Looking for the most effective nationwide parks to go to in January?
The holidays are over, however your adventures don’t have to finish. January is a quieter time to go to many National Parks. Below are some nice choices for those who’re hoping to flee the chilly or get pleasure from some winter actions.
There can also be a free day at National Parks throughout Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in January. This 12 months, it’ll land on January 16, 2023.
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Last Updated: December 13, 2022
Before we get into it, we need to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Leave no Trace Principles. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, depart what you discover, decrease campfire impression, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
About the National Park by month Series
To put collectively this listing, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal points of interest like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions occurring within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely provided at sure instances of the 12 months to seek out probably the most optimum months to go to every National Park. Phew! that was lots!
It took me a complete week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was fully value having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Also, take a look at our full listing of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park models that embrace soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to not embrace the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and U.S. territories on this sequence.
National Parks By Month – Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul
Is January a Good Time to Visit National Parks?
Yes! December is a superb time to go to sure nationwide parks, particularly these which can be too sizzling to go to within the Summer.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this 12 months? Pick up an America the Beautiful annual move to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per automobile). Plus, you might be serving to help the Parks that at all times want funding.
9 Best National Parks to Visit in January
To Escape the Cold
1. Biscayne National Park, Florida
9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033, map
Average Temperatures: 76°F / 55°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:07 AM / 5:51 PM
Why Visit: Winter is the most effective time to go to Biscayne National Park. Although it’s busier, you’ll be avoiding hurricane season, and there are just a few US nationwide parks in January to take in the solar. Remember to look out for manatees!
Best For / Top Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, Hiking
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Boca Chita Key, Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, Snorkeling, Jones Lagoon
- Wildlife – Sea Turtles, Manatees, Spiny Lobster, Snapper, Grouper
- How many days do you want? 2-3
Pro Tip: 90% of tourists enter the park through boat, so plan accordingly!
See Related – 7 Remarkable Things to Do in Key West Florida
2. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
281 Trumbo Rd, Key West, FL 33040, map
Average Temperatures: 74°F / 65°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:16 AM / 6:04 PM
Why Visit: Warm water and air temperatures make Dry Tortugas an amazing year-round vacation spot, however probably the greatest instances to go to is in January. The climate is gentle, and it’s the final month that Bush Key is open.
Best For / Top Activities: Snorkel, Fishing, Boating, Paddle Sports, Diving
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Bush Key, Fort Jefferson, Snorkel, Garden Key, Kayak Tour
- Wildlife – Nurse Sharks, Reef Fish, Sea Turtles, ~300 Species of Birds
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: Start planning early. You might want to e book a method to get to the park and remember the fact that elements of the park could also be closed to guard pure sources.
See Related – 7+ Remarkable Things to Do in Key West Florida
3. Everglades National Park, Florida
40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, map
Average Temperatures: 76°F / 56°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:10 AM / 5:54 PM
Why Visit: January is throughout the dry season in Everglades National Park. You get cooler temps and fewer mosquitos, and wildlife will probably be extra energetic and ample.
Best For / Top Activities: Boating, Camping, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, Hiking, Tours
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Shark Valley, Anhinga Trail, Eco Pond, Snake Bight, Nine Mile Pond
- Wildlife – Alligators, Raccoons, Opossums, Bobcats, Gray Fox, Leopard Frogs, Roseate Spoonbill, Manatee
- How many days do you want? 2-3
Pro Tip: Since visiting throughout the dry season is in style, make superior reservations for tenting, lodging, and excursions.
See Related – 7 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida
4. Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
20.7150988,-156.2519841, map
Average Temperatures: 61°F / 44°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:03 AM / 6:04 PM
Why Visit: January is a superb time to discover Haleakala National Park! The climate remains to be heat however not sizzling, making it a preferred time to go to. If you’re hoping to catch the dawn within the Summit District, apply for a allow.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Stargazing, Photography
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Haleakala Crater, Sliding Sands Trail, Waimoku Falls, Summit District, Kipakulu District
- Wildlife – Hawaiian Goose, Hawaiian Petrel, I’iwi, Amakihi
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: Weather varies a ton relying on the place within the park you’re visiting. On common, the temperature drops 3°F each 1,000 ft you rise in elevation.
See Related – 19 Incredible Road to Hana Stops You Can’t Miss
For the Cooler Temps
5. Death Valley National Park, California
36.4799715,-118.1707461, map
Average Temperatures: 67°F / 40°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:03 AM / 4:54 PM
Why Visit: Death Valley is principally our yard, and we solely go to within the winter. January has heat temperatures throughout the day for hikes, nevertheless it will get chilly at evening. Remember to pack layers within the desert.
Best For / Top Activities: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Photography
Don’t Miss:
Pro Tip: The park is gigantic. We have been stunned at how lengthy it took to drive from one spot to the following. Give your self loads of journey time.
See Related – 15 Incredible Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
6. Joshua Tree National Park, California
6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map
Average Temperatures: 63°F / 38°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:48 AM / 4:46 PM
Why Visit: We love Joshua Tree in January for the climbing. For those that don’t climb, it’s nonetheless a good time to get pictures of Joshua bushes, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There is much less to do on this park for those who’re not into climbing, nevertheless it’s value visiting no less than as soon as. If you’re fortunate, you might also catch the desert with a dusting of snow.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Stargazing, Camping, Scenic Drives, Climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Halls of Horror, Skull Rock
- Wildlife – Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Gray Fox, Desert Kit Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail
- How many days do you want? 1 or 2-3 for those who climb
Pro Tip: The park will get busier throughout the cooler seasons, so e book your web site early for those who’re hoping to camp.
See Related – 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
7. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, map
Average Temperatures: 66°F / 39°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:23 AM / 5:38 PM
Why Visit: Cool days make January probably the greatest instances to discover Saguaro National Park. The park is busiest between Christmas and New Year, so that you’ll keep away from the vacation crowds too.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Scenic Drive, Photography, Camping, Ranger Programs
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Valley View Overlook Trail, Cactus Forest Drive, Bajada Loop Drive, Signal Hill Trail, Desert Museum
- Wildlife – Bats, Bobcats, Javelina, Mountain Lions, Gray Fox, Coyotes, Ringtail
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Local Tip: The park has an East and West portion separated by the town (roughly 30-45 minutes). When you propose your journey, take note of the place every path is.
See Related – 11 Beautiful Things to Do in Saguaro National Park
For Winter Activities
8. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
43.7601214, -110.7644613, map
Average Temperatures: 25°F / 0°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:48 AM / 4:47 PM
Why Visit: We visited Grand Teton on the finish of January, and it was so refreshing to see the distinction between winter and summer season. It was a good time for winter actions and wasn’t crowded like our different visits. Our spotlight was photographing the elk and bison coated in snow.
Best For / Top Activities: Snowshoeing, Snowboarding/Skiing, Dogsledding, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mormon Row, Wildlife Tour, National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides
- Wildlife – Bison, Pronghorn, Elk, Moose, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Local Tip: If you need to discover Bear Lake Road, you need to get a allow.
See Related – 11+ Unforgettable Things to Do in Jackson Hole in Winter
9. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, map
Average Temperatures: 27°F / 13°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:21 AM / 5:00 PM
Why Visit: Rocky Mountain National Park is ideal for winter actions. Backcountry skiers will discover a number of peaks to discover, and you can even discover world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and mountain climbing.
Best For / Top Activities: Backcountry Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Trail Ridge Road, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Road, Alpine Ridge Trail, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
- Wildlife – Elk, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lions, Deer, Bears, Bobcats
- How many days do you want? 2-4
Local Tip: If you need to discover Bear Lake Road, you need to get a allow.
See Related – The Best National Parks to Explore within the Winter
10. Yosemite National Park, California
9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map
Average Temperatures: 48°F / 28°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:13 AM / 4:50 PM
Why Visit: January is without doubt one of the quietest instances to go to Yosemite National Park. Portions of the park will probably be closed, and also you’ll want to think about driving within the winter circumstances, however for those who make it, you’ll discover stunning winter landscapes in solitude.
Best For / Top Activities: Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Ice Skating, Tours, Photography, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Taft Point, Glacier Point, Half Dome, Tunnel View
- Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Big Horn Sheep, Great Gray Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Red Foxes
- How many days do you want? 2-4
Pro Tip: Certain roads within the park are closed or require tire chains. Be ready! Since we’re from the desert, determining find out how to placed on tire chains and drive in snowy and icy circumstances was nerve-wracking.
See Related – 15 Breathtaking Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
Plus One National Park in January to Skip
11. Glacier National Park, Montana
Logan’s Pass Visitor Center, Browning, MT 59417, map
Average Temperatures: 48°F / 28°F
Why Skip It: The roads are closed, and far of the park is inaccessible, not making it well worth the go to.
Map of the Best National Parks to Visit in January
Want to See More NATIONAL Parks to Visit in January?
If you’re a nationwide park lover like us and have executed most of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for National Parks to go to in January. While January might not be the perfect time of the 12 months to go to these parks, it’s not the worst.
- Acadia National Park, Maine – winter mountain climbing, snowshoeing
- Arches National Park, Utah
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Canyonlands National Park, Utah (publish coming quickly!)
- Capitol Reef National Park, Utah (publish coming quickly!)
- Channel Islands National Park, California
- Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada
- Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado – heavier and longer-lasting snow
- Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
- Pinnacles National Park, California
- Redwood National Park, California
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, California
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- White Sands National Park, New Mexico
- Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Zion National Park, Utah
Tips for Visiting the Best National Parks in January
- Explore the parks responsibly utilizing Leave no Trace ideas. Stay on established trails, perform something you carry in, and many others.
- Pick up the National Park Annual Pass for those who plan on visiting a number of parks inside the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Want to see snow circumstances? Climate change and droughts will make timing extra unpredictable. We usually go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by means of all of the current posts to see present circumstances. Keep in thoughts that individuals publish older content material, so I like to take a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You may also depart a remark and ask after they went.
- It’s at all times a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat throughout the day and funky at evening. Pay consideration to the elevation change too! Some parks will probably be heat on the valley ground and chilly at larger elevations.
- You might have a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- Always examine the park’s web site and Visitors Center for probably the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Remember that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to find out how to work together with animals and the way a lot house you must have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack is determined by which park you go to and the actions you propose, however here’s a basic information on objects we at all times attempt to pack.
Want to know what to pack and put on to the airport? These are our best airport outfits and carry-on necessities.
FAQs
Are nationwide parks crowded in January?
January is without doubt one of the greatest instances to go to National Parks as a result of they’re much less crowded than the remainder of the 12 months.
What time of 12 months is greatest to go to nationwide parks?
This is determined by the area, however basically, September and October are the most effective instances to go to for milder climate and wildlife exercise.
What nationwide park is greatest to go to in January?
We simply made a listing of this! Go test it out right here.
What is Zion like in January?
Highs of 54 and lows of 30 make it a cold time to discover. Bundle up and keep heat.
How is Yellowstone in January?
Yellowstone is roofed with snow in January, and all roads besides the north entrance are closed. To entry the park from West Yellowstone or the south entrance, you need to go by snow coach excursions, snowmobile excursions, snowshoeing, or cross-country snowboarding.
What is Yosemite like in January?
The climate is snowy and chilly in Yosemite in January. Plus, parts of the park are closed or require snow chains to entry.
How sizzling is Grand Canyon in January?
On the South Rim, it’s fairly chilly! The highs are normally round 44 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 18.
Can you consider others that belong on this listing of greatest nationwide parks to go to in January? Which ones are we lacking?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of many prime 5 journey blogs within the US. They imagine that journey could be discovered close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover domestically. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and at present base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow alongside on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTook, and Pinterest.