When you visit California in January, you’ll be joining locals—minus the summer tourists—in all their favorite locales. Think stunning sunset strolls on the beach…the miracle of watching migrating blue whales…fresh snowfall in the High Sierras…and magnificent desert vistas. It’s off-season in much of California, making it one of the very best warm places to visit in the USA in January.
California in January—Weather
The weather in California in January depends a lot on where you go.
In many parts of California, January offers a winter wonderland. You’ll enjoy phenomenal skiing and snowshoeing in places like Lake Tahoe and the High Sierras, with temperatures in the high 30s and 40s and overnight lows around 18 degrees.
If you are in search of sunshine, expect mid-60s in Southern California coastal locations like San Diego and Los Angeles, with an average of four days of rain per month. Overnight lows average 50 degrees. Looking for warmer weather? Head to the desert.
Palm Springs boasts some of the best temps in the state in January, at an average of 71 degrees and overnight lows of 45 degrees with just two days of rain monthly.
Best Places to Visit in California during Winter
1. Joshua Tree in January
My favorite place to visit in California in January is Joshua Tree National Park. While the park is stunning year-round, the summers are generally painfully hot, while the winters are temperate and perfect for enjoying the hikes that work their way through the park. Joshua Tree also makes a great weekend vacation from San Diego.
There is a good variety of hikes in Joshua Tree that range from a few hundred yards to several mile treks. The most famous hiking route is the Arches Rock Trail, where at the end of the 1.2-mile hike, you will find one of the park’s fantastic rock formations.
For those looking for a more challenging endeavor, the Willow Hole hike is an amazing 6.8-mile hike through some of the most beautiful parts of the park. January is the perfect time to walk the trail, as the cooler climate makes it much easier to complete the entire hike.
The darker nights in January are perfect for stargazing, too, with the Milky Way often visible above the park. The Arches Rock Trail is a favorite amongst nighttime hikers as the stars hover above the rocks, making for one of the park’s most iconic photos.
One of the biggest pluses about visiting and hiking Joshua Tree in January is that there will be fewer crowds, allowing for better photography opportunities with fewer people in your photographs. Even the most popular hiking trails will feel distinctly empty in January.
Megan |MeganStarr.com
Where to stay in Joshua Tree
Are you up for a bucket list stargazing experience? Stay in this architect-designed off-the-grid oasis. It’s essentially a tiny house made from a simple steel structure that is open to the starry night and mountain desert views. Check prices and availability here.
Or check out my list of the 18 most incredible Joshua Tree Airbnbs here.
2. San Diego in January
As a local to San Diego, I adore the fewer crowds, stunning sunsets, and wonderful winter activities.
is prime time for whale watching as 20,000 gray whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of Baja in Mexico. San Diego makes a great California vacation in January.
For free whale-watching opportunities, head to San Diego’s Birch Aquarium or bring your binoculars for possible sightings from Cabrillo National Monument. Otherwise, book a whale watching tour from the harbor.
San Diego is a bit closer to the sun in January which makes winter twilight last longer and makes for some phenomenal sunsets. There’s no shortage of excellent vantage points in San Diego.
My favorites include Torrey Pines State Park, George’s at the Cove in La Jolla, Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach, Mount Soledad, and Balboa Park.
January is also the last month you can enjoy one of San Diego’s favorite winter traditions…ice skating beachside at the Hotel Del’s rink on the beautiful island of Coronado.
Where to stay in San Diego
Stay in a romantic Zen retreat close to the water in Mission Beach. It’s included in my list of coolest Airbnbs in San Diego. With private off-street parking, rich wood finished architecture, and lots of natural light, this is relaxed beach living at its very best.
Check prices and availability on Airbnb here.
Or check out beachy La Jolla. My personal picks for the best La Jolla vacation rentals are here.
Read more on California travel here:
• California in spring
• California in fall
• California in winter
3. Lake Tahoe in January
If you’re looking for California winter vacation ideas, Lake Tahoe ticks most boxes. Straddling California and Nevada, there is no doubt the California side of the lake is the place to be in winter. Lake Tahoe also makes a nice Bay Area getaway.
With an average temperature in January of 19°F to 42°F and nine to 10 hours of daylight, a Lake Tahoe winter visit is comfortable for most. In January, there is a good chance the sun will be shining and the sky blue.
If you are a skier or snowboarder, Tahoe has excellent winter resorts to choose from, but if not, there are plenty of other things to do in Lake Tahoe, too.
For an active vacation, try cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, tubing, and ice skating. The white winter wonderland backdrop is perfect for sleigh riding and roasting marshmallows over a fire pit.
Lake Tahoe is also home to California’s largest ski resort Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows and Heavenly Ski Resort has runs in California and Nevada, which means you can ski two states in one stay.
Unlike many other ski resort towns, Lake Tahoe does not have one downtown area, and the mountains are spread across a wide area. So, when planning a trip, the best way to visit is to drive and you will need to have chains on your tires, or a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Christina | Travel2next.com
Where to stay in Lake Tahoe
Snowshoe out your back door in this luxury Old Tahoe cabin nestled on Eagle Rock in Homewood. Two wood-burning fireplaces and a hot tub make it the ideal winter retreat. Check prices and availability on Airbnb here.
Want 9 quick and easy shortcuts to creating a WOW itinerary every time? Click here to get my best tips.
4. Palm Springs in January
There’s nothing like the unique subdued pinks, beiges, and pale blues that the desert landscape is painted with. You have to see it to believe it.
Plus, it’s a wonderfully warm winter escape, making it one of the best places to visit in Southern California in winter. You can wear shorts and enjoy heated pools. January is also an ideal time to visit for hiking and stargazing before the desert temperatures begin to rise in spring.
Also, this is hot springs country! In fact, many boutique hotels here offer pools and spas that make use of the 180-degree sulfur-free water that bubbles up here. So pamper yourself.
For a novel experience, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from the Valley Station along the cliffs of Chino Canyon up to the Mountain Station. A snap of the fingers and you’ll be almost instantly transported from the warm desert to fragrant pine forests.
Where to stay in Palm Springs
How about a dreamy desert oasis with bright yellow doors and a private pool? You can check it out on Airbnb here.
5. Mammoth Lakes in January
Mammoth Lakes in January is a must-visit for any winter lover! January is when Mammoth Lakes starts getting the most amount of snow, making it perfect for powder conditions and a great winter getaway in California.
If you’re interested in snowboarding or skiing, Mammoth Resort is regarded as one of the best ski resorts in the state. Even if you’re not interested in snowboarding or skiing, there is a little something for everyone.
January is also a great month to go snowshoeing around Mammoth. You can snowshoe on unplowed roads, existing trails, or even off the side of the road.
In the evening, when you’re done playing in the snow, grab some dinner at the Village and then head a little way out of town to the hot springs. After a long day on the slopes, it feels amazing to be soaking in natural hot springs, watching the shooting stars above, and relaxing in the warm and cold contrast.
But don’t forget to bring towels so the run back to the car isn’t miserable! There are so many wonderful things to do in Mammoth in winter. Enjoy.
Jenny | Campsite Vibes
Where to stay in Mammoth
Stay in your own private luxury lodge with a chef’s kitchen and wood-burning fireplace right in Mammoth. Check prices and availability on Airbnb here.
6. Death Valley in January
How about visiting the hottest place on Earth in the middle of winter? (It’s also a great travel destination in November.)
A landscape of magnificence and proportions where valley floors are crusted with salt, canyons reach deep into the heart of rugged mountains, mountains are painted with surreal colors, and the sky explodes with infinite stars at night.
Death Valley is one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S. In fact, it’s one of the most unique national parks on the west coast.
Welcome to the land of extremes: Death Valley National Park, the biggest national park in the lower 48 states. A lifetime is short to explore the labyrinths of its canyons and understand the mysteries of this park.
But if you have only a few days to spend, here are some of the suggestions. Start your day way early to drive to Racetrack Playa to be amazed by puzzling tracks made by stones. On your way back first stop at Ubehebe Crater, about a half-mile wide and 600 feet deep hole created by a volcano.
Next, take a turn towards Stovepipe Wells Village for breakfast and listen to sand songs at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. After climbing sand dunes, it’s time to head for the lowest point in the western hemisphere.
Badwater Basin salt flats are 282 feet below sea level and enjoy barren beauty. On your way back towards Furnace Creek Visitor Center, take a detour to one-way Artist Palette drive to admire the multicolored, eroded hillside, a result of oxidation of natural metal deposits in the mountains. It is best visited in the afternoon when slanted sun rays make the colors more vivid.
Zabriskie Point is best during sunrise, and Dante’s view is gorgeous at the sunset. On a clear day, you can see both the lowest point and the highest point of the lower 48 from Dante’s view. If you have more than two or three days, hike through the canyons to fully appreciate Death Valley’s grandeur.
Binny | A Speck in Time
Where to stay in Death Valley
This beautiful home in nearby Pahrump makes a great stop to enjoy sunsets and the night sky. Check prices and availability here on Airbnb.
7. Slab City in January
Slab City is an offbeat, off-the-grid community hunkered down in the dry hot desert near the Salton Sea. At first glance, it looks like a random RV park, but a deeper look reveals a diverse community of artists, homesteaders, and retirees living off the grid, on the cheap, and absolutely on their own terms.
Slab City is worth visiting in January because summer temps in this part of southeastern California can hit 112 degrees. But January is a cool, comfortable 70 degrees.
There are more people living in Slab City in the winter, which also means that there are more activities like live music at The Range or events at the free library.
There are two things that you must do on any visit to Slab City. The first stop is Salvation Mountain. This colorful religious shrine was a passion project of Leonard Knight. He felt compelled to build it as a testament to his faith.
The other is the East Jesus sculpture garden. East Jesus is an truly mind-boggling assemblage of found-object sculptures and Burning Man contraptions. East Jesus is a legit nonprofit organization that also hosts an artist residency program.
Carol |California Crossings
Where to stay in Slab City
Don’t have an RV? Embrace the off-beat vibe here by staying at the Zig Zag house—featuring art by famous photographer Robert Stivers— in nearby Niland. It’s called the Zig Zag house for a reason. You can check it out on Airbnb here.
8. Los Angeles in January
Los Angeles is the perfect California winter destination. While January comes with cooler temperatures and a bit of rain, you’ll get to experience LA without the crowds and high prices of the summer tourist season.
January in Los Angeles is also when you’ll get to enjoy some of the city’s biggest events. The annual Rose Parade is held New Years Day, an event famous for its beautiful floats decorated with flowers.
The city’s popular Lunar New Year celebration is also held this month. This event takes place in Chinatown and features a festive Lunar New Year Parade and access to the city’s best Chinese cuisine. The dumplings are always the clear favorite.
For those into wildlife, the California coastline sits along the migration path for blue, gray and humpback whales. In January, you can hop aboard a local tour boat to see gray whales as they migrate from Alaska to Mexico. If you’re lucky, you may get to see a few dolphins too.
Travelers interested in sampling the city’s many great restaurants will be excited to hear about the annual Dine LA event that takes place each January. This event showcases the city’s best restaurants with special tastings and small plates offered throughout the week.
Dine LA is the perfect opportunity to get to know this incredible city through its best food and drinks. I couldn’t think of a better way to get to experience a new city.
Eden | Rock A Little Travel
Where to stay in LA
Stay in this modern Malibu beach condo on the sand and fall asleep to the waves crashing on the beach. It’s got an ocean view balcony and private beach access. Check prices and availability on Airbnb here.
9. Sequoia National Park in January
Sequoia National Park is in the High Sierra, a stretch of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in eastern California that begins near Lake Tahoe and runs to the Golden Trout Wilderness just south of Sequoia National Park.
Sequoia is a winter wonderland in January with the snow blanketing the giant Sequoia trees. Their cinnamon-colored bark and massive trunks paint an incredible contrast to the blue winter sky. And unlike in summer, when Sequoia is filled with hikers, the backcountry here is fairly crowd-free in winter.
It’s the perfect place for cross country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing. Head to the Wolverton Meadow—just two miles from the famous General Sherman tree— for any of those activities, particularly if you find less snow at lower elevations.
Snowshoers should head to the Congress Trail, a two-mile loop through gorgeous Sequoia groves. (Park rangers also offer guided tours on weekends in winter!)
Where to stay in Sequoia
Stay at Split Rock Lodge, your own private cabin on an acre of land in Three Rivers, near the entrance to the park. With multiple decks and skylights, you may never want to leave. Check prices and availability here.
10. Big Bear in January
Big Bear is one of the go-to winter destinations in Southern California if you want to experience “real” winter. Whether you are looking for some fun on the slopes, or simply a cozy cabin getaway in a snowy winter wonderland, Big Bear is one of your top choices.
January is one of the snow-safest months in Big Bear, which makes it ideal for any kind of winter sport. With two mountains, about 35 combined miles of slopes, and 20 lifts, it is the largest ski resort in Southern California.
But skiing and snowboarding is not the only thing you can do in Big Bear in January. You could cozy up with bundles of blankets and hot drinks and watch movies in the meadow. Or how about some tube sledding fun at Grizzly Ridge Tube Park?
And if you are into nature and wildlife, check out the Big Bear Discovery Center for a tour around San Bernardino National Forest led by a naturalist. If you prefer, you can also go on a guided winter hike, with snowshoes or without, and take in the scenic panorama of the San Bernardino mountains and stunning Big Bear Lake below.
Just about 2.5 hours from Los Angeles and 3 hours from San Diego, Big Bear is a great winter getaway for anyone in Southern California.
Maria | San Diego Explorer
Where to stay in Big Bear
Stay in the “wine down” cabin, conveniently located by the lake, village, and alpine slide. It’s pet-friendly and perfect for one to two couples. Sled out your door and then warm up in the private spa. Check prices and availability on Airbnb here.
11. Death Valley in January
How about visiting the hottest place on Earth in the middle of winter? A landscape of magnificence and proportions where valley floors are crusted with salt, canyons reach deep into the heart of rugged mountains, mountains are painted with surreal colors, the sky explodes with infinite stars at night.
Welcome to the land of extremes: Death Valley National Park, the biggest national park in the lower 48 states. A lifetime is short to explore the labyrinths of its canyons and understand the mysteries of this park.
But if you have only a few days to spend, here are some suggestions. Start your day early to drive to Racetrack Playa and be amazed by puzzling tracks made by stones. On your way back, first stop at Ubehebe Crater, about a half-mile wide and 600 feet deep hole created by a volcano.
Next, take a turn towards Stovepipe Wells Village for breakfast and listen to sand songs at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. After climbing sand dunes, it’s time to head for the lowest point in the western hemisphere. Badwater Basin salt flats are 282 feet below sea level and enjoy barren beauty.
On your way back towards Furnace Creek Visitor Center, take a detour to one-way Artist Palette drive to admire the multi-colored, eroded hillside, a result of oxidation of natural metal deposits in the mountains. It is best visited in the afternoon when slanted sun rays make the colors more vivid.
Zabriskie Point is wonderful during sunrise, and Dante’s view is gorgeous at sunset. On a clear day, you can see both the lowest point and the highest point of the lower 48 from Dante’s view. If you have more than two or three days, hike through the canyons to fully appreciate Death Valley’s grandeur.
Binny | A Speck in Time
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