16 Of The Best National Parks To Visit In January

Considering a winter getaway and wondering which national park is best to visit in January?

Those seeking a winter wonderland, tropical getaway, or an easy destination close to home are sure to find the perfect park.

Many of the nation’s most popular parks find their crowded trails nearly empty come winter, providing a great opportunity to see these incredible parks in a more peaceful, crowd-free setting.

Read on for the best national parks to visit in January.

The Best National Parks To Visit In January 

Everglades National Park

• Location: Florida 
• Weather in January: 76° / 56° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? Yes

Everglades National Park encompasses over 1.5 million acres of wetlands, making it the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and one of the largest in North America.

Here you’ll find endangered and protected species like the American alligator, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee.  

This massive park can be explored through hikes, boat and paddle tours, camping trips, and so much more. 

Mild temperatures and less bugs make this the most popular season in the park. Additionally, it happens to be one of the best times to spot wildlife. Water levels drop in winter, drawing large numbers of animals to congregate around remnant water holes.

Things To Do In Everglades National Park During Winter

• Watch for gators (and birds!) along the park’s trails.
• Tram or bike Shark Valley Road.
• Go for an airboat, canoe, or kayak tour.

Death Valley National Park

• Location: Southern California/ Nevada  
• Weather in January: 67° / 40° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? Yes

Sitting in a below-sea-level basin this is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States.

Yet, despite the extreme nature, the landscape is surprisingly diverse, great for hiking and sightseeing… well, in winter that is. 

Death Valley regularly sees highs above 100°F in the summer months. Avoid the nauseating heat and visit this park in winter instead. You’ll find cool days, chilly nights, and hardly any precipitation.

Plus, with snow-capped peaks in the distance, winter is especially beautiful for exploring the valley. 

Things To Do In Death Valley National Park During Winter

• Take in the views of Badwater Basin from Dante’s View.
• Witness the uniquely colored Artist’s Palette.
• Explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Looking for more warm weather parks? Check out The Warmest National Parks In Winter.

Yellowstone National Park

• Location: Wyoming / Montana / Idaho  
• Weather in January: 28° / 3° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? No

Yellowstone is known for geothermal wonders and top-notch wildlife — we’re talking wolves, grizzlies, and buffaloes.

It’s an incredible park, but crowds can be a major challenge during summer and fall.

In the winter months Yellowstone National Park is covered in snow, leaving only one road open. This means snowmobiles, snowcoaches, and skis are the main means of transportation around here. 

The result, a very quiet park in winter.

This is definitely one of the most extreme national parks in winter, so if you’re up for a serious cold-weather adventure, Yellowstone should be calling your name.

Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park During Winter

• Join a guided to tour to see the park’s most famous attractions, such as Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.
• Spend the day snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice skating.
• Wrap up in blankets, grab a hot chocolate, and keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife found in Yellowstone National Park. 

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park 

• Location: Hawaii  
• Weather in January: 68° / 49° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? Yes

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park contains the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Here lava trickles from the volcanoes summit, standing over 13,000 feet above sea level, down to the Pacific Ocean.  

These massive peaks cover 6 climate zones, meaning there’s a huge diversity of things to see in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Thanks to reduced humidity, less rainfall, and relatively fewer crowds, January is a lovely time of year to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Plus, who doesn’t want an excuse to escape winter weather and visit Hawaii this winter?

Things To Do In Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park During Winter

• See the lava flow — with some luck!
• Walk through Thurston Lava Tube.
• Go for a scenic drive on Crater Rim Drive.

Grand Teton National Park

• Location: Wyoming  
• Weather in January: 25° / 0° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? No

The Tetons are incredible, jagged mountains which especially shine when blanketed in snow.

The park is famed not only for its incredibly picturesque peaks, but also an abundance of alpine lakes, open meadows, and excellent variety of wildlife — especially moose.

This park is packed come summer, but you can expect very minimal crowds from Grand Teton National Park in January.

Things To Do In Grand Teton National Park During Winter

• Spend a day snowmobiling.
• Enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing across Lake Jenny.
• Join a ranger-led snowshoeing tour.
• Watch for wildlife or brush up on your photography skills in this incredible winter wonderland. 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park 

• Location: New Mexico  
• Weather in January: 53° / 30° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? No

Located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico is Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Featuring over 100 caves covered in stalactites and huge underground chambers, this is one of the most unique national parks in the United States. 

The caves of Carlsbad Cavern see a constant temperature of 59°F — no matter the time of year.

Add in mild temperatures outside the cave, and you’ve got yourself a great winter national park.

Despite the pleasant weather, this national park still sees a slump in January. This means it’s a great time to get a more personalized experience during your visit to Carlsbad Cavern National Park.

Things To Do In Carlsbad Caverns National Park During Winter

• Join a ranger-led tour through the caves.
• Enjoy a quiet hike on one of the desert hiking trails.
• Go stargazing, the night sky here is incredible and Carlsbad Cavern is currently working on earning its designation as an International Dark Skies Park.

Dry Tortugas National Park

• Location: Florida 
• Weather in January: 74° / 65° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? Yes

Seven remote islands with beautiful white, sandy beaches and abundant coral reefs make up Dry Tortugas National Park.

Here you may just find sunken gold treasure — or more likely an abundance of sea turtles — as you partake in an epic snorkel or diving excursion.

Winter here sees dry, mild weather, minimal crowds, and migrating birds.

Trade the snow shovel for snorkel gear, and head to Dry Tortugas National Park this January.

Note: Dry Tortugas is 70 miles from the Florida Keys and only accessible by ferry or seaplane.

Things To Do In Dry Tortugas National Park During Winter

• Snorkel or scuba dive.
• Explore Fort Jefferson.
• Swim at South Swim Beach.
• Hike and watch for wildlife on Garden Key.

Gateway Arch National Park 

• Location: Missouri  
• Weather in January: 40° / 21° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? Yes

Another unconventional national park is Gateway Arch National Park, at only 91 acres this is the nation’s smallest.

Not-surprisingly, the park’s star is the massive 630 foot, stainless steel arch, dubbed the Gateway to the West.

This engineering marvel is not only the tallest monument in the United States, but also marks the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. 

January in St. Louis is cold, yes, however temperatures inside the arch are toasty and warm.

Where you’ll normally find long lines for exhibits and attractions, it’s anything but come winter in Gateway Arch National Park. 

Things To Do In Gateway Arch National Park During Winter

• Ride the tram to the top of the arch.
• Snap a picture under the arch — without the usual crowds!
• Visit the Museum at the Gateway Arch.

Bryce Canyon National Park

• Location: Utah  
• Weather in January: 36° / 11° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? No

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah’s most stunning.

It’s famous for a giant amphitheater covered in red, spire-like rock formations called hoodoos. At 9,100 feet above sea level, this park sees a lot of snow (which contributes to how the hoodoos are formed!) resulting in an incredible sight of contrasting colors. 

Winter is a fantastic time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park, thanks to fewer crowds and incredible scenery.

Witnessing the red, hoodoo-filled canyon blanketed in snow is a sight you’ll never forget.

Things To Do In Bryce Canyon National Park During Winter

• Admire the snow-covered hoodoos from Sunset and Sunrise Viewpoints.
• Hike into the snowy canyon following Queens Garden Loop via Navajo Loop.
• Visit ice-covered Mossy Cave.

Check out Bryce Canyon National Park Winter Guide for more ideas.

National Park Of American Samoa

• Location: United States territory of American Samoa 
• Weather in January: 84° / 73° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? Yes

National Park of the American Samoa’s prime location near the equator should be all the explanation you need regarding why this is one of the best winter national parks.

This park spans three islands — Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta’ū — preserving and and protecting tropical rainforests, wildlife, coral reefs, and the Samoan culture.

While I admit, this is quite the trip from mainland USA, the landscapes are like nothing found at home.

Witnessing the beauty of the National Park of American Samoa is a once in a lifetime experience. 

Things To Do In National Park of American Samoa During Winter

• Enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
• Spend the day snorkeling — there’s over 200 species of coral found in the area!
• Lounge out at the beach.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

• Location: Ohio 
• Weather in January: 35° / 22° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? No

Along the Cuyahoga River, between the cities of Cleveland and Akron, lies Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The park protects a historic section of the Ohio and Erie Canal’s original towpath. But more importantly, it represents the successful conservation of this fragile landscape. 

The park has several waterfalls and lots of room for winter recreation such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

January in Cuyahoga Valley National Park sees smaller crowds and excellent outdoor recreation for winter lovers. Plus, its central location, straddling the East Coast and Midwest, makes this an easy and quick winter getaway.

Just be sure to bundle up!

Things To Do In Cuyahoga Valley National Park During Winter

• Go sledding in the Kendall Hills area.
• Go snowshoeing on the 125 miles of trails open year-round.
• Try out cross-country skiing or ice fishing.

White Sands National Park 

• Location: New Mexico  
• Weather in January: 57° / 22° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? Yes

White Sands National Park, located in southern New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin, is home to the worlds largest gypsum dune field.

Whether you prefer hiking, sand-sledding, silence and solidarity, or catching a really good sunset, there’s something everyone can enjoy in this exceptionally unique park.

The bright white sand of Sand Dunes National Park has an intensity that is hard to describe, and can be absolutely brutal under the summer sun.

Skip this park in the warmer months and explore it in January when the highs average around the mid 50°Fs and low 60°Fs. 

Things To Do In White Sands National Park During Winter

• Spend the day sand sledding on the seemingly endless dunes available.
• Hike the sand dunes or Dune Life Nature Trail.
• Enjoy an epic sunset.

You May Also Like: White Sands National Park: One Day Guide

Mammoth Cave National Park

• Location: Kentucky  
• Weather in January: 45° / 26° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? No

The world’s largest known cave system can be found in Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park.

Over 400 miles of the cave have been mapped and explored. And as hard as it is to believe, the cave is expected to be even double the size of what we know today!

A constant cave temperature of about 54°F makes Mammoth Cave National Park a desirable destination year-round.

Visiting in January, however, comes with the added bonus of less crowds and ultimately a more personalized tour experience. 

Things To Do In Mammoth Cave National Park During Winter

• Go for a cave tour (there are a number available even in winter months).
• See the incredible natural entrance of Mammoth Cave.
• Check out their highly informative Visitor Center.

Sequoia National Park

• Location: California  
• Weather in January: 37° / 18° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? No

Famed for giant sequoia trees — the largest in the world — vast cave systems, deep canyons, and huge mountains, Sequoia National Park is one you definitely don’t want to miss.

The park is an incredible site when covered in snow, it’s something everyone should see at least once.

January offers the unique opportunity to see this park blanketed in a wintery wonderland, plus experience the normally crowded trails with just a handful of other visitors.

Things To Do In Sequoia National Park During Winter

• Stand among the giant sequoias on the Big Trees Trail.
• Snowshoe Congress Trail.
• Enjoy winter activities such as sledding in the Wolverton Snowplay Area. 

Saguaro National Park

• Location: Arizona  
• Weather in January: 66° / 39° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? Yes

Saguaro National Park is home to the nation’s largest cactus, you guessed it, the saguaro cactus.

This desert environment is perfect for winter hikes among vast cacti filled valleys, wildlife sightings, and epic sunsets. 

With average highs in the 100°F’s, Saguaro National Park is too hot to properly enjoy in the summer months. Whereas winter is usually sunny with mild temperatures, perfect for enjoying the park’s longer hikes and expansive desert views. 

Best Things To Do In Saguaro National Park During Winter 

• Admire the staggering saguaro cacti from the Valley View Trail, Signal Hill Petroglyph Trail, or the Bajada Loop.
• Spend a morning biking popular road routes through this unique park.
• Catch a breathtaking sunset, this national park is known for having some of the best. 

Haleakala National Park

• Location: Hawaii  
• Weather in January: 61° / 44° (Average High/ Low F°)
• Is The Entire Park Open In Winter? Yes

The final park on this list of best national parks to visit in January is Maui’s Haleakala National Park.

This Hawaiian park covers a huge variety of landscapes, from the highest peak in Maui to the coastal area of Kīpahulu. Plus waterfalls, freshwater pools, and bamboo forests.

Most importantly, the park also protects endangered species, some of which are endemic to the island. 

Haleakala National Park is great for a January visit due to dry, mild weather and the absence of summer crowds.

Ditch the mainland’s cooler temperatures and head to the tropical paradise that is Hawaii.

Things To Do In Haleakala National Park During Winter

• Stand above the clouds and watch the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala.
• Hike the Haleakala Crater.
• Hike the The Pīpīwai Trail to see multiple waterfalls and a bamboo forest.
• See the incredible cascading pools and waterfalls of The Seven Sacred Pools of ‘Ohe’o.

In the United States we are so lucky to have such a diverse mix of national parks, and the winter season can be a great time to see them!

I hope you’ve found this list of best national parks to visit in January to be helpful and happy travels!

Any questions or additional information? Please leave a comment below!

If you’d like to follow along with my travels in real time, check out @seen.by.amy on Instagram or @seenbyamy on TikTok!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional national park guides or head on over to the National Park Service. Otherwise, check out 15 National Parks To Visit This Winter.

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• Warm Winter Getaways In The United States
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