Texas in January: Things to Do in Winter Weather
Texas in January is beautiful and full of opportunities for a memorable winter experience! When the holiday season ends and the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to plan a Texas winter trip.
With average temperatures as high as 55 degrees, a Texas winter is very mild compared to many other states. However, winter days in Texas can vary greatly, so don’t forget to pack a coat for your winter trip. A mild Texas winter is perfect for locals and visitors who want to enjoy outdoor activities during the winter season.
Are you ready to discover my favorite places to visit and things to do in Texas in January?
Keep reading to get the scoop on all the things you need to add to your Texas winter bucket list!
Things to Do in Texas in January
If you’re planning a winter trip to Texas, don’t miss all the fun outdoor activities! One of the best things about a Texas winter is that you can wear T-shirts during the day. Check out all the fun you can have in Texas in January.
South Padre Island Attractions
While it might not be warm enough to jump in the water (unless you’re into polar plunges) there’s lots to do in South Padre Island, Texas in January.
One of my favorites is visiting the Holiday Sandcastle Village. It’s one of the most popular and most photographed events on the island and January is a great time to see this South Texas spot.
Sandcastle artists show off their skills by creating updated sculptures for the winter season. If you’re interested, you can even take a sandcastle building class where expert sculptors will teach you everything you need to know. If you can’t go swimming, building sandcastles is the next best thing to do!
Visit Big Bend National Park
Winters at Big Bend National Park are mild with clear skies and temperatures as high as 70 degrees. It’s the perfect time for hiking through the park, mountain biking, or taking a scenic drive. There are 100 miles of paved roads and 150 dirt roads to traverse in Big Bend.
You can even take a guided tour in a luxury SUV or a rugged open-air Jeep. Expert guides will fill you in on the area’s history, geology, and flora and fauna along the way. There’s always lots to see in Texas National Parks.
The best spot to visit in Texas in January might just be the Hot Springs. Visitors can hike to the springs and enjoy the remains of J.O. Langford’s famous bathhouse which have formed the foundation for the hot springs since the early 1900s.
El Paso Puzzler Mountain Bike Race
January isn’t peak season for El Paso, Texas. That’s why it’s a good time to visit if you’d like to avoid the crowds. Plus, it’s a great time for fans of bike racing!
The El Paso Puzzler Mountain Bike Race happens in January every year. It’s one of the biggest mountain bike races in the region and it’s full of excitement. Just remember, January is dry and cold with temperatures in the 50s in El Paso, so don’t forget to pack extra layers.
Gulf Coast Beaches
Visiting the beaches of the Gulf Coast probably isn’t the first thing you think of when you think about Texas in January, but it’s a great time to go. Of the 14 different Gulf Coast beaches, Padre Island National Seashore is one of my favorites.
Padre Island is an undeveloped barrier island featuring one of the world’s saltiest lagoons and more than 70 miles of protected coastline. The massive dunes and tidal flats are gorgeous.
The seashore at Padre Island is also home to lots of wildlife. The area is the protected nesting ground for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and more than 380 bird species.
Fort Worth, Texas
January is an excellent time to visit Fort Worth, Texas. The weather is breezy, but not freezing. Plus, there are lots of events and activities to enjoy in January. I recommend seeing the rodeo and visiting the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge.
Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with family, visitors of all ages can find excitement in Fort Worth. Each year in January the city hosts the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, a legendary Western experience that takes over the city for 23 days.
The rodeo is filled with horse shows, livestock, live music, great food, shopping, a carnival, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. You should definitely add it to your Texas winter bucket list!
San Antonio River Walk
In January, you’ll find San Antonio less crowded. Plus, many great budget-friendly lodging options are available this month. If you go just after the new year, you can enjoy the beautiful lights at the San Antonio River Walk too.
The River Walk features meandering paths with opportunities to relax and reconnect as you stroll under the towering trees. You’ll find lots of amazing restaurants to enjoy like Mad Dog’s British Pub and the Bier Garten. Plus, shopping, museums, and places to soak in the history.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Another fun thing to do in Texas in January is visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The weather is usually breezy with temperatures in the 50s. The wind makes it challenging to hike the peaks, but there are many other things to see and do during your visit.
You could walk the Pinery Trail, a short paved trail that’s easy to traverse even in cool weather. Another great place to visit in the park is the Frijole Ranch Museum. There, you’ll find a spring house, a one-room schoolhouse, and Native American artifacts to explore.
Texas Antique Trail
January is a great time to peruse the Texas Antique Trail! This trail includes antique shops unique to each region in Texas. There are seven different regions included in the Texas Antique Trail.
In the North Central Texas region of the trail, you’ll find the world’s largest flea market in Canton, Texas. Don’t miss First Monday Trade Days for unique and exciting finds!
Play Golf in Houston
January is the perfect time to play a round of golf in temperate Houston. Cypresswood Golf Course is one of the best spots to play 18 holes just 30 minutes outside of Houston. In fact, it’s been voted one of the best public courses in the area.
You can play the Tradition Course or the Cypress Course. Both have hosted the Shell Houston Open qualifier, but the Tradition Course has also been the site of the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournaments. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of the best places to play golf in the Lone Star State at this time of year!
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs, Texas should definitely be on your winter trip bucket list! There’s a lot to do including helicopter tours of the attractions and the Hamilton Pool Preserve, a grotto and waterfall created when an underground river collapsed.
Don’t miss the holiday lights on Historic Mercer Street or the Driftwood Lights Holiday Trail if you’re visiting in the winter months. Later in the month, be sure to check in at the old-time barber shop bar or the Vintage Soul boutique for lots of Old West heritage and fun.
Space Center Houston
January is also a great time to visit the Space Center in Houston. A Texas winter in Houston isn’t complete without a visit to the space center. All through December and into early January, you can enjoy the Space Center’s Galaxy Lights attraction.
Galaxy Lights is a holiday light show in outer space! The journey includes dazzling cosmic lights, delicious hot cocoa, and s’mores. It’s the magic of the holidays combined with the wonder of space.
Whether you’re a nature lover who likes national parks and protected coastal areas or an adventurer who dreams of space and enjoys racing mountain bikes, there’s something for you to enjoy in Texas during the coldest month of the year. Do you have a fun activity or attraction to enjoy in Texas during the month of January that I forgot to mention?
Share your favorite things to do in Texas in January in the comments. I can’t wait to read about all your favorite fun things to do on a winter day in Texas!
