10 Warmest Beaches in the U.S. to Visit This January

After you’ve spent a month or two digging out from under snowbanks, clearing the ice off your windshield and spending every spare moment indoors so you can avoid the frigid temperatures, you’re probably ready for a warm getaway.  

Don’t just pick any beach at random if you’re wanting to truly thaw out your bones, though. Even beaches in some parts of Florida can be downright nippy in January. Instead, you’ll want to pay careful attention to average temperatures and pick one of these warmest beaches in the U.S. in January.

Located on the Big Island, Kailua-Kona offers January temps in the 80s and numerous beaches that are great for snorkeling, surfing, paddling and swimming (just note that the waters may be a bit rougher and cooler in the winter months; if you’re unsure on your skills in the water, it might be wise to book a guided activity).

When you’re not soaking up all those rays on the beach, you’ll find plenty of other interesting things to do in the area, as Kona is filled with historic sites and agritourism opportunities. Check out Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Historic Kailua Village, Hulihe‘e Palace, and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, among others. Then, if you’re ready for some slightly cooler temps, head inland to check out the coffee farms.

Both Kona and Honolulu offer excellent weather during the month of January, but they do have their differences and which destination you choose for your winter escape will differ depending on what you’re looking for.

Honolulu is a little more active, with lots going on and a ton of options when it comes to not just activities, but also resorts and hotels, restaurants and shopping. If you’ve never been to Hawaii at all before, you’re likely to want to visit Honolulu first, so you can see iconic Hawaii sites such as Pearl Harbor and Waikiki.

However, choose Kona if you’ve already been to Honolulu in the past, or if you prefer a slower-paced, more laid-back experience, where you can enjoy seeing the nature and historic sites without the crowds.

If you’re located on the East Coast and looking for a warm winter getaway with a shorter flight time, consider heading down to Rincon, Puerto Rico. All of Puerto Rico is pretty much a good fit in January, given the island’s average temperatures in the low 80s, but Rincon is particularly a favorite thanks to winter’s strong swells that are popular with surfers.

Just make sure that if you’re not specifically interested in surfing, and would rather swim, that you pick a safe spot to do so. Beaches known for their January surfing include Maria’s Beach and Domes Beach, while beaches that may offer calmer waters include Corcega Beach.

One other great thing about visiting Rincon in January? It’s the start of whale-watching season, when you’ll have a chance to glimpse humpback whales starting mid-month and into mid-March. One of the favorite places to do so is at the historic Punta Higuera Lighthouse.

Nearby, the U.S. Virgin Islands also make for a convenient Caribbean getaway in the winter, with no need for a passport and with little travel time for those coming from the East Coast. January, though, is part of the USVI’s high tourist season (everyone else has the same idea of taking advantage of those hot, 80-degree temps). As such, you’ll want to carefully pick which of the destination’s three main islands you use as your homebase.

St. Thomas and St. John are likely going to be busiest, so consider St. Croix instead. St. Thomas is where the international airport and a big cruise port are located, and so a lot of folks visit and simply stay there. St. John, though, is a second backup for many interested in beaches. However, St. Croix is less crowded, offers lots of history and provides diving and snorkeling, and you may even be able to stay on the island for a more affordable price, given its lesser demand.

Travel a bit north to Key West and you’ll find slightly cooler temps, with highs in the mid-70s, but that hardly stops an avid beachgoer in their tracks. The water remains in the 70s, too, so you won’t be shivering when you take a dip.

Plus, January in Key West brings some great events and festivities (when is there not a great event going on in Key West, though?), such as the Florida Keys Seafood Festival, and the Key West Food and Wine Festival.

Again, though, note that thanks to the weather, January is the high season in Key West, so you may see higher travel costs than you might otherwise.

Similarly, Miami is going to give you nice mid-70 temperatures in January, as well as little rain and low humidity, making outdoor explorations and even leisurely beach days incredibly comfortable. You may find January is much more tolerable for experiencing activities such as paying a visit to the Fairchild Tropical Gardens or the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, or even taking a short trip out to Florida Everglades National Park.

Additionally, even though the winter is peak tourist season in Miami, January is the least crowded month of the season. 

You’ll find events such as Art Deco Weekend and the Miami Marathon taking place, as well as the South Beach Jazz Festival.

South Padre Island, Texas, makes an excellent vacation destination all through fall and winter, with temperatures sticking in the high 60s and low 70s in January. 

Additionally, while some other destinations on this list might be deep into their high seasons come January, South Padre Island’s high season is actually in the summer, with brief spikes in tourism around spring break and the holiday breaks. So, just avoid the time around New Year’s Day and you should only find the snowbirds to keep you company.

Because the temperatures are more moderate than they are in the summer (South Padre Island’s temps can remain in the 90s well into the fall), you’ll find January provides plentiful opportunities to enjoy the area’s ample outdoor activities, such as visiting the Laguna Madre Nature Trail. Additionally, fishers and boaters will appreciate the calmer winter waters.

Okay, hear us out. It might be a stretch for some, but if you’re looking to treat yourself and get away to a far-flung destination where the temperatures are in the mid-80s in January, Samoa might just be calling your name. Yes, this is the rainy season here, but you’re not going to see rain all day, every day. Just be prepared to be flexible with your plans to avoid some showers.

Fill your itinerary with tropical paradise-appropriate activities, such as relaxing under a thatched-roof hut on the beach (called a fale), snorkeling in a giant clam sanctuary or swimming in the To-Sua ocean trench, which is surrounded by lush greenery and high rock walls.

From the mainland U.S., you’ll travel through Hawaii to get to Samoa, so it might be worth considering planning a longer, more extensive beach vacay that takes you to multiple destinations. Or, if you have the time and the money, you can travel around the world the other way, seeing Australia, New Zealand, Fiji or Tonga, all of which offer easy flights to Samoa.

If you don’t like the sound of visiting a tropical island during the rainy season, maybe stick closer to home. With average temps that hover around 70 degrees, January is also one of St. Pete Beach’s sunniest months of the entire year. Do note while the air temperatures may be comfortable and mild, though (plenty good enough for lounging on the beach) the water temps may not be warm enough for your liking (the average January water temps fall somewhere in the low 60s).

When you’re not taking advantage of all that sunshine on the beach, stay outside and see the sights, when you explore the St. Petersburg downtown and waterfront, Fort De Soto Park, and the Sunken Gardens.

Despite its plethora of beaches, California doesn’t boast quite the same warmth in January that, say, Florida does. However, you can still find highs in the upper 60s and low 70s if you head on over to Laguna Beach (just note that the lows can potentially dip down to the 50s, so pack a sweater for the dramatic shift). Otherwise, enjoy lots of sun and relatively little rain, as well as fewer crowds. The mild, agreeable weather might not be ideal for wading in the waves in your bikini, but you can still enjoy tide pooling on the beach, as well as great hiking options at Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.