As temperatures drop and winter sets in, you might be dreaming of packing your bags and heading off on a warm winter getaway somewhere in the US. We’ve put together a list of some of the best warm-weather winter destinations in the country and what each one has to offer.
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Sedona, Arizona
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Los Angeles, California
- Santa Barbara, California
- San Diego, California
- Palm Springs, California
- Key West, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Maui, Hawaii
- Waikiki, Hawaii
- Oahu, Hawaii
- Savannah, Georgia
- San Antonio, Texas
Flagstaff, Arizona
Located just 24 miles from Sedona, Flagstaff is one of the more distinctive winter getaways in the US. It sits at a much higher elevation than Sedona, though, so keep that in mind if you’re after consistently warm days. You can stay in a snowy mountain town and still spend your days exploring the warm desert nearby. The best day trip from Flagstaff is to Montezuma Castle National Monument, where you can see a 20-room cliff dwelling built by Native Americans more than 900 years ago.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix has some of the warmest temperatures in the country, making it one of the best warm winter getaways in the US. The mild weather is also ideal for plenty of outdoor activities. Phoenix hosts several winter events, including ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo and Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona offers one of the best warm winter escapes in the US, with highs typically around 60 degrees. December brings thinner crowds and lower prices, while the deep red rock scenery stays just as striking. Sedona is often called one of the most beautiful destinations in the country. For decades, artists have been drawn to its towering red cliffs and jagged sandstone buttes set against a bright blue sky, and films including Midnight Run and Broken Arrow have used these dramatic rock formations as a backdrop.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most striking places to visit in the US this winter. The park offers plenty of open outdoor space and makes an easy day trip. This protected area in southern California is known for its unusual rock formations, desert ecosystems spanning the Mojave and Colorado deserts, and the uniquely bristled Joshua trees it’s named for.
Death Valley National Park
While summer temperatures in Death Valley National Park climb above 100 degrees, winter highs are far more comfortable. Take advantage of the cooler weather to explore remote areas that would be too hot to reach in summer. Stay into the evening for a different kind of show: the night sky. Bring a jacket, though — while deserts are usually thought of as warm, the dry air can turn chilly after dark. This is one of the warmest places in the US to visit in winter.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is a city of cities, spanning beaches, mountains, and desert within its sprawl. There are dozens of distinct neighborhoods worth exploring across this huge metro area. In winter you may see some rain, but the sun comes out often too, bringing the warm temperatures you’re after — and the cooler weather makes for great hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Santa Barbara, California
Tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific coast, Santa Barbara offers the best of all worlds: mountains, beach, and city. It has some of the best food, walkable streets, and historic architecture around. Outdoor lovers won’t run out of things to do, from surfing to hiking to visiting waterfalls. Skip the LA traffic and drive two hours north to this beautiful city that stays warm year-round.
San Diego, California
San Diego is one of the mildest winter destinations in the country, with average highs in the mid-60s even in January. Balboa Park alone is worth a full day, with its museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. La Jolla’s coastline makes for a great winter walk, and you can often spot sea lions lounging on the rocks. With over 70 miles of coastline, you’ll have plenty of beach towns to choose from, from laid-back Ocean Beach to upscale Coronado.
Palm Springs, California
Love winter shopping? Palm Springs’ shopping scene has something for everyone, from the Art District to the downtown shops to El Paseo in Rancho Mirage.
The mild 70-degree weather in Palm Springs also makes it a great place to explore the outdoors. Take the Cactus to Clouds Trail for a serious workout with views over the city, go horseback riding through Indian Canyons, or check out Mount San Jacinto.
Key West, Florida
If there’s one destination that’s nearly guaranteed to be warm in winter, it’s Key West. Picture spending the winter months soaking up the sun on the sand with turquoise water in front of you.
On Key West, that’s exactly what you get, along with plenty of water activities like paddleboarding, jet skiing, and sailing. You can also head under the water for snorkeling or scuba diving.
Miami, Florida
Miami seems to have it all: great weather, a rich cultural heritage, lively nightlife, and excellent beaches. With its scenic waterfront and strong Latin American influence, Miami stands out from other major US cities.
Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii draws visitors in with its warm, sunny weather and deep blue water. Formed by ancient volcanoes, the Hawaiian islands sit in the middle of the Pacific Ocean at just the right latitude for near-perfect tropical weather. Temperatures typically stay between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the year.
Waikiki, Hawaii
Built to welcome visitors, Waikiki packs a huge number of hotel rooms into a two-mile stretch of oceanfront. Most of the hotels are high-rises, giving the area an urban resort feel. Some of the best hotels on Oahu are found right here in Waikiki.
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is no secret, so visiting in winter is one way to avoid the biggest crowds, which makes it one of the best warm winter getaways in the US. With fewer tourists around, you’ll have more room on the island’s famous beaches and at other popular spots than you would in summer.
The weather is still great too, with daytime temperatures in the high 70s and only occasional rain.
Savannah, Georgia
If you’d rather skip the cold, Savannah is a warm, beautiful city on the Georgia coast. The oldest city in Georgia, it’s known for its cobblestone streets, sprawling oak trees, and grand Southern mansions — the kind of place that feels like a movie set.
San Antonio, Texas
Each year, the River Walk is strung with thousands of lights reflected in the water below. Visiting the Holiday Lights display is free, and while you’re there you can grab dinner and drinks at one of the many restaurants along the way. Be sure to try some Tex-Mex while you’re in town!
Hey everyone! I’m Luciana, a travel writer from Colombia. I focus on places I know and love — mostly Colombia, Central America, and North America.
I’m all about discovering those hidden gems that don’t always make it into the guidebooks — think street food stalls, quiet little towns, underrated hiking trails, and the kind of real-life moments that truly capture what a place is all about.
Whether I’m wandering through vibrant markets in Guatemala, cruising across the deserts of the U.S., or hiking the Andes, I try to keep it real and useful — no fluff, just the good stuff.
When I’m not off exploring or writing about it, you’ll probably find me sipping too much coffee, editing photos, or dreaming up my next trip.
Let’s keep discovering and traveling smarter — one trip at a time.