10 Things to Do in Savannah in January

The year begins in Savannah with a full-fledged dip. Then come the cultural and sporting events. Then there are shopping days and walks around the city or along the river, taking advantage of the pleasant temperatures here in January.

There are lots of fun things to see and do in Savannah in winter. There's something for all ages and tastes, both outdoors and indoors. And any of them will be wrapped in the magic and southern charm that is unique to this city. Planning a visit to Savannah in January? Here's what not to miss.

Here's a plan to start January and the new 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 Eve, the boats dress up.

It's also a way to enjoy the end of Christmas in Savannah. From the decks of the boat you can enjoy the image of the city still dressed in Christmas lights and decorations. A postcard that you won't be able to see any more 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 city's main artery and one of its main attractions. From it you can see the Savannah skyline and some of the city's landmarks, such as the riverwalk, old mansions and centuries-old military forts.

Not only that, this is one of the best things to do in Savannah with kids. For the little ones, it's an adventure to get on a boat just like the ones they've seen in the movies or on TV.

If you're not afraid of the cold, you can start January by taking part in Tybee Island's Polar Plunge. What is it? It's a quirky competition where participants race into the ocean. There are prizes for the best dives and also for the best costumes - after all, it's all about having fun.

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 over 20 years: to raise funds for the Tybee Post Theatre's programming.

And while you're on Tybee Island, I recommend you enjoy the wonderful surroundings. If the weather is fine, the 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 the area. Without straying too far from the shore you will see dolphins jumping and playing just a stone's throw away. For the little ones it's an unforgettable adventure.

Martin Luther King is very much alive and well in Savannah. Here, as in many other cities in the country, he is honoured 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 much more about the struggle for civil rights led by this activist in the mid-20th century. A struggle that took him to Savannah, where he left a deep mark. In fact, one of the city's main thoroughfares bears his name. There you can also see a commemorative bust.

If you feel like completing the tour, I recommend you go 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.

You can learn much more about the slave society in the Savannah Museum, in the preserved historic forts and in some of the mansions of the time. It's really interesting. The former is also one of the best museums in Savannah.

Ice hockey is a passion in the United States and in January, Savannah hosts an event that no 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 a competition, but a true spectacle that unleashes passions among 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 have to go to an NHL game, you'll have a great time at this tournament. But don't get distracted, tickets are going fast.

The Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah is one of the most interesting cultural events in the city in January. It is a festival that combines film and environmental awareness. With a didactic aim, 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 will learn about those natural resources that are increasingly under threat. And you will also find out about the work of people who have made a living out of defending the environment.

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

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

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

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

Savannah winters 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 interesting ones. 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'll 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 see what life was like in the 19th century, the Savannah College of Art and Design is a must if you're passionate about art, and you shouldn't miss the Webb Military Museum if you want to learn more about the military history of the United States.

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

It's a year-round proposition, of course. But it's the ideal way to discover the city on those winter days when the weather is at its most unpleasant. Don't forget that January is the coldest month in Savannah.

You can choose between different trolleybus experiences around Savannah. To make sure you don't miss out on any of the city, my advice is to choose the option where you can hop on and off at any of the stops along the route.

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

If you're looking for the full experience or you're just passing through and want to see Savannah in a 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 centuries-old buildings that are a little out of the way downtown.

In January the days are shorter and shops, 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 foodie 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. Southern-style shrimp and grits are also very typical, although any crustacean or seafood you order will be of the highest quality.

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

To make sure you don't miss out on any of Savannah's culinary delights, I recommend taking part in one of the culinary tours that are organised. 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 wandering around 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 great beauty.

One possibility is to visit Skidaway Island and contemplate the richness of its marshes and maritime forests. There are trails to guide you along the way. And while you're here, visit the UGA Marine Education Centre and Aquarium. In its 16 exhibit tanks you'll 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 a myriad of species such as wolves, cougars and 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 a few rainy days.

The average temperature in January is around 16°C, making it the coldest month of the year. But it is not one of the rainiest, averaging less than 9 days. It's not cold, it hardly rains and there's none of that humidity that in the warmer months is suffocating. So January is a great month to discover the beauty of Savannah.

Although temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is low, don't be overconfident. The weather in Savannah in January can be fickle at times. 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 up and down depending on the temperature.

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

And if there's one thing you should never forget to bring to Savannah, it's your camera or mobile phone chargers and batteries. This is a wonderful city where it's impossible to resist taking millions of photos. Its squares, colonial mansions and even its cemeteries are great for uploading to social media and bragging about your trip.

January is the low season for tourism in Savannah, with a much smaller number of visitors than in other months. The reason for this is that it falls between two of Savannah's peak tourist seasons: Christmas and February, when the city's festival season and major events begin.

This means that the city's line-up and range of activities is more limited, although you'll always find interesting events on offer. January, on the other hand, is an ideal month to explore the city at your leisure, enjoying every corner of the city without the hustle and bustle and without waiting in museums, historic mansions and other places of interest.