10 Things to Do in Savannah in January

The year begins in Savannah with a full-fledged swim. Then come the cultural and sporting events. So do shopping days and strolls through the city or along the river, taking advantage of the pleasant temperatures here in January.

There are many fun things to see and do in Savannah in winter. Plans for all ages and all tastes, both outdoors and indoors. And any of them will be wrapped in that magic and southern charm that only this city has. Planning to visit Savannah in January? Here's what you can't miss.

I propose a plan to start the month of January and the year in the best possible way: aboard a replica of an old steamboat. Boat rides on the Savannah River are a classic in this city in the state of Georgia. But, on special dates such as New Year's, the boats dress up.

It is also a way to enjoy the end of Christmas in Savannah. From the decks of the boat you will enjoy the image of the city still dressed with Christmas lights and decorations. A postcard that you will no longer be able to see as January progresses.

Despite this, embarking on a cruise will still be a good idea later in the month. After all, the river is the main artery of the city and one of its main attractions. From it you can see the skyline of Savannah and some points of interest, such as the river walk, old mansions or centuries-old military forts.

Not only that, this is one of the best things to do in Savannah with children. For the little ones it is an adventure to go on a boat like the one they have seen in the movies or on TV.

If you're not afraid of the cold, you can start January by participating in the Tybee Island Polar Plunge. What is it? A quirky competition in which participants race to dive into the ocean. There are prizes for the best dives and also for the best costumes - after all, it's all about having a good time.

Not in the mood for a swim in January? Then simply enjoy this peculiar competition from the pier, the laughs are guaranteed. But the most important thing is the purpose of this event, which has been held for more than 20 years: to raise funds for the programming of the Tybee Post Theatre.

And while you're on Tybee Island, I recommend you enjoy its wonderful surroundings. If the weather is nice, its beaches are perfect for a relaxing stroll. Another great plan is to enjoy its natural spaces. This place is a bird sanctuary and many of them live here all year round.

There are other fantastic activities to have a good time with the family. One of them is to get on a boat and sail around. Without going too far from the coast you will see dolphins jumping and playing just a stone's throw away. For the little ones it is an unforgettable adventure.

The figure of Martin Luther King is very much alive in Savannah. Here, as in many other cities in the country, he is honored in mid-January, coinciding with the date of his birth. How? Among other events, with a lively parade.

It is a good opportunity to learn more about the struggle for civil rights that led this activist in the mid-twentieth century. A struggle that took him to Savannah, where he left a deep mark. In fact, one of the main arteries of the city bears his name. There, you can also see a commemorative bust.

If you feel like completing the tour, I recommend going back in time. Georgia was one of the slave states. For decades slave ships arrived in the port of Savannah and this city was also one of the scenes of the Civil War.

In the Savannah Museum, as well as in the historic forts that remain and in some mansions of the time you can learn much more about the slave society. It is really interesting. The former is also one of the best museums in Savannah.

Ice hockey arouses real passions in the United States and in January, Savannah hosts an event that no good fan wants to miss: the Enmarket Savannah Hockey Classic, an exciting college tournament.

Over the course of a weekend, four teams compete for the Thrasher Cup. The classic features two teams from Georgia and two from Florida. These are rivals that every year are more than just a competition, but a true spectacle that unleashes passions among the spectators.

This sporting event, which has been held every January for more than 20 years, takes place at the Enmarket Arena. If you want to enjoy the thrill of ice hockey, you don't need to attend an NHL game, you'll have a great time at this tournament. But don't get lost, tickets are flying.

The Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah is one of the most interesting cultural events of January in the city. It is a festival that combines film and environmental awareness. With a didactic objective, its proposals seek to stir consciences and provoke reflection.

The Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah presents films and documentaries for all ages. In some you will feel like the protagonist of great journeys and adventures. In others, you'll learn about those increasingly threatened natural resources. And you will also get to know the work of people who have made their lives in defense of the environment.

From an informative and at the same time vindicating point of view, this initiative aims to encourage people to work together to achieve a better world. Therefore, not only in January, the festival also presents interesting productions throughout the year. Thus, it is a good idea to include it in your plans to see Savannah in September, in October or even in August.

January is a period between two of the big sales dates in the United States: Black Friday (late November) and President Day (mid-February). However, it's a good time to go shopping, especially in the first few days of the month. Take advantage of the After Holiday Sales, a kind of Christmas clearance sale, to buy some late gifts or to look for bargains.

On Brougton Street you will find elegant brand-name stores, while Bull Street is a bit more alternative, with its vintage stores. Both streets are in the historic district. If you don't mind going a little further afield, the Starland district is eclectic and interesting, with everything from clothing boutiques to attractive home décor stores.

Two more shopping ideas: City Market and River Street. In both places you will not only find stores where you can buy some souvenirs, there are also restaurants of all kinds where you can refuel and where you will find, above all, a lot of animation.

Winters in Savannah are mild, but that doesn't mean it can't rain in January. The best choice if that happens is to visit one of the city's museums. There are many and very interesting. The most curious, without a doubt, is the Prohibition Museum.

Visiting this museum is like going back to the Roaring Twenties to learn all about Prohibition. You will also learn about the most ingenious ways that were invented to get around Prohibition, such as speakeasies or modified vehicles for smuggling alcohol.

But you have many other alternatives: Davenport House is a good idea if you want to know what life was like in the nineteenth century, the Savannah College of Art and Design is a must if you are passionate about art and you should not miss the Webb Military Museum if you want to learn more about the military history of the United States.

Are you traveling with children? In that case I recommend two museums that they will love. On the one hand, the Children's Museum, where a lot of fun activities await them. On the other hand, the Georgia Railroad Museum, which houses a magnificent collection of historic locomotives and cars.

It is a proposal that you can enjoy all year round, true. But it becomes the ideal alternative to discover the city in those winter days when the weather is more unpleasant. Don't forget that January is the coldest month in Savannah.

You can choose between different trolleybus experiences in Savannah. To not miss anything of the city, my advice is to choose the option where you can get on and off freely at different stops along the route.

But if you feel like a super fun plan or to enjoy with the little ones, nothing like the dramatized tours. Not only will you have a great time, but you will also learn a lot about the history of Savannah. There are even tours that combine the trolley ride with a river cruise.

If you are looking for a complete experience or are just passing through and want to see Savannah in one day, I recommend the latter. On the trolley you'll discover the beauty of the historic district and aboard the boat you'll get a great view of the city from the river, plus you'll also get to see some century-old buildings a little ways from downtown.

In January the days are shorter and stores, museums and historic buildings close earlier. But that doesn't mean the fun stops or there's nothing to do. Savannah is one of the best dining destinations in the United States, so a great way to warm up is to indulge your taste buds a little.

There are hundreds of restaurants in the city. What to order? You must try the fried chicken and fried green tomatoes, which you can accompany with some local organic wine. Also very typical are the shrimps with grits in southern style, although any crustacean or seafood you order will be of the best quality.

For dessert, nothing like an apple pie and, if you feel like it, try the Mint Julep. It is a very typical cocktail in the south of the country. But drink in moderation, as its main ingredient is bourbon, mixed with sugar, crushed ice and a few sprigs of mint.

To not miss any of the culinary delights of Savannah, I recommend you participate in one of the culinary tours that are organized. Another option is to learn how to make cocktails or take a short guided tour of the city's best bars.

The warmer days of January are perfect for getting lost in the city's parks, such as Forsyth Park. But a short distance from the city reveals wonderful natural spaces with unique ecosystems and landscapes of enormous beauty.

One possibility is to visit Skidaway Island and contemplate the richness of its marshes and maritime forests. There are trails that guide the route. And, while you're here, visit the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium. In its 16 exhibit tanks you will see all kinds of fish and marine species.

Another good idea, especially if you have children, is to visit the Oatland Island Wildlife Center, home to countless specimens of species such as wolves, cougars or bison. A closer alternative is the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, home to a number of fish, birds, crocodiles and other reptiles.

Savannah 's climate is mild. Winters are not particularly harsh, although there is the possibility of particularly cold days and some rainy days.

The average temperature in January is about 16 ºC, which means that it is the coldest month of the year. But it is not one of the rainiest, the average does not reach 9 days. It is not cold, it hardly rains and there is not even that humidity that in the warmer months is suffocating. Therefore, January is a great month to discover the beauty of Savannah.

Although temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is scarce, you shouldn't get overconfident. The weather in Savannah in January is sometimes fickle. Therefore, my recommendation is to pack something warm that won't take up too much room in your suitcase. The alternative is comfortable yet practical clothing that allows you to layer and unlayer depending on the temperatures.

You'll probably be up for a walking tour of Savannah' s history or architecture. Or maybe you have time to get out of the city to discover some of its natural areas. In that case, it's important to bring comfortable, supportive and, if possible, waterproof shoes.

And if there's one thing you should never forget to bring to Savannah, it's your chargers and batteries for your camera or cell phone. This is a wonderful city where it is impossible to resist taking millions of pictures. Its squares, its colonial mansions and even its cemeteries are the most attractive to upload to social networks and brag about your trip.

January is low season for tourism in Savannah, the influx of visitors is much lower than other months. The reason is that it falls between two of the most attractive tourist periods: on the one hand, Christmas; on the other, February, when the season of festivals and big events begins in the city.

This fact means that the city's billboard and the offer of activities is more limited, although you will always find interesting events. On the other hand, January is an ideal month to explore the city at your leisure, enjoying every corner of the city without rushing and without waiting in museums, historic mansions and other places of interest.