Best warm weather winter vacation spots

Gone are the days of suffering through freezing cold temperatures and snow storms to get some warm weather for the winter. You can keep those trips to Florida or the Caribbean for spring break and summer vacation. Use the winter months to get away from it all by escaping to some of the best warm weather winter vacation spots that I have gathered in this article.

Everyone is already talking about their trip to the Caribbean this winter, but I’m here to tell you that it isn’t the only sunny place you can go. There are plenty of honeymoon and vacation spots you and your loved one (or 10) could travel to this winter. Beating the winter blues and escaping the cold has never been easier! This year, forget about vacationing in a familiar, over-crowded tourist trap. Forget about going to Florida or Miami when you can see better weather at other places!

There’s something about experiencing the heat of a tropical paradise when the rest of the world is suffering through the cold, dreary winter that sounds inviting to me. Dare I say it: It’s refreshing. This is why I love heading south on vacation during the winter. Think about it…there are so many destinations to choose from!

For the traveler who wants to escape the cold and celebrate the season, warm weather winter vacation spots are a great option.

If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy the beach without having to worry about getting frostbite, we recommend Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This spot has average temperatures of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or higher all year long, so you can enjoy the sand and water without needing to bundle up in layers of clothes or deal with snow or ice.

Another great option is Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This destination has an average temperature of 83 degrees Fahrenheit all year long, so there’s no need for heavy coats or gloves. You can spend your days at the beach or poolside without suffering through any harsh winds or chilly nights.

If you’re looking for a vacation spot that’s warm and sunny during the winter, you need to look no further than these five options.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo is a beautiful place in any season, but it’s particularly stunning during the winter. The average temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and there’s plenty of sunshine to go around. With its miles of white sand beaches and clear blue water, Cabo is an idyllic getaway for anyone who wants to spend their time on or near the water.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Famous for its whale watching tours and lobster rolls, Cape Cod is one of the most popular vacation destinations in North America. The average temperature in February is 49 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), which means that you’ll be able to enjoy long walks along the beach without getting too cold!

South Beach Miami Florida

Sedona, Arizona

Winter blues have you down? Sedona is the perfect place to reset and refocus the mind. You can do yoga among the magnificent red rocks, or spend time in one of the many spas.

Sedona also has many breathtaking trails that follow rivers, go deep into wilderness, and lead to amazing views. A winter vacation is one of the best times to complete a hike in Sedona, as temperatures are perfect for elevating your heart rate outside. Be sure to plan ahead though; trails often fill up and you may have to wait in line for a permit or entrance to your park of choice.

Uniquely Beautiful Place to Stay in Sedona

Embrace the luxurious Sedona life at this 5-star hotel pictured above: L’Auberge de Sedona. Look for something cheaper? Then consider having your own pool and views of the majestic mountains of Sedona at this beautiful guest suite home. If you want more remote country; check out this idyllic cottage in private farmlands overlooking lavender fields and mountains.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Located only 24 miles from Sedona, Flagstaff is one of the best US winter vacation spots. If you are looking for a winter getaway with warmer experiences nearby, Flagstaff is at a much higher elevation than Sedona. So, you can stay in a snowy cabin, but spend your days exploring a warm desert.

The best day trip from Flagstaff is to Montezuma Castle National Monument. Here, you can view the 20 room high-rise apartment building built by Native Americans over 900 years ago.

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Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona has some of the warmest temperatures in the country making it one of the best warm winter vacations USA. The temperature is also perfect for a plentitude of outdoor activities. Hiking is popular here, so be sure to check out these trails:

In addition, Phoenix offers many warm winter events, like ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo and Las Noches de Las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. As always, make sure you have a face mask and use good social distancing practices.

And best of all? The city of Phoenix is close to several other beautiful warm destinations in Arizona. And in the dead of the winter? Well, Phoenix is one of the warmest places in the US in January!

California for Some of the Most Vibrant & Warmest Places in the U.S.

Thinking the pacific beach is best when avoiding the cold? Want to escape to the desert? Southern California, and the areas nearby, are some of the most popular warm places to visit in the U.S.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit this winter in the U.S. Perfect for social distancing, this park provides ample outdoor space for yourself and is an easy place to plan a Joshua Tree in one day itinerary. This protected area in southern California is characterized by unique rock formations, desert ecosystems in the Mojave and Colorado deserts, and uniquely bristled Joshua trees.

Palm Springs, California

Love to shop for the winter holidays? Palm Springs’ shopping scene has something for everyone; from the Art District, to downtown shops, to the River in Rancho Mirage.

The perfect 70-degree weather in Palm Springs makes it a great place to explore the natural beauty, too. Take the Cactus to Clouds Trail for a great workout while looking over the city, or horseback ride through Indian Canyons. Or check out the beautiful Mount San Jacinto (view pictured above). Best yet, take the 48-minute drive out of town and see Joshua Tree National Park (listed above).

San Diego, California

With average highs in the upper 60s, many people find San Diego as the perfect warm winter destination in the U.S. Visit the four parks of Coronado Beach, walk “The Strand” between La Jolla and Mission Beach, or watch surfers at Tourmaline Surfing Park.

During the holidays, there may be special events like the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, or Las Posadas in Old Town. Before planning a trip to these events, check the current COVID-19 guidelines.

Death Valley National Park

While summer temperatures in Death Valley National Park soar above 100 degrees, the winter highs are much cooler. Take advantage of these cooler temperatures by investigating remote places that may be too far to reach in the summertime heat. Stay into the evening and enjoy a different kind of wintry light show- the night sky. Be sure to bring along a jacket; while deserts are typically considered warm areas, the dry weather can be a bit chilly at night. This is one of the warmest places in the U.S. to visit in the winter!

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is the city of cities, offering different landscapes that can range from beaches to mountains to desert. There are several neighborhoods or “small cities” to visit throughout this vast metropolis. In the winter, you may encounter a bit of rain in Los Angeles, but the sun comes out often as well, bringing those warm temperatures you crave. And the cooler weather provides the perfect climate for hiking, camping, and outdoor activities. If you love cultural heritage, head to our favorite LA neighborhood: Boyle Heights — just 5 minutes from downtown LA!

Generally speaking, Los Angeles is one of the warmest cities in the U.S., and as such has plenty of free and other fun things to do in the winter for the holidays, including:

Grand Park’s Winter Glow,
Union Station Holiday Festival and Market, and
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.

These are just a few of many great ways to experience classic Los Angeles in the winter, while also enjoying the holiday season and the warm outdoors.

Santa Barbara, California

Tucked between the mountains of Santa Ynez and the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara offers the best of all worlds. Mountains, beach, and city. With its city vibes, you get some of the best food, walkable spaces, and historic architecture. For outdoor lovers, you’ll never run out of things to do from surfing to hiking to visiting waterfalls. So skip the traffic in Los Angeles, and drive up two hours north to this beautiful city that is warm year-round!

Budget travelers beware – Santa Barbara is one of the more expensive places to visit in the USA during the winter months. So if you’re on a tight budget, book your trip to Santa Barbara ahead of time!

Nevada: Fun Winter Vacation Ideas for Adults & the American Outdoors

Las Vegas, Nevada

Looking for the best winter vacation in the US for adults? For a good party with the cozy glow of lights in the wintry months, what better place than Vegas?! While nights can get chilly, staying busy on the Strip is sure to keep you warm. Take a drive through the Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, or visit the Vegas Festival of Lights.

While in Vegas, take advantage of the sunny days with one of these beautiful Las Vegas hikes like Red Rock National Conservation Area or Valley of Fire State Park. If you love being in the water, head to Arizona Hot Springs and soak in the hot mineral spring water.

If you love culture and the outdoors, go on one of these amazing day trips from Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the Grand Canyon is NOT warm in the winter months but here is an epic guide to visiting the Grand Canyon in the winter.

If you want to keep exploring more of the nearby outdoors, you could also go a little farther north and visit some amazing Utah national parks in the winter too.

Puerto Rico: Beautiful Winter Vacation in the U.S.A.

If you are truly looking for the warmest winter vacations in the USA, head to Puerto Rico. While the weather is always warm in Puerto Rico, there is also much less rain this time of year. So, spend your time island hopping, kayaking bioluminescent bays, hiking, paddleboarding, and more.

Additionally, from mid-December through New Year’s, Puerto Rico awakens with holiday feasts, festivals, and excitement. Don’t miss the Festival del Petate in the Plaza Publica de Sabana Grande, where local artisans celebrate the petate tree in a unique way. See the Hatillo Masks Festival, which has taken place since 1823. Finally, visit the largest carnival on the island at Hiram Bithorn Stadium during La Feria.

New Mexico Winter Vacation

Santa Fe, New Mexico

While New Mexico is not the warmest place in the winter, it is still one of the coolest winter destinations in the U.S. For those wanting culture and art, Santa Fe, New Mexico is the place for you. There are many other holiday events in the winter, like:

One of the best things to do in Santa Fe during the winter holidays is Christmas at the Palace. Here, locals come together to enjoy cider, music, and the beautiful Palace of the Governors.

Louisiana Winter Getaway

New Orleans, Lousiana

Louisiana is a great place to visit in winter. New Orleans, on the Gulf of Mexico, has some of the warmest temperatures in the state. Winter is the season time to go, as temperatures are in the 60s. Usually a very busy place, there are little to no crowds during the winter. So, you and your party will be able to experience all the fun without much of the hassle. You will be able to see the Krewe of Jingle, partake in Christmas Eve bonfires, and stay in the festive French Quarter.