Haleakalā
Humpback whale season on Maui.
8 prime · 13 good · January
Best National Parks to Visit in January
January is desert season. While the northern parks sit under snow, the deserts of California, Arizona and Texas have their mildest weather of the year, and South Florida's dry season makes the Everglades and the Keys feel like a different planet from the rest of the country.
Top picks for January: Haleakalā, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, Death Valley, Virgin Islands, Biscayne. Holiday crowds are gone after the first week, which makes January one of the quietest months in the parks that are in season.
Prime in January (8)
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
Peak travel season.
Death Valley
The best time to visit.
Virgin Islands
Peak season, with dry, breezy weather and the highest prices.
Biscayne
Dry season and the best weather.
Everglades
Dry season and the best time.
Big Bend
Peak season, with mild desert days and cold nights in the Chisos Mountains.
Saguaro
Peak season, with sunny days in the 60s and 70s.
Season opens in January
Haleakalā Opens
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Opens
Also good in January (13)
Bryce Canyon
Snow on the orange hoodoos is unforgettable.
Carlsbad Caverns
Underground, it's 56°F year-round, so the cave is always comfortable.
Congaree
Mild and bug-free.
Gateway Arch
Fewer crowds for the tram ride.
Mammoth Cave
The cave stays around 54°F year-round.
Voyageurs
Ice roads open across Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Lake (conditions permitting).
Dry Tortugas
Comfortable temperatures, but cold fronts can bring rough seas and choppy crossings.
Hot Springs
Soaking weather.
Pinnacles
Cool and green after the rains.
White Sands
Cool, clear and calm, the best time for hikes across the dunes.
Yellowstone
A snow-covered wonderland reached by snowcoach or guided snowmobile from mid-December to mid-March.
Zion
Mild and quiet, with highs often in the 50s.
Joshua Tree
Cool and clear, with chilly nights that can dip below freezing.
January by region
| Region | Good or prime in January |
|---|---|
| Pacific Northwest | Nothing rated good |
| California | Death Valley, Pinnacles, Joshua Tree |
| Southwest | Big Bend, Saguaro, Bryce Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands, Zion |
| Rocky Mountains & Plains | Yellowstone |
| Great Lakes & Northeast | Voyageurs |
| Southeast | Biscayne, Everglades, Congaree, Gateway Arch, Mammoth Cave, Dry Tortugas, Hot Springs |
| Alaska | Nothing rated good |
| Hawaiʻi & Islands | Haleakalā, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, Virgin Islands |
Skip these in January
North Cascades, Glacier, Isle Royale, Gates of the Arctic, Glacier Bay, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark, Wrangell–St. Elias. These parks are largely closed, snowbound or dangerously hot in January.
January questions
What are the best national parks to visit in January?
The top-rated national parks for January are Haleakalā National Park, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Death Valley National Park, Virgin Islands National Park, Biscayne National Park. In total, 8 parks are rated prime and 13 more are rated good this month.
Which national parks are least crowded in January?
Most parks in season this month are busy. Go midweek and start early.
Which national parks should I avoid in January?
North Cascades, Glacier, Isle Royale, Gates of the Arctic, Glacier Bay, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley are rated poor in January, usually because of closures, snow or extreme heat.
Is January a good time to visit national parks?
January is desert season. Holiday crowds are gone after the first week, which makes January one of the quietest months in the parks that are in season.
← DecemberFebruary →All of winter
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.