Warm Winter Vacation Spots In The United States
The USA is a large and diverse country with many, many places to visit. You could hop on a plane and be in a completely different part of the US within hours. There are so many warm-weather spots that you could stay at, but which ones are the best? I’m here to help with this list of warm winter vacation spots in the US.
During the cold winter months, it can be very easy to become depressed from seasonal affective disorder. To help yourself get out of these feelings, you will want to take a warm vacation. Warm winter vacation spots in the United States are easy to find!
Who’s ready for a vacation?! I know my family is and where I live, it’s getting pretty cold outside and inside! In the past few years we’ve brought a few of our vacations to the United States and we’re looking for warm locales this year. Here are some of our top vacation destinations:
When it comes to planning a winter vacation, most people would agree that escaping cold weather is a primary consideration. Just because the temperatures are colder doesn’t mean you can’t find warm and sunny destinations.
Nothing lifts the spirits more than sunshine and warm weather, especially when it’s a break from a long, grey winter. Getting away to a beautiful, balmy place soothes the soul and rejuvenates the body.
If you prefer vacationing in a tropical destination, some of the best places to visit in the United States include Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Key West, and Puerto Rico. For those seeking lots of sunshine and dry, mild weather, Palm Springs and Scottsdale deliver pampering resort vacations complete with poolside relaxation, upscale spas, and great museums.
Some destinations on this list have gentle winters with plenty of sunny days, such as San Diego and Los Angeles. In these SoCal cities, the Mediterranean climate means pleasant temperatures with very little rain during the winter. Plus both cities feature gorgeous beaches that are free of crowds in the off season.
The lively cities of Miami and Galveston are fabulous warm-weather vacation destinations for those who appreciate culture, beaches, and nightlife. For someplace a bit different, the graceful Southern town of Savannah in Georgia offers historic charm along with mild winters.
Warm Winter Vacation Spots In The United States
Whatever your preferences, our guide will help you find the best warm winter vacation destinations in the United States.
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii beckons visitors with its warm, sunny weather and deep blue waters. Formed by ancient volcanos, the Hawaiian Islands are found in the middle of the Pacific Ocean at just the right latitude to ensure perfect tropical weather. The islands are blessed with temperatures around 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit most of the year.
Vacationers flock to Maui because of its many tourist attractions and sublime scenery. The Island of Maui has a seductive quality, with its overgrown vegetation, colorful tropical flowers, and swaying palm trees. The soothing sound of crashing waves and chirping of exotic birds adds to the sense of serenity.
Winter is the high season for tourism and is one of the best times to visit Hawaii. The advantage of visiting in winter is that it’s the dry season, so you can count on sunshine every day. If it does rain at all during wintertime, it is likely to be light, scattered showers.
For a relaxing beach vacation during wintertime, few places compare to Maui. Some of Maui’s finest beaches are found in the Wailea area, also known for its upscale resort hotels. Wailea Beach, one of the best beaches in the United States, features fine golden sand and calm waters. Mokapu Beach in the Wailea area is another favorite spot, ideal for sunbathing and snorkeling.
Other popular beaches on Maui include Napili Bay, with its picture-perfect setting and crystal-clear turquoise waters, and Kaanapali Beach, a gorgeous, palm-fringed sandy shoreline in the Lahaina resort area, where many of Maui’s top resorts and hotels are located.
Besides beaches, Maui delights visitors with its breathtaking landscapes at Haleakala National Park and at Iao Valley State Monument, as well as the waterfalls and rainforests in the Hana region.
2. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands welcome visitors to a vision of paradise, complete with idyllic island scenery and perfect weather. Temperatures range from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with lots of sunshine, most of the year.
Winter is the best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, flight and hotel prices increase during the winter months, along with tourism demand, as many vacationers are seeking a warm-weather getaway at this time. Travelers from the Northeastern United States and other northern countries come to escape cold winter weather and bask in the tropical climate of the Caribbean.
St. John boasts splendid beaches with soft white-sand shores and crystalline aquamarine waters. Sheltered by a dense forest, the pristine crescent-shaped beach at Trunk Bay on St. John is considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and has excellent facilities. It’s a wonderful place for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
For the ultimate tropical vacation, book a stay at one of the luxury resorts on St. John. You can choose from a wide range of top resorts with all kinds of amenities.
3. Key West, Florida
Key West is a tropical vacation destination right in the continental United States, and the southernmost city in Florida. The crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean lap up against fine white-sand beaches, while the city’s architecture reveals influences of the Bahamas.
For those seeking a warm-weather holiday during wintertime, Key West delivers sunny skies, balmy weather (average temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit), beautiful beaches, and many tourist attractions.
The winter months in Key West promise lots of sunshine, little rain, and no chance of hurricanes. However, since winter is the high season for tourism in Key West, you should expect more crowds and higher rates on hotels. Be sure to book your hotel accommodations in advance. If you’d like to treat yourself to a luxurious vacation, try one of the top resorts in Key West.
4. Waikiki, Hawaii
Waikiki spoils visitors with its wide choice of accommodations, shops, and restaurants. This world-renowned beach resort in Honolulu on Oahu Island is one of the most touristy destinations of the Hawaiian Islands and is considered one of the top places to visit in the United States.
Well designed to welcome vacationers, Waikiki packs thousands of hotel rooms into a two-mile oceanfront stretch. Most of the hotels are high-rise properties, which gives the area an urban jungle feel. Some of the best resorts on Oahu are found in Waikiki.
Hotels crowd the shoreline, but the golden-sand beaches still offer a taste of paradise complete with swaying palm trees and serene blue waters. The beaches of the Honolulu area are the main reason to plan a getaway to Waikiki. Other tourist attractions of Waikiki include luxuriant parks, the world-class Waikiki Aquarium, and a 42-acre zoo.
Thanks to its tropical climate, Waikiki is a wonderful place to visit during the sun-drenched winter months, when the temperatures range from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and water sports during the winter months.
5. Puerto Rico
Beautiful sandy beaches and balmy weather draw many visitors to Puerto Rico from December through May (during the dry season), which is the best time to visit. Thanks to its tropical climate, this Caribbean island enjoys warm winters with consistent sunshine and little rain.
Puerto Rico has many tourist attractions, and its rich cultural heritage appeals to travelers who like sightseeing. Quaint historic towns with colorful Caribbean architecture reveal the influence of the Spanish colonial era. The entire Old San Juan (historic center of San Juan), Puerto Rico’s capital city, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Best Resorts in Puerto Rico
6. The Island of Hawaii (The Big Island)
Dramatic scenery defines the Island of Hawaii (known as the Big Island), which was formed by five volcanoes millions of years ago. Visitors are wowed by the stunning landscapes, including two active volcanoes and the world’s tallest island mountain.
The Island of Hawaii includes distinct geographic and climate zones. Tropical rainforests cover the eastern portion of the island, in contrast to the desert in the south. The coastline features tropical rainforests and sun-drenched sandy beaches, while snow falls on the 13,800-foot peak of Mauna Kea during winter.
An ideal place for an active vacation, the Island of Hawaii offers many tourist attractions and things to do. You can go hiking at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, stargaze from the summit of Mauna Kea, and visit a coffee plantation in Kona.
Visiting during wintertime gives travelers a chance to experience the diversity of the island’s landscapes. In the same day, travelers can sunbathe on spectacular beaches and admire the snowcapped Mauna Kea.
When planning your vacation on the Island of Hawaii, be sure to find the right accommodation that suits your travel preferences. With choices ranging from small bed and breakfasts to large four-star properties, the top hotels and luxury resorts of the Big Island welcome visitors in style.