As an American who was born and raised in Connecticut, known for its long and miserable winters, I booked it to Florida for college to avoid the dreadful season. Because let’s face it – sure snow days are cute, but they make up a small fraction of the experience...most of which is freezing, grey and not exactly fun.
So I don’t blame you for seeking out warm winter destinations in the US – as a snowbird myself (albeit on the other side of the planet these days) it just makes sense. And luckily – there are plenty of iconic options to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a picture-perfect Sunshine State beach, a Southwest desert adventure, or a tropical island getaway, I’ve got you.
Now let’s get talking about the best places in the country for a bit of winter sun and sand!
Photo: @amandaadraper
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The 10 Best Warm Winter Destinations in the USA
Traveling in the US is typically cold come December, but this is a HUGE country so that’s not what you’ll find everywhere 😉
Handpicked just for you, these are the best warm places in the US to get rid of the winter blues!
1. Hawaii
Ahh, a trip to Hawaii, arguably the most beautiful US state and unsurprisingly my top pick for where to go for warm winter vibes! Swim, tan, and enjoy the beaches in the depths of winter and enjoy some of my fave Hawaiian foods like shaved iced and poke bowls.
The archipelago has many amazing places to stay, from the famous Waikiki Beach in Oahu to the more offbeat Hilo. While the state has pretty amazing weather year-round, winter is where it particularly shines if you’re from a Northern state.
Hawaii’s also one of the most unique places you can go with a US passport or visa – it really feels like you’ve left the continent altogether.
2. Miami, Florida
I lived in Miami for five years and I still remember how sweet it felt to be swimming in the ocean in the middle of February.
While January can still be a *little* chilly, it’s night and day when compared to snow-plagued states! My friends and I would always go on about how amazing life is with “eternal summer” and even though I’ve since moved abroad, I still find myself chasing “Miami winters.”
Photo: @amandaadraper
Sure it’s not quite as hot as in March/April, but it’s still 40+ degrees warmer than just any other place in the USA. I spent many January days (including New Years) lounging on beaches in the city and did come to find my favorites over the years.
Crandon Park – situated on Key Biscayne – is a quiet, natural beach that’s not too far away from Downtown. But if you’re looking for something on South Beach, North Shore Openspace Park was my weekend go-to. With notably fewer crowds than SoBe, turquoise waves and bicycle trails, you can’t go wrong!
3. Florida Keys, Florida
If you’re looking for a true island vacay without the hefty price tag, look no further than a stay in the Keys, which can easily be combined with a Miami trip. It’s paradise come winter and will make you forget about the fact that your driveway is frozen back home.
Just about three hours away from the Magic City lies this archipelago of beautiful isles at the very tip of Florida. In Key West, you’ll even find the Southernmost point of the United States.
There are many ways to dig into a Keys vacation, but my top piece of advice as a former South Floridian is to pick one and stay there. Hopping around really just isn’t worth it, especially if you’re short on time.
Key West is the famous go-to, but don’t be afraid to browse the epic accommodation options in Key Largo, Islamorada or Marathon too. And one last thing – don’t leave without trying the uber-famous Key Lime pie. It’s 1000% worth all the hype!
4. San Diego, California
Though not quite as hot as its Floridian counterparts, traveling in San Diego is downright dreamy in the winter. With temps in the 60s and 70s and a lot of sunshine, it’s like your favorite spring day on repeat.
Aside from being a hotspot for surfers, this SoCal city has tons to offer regardless of your travel style or interests. Hikes, trail running, and delish tacos are just a few of my fave things out there.
And while the water WILL be freezing, that’s nothing a wet suit can’t fix, or you can opt to just picnic and enjoy the sunny beaches from the sand 🙂
5. Puerto Rico
This incredible island is not a state, but a territory of the US that can be visited as a citizen (without a passport!) or with an American tourist visa. And it just so happens that the very best weather is from December to March when temperatures still rarely get below 80 degrees.
Dive into the unique Boricua culture, and even get a chance to experience bioluminescence if you’re there at the right time. Now, there’s PLENTY of luxury to be found during a stay in PR, but I loved that it was also pretty budget-friendly. We’re talking notably cheaper than most other US warm winter destinations.
Explore rainforests and waterfalls, and soak up some much-needed sun on any of the hundreds of beaches. Winters on the island are most likely to be dry and sunny, which is exactly what you want to be able to snorkel and enjoy other water activities.
The capital San Juan is a great intro to Puerto Rican cuisine and culture – have your first taste of arroz con grandules (the national dish) and visit Escambron Beach for amazingly clear water to swim in.
6. Phoenix, Arizona
With around 299 days of sunshine a year and daytime temperatures in the 70s, winter is actually the best time to visit Phoenix! The city is the hottest in the USA and is basically unbearable once summer hits. This is all the more reason why it should be on your snowbird shortlist.
Photo: @audyscala
It’s also an opportunity to get acquainted with the pretty sick desert landscape – this region is unlike anything else you’ve ever seen in the country! So while getting out into nature is a must if you venture down southwest, you can find a bunch of cool (and kid-friendly) museums, along with a stunning botanical garden downtown.
You can also drive up Camelback and South Mountains to get an epic view of the entire city at sunset. Considering it’s only about two hours away, going on a day trip to Tucson is another must-do while you’re in town. The weather is the same, and you can check out the amazing Saguaro National Park.
7. Los Angeles, California
If you’re looking for more of a warm city vibe, (that still has access to gorgeous beaches) the most famous West Coast city is calling your name.
It may not be the WARMEST winter destination on this list, but it was absolutely glorious when I visited in December, and about 50 degrees hotter than my hometown.
Photo: Samantha Shea
The best part about basing yourself in LA, either as a long-term snowbird or for a week’s vacation, is how many epic places surround the city. Just to start you can drive to:
- Venice Beach
- Palm Springs
- Malibu
- Catalina Island
- Ventura
- Laguna Beach
- Santa Barbara
8. South Padre Island, Texas
Yes, Texas does in fact have an island! South Padre is the perfect place to get your winter sun this year. Despite being extremely popular during spring break, it’s quiet as can be from January-February when temperatures typically average around 70 degrees.
So yes, it’s not the warmest US destination, but it’s ideal for families or anyone who enjoys birding, beaching, and spotting wildlife. The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center sprawls over 50 acres and is deff worth spending a day strolling through, with some binoculars in hand of course.
There’s even a waterpark right on the beach, a gravity room, and plenty of unique activities like parasailing and surf lessons. While most people outside of Texas don’t even know this island exists, I’d deff consider it – especially if you’re traveling with kids!
9. U.S Virgin Islands
Ahh, another tropical paradise that falls under the territory category. Get ready for an exotic island experience that you don’t even need a passport to enter if you’re a US citizen. And this isn’t just one island – you get to choose between three: St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.
While all are stunning, St. Thomas might beat its neighbors thanks to a wide variety of amenities and activities. Though, honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the three! February and March have the lowest average days of rain (7) of the year, which is yet another reason to book your trip. But it’s still a great winter travel destination for escaping the dreary weather back home.
You can also spend your days on boat trips that bring you out to snorkel near and around the 50 other mini islands that make up the chain. There’s some incredible marine life down there – particularly off of Coki Beach if you’re a diver.
10. Guam
Perhaps the most unique warm winter sun US destination is Guam. This unincorporated territory of the states is FAR – like we’re talking farther than Hawaii far! Around 170,000 locals inhabit this island, and their indigenous culture dates back thousands of years.
In addition to lazing on picture-perfect Pacific Island beaches, you’ll find a wealth of seriously epic, lush-green hikes. My personal favorite was Pagat, which leads to the remains of an ancient village and swimming hole, though do make sure to be super respectful as it’s sacred!
The only thing to note is that while Guam rarely gets below 87 degrees, it is a bit rainier than some of these other picks, with an average of 10-13 days throughout the winter months.
But still – that’s notably less than any other month. You’ll most likely opt to stay in Tumon, the tourist center of the island, but don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path – you can also check out Hagåtña, Tamuning, and Dededo.
Get Insured BEFORE Visiting The USA
Grab some good travel insurance before going on a trip to the US. Healthcare definitely isn’t cheap!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it – an American’s top 10 fave warm winter destinations in the US that will give you some much-needed sunshine and positivity. As someone who spent nearly two decades surviving harsh winters, just know I see you and your vision – and hopefully, you’re now much closer to locking in those plans!
While you really can’t go wrong with any of the options, if you want a true tropical paradise, I implore you to head to Hawaii, though the US Virgin Islands come in at a close second. For warm city vibes, San Diego and Miami are both elite. And for a unique desert adventure – Phoenix, Arizona has gotcha’ covered.
No matter which one(s) you end up choosing this winter, rest assured that the temperature will be several dozen degrees warmer than your hometown, and that’s always a win for me!
Photo: Samantha Shea
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