\n
Looking for the best national parks to visit in January?<\/em><\/p>\nThe holidays are over, but your adventures don\u2019t have to end. January is a quieter time to visit many National Parks. Below are some great options if you\u2019re hoping to escape the cold or enjoy some winter activities.<\/p>\n
There is also a free day at National Parks during Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s birthday in January. This year, it will land on January 16, 2023.<\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\nThis post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure\u00a0for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.<\/em><\/p>\nLast Updated: <\/em> December 13, 2022<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBefore we get into it, we want to remind everyone to explore the parks responsibly <\/strong>using the 7 Leave no Trace Principles. Have a plan, stay on established trails, carry out anything you carry in, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others.<\/p>\nAbout the National Park by month Series<\/h2>\n To put together this list, we\u2019ve combined our personal experiences and tips we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the weather, accessibility, local forums, seasonal attractions like fall foliage or wildflowers, and special events happening in the area. We also considered any unique adventures only offered at certain times of the year to find the most optimal months to visit each National Park. Phew! that was a lot!<\/p>\n
It took me a whole week of research, but since I\u2019m a maximizer, it was completely worth having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that soon!). Also, check out our complete list of all the national parks and all national park units that include soon-to-be national parks.<\/p>\n
We also chose not to include the hardest-to-access national parks in Alaska and U.S. territories in this series.<\/p>\n
National Parks By Month \u2013 <\/strong> Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan<\/strong> | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul<\/p>\n\n
\n
Is January a Good Time to Visit National Parks?<\/span><\/h2>\nYes! December is a great time to visit certain national parks, especially those that are too hot to visit in the Summer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Plan on visiting more than two national parks this year? Pick up an America the Beautiful annual pass to save money (entrance fees to each park are, on average, $30-35 per vehicle). Plus, you are helping support the Parks that always need funding.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
9 Best National Parks to Visit in January<\/span><\/h2>\nTo Escape the Cold<\/h2>\n1. Biscayne National Park, Florida<\/h3>\n 9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 76\u00b0F \/ 55\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 7:07 AM \/ 5:51 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> Winter is the best time to visit Biscayne National Park. Although it\u2019s busier, you\u2019ll be avoiding hurricane season, and there are only a few US national parks in January to soak up the sun. Remember to look out for manatees!<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, Hiking<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013 Boca Chita Key, Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, Snorkeling, Jones Lagoon<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Sea Turtles, Manatees, Spiny Lobster, Snapper, Grouper<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 2-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> 90% of visitors enter the park via boat, so plan accordingly!<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 7 Remarkable Things to Do in Key West Florida<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
2. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida<\/h3>\n 281 Trumbo Rd, Key West, FL 33040,\u00a0map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 74\u00b0F \/ 65\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 7:16 AM \/ 6:04 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> Warm water and air temperatures make Dry Tortugas a great year-round destination, but one of the best times to visit is in January. The weather is mild, and it is the last month that Bush Key is open.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Snorkel, Fishing, Boating, Paddle Sports, Diving<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013 Bush Key, Fort Jefferson, Snorkel, Garden Key, Kayak Tour<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Nurse Sharks, Reef Fish, Sea Turtles, ~300 Species of Birds<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> Start planning early. You will need to book a way to get to the park and keep in mind that parts of the park may be closed to protect natural resources.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 7+ Remarkable Things to Do in Key West Florida<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
3. Everglades National Park, Florida<\/h3>\n 40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 76\u00b0F \/ 56\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 7:10 AM \/ 5:54 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> January is during the dry season in Everglades National Park. You get cooler temps and fewer mosquitos, and wildlife will be more active and abundant.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Boating, Camping, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, Hiking, Tours<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Shark Valley, Anhinga Trail, Eco Pond, Snake Bight, Nine Mile Pond<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Alligators, Raccoons, Opossums, Bobcats, Gray Fox, Leopard Frogs, Roseate Spoonbill, Manatee<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 2-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> Since visiting during the dry season is popular, make advanced reservations for camping, lodging, and tours.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 7 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
4. Haleakal\u0101 National Park, Hawaii<\/h3>\n 20.7150988,-156.2519841, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 61\u00b0F \/ 44\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 7:03 AM \/ 6:04 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> January is a great time to explore Haleakala National Park! The weather is still warm but not hot, making it a popular time to visit. If you\u2019re hoping to catch the sunrise in the Summit District, apply for a permit.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Stargazing, Photography<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Haleakala Crater, Sliding Sands Trail, Waimoku Falls, Summit District, Kipakulu District<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Hawaiian Goose, Hawaiian Petrel, I\u2019iwi, Amakihi<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> Weather varies a ton depending on where in the park you\u2019re visiting. On average, the temperature drops 3\u00b0F every 1,000 feet you rise in elevation.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 19 Incredible Road to Hana Stops You Can\u2019t Miss<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
For the Cooler Temps<\/h2>\n5. Death Valley National Park, California<\/h3>\n 36.4799715,-118.1707461, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 67\u00b0F \/ 40\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 7:03 AM \/ 4:54 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> Death Valley is basically our backyard, and we only visit in the winter. January has warm temperatures during the day for hikes, but it gets chilly at night. Remember to pack layers in the desert.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Photography<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> The park is enormous. We were surprised at how long it took to drive from one spot to the next. Give yourself plenty of travel time.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 15 Incredible Things to Do in Death Valley National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
6. Joshua Tree National Park, California<\/h3>\n 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 63\u00b0F \/ 38\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 6:48 AM \/ 4:46 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> We love Joshua Tree in January for the climbing. For those who don\u2019t climb, it\u2019s still a great time to get photos of Joshua trees, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There is less to do in this park if you\u2019re not into climbing, but it\u2019s worth visiting at least once. If you\u2019re lucky, you may also catch the desert with a dusting of snow.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hiking, Backpacking, Stargazing, Camping, Scenic Drives, Climbing<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Halls of Horror, Skull Rock<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Gray Fox, Desert Kit Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1 or 2-3 if you climb<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> The park gets busier during the cooler seasons, so book your site early if you\u2019re hoping to camp.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
7. Saguaro National Park, Arizona<\/h3>\n 2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 66\u00b0F \/ 39\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 7:23 AM \/ 5:38 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> Cool days make January one of the best times to explore Saguaro National Park. The park is busiest between Christmas and New Year, so you\u2019ll avoid the holiday crowds too.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hiking, Scenic Drive, Photography, Camping, Ranger Programs<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Valley View Overlook Trail, Cactus Forest Drive, Bajada Loop Drive, Signal Hill Trail, Desert Museum<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Bats, Bobcats, Javelina, Mountain Lions, Gray Fox, Coyotes, Ringtail<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nLocal Tip:<\/strong><\/span> The park has an East and West portion separated by the city (roughly 30-45 mins). When you plan your trip, take into account where each trail is.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 11 Beautiful Things to Do in Saguaro National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
For Winter Activities<\/h2>\n8. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming<\/h3>\n 43.7601214, -110.7644613,\u00a0map<\/em><\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 25\u00b0F \/ 0\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 7:48 AM \/ 4:47 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> We visited Grand Teton at the end of January, and it was so refreshing to see the difference between winter and summer. It was a great time for winter activities and wasn\u2019t crowded like our other visits. Our highlight was photographing the elk and bison covered in snow.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Snowshoeing, Snowboarding\/Skiing, Dogsledding, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Mormon Row, Wildlife Tour, National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Bison, Pronghorn, Elk, Moose, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nLocal Tip:<\/strong><\/span> If you want to explore Bear Lake Road, you must\u00a0get a permit.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 11+ Unforgettable Things to Do in Jackson Hole in Winter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
9. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado<\/h3>\n 1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517,\u00a0map<\/em><\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 27\u00b0F \/ 13\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 7:21 AM \/ 5:00 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> Rocky Mountain National Park is perfect for winter activities. Backcountry skiers will find multiple peaks to explore, and you can also find world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and hiking.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Backcountry Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing<\/p>\n