![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wintersunexpert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Top-3-US-Winter-Sun-Destinations-in-January.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nLet\u2019s dive into why you should pick these places for your winter sun vacation. I\u2019ll tell you about what the weather\u2019s like in January and give you a list of some of the activities you can do while on your holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>1. Phoenix, Arizona<\/h2>\n\n\n\nPhoenix 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\u2019t as hot as it is during summertime. Nicknamed the \u201cValley of the Sun,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s common for tourists to base themselves in Phoenix and travel out to see attractions around Arizona. Arizona\u2019s northern and southern regions differ geographically, so you\u2019ll experience desert and forest landscapes if you make the trip out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019t truly over yet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Weather<\/h3>\n\n\n\nSnowbirds and 50+ visitors love flocking to Phoenix because, as a Southern US state, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although January is noted to be the coldest month for Phoenix, daytime temperatures only reach highs of 69\u2109 (21\u2103)<\/strong>, while lows can reach 46\u2109 (8\u2103)<\/strong>. You\u2019ll also get 10.3 hours<\/strong> of sunshine daily, meaning long daylight hours with warm temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs it\u2019s 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\u2019re going for an early morning hike. There\u2019s also a chance of rain in January, so pack a travel umbrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, the area has low humidity. Remember to bring a water bottle along to hydrate yourself throughout your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Getting There<\/h3>\n\n\n\nLike 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<\/strong><\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Deer Valley Airport (DVT)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Goodyear Airport (GYR)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
PHX is the city\u2019s main airport and the nearest one to the city center, with the journey taking roughly 15 minutes. You can take a bus or train<\/a> from PHX to the city or book an airport transfer if you have a lot of luggage. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019re there, getting around the city is easy \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Things To Do<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Grand Canyon National Park<\/h4>\n\n\n\nOne of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon<\/strong> is a must-see when you\u2019re in Arizona. The park is a four-hour drive from Phoenix, but the natural beauty of the rock formations makes the journey worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re driving, you can stop by Sedona<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Grand Canyon National Park is sometimes closed to visitors for maintenance or safety. You can check the official website for announcements on park closure<\/strong> here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Go Hiking<\/h4>\n\n\n\nMany outdoor enthusiasts choose to holiday in Phoenix because it\u2019s one of the best hiking spots in the country. There are many hiking trails in and around the city, so it\u2019s best to research beforehand and pick a route that matches your experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some routes and parks<\/a> to consider are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Phoenix Sonoran Preserve<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hole-in-the-Rock Trail<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- South Mountain Park<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pinnacle Peak Park<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Black Canyon Trail<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Camelback Mountain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Desert Botanical Garden<\/h4>\n\n\n\nThe Desert Botanical Garden<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can purchase tickets to see the exhibits even if you don\u2019t participate in any educational events. There are over 50,000 plants on display along the botanic garden\u2019s nature trails, which take you into the Sonoran Desert. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In December, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts the annual Las Noches de las Luminarias event<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>The Musical Instrument Museum<\/h4>\n\n\n\nOne of Phoenix\u2019s 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\u2019s shut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For ticketing information, you can check out MIM\u2019s official website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Healthcare Facilities and Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\nOutdoor enthusiasts know there\u2019s always a risk of injury when you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong> instead of getting hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Snowbirds and 50+ visitors love flocking to Phoenix because, as a Southern US state, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although January is noted to be the coldest month for Phoenix, daytime temperatures only reach highs of 69\u2109 (21\u2103)<\/strong>, while lows can reach 46\u2109 (8\u2103)<\/strong>. You\u2019ll also get 10.3 hours<\/strong> of sunshine daily, meaning long daylight hours with warm temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As it\u2019s 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\u2019re going for an early morning hike. There\u2019s also a chance of rain in January, so pack a travel umbrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, the area has low humidity. Remember to bring a water bottle along to hydrate yourself throughout your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong><\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n PHX is the city\u2019s main airport and the nearest one to the city center, with the journey taking roughly 15 minutes. You can take a bus or train<\/a> from PHX to the city or book an airport transfer if you have a lot of luggage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019re there, getting around the city is easy \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon<\/strong> is a must-see when you\u2019re in Arizona. The park is a four-hour drive from Phoenix, but the natural beauty of the rock formations makes the journey worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re driving, you can stop by Sedona<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong> here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many outdoor enthusiasts choose to holiday in Phoenix because it\u2019s one of the best hiking spots in the country. There are many hiking trails in and around the city, so it\u2019s best to research beforehand and pick a route that matches your experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some routes and parks<\/a> to consider are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Desert Botanical Garden<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can purchase tickets to see the exhibits even if you don\u2019t participate in any educational events. There are over 50,000 plants on display along the botanic garden\u2019s nature trails, which take you into the Sonoran Desert. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In December, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts the annual Las Noches de las Luminarias event<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of Phoenix\u2019s 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\u2019s shut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For ticketing information, you can check out MIM\u2019s official website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outdoor enthusiasts know there\u2019s always a risk of injury when you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong> instead of getting hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Getting There<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/a>Things To Do<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Grand Canyon National Park<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Go Hiking<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/a>Desert Botanical Garden<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>The Musical Instrument Museum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Healthcare Facilities and Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n