If you’re planning or thinking about a trip to Miami in January, this article is for you. Chances are, you’re looking for a sunny winter getaway and want to know if Miami will suit what you’re looking for!
That was the exact situation we were in when we planned our last getaway to Miami in January. And now I hope to answer all the travel questions you might have when thinking about Miami in the winter.
(I also hope to show you what Miami looks like in January; all of my photos in this post were taken in January!)
Check out this video of our time in Miami in January (if you don’t see a video below, it’s most likely because you need to disable your ad blocker!):
As you might be able to tell from this video, I highly recommend visiting Miami during this season. Now, let’s get into some more details!
Is January a good time to visit Miami?
January is a great time to visit Miami. It’s especially perfect if you’re looking for mild warm weather and want to avoid crowds! The temperatures reach up to the early 70s, with the potential for weather in the late 70s on warmer days. How perfect does that sound?
Of course, this is much warmer than most of the USA during this time, so it’s a great place to go to escape the colder weather in the rest of the country. Plus, it’s nowhere near as hot as the sweltering summer months, which makes it a great time to visit the area!
As it’s after Christmas, you’ll find fewer crowds and some cheaper prices.
Simply put, Miami (and Miami Beach/South Beach) is the perfect winter getaway. You’ve got delicious restaurants, neat architecture, trendy hotels, beach access, pretty nature, and so much more.
I was blown away by how pretty it is (check out my list of most Instagrammbale places in Miami here!). There are also so many cool things to do in Miami in January.
Is Miami cold in January?
Miami isn’t very cold in January, with temperatures around the low 70s. The average high temperature is around 73 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can reach temperatures of up to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
The average low temperature is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and it doesn’t really drop that low at night. So while you’ll want a light sweater, you definitely won’t be needing any winter clothes when you’re in Miami in the winter!
Can you swim in Miami in January?
Yes, you can swim in Miami in January, though outdoor temperatures may be on the cooler side!
The waters are comfortable, with temperatures in the high sixties and low seventies. That means that while it won’t feel like you’re walking into a warm bath, you should still be able to swim a fair amount.
In fact, Florida is one of the only places where you can swim in the USA in the wintertime without a wet suit.
Is Miami Beach hot in January?
Miami Beach isn’t very hot in January, but you might get temperatures of up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. So it may not be full sunbathing weather, but you should still enjoy sitting in the sun and picnicking!
(Psst… want to know how we got the shot above? See what’s in my camera bag here!)
Is it crowded in Miami in January?
While it’s certainly not as busy as the festive season, Miami can be busier than other USA beach destinations in January. This is simply because it’s the only seaside town that stays warm throughout the colder winter months!
However, not as many people have time off school and work in January. That means you’ll generally find fewer crowds and lower prices than in November and December.
If you want a winter vacation to somewhere warm with fewer crowds, Miami in January could be an excellent idea.
What to Wear in Miami in January
Shorts, sundresses, and tees are usually on the cards for Miami, and January is no exception. You won’t need any thick sweaters or coats while you’re here, but you might want to wear a light cardigan or sweater in the evenings.
Otherwise, take some jean shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops for the beach, and comfortable shoes to wear as you walk around.
If you’re visiting any of the nicer establishments in Miami, pack some classier clothes. I like to bring some nice dresses and nicer sandals or wedges. You generally won’t need these in casual bars and restaurants, but if you’re heading to swanky cocktail bars, you might feel more comfortable with dressier outfits.
What to Do in Miami in January
There are tons of things to do in Miami throughout the year, not just in January! Here are just some of the best year-round activities that are great to do when you’re in Miami in January.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a large estate in the Coconut Grove area of Miami. It’s perfect for visiting during January, as you usually have great temperatures for roaming around the gorgeous gardens. Also, if you do have any cooler weather, you can spend most of your time exploring the house.
It’s usually open until 4:30 pm every day and costs $25 for adult entry.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
If you want to get out and enjoy the stunning area around Miami, look no further than Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
With epic views over a beautiful historic lighthouse, hikes around Cape Florida, and loads of history to learn about, this state park is a must-visit while you’re in Miami. Plus, it stays open throughout the winter months!
Frost Science Museum
Perfect for families and also great for any tourists, the Frost Science Aquarium and Planetarium is one of the best places to visit in Miami in January.
The Planetarium is one of the coolest places to learn about outer space in the US. It gives you 360-degree views of the planets and has neat exhibitions about the earth’s core.
In the Aquarium, discover local fish or sea life from around the world. There’s a particular emphasis on the fish in the gulf stream, so it’s an excellent way to learn about the water around Florida – life here revolves around the sea, after all!
My favorite part is the giant glass window where you can watch rays, sharks, sea turtles, and fish swim by! Get your tickets here.
Walk Around the Art Deco Historic District
Miami’s Art Deco Historic District is one of the most historically significant areas of the city. It’s a must-visit while you’re in town.
It’s one of the only neighborhoods in Florida to be added to the National Register of Historic Places, with architecture dating from the 1920s – 1940s.
You can do a walking tour around the area to learn about its history. If the weather isn’t so kind, duck into the Art Deco Museum and learn through its exhibits.
Explore the Ancient Spanish Monastery
One of the most unusual things to do in Miami in January is to walk around the Ancient Spanish Monastery. This building dates back to the year 1133 and started its life in Spain itself.
However, William Randolph Hearst purchased it in 1925 – he was impressed with how beautiful it was and decided to bring it over to the USA, first to Brooklyn and then to Miami. It has since been reconstructed, bit by bit, and it’s a wonderful attraction to admire while you’re in the city.
Zoo Miami
Miami’s main zoo, which is simply called “Zoo Miami,” accommodates over 500 animal species and more than 3,000 different animals.
Loved by kids, but excellent for adults as well, this zoo takes animal welfare into account, with open-air habitats that are as close to their native environments as they can be.
It’s possible to see some animals – like giraffes – being fed, and there are also lots of programs offered for children.
It’s a huge zoo, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied all day long. Plus, it’s open year-round, whatever the weather, which makes it a great addition to your Miami January itinerary! See ticket information here!
Jungle Island
Another must-visit for animal lovers, Jungle Island is a large zoological park that’s home to lots of flora and fauna.
Unlike a zoo, the animals aren’t kept in a particular area but instead travel throughout the entire park. You’ll never know what you’ll spot on Jungle Island, but that’s part of the fun!
It’s only open for animal encounters and treetop trekking at the time of writing this (though general admission should be available in the future), and you’ll want to get tickets here before visiting.
Venetian Pool
America’s biggest freshwater swimming pool, the Venetian Pool is a must-do attraction for anyone looking to visit Miami.
Enjoy Mediterranean flora and fauna as you take a dip in what is the only swimming pool in the world that’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
Although the weather may be cooler in January, the pool is open to anyone who wants to take a dip! Get admission info and hours here!
Drive to the Keys
A great thing about Miami is there is so much to see in the surrounding areas! You can actually drive down to the Florida Keys if you want to!
We spent half of our Florida trip in Miami and the other half in Key West (see just how pretty Key West is in this post of the most Instagrammable places in Key West!).
Key West is around a 3.5-mile drive away, though you can cut that time in half if you stop in one of the earlier parts of the Keys. The drive is pretty neat as you’ll cross the seven-mile bridge pictured above!
Annual Events in Miami in January
While not quite as many as in the festive seasons of November and December, there are quite a few events that you can enjoy in Miami in January.
The South Beach Jazz Festival takes place at the start of the month every year in South Beach, and it’s a fun-filled weekend with plenty of great music and cultural events.
There’s also usually an art deco weekend in Miami in January, a two-day celebration of art deco style and architecture which downtown Miami is synonymous with.
Where to Stay in Miami in January
The Mondrian
We stayed at The Mondrian South Beach on our most recent trip to Miami and had an incredible stay. You can see the view from our room in the above photo!
This immaculately designed hotel is one of the best places to soak in the opulence of Miami in January. With gorgeous pools overlooking the water and plenty of places to enjoy food and drink, you’ll love relaxing at this hotel.
The Mondrian features comfortable rooms with cozy beds and huge windows, washing the rooms with natural light. Downstairs, enjoy spa facilities like a sauna, and relish in some of the best service in Miami wherever you are at the hotel!
Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami
Stay in the heart of Miami at this gorgeous hotel. It has a restaurant, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and bar, so there’s everything that you could need for a comfortable stay.
All guest rooms have air conditioning, a perfectly comfy bed, and a flat-screen TV. Plus, the luxury bathrooms have showers and free toiletries.
Four Points by Sheraton Coral Gables
Four Points by Sheraton Coral Gables is located in the heart of Miami, close to the Village of Merrick Park Mall. It has an outdoor pool, snack bar, fitness center, and an on-site library.
In the rooms, find a 48-inch flat-screen TV, a small fridge, a microwave, and en-suite bathrooms. Of course, all rooms are comfortable and cozy, offering any guests a wonderful night’s sleep. It’s in a prime position to enjoy the attractions of Miami and the rates are fairly affordable too.
In conclusion…
I hope you see just how fun Miami in January is! There is plenty to do, and it’s located in one of the only parts of the United States where you can comfortably swim that month!
We absolutely loved our time in Miami and loved how you could get a mix of city with nature, too. The food is delicious, the city has some really beautiful architecture, and you’ve got beach access. What more could you want on a winter vacation?
So there you have it! If you have any questions or thoughts, drop them in the comments!
And if you’re exploring Florida, here are some more posts you might enjoy:
- 50 Most Beautiful Places in Florida to Add to Your Bucket List
- 53 Most Instagrammable Places in Miami
- What to Do at Rosemary Beach, Florida
- The Prettiest Places in Key West
- Coolest Places to Photograph in Panama City Beach
Safe travels!
Jasmine
