20 Sunny Warm Winter Destinations in the USA to Escape To
Warm winter destinations in the USA let you swap frozen sidewalks for sunshine. These 20 picks span Florida, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, California, Arizona, and Texas. Each one comes with winter temperatures and easy things to do. Pick a beach, a desert, or an island and pack light.
How to Pick a Warm Winter Getaway
Hawaii has the warmest statewide winter average at 67.4 degrees, says The Trip Verdict. Florida follows at 59.4 degrees. The temperatures in this guide are average winter highs from As We Saw It and Travel With a Plan. Check the forecast before you book.
Short on time? Florida and Southern California fit a long weekend. Hawaii and Puerto Rico work best for a week or more.
Beach towns stay mild all day. Deserts swing from warm afternoons to chilly nights. Hawaii also has its rainiest season in winter, so pack a light jacket and an umbrella. The best warm winter destinations in the USA match your trip style as much as the weather.
QUICK BUDGET TIP: Winter is the off-season in some places. As We Saw It says Catalina Island has off-season deals and Kauai is quieter outside Christmas and New Year.
Warm Winter Destinations in the USA: Florida
1. Key West, Florida
Travel With a Plan calls Key West the warmest continental US city in winter. December highs average about 78 degrees. Add a Dry Tortugas National Park trip for a day out on the water. One winter travel guide says December is peak season in the Keys. Book early. Stay in the old town and explore at an easy pace. Sunset is a daily event, so plan your evening around it.
2. Miami, Florida
Miami highs stay in the upper 70s in winter. December has about 10.5 hours of daylight. Try Virginia Key Beach or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park for a calmer beach day. South Beach is the classic pick for people watching. The Everglades are close for a hike. Pack a light layer for evenings by the water.
3. Marco Island, Florida
Winter is the dry season here, with lower humidity. As We Saw It describes about six miles of uncrowded beaches. Hunt for shells in the morning. Book a dolphin or manatee tour. The Everglades make an easy day trip. Bring a small bag for your shells.
4. Clearwater Beach, Florida
As We Saw It lists winter highs around 71 degrees. The water is calm, shallow, and warm. Join a dolphin spotting or sunset cruise. The pier sunset festival starts about two hours before sunset. Rip currents can occur, so check the beach flags. Arrive early for the best sunset spot.
5. St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg suits an art and slow morning trip. Visit the Dali Museum and Sunken Gardens. The Saturday farmers market is a good breakfast stop. You can also kayak with manatees in spring water. Follow wildlife rules around them. It pairs well with a Clearwater beach day.
6. Seaside and Highway 30A, Florida
Seaside sits on Highway 30A in the Florida Panhandle. As We Saw It lists winter highs near 65 degrees. Bike, kayak, or paddleboard in the mild air. Visit Airstream Row for food trucks. The Panhandle is quieter off peak, and spring break is the busy season. Visit at sunset for the best light on the sand.
Warm Winter Destinations in the USA: Caribbean and Hawaii
7. San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan stays warm all winter, with highs around 83 degrees. The island is tropical year round. Walk Old San Juan and visit El Morro fortress. Follow the city walls trail between the historic forts. As We Saw It notes that Spanish is the most spoken language. The US dollar is the currency. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones.
8. St. John, US Virgin Islands
St. John has white sand and turquoise water at Trunk Bay. A winter travel guide says no passport is needed and US dollars are used. Check the entry rules for your own situation before you go. It suits a quiet beach week. Plan a snorkel stop at the beach.
9. Kauai, Hawaii
As We Saw It lists Kauai winter highs near 79 degrees. Drive to Waimea Canyon and book a Na Pali Coast helicopter ride. Mornings are best for flights. Expect about 12 to 18 rainy days a month. The south side is drier and calmer than the north. Choose the south side for beach days. Pack a light rain jacket for the north side.
10. Maui, Hawaii
Maui is a top pick for whale watching in winter. The Trip Verdict also recommends snorkeling at Molokini Crater. Drive the Road to Hana and visit Haleakala National Park. A holiday luau fits a winter trip well. Bring a light jacket for the rain. Start the Road to Hana drive early.
11. Oahu and Waikiki, Hawaii
Honolulu has winter temperatures in the 80s and flowers in bloom, says a winter travel guide. The Trip Verdict recommends Waikiki Beach for January sunbathing. Hike a jungle trail for a quieter day. Travel With a Plan suggests Aulani resort for families. Go early for a quieter beach.
Warm Winter Destinations in the USA: California
12. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs highs sit near 70 degrees in winter. Ride the aerial tram to Mount Jacinto. Hike Indian Canyons or Tahquitz Canyon. As We Saw It says Tahquitz has a seasonal waterfall. Add a spa day after a hike. Bring sunscreen even in winter. Palm Springs is easy to pair with a Joshua Tree day trip.
13. San Diego, California
San Diego highs reach the upper 60s. Walk The Strand from La Jolla to Mission Beach. Watch surfers at Tourmaline Surfing Park. Look for the Bay Parade of Lights in December. It is a good pick for a mild coastal break. Walk the coast in the morning when it is cooler.
14. Santa Barbara, California
As We Saw It lists winter highs near 64 degrees. Visit Stearns Wharf, State Street, and Mission Santa Barbara. The coastal climate is mild with year round sunshine. Channel Islands trips leave by boat from Ventura. A winter travel guide warns that winter prices can run higher. Book ahead. Check the Channel Islands boat schedule early.
15. Catalina Island, California
Catalina is warm almost year round. Winter is the off-season on Catalina Island. As We Saw It notes deals and highs near 63 degrees. Try kayaking, zip lining, or a jeep tour to spot bison. Restaurants close early, around 8 pm. Plan dinner first. Check the ferry schedule before you book.
16. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Winter days are warm and sunny without being too hot. As We Saw It lists highs near 63 degrees. Hike, rock climb, and stay out after dark for stargazing. Nights get cold, so bring a warm layer. It also works as a day trip from Palm Springs. Bring water and a flashlight for evening walks. The park is about a 2.5 hour drive from Los Angeles.
Warm Winter Destinations in the USA: Desert and Southwest
17. Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona
Travel With a Plan lists Phoenix and Scottsdale highs from the mid 60s to the 70s. Hike Camelback Mountain or Papago Park. Wander Old Town Scottsdale. A spring training game is another fun add on. Desert nights cool off fast, so pack a jacket. Start hikes early for cooler air.
18. Tucson and Saguaro National Park, Arizona
As We Saw It lists winter highs near 68 degrees. See the Signal Hill petroglyphs and watch sunset at Javelina Rocks. Plan two days to cover both park districts. Try a Sonoran hot dog in Tucson. Sabino Canyon is another easy hike. Bring water on all park trails.
19. Death Valley National Park, California
Winter is the comfortable season here, with highs near 67 degrees. Catch sunrise at Zabriskie Point. Walk the Golden Canyon loop, which is 7.8 miles. Visit Badwater Basin, which sits 282 feet below sea level. Nights are cool, so bring a jacket. Stargazing is great after dark. Check road and weather updates before you drive.
20. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio highs reach the upper 60s. Take a River Walk boat tour. Visit the Alamo and the missions. Winter is a good time for patio dining. Austin is about 1.5 hours away if you want a day trip. Walk the River Walk in the evening.
Timing and Packing Tips
Travel With a Plan lists December through February as the best months for Florida. Hawaii has its rainiest season in winter. Book early for Christmas and New Year weeks.
Pack sunscreen, a hat, sandals, and one warm layer. Add a light rain jacket for Hawaii. Desert and canyon trips need a jacket for the evening. Travel details change, so check opening hours and trail conditions before you go.
MYNESTCRAFT TIP: Pack layers for desert and canyon trips, since nights cool fast. Our Florida winter outfits guide covers the beach side. Our winter capsule wardrobe helps you pack light.
Quick Warm Winter Destinations Cheat Sheet
- Beach days: Key West, Marco Island, Clearwater Beach, and Waikiki.
- Island escapes: San Juan, St. John, Kauai, and Maui.
- Cities and culture: Miami, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and San Antonio.
- Desert and parks: Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Tucson, and Death Valley.
Twenty warm winter destinations in the USA give you plenty of ways to chase the sun. Pick the climate first. Then choose the town that fits your pace. If you want snow instead, our cozy winter cabin getaways are the cold weather option. Our Thanksgiving getaways in the USA help with the earlier holiday trip.
