soak up the sun and relax. Weather conditions are best in January, so you’ll thoroughly enjoy indoor and outdoor activities in this desert city without the chill.
Notable for being a getaway for celebrities, Palm Springs has a lot to offer the common snowbird, too. There are cultural events and museums to visit, or you can book a spa session at one of the many mineral hot springs in the area.
For outdoor lovers, Greater Palm Springs has over a hundred hiking trails leading into nature. You can also book a Jeep tour or rent a mountain bike if hiking isn’t your thing. Palm Spring’s most popular mountain trail for hiking is up San Jacinto Peak, the second-highest peak in California, with spectacular forest views at the top.
Additionally, Palm Springs is easy to get to by car or plane. Palm Springs International Airport is busy with flights from all US states and major international airlines, so flying in should be straightforward.
Weather
Situated within the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs has a desert climate with sunny days in January. Days are warm, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 71℉ (22℃) and a minimum of 48℉ (9℃) at night. The sun is out for about ten hours daily, so it’s pleasant overall weather.
I recommend packing light clothing and some layers for when the wind picks up. Nighttime can be chilly for some, so bring a jacket if you’re worried you’ll feel cold.
3. New Orleans, Louisana
New Orleans is still bustling with energy after Christmas, making it a great choice for a winter sun holiday when you want to continue the festive spirit. Even if you’re an older adult, there will be something in the culture, history, and music of New Orleans for everyone to enjoy.
Famously known as the Birthplace of Jazz, the music scene in New Orleans never sleeps. Street performances, dancing, and live music events will happen throughout the city. Also, Carnival season begins annually on January 6, and a plus is you get to experience some festivities without the Mardi Gras crowd in February.
As crowds are thinner in January, you’ll get a more relaxed experience visiting historical attractions and museums. The National World War II Museum is popular amongst tourists, showcasing artifacts, anecdotes, and interactive displays for a compelling storytelling experience. You can also visit the French Quarter, a street lined with beautiful architecture and plenty of food and live music.
Getting around New Orleans is an exciting experience, and the best way to do it is by hopping onto one of the city’s historic streetcars. The streetcars have been operating since the 19th century, and the lines service most of the key attractions in the city.
Weather
The weather in New Orleans is considerably cooler during the winter months, but it still isn’t as cold as in the northern states. Temperatures hover around average highs of 62℉ (17℃) and lows of 43℉ (6℃). Still, the days have mild enough weather that you won't mind going outside.
The city enjoys seven hours of sunlight daily at the start of the year. For attire, it’s best to pack some light sweaters and long pants for the days you’re out. A light jacket will come in handy for colder nights, too.
Final Thoughts
Phoenix, Palm Springs, and New Orleans are among the best winter sun destinations in the US. Although the nation is going through the winter season in January, temperatures in the city aren’t too low, and you can mostly go about with light layers of clothing.
There are also plenty of historical attractions and hiking trails to fill up your vacation itinerary. However, ensure you have medical insurance before traveling, as American healthcare is costly.
How this Top 3 list was made
The top 3 list was derived from a survey where we asked about their top destination for a particular month and region. From these results, we made each month a top 3 for North America, the Caribbean, Middle/South America, Europe, and Asia (including the Middle East). Sometimes, we have combined several individual destinations from a single country into the country itself.
