Usually I wait until at least March to vacation, but really feel in the need of one before that. Any suggestions on which of these places would be the better choice for January?

The first time I visited California was in January, and coming from the Northeast, we really enjoyed a walk on the empty beach every day. The temps were mild , but many days were warm enough to sit on the beach.

Since then I've realized that we were quite lucky that year, because January can be very rainy in California.

There aren't beaches in Key West like there are in Southern California. Key West should be warmer than SC.

i lived in san diego for 10 years and would never encourage anyone to come in january. if we get a lot of rain, it will usually be in january.

It really depends on what you want to do. If you want swimming weather, then Southern California is not the destination you want. Temperatures will be mild and it might rain a little bit. If you are looking to wander around, see the sights, and so on, then I think both places would be great weatherwise.

We traveled to Key West in January two years ago and experienced record cold temps. Having said that, we had a blast!! We would go back in a heartbeat, especially knowing it will not be as cold as it was the first time.

How about Central America...Costa Rica, Belize or Nicaragua.
You could have a wonderful vacation with a lot less $$$$$. Remember that USA dollars go some long way there, they used to go a long way......
Weather is January is perfect a any of the mentioned destinations...

Looks like we are in for rainy weather in SoCal this winter. Since we are getting it now, January might be OK but Key West would definitely be warmer. If you want to look at monthly averages for temperatures you can go to weather.com or weather.yahoo.com. You can also find out average rain for each month.

January is the coldest month here in Southern California. Well, cold to us is mid 60's in the day and low 50's at night. You will not get the perfect So Cal experience during tha time of the year. Key West will be warmer. Depending on what your are looking for, the beaches in So Cal will be isolated without the high season crowds. You will also find great hotel deals if planning to stay on the beach. San Diego is a great city to visit. Many things to do and see. Pacific Beach is a nice place to stay since you do not have the summer crowds. Also Coronado Island is a great option.