What kind of weather can I expect in California State during January?

California's weather patterns show distinct regional differences in January. Southern California brings temperatures of 65-70°F (18-21°C) with occasional rain showers in Los Angeles while San Francisco and the northern regions stay cooler at 55-60°F (13-15°C). The Sierra Nevada mountain range including Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks sees winter snow with temperatures between 30-40°F (-1 to 4°C). Popular accommodations like the Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway and Anaheim Majestic Garden provide comfortable bases for exploring during these winter conditions.

What are the best National Parks to visit in California during January?

Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks stand out as top choices for January visits. Death Valley's winter temperatures allow comfortable exploration of Golden Canyon Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin without summer's intense heat. The Inn at Death Valley serves as a reliable base for park visits. A TourRadar traveler noted: "the weather was perfect for hiking and exploring the diverse landscapes from sand dunes to mountain peaks." Joshua Tree's desert environment is particularly welcoming in January with moderate temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.

What are the best coastal areas to visit in California during January?

The Central California coast shines in January particularly around Monterey Carmel and Santa Barbara. The 17-Mile Drive offers clear views of the coastline and frequent wildlife sightings. Santa Barbara's mild winter temperatures complement visits to its Spanish colonial sites and beaches. Tour reviews consistently mention the scenic Highway 1 drive noting "spectacular Pacific Ocean views" with worthwhile stops at Big Sur and Hearst Castle near San Simeon.

Is January a good time for whale watching in California?

January ranks among the best months for whale watching as gray whales migrate along the California coast. Monterey Bay combines prime viewing opportunities with visits to the historic Cannery Row. San Francisco Bay tours departing from Fisherman's Wharf regularly spot whales during this period. TourRadar reviews frequently mention successful whale sightings in January especially around the Monterey and Carmel areas.

What are the most popular January events and festivals in California?

California's January calendar features notable cultural gatherings. Los Angeles hosts the Golden Globe Awards and related Beverly Hills events. San Francisco presents the FOG Design+Art Fair while Chinatown begins Chinese New Year Festival preparations. The Palm Springs International Film Festival draws entertainment industry figures and movie fans. Tour guides note these events enhance winter visits with hotels like the Anaheim Majestic Garden offering convenient access to festivities.

How do January prices compare to other months for California tours?

January brings notable savings on California tours with prices typically 15-30% lower than summer rates. Europamundo tours start at 1266 USD in January below peak season costs. Hotels like the Best Western Plus Americana offer reduced winter rates though prices may increase during New Year's celebrations and events such as the Palm Springs Film Festival. TourRadar reviews consistently highlight January's value while noting full access to major attractions remains available.

California Tours in January 2026

Jan '26

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View Map
Explorer
5 Days Death Valley and Joshua Tree
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park,Joshua Tree National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Western USAPacific Coast USASouthwest USASun BeltCalifornia+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
From
NZ$4,469per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Death Valley Inn Based Tour
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"I will be a repeat hiker with WLT! The supremely helpful guide made this an excellent experience."
Dan, traveled in March
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
West Coast USA Western USAPacific Coast USASouthwest USADeath ValleyNorthern CaliforniaSun BeltCalifornia+7 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wildland Trekking
From
NZ$5,521per person
Price based on Private Double Room
16 Jan, 2026
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Hiking & Trekking
Death Valley Basecamp Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"I enjoy the environment and the time that I spend with her and the group, thanks Jennie, i would like to go another trip with her in the future."
Dian, traveled in March
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
West Coast USA Western USAPacific Coast USASouthwest USADeath ValleyNorthern CaliforniaSun BeltCalifornia+7 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wildland Trekking
From
NZ$3,364per person
Price based on Private Double Room
21 Jan, 2026
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Fascinating West ROT
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Solvang, Bakersfield,Sequoia National Park,Fresno,Yosemite National Park,San Francisco,Monterey,Carmel,San Luis Obispo,Santa Barbara+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
West Coast USA Western USASouthwest USASun BeltCalifornia+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
From
NZ$3,261per person
Price based on Private Double Room
20 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Taste of California
Duration
15 days
Destinations
San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon,Morro Bay,Pismo Beach,Santa Barbara,Beverly Hills,Los Angeles,Palm Springs,Barstow,Mojave,Santa Maria,Mariposa,Oakland+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
West Coast USA Western USASouthwest USASun BeltCalifornia+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
DERTOUR
From
NZ$1,776per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2026
9 spaces left
2 Jan, 2026
9 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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View Map
Hiking & Trekking
Best of Death Valley and Joshua Tree
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park,Joshua Tree National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Western USAPacific Coast USASouthwest USADeath ValleySun BeltCalifornia+5 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wildland Trekking
From
NZ$7,212per person
Price based on Private Double Room
25 Jan, 2026
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
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Hiking & Trekking
Womens Death Valley Basecamp Tour
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
West Coast USA Western USAPacific Coast USASouthwest USADeath ValleyNorthern CaliforniaSun BeltCalifornia+7 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wildland Trekking
From
NZ$3,468per person
Price based on Private Double Room
30 Jan, 2026
4 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Self Drive in Baja California
Duration
8 days
Destinations
San José del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, Loreto, La Paz,Buenavista+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Baja California
Operated in
English
Operator
MEIERS WELTREISEN
From
NZ$1,468per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2026
6 spaces left
2 Jan, 2026
6 spaces left
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Explorer
Whale watching in Baja California
Duration
13 days
Destinations
La Paz, Loreto, San Ignacio, Baja California,Isla del Espíritu Santo,Cabo San Lucas+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Baja California
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen
From
NZ$9,094per person
Price based on Private Double Room
12 Jan, 2026
9 spaces left
26 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
California Beach & Sun
Duration
15 days
Destinations
San Francisco, Sacramento, Yosemite National Park,Monterey,Carmel,Santa Barbara,Los Angeles,Joshua Tree National Park,Palm Springs,San Diego,Newport Beach+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
West Coast USA Western USASun BeltCalifornia+3 more
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
MEIERS WELTREISEN
From
NZ$3,042per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Fascinating West
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Solvang, Bakersfield,Sequoia National Park,Fresno,Yosemite National Park,San Francisco,Monterey,Carmel,San Luis Obispo,Santa Barbara+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
West Coast USA Western USASouthwest USASun BeltCalifornia+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
From
NZ$3,390per person
Price based on Private Double Room
20 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
La Paz - Active
Duration
5 days
Destinations
La Paz, Isla del Espíritu Santo
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Baja California
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Mexico
15% Off
From $2,220
NZ$1,887per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Jan, 2026
10 spaces left
14 Jan, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Fascinating West, Ending in San Francisco
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Solvang, Bakersfield,Sequoia National Park,Fresno,Yosemite National Park,San Francisco+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
West Coast USA Western USAPacific Coast USASouthwest USASun BeltCalifornia+5 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
15% Off
From
NZ$2,638per person
Price based on Private Double Room
20 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Safari
Pacifica Island Escape: Your Ultimate Tropical Getaway in 7-Day
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Oceanside
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
West Coast USA Western USAPacific Coast USASouthwest USASouthern CalifoniaSun BeltCalifornia+6 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Caribbean Excursions
15% Off
From
NZ$8,449per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Los Angeles: Where Hollywood Meets the Ocean
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Oceanside, Hermosa Beach,Santa Monica,Malibu+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
West Coast USA Western USAPacific Coast USASouthwest USACalifornia State Route 1Southern CalifoniaSun BeltCalifornia+7 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
15% Off
From
NZ$2,440per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 Jan, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Jan, 2026
4 spaces left
View tour

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