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There are two types of winter travelers: people who yearn for cozy winter vacations vs. people look to get away from the cold ASAP. If you are the latter and are in search of ideas for warm winter vacations in the USA, this is the perfect list for you!
From outdoor and beach vacations to romantic getaways and culinary destinations, we’ve rounded up what we consider to be 16 of the best places to escape winter in the USA.
Note: the O. Christine caliber of warmth may be different than yours. Not everything on this list is going to be summer hot. But spring and fall temperatures are considered warmer and comfortable too, especially when you’re coming from frigid winters up north.
Amazing WARM Winter Vacations in the USA
You’ll love this recommended list of warm winter getaways in the US
Savannah, Georgia
Not only is Savannah, Georgia one of the most romantic places to visit in the States, it’s also one of the best warm winter getaways in the US as well (at least for us northerners!) With its calming atmosphere, Savannah is a great place for some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Wondering about things to do in Savannah, Georgia? Start by exploring the historic district, picnic in Forsyth Park, explore the beautiful Jones Street, and take a boat ride along the Savannah River. You can find more Savannah tour ideas here or refer to my list of romantic things to do in Savannah.
Savannah weather during winter:
- Savannah temperatures range across the 60℉’s which is cool enough to escape Georgia heat and warm enough to feel like you’ve avoided a cold winter.
Kona, Big Island, Hawaii
Hawaii is undoubtedly one of the best warm winter vacations in the USA. And Kona in particular is a great winter escape, as it’s one of the sunniest spots in Hawaii (a must-visit even if you are Hawaii island hopping). With its warm weather, sandy shores, and swaying palm trees, it’s an island dream!
While there, you can kayak at Kealakekua Bay, sample some honey at the Big Island Bees farm, and check out the black sand beaches of Waipio Valley.
Here’s a 10-day Hawaii itinerary that includes a chunk of time exploring Kona, and here is a list of the best tours on Big Island to help you create the perfect Kona bucket list.
Kona weather during winter:
- Kailua-Kona during December, January, and February has ideal beach temperatures at 81℉.
Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota is arguably one of the most underrated destinations and best places to vacation in Florida. At the least, it’s known as a place filled with sunshine and beaches, but that’s far from all Sarasota has to offer.
While in Sarasota, you can visit The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, stop and smell the flowers at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and kayak at Myakka River State Park.
Sarasota weather during winter:
- Sarasota, Florida temperatures during winter feels like perfection, at 70-74℉.
Phoenix, Arizona
As Arizona’s capital city, Phoenix is packed with things to do. You can hike Camelback Mountain, admire the flora at the Desert Botanical Garden, and visit the Musical Instrument Museum. And if you’d like to go on a fun day trip, consider heading to Petrified Forest National Park.
Phoenix weather during winter:
- A far cry from Arizona’s scorching summers, Phoenix’s winter weather ranges from 68-72℉.
San Diego, California
San Diego is known as one of the best places in the US for sun, sand, and surf. But that’s far from all this lovely vacation destination has to offer.
It’s an ideal laid-back getaway and the ultimate escape from winter in the USA. You can explore Old Town, embrace your inner foodie at Liberty Station, and take on a couple of hikes at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Here’s a list of San Diego tours to fuel some ideas.
San Diego Weather During Winter:
- San Diego, California has comfortable, sunny 70℉ weather year-round. So in the winter, you can count on San Diego being only slightly cooler, at 65-67℉.
Houston, Texas
Houston is the biggest city in all of Texas – where everything is already huge. In other words, this large city has tons of things for you to do on your winter getaway.
You can attend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, visit the Museum of Natural Science, and wander around Hermann Park. Here are more Houston tours to consider if you like museums, space and sightseeing.
Houston weather during winter:
- Houston temperatures during the winter are in the 60℉’s, so enjoy the sunshine all day and grab a light jacket at night!
The Florida Keys
As the southernmost point in the continental United States, the Florida Keys area is definitely one of the best warm winter getaways in the US. And there is so much to see in this beautiful archipelago.
You can snorkel at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, say hello to the friendly animals at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, and enjoy a slice of key lime pie in Key West. Definitely consider these tours in Florida Keys if you’re trying to snorkel or go boating.
Florida Keys weather during winter:
- Avoid summer’s hurricane season and enjoy the Keys at its best! During winter months the Florida Keys is 75-80℉.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina exudes Southern charm. There are so many ways to enjoy the city and its mild winters: whether on foot, in a boat, or on wheels.
While there, you can take a horse and carriage ride and admire the historic architecture, take a few pictures at Rainbow Row, or indulge in a boat experience on the harbor. Check out these Charleston tours to get some more ideas.
Charleston weather during winter:
- Charleston will feel a cool 55℉ during the day, so while it’s no summery beach temperature it is still considered a warmer winter destination if you are coming from the northern states!
US Virgin Islands
When talking about the best winter getaways in the US, people often forget about U.S. territories. That’s definitely a shame, because many of these territories, including the US Virgin Islands, are fantastic places to visit in the winter.
While in the US Virgin Islands, you can admire the beauty of the Virgin Islands National Park, hike to Bordeaux Point for sunrise, and relax on the picturesque shores of Cinnamon Bay.
Remember, there are three large islands that help make up the territory, so there are lots of tours to take around the US Virgin Islands and plenty of opportunities to just chill too!
US Virgin Islands weather during winter:
- Another perfect beach getaway! The US Virgin Islands offer a consistent average of 84℉ weather during winter.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico is such a fun, lively city. In other words, it’s definitely one of the best warm winter destinations in the USA.
The list of things to do in San Juan range from history to nature to food. You can spend a few hours at Castillo San Felipe del Morro, head to the Bacardi Factory for a rum tasting, and go for a relaxing swim and Condado Beach.
San Juan weather in winter:
- Winters in San Juan are a blissful 85℉, but depending on where you go it can still be a little wet. Luckily, sun showers are a relief from the heat on the island.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Due to its mix of Creole and French influences, New Orleans is one of the most unique vacation destinations in the country.
NOLA during the winter is pretty awesome. Besides festive holiday decor, you can stroll around the French Quarter, groove to live music on Frenchman St., party during Mardi Gras, visit Jackson Square, and enjoy the city’s delicious food.
If steamboats, Jazz, or haunted tours are also your thing, check out this list of top New Orleans tours for inspiration.
New Orleans weather during winter:
- You can expect NOLA to be around 65℉ during the winter, on average.
Orlando, Florida
In the summer, Orlando is very hot and humid, which is quite a bummer when visiting the most popular attractions in town: Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
Instead of dealing with temperatures over 100℉, you can visit these world-renowned theme parks in the winter instead. Plus there are tons of Orlando vacation packages if you want to bulk save.
Orlando weather in winter:
- Enjoy your theme park fun in Orlando with 75℉ weather during the winter.
Los Angeles, California (Santa Monica, Venice)
If there’s one thing Los Angeles is known for, it’s celebrity and movie attractions. Since it’s on the west coast, it’s a great place to visit regardless of the time of year.
But as most people who’ve visited Los Angeles will tell you, some of the best things to see in LA are actually in the nearby towns. You can admire the Venice canals, have some fun at the Santa Monica Pier, and watch the talented surfers in Malibu.
Los Angeles weather in winter:
- The coldest months in Los Angeles feel like blissful springtime at 68℉ during the winter.
Austin, Texas
If our previous Texas suggestion (Houston) isn’t the city for you but you’d still like to go to Texas, consider visiting Austin instead. After all, it has something for everyone!
You can say hello to the bats under Congress Bridge, stop by the Texas State Capitol, listen to the city’s musical talent on Sixth Street, or indulge in a Hill Country BBQ & wine tour.
Austin weather in winter:
- Austin’s winter weather is comfortable for exploring at 63℉ during the winter months.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is a great warm place to visit in December in the USA, not only because of its warm weather but also because it goes all out for the holidays!
Many of the hotels on The Strip do their part to make Las Vegas a magical holiday destination. Admire the massive fifteen-foot-tall gingerbread house at the ARIA Resort & Casino, watch the Bellagio fountains sync up to Carol of the Bells, and even scuba dive with Santa Claus at Mandalay Bay. Here’s a list of some shows and Vegas tours you can see while there.
Las Vegas weather during winter:
- You won’t have to suffer through Vegas’ scorching desert heat around this time of the year. It’s a nice 65℉ in Vegas during the winter.
Sedona, Arizona
While quite a few of the spots on this list of the best warm winter getaways in the US feature beaches, Sedona, Arizona offers a little something different.
With its bright red rocks and charming green cacti, Sedona is a hiker’s paradise! A few of the best trails include the Devil’s Bridge Trail, the Courthouse Butte Loop, and the Cathedral Rock Trail. If you want a guided Sedona tour outdoors there are plenty of outfitters to choose from.
Sedona weather in winter:
- Winter is one of the best times to get outdoors in Sedona thanks it its 60℉ average high temperatures during the winter. No heat exhaustion!
Where do you think are the best places to escape winter in the US?
I hope this list of warm winter vacations in the USA has you feeling inspired to escape the cold temperatures and plan your next getaway. There are so many warm places to visit in December, January, and February for a winter getaway without the cold, and this list is just what you need to get started!
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