Awesome Warm Winter Getaways In The USA (2023)

Updated September 8, 2023
About the Author: Denise Cruz has lived in 4 countries and visited 35+ others. After her second sabbatical, she began sharing travel advice at Wander Her Way.

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Death Valley by Yvette De Wit

Warm Winter Getaways In The USA.

The only problem with vacationing in winter is, of course, the weather.

For some people the idea of bundling up in sweaters and hats, spending loads of time cozied up by the fire, or outside in the snow becomes more and more appealing as winter approaches.

But if your idea of vacation is a sandy white beach with the blazing sun beating down on you, frozen margarita in hand, and gentle turquoise waters to cool you down, well, then you don’t even need a passport—there are plenty of awesome warm winter getaways in the US to choose from.

You have have to know where to go. Because in some places, winter means heavy downpours, roaring winds, and rough, choppy seas. Not exactly the the relaxing vacation that you have in mind!

Luckily, the U.S. has a whole host of winter vacation destinations where the weather is nice and the sun shines bright, all year round!

While some destinations may not exactly have tropical weather, they offer a welcome break from the bleak winter months that seem to go by very slowly in some places. 

I’ve put together a list of 30 of the best warm winter getaway destinations in the USA. From the palm trees and emerald waters of Hawaii to the sun-kissed shores of California. 

Planning Your Warm Winter Getaway In The USA

The United States is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the vast deserts of Nevada, to the white sandy beaches of Florida, there’s no shortage of incredible natural wonders in this country.

All year-round, the U.S. offers more than just the average vacation experience. And there is a winter vacation for everyone, no matter what your hobbies and interests.

Do you enjoy a winter hike and spotting the wildlife in nature?

Perhaps you prefer history, food, and entertainment?

Or do you prefer relaxing on a sunny beach with a cold Mojito in hand? 

Regardless of your travel style, you’ll find something you’ll like. So here are my favorite warm winter getaways in the USA.

Best Destinations In California

Death Valley, California

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 41° to 68°F (5° to 20°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 1

With average winter temperatures in the 60s, Death Valley is a great place to escape the cold.

Death Valley is located in the Mojave Desert and there are plenty of things to do. From hiking and biking to exploring the area’s many historic sites to camping under the stars. Death Valley is the perfect warm winter getaway for those who love the outdoors!

Hiking

  • Death Valley National Park
  • Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point
  • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Stargazing

There are 27 dark-sky parks in the Unites States and Death Valley is the largest one. So stargazing is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Death Valley.

The International Dark-Sky Association designated Death Valley National Park a gold-tier dark-sky park, which is the highest possible rating of darkness. And every year the park invites visitors to experience the landscape and stars in their Annual Death Valley Dark Sky Festival.

Stargazing at Death Valley National Park by Wilson Ye

San Diego, California

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 50° to 68°F (10° to 19°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 4

San Diego is a great place to visit year-round, but it’s especially nice in the winter.

The winter weather is mild and there are plenty of things to do. You can enjoy the beach (no need to get in the water!), visit the zoo, or go on a sightseeing tour. There are also many restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a meal or a drink.

“Firebird” sandwich at the Crack Shack in San Diego by Wander Her Way

Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade: America’s largest balloon parade, is also know as Holiday Bowl Balloon Parade is an awesome display marching bands, festive celebrations, and of course, giant balloons parading along the streets.

Seven Sea Caves of La Jolla: The coastline near La Jolla is home to dozens of sea caves. Seven of these caves are open to the public, and each offers a unique experience. You can take a fun-filled kayaking tour and explore the wondrous seven sea caves. Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea lions, and whales!

Laguna Beach, California 

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 43° to 68°F (6° to 20°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 5

There are many reasons to visit Laguna Beach in the winter.

The weather is usually mild, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including whale watching.

Laguna Beach is also a great place to go hiking or biking. There are many beautiful trails to explore, and the views of the ocean are stunning.

Whale watching: Every winter, gray whales migrate south from Alaska to Baja California. They can often be seen from the shore in Laguna Beach. December through February is the best time to see them.

Christmas street party: Hospitality Night takes place in December, when Laguna Beach comes together to celebrate the festive season. Enjoy awesome performances and a magnificent tree lighting ceremony!

Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach, California by Jose Garcia

Los Angeles, California 

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 50° to 68°F (10° to 20°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 4

Winter is a great time to visit the Los Angeles beaches. The weather is usually mild and beaches are also less crowded so you can find a spot to relax and enjoy the waves and sand.

LA doesn’t have to be all about glamour and stars. One of my favorite things to do in Los Angeles is going to the beach to watch the beautiful winter sunset. And if you’re into basketball, many of the beaches have courts that are perfect for a game or two.

Hit the beach: LA beaches are still sun-kissed and bustling during the winter months. 

Attend a basketball game: Head to the Staples Center and watch the LA Lakers shoot some hoops!

Best Destinations In Hawaii 

Oahu, Hawaii

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 65° to 77°F (18° to 25°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 5

One of the main reasons to visit Oahu in winter is the weather itself.

Oahu is a beautiful island no matter what time of year you visit, but in winter you can enjoy all the green and blooms without worrying about the heat.

This makes it a more pleasant time to visit, especially if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing or outdoor activities.

Oahu winter also means fewer tourists and, as a bonus, many businesses offer discounts during the offseason.

Here are some of the best things to do in Oahu: 

Surf: Big surf competitions happen in Hawaii this time of year because the waves are huge! Head to the North Shore to see most of the action. The waves on Oahu’s North Shore are some of the biggest in the world, and draw surfers from all over.

Swim with dolphins: During the winter months, the waters around Oahu are perfect for swimming with dolphins. The playful creatures can be found near the shoreline, often coming close to people who are in the water. Dolphins are known for their acrobatics, so watching them leap and spin through the air is a real treat.

Whale watching: Few places on earth can offer the spectacle of humpback whales. The warm, sheltered waters of Kaneohe Bay and Mokulua Islands are a popular gathering spot for the majestic creatures, who often breach and slap their tails as they play. Whale watching cruises are available December through April.

Go hiking: Hawaii is home to some stunning mountain ranges that are worth exploring in winter. On the island of Oahu, the Waianae and Ko’olau mountain ranges offer hikers plenty of trails with amazing views.

One of the best hikes on Oahu is the Haʻikū Stairs, also known as Stairway to Heaven trail. It was a metal staircase built in 1942 as access to U.S. Navy communication facilities. The stairs have over 3,000 steps and climbs nearly 4,000 feet to the summit of Pu’u Keahi a Heiau. The views from the top are incredible, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Honolulu!

(UPDATE: Unfortunately, the government shut down the Haʻikū trail in 2020 and torn it down in 2021)

If you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, try the Lanikai Pillbox trail.

Haʻikū Stairs by Jeremy Bishop

Lanai, Hawaii

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 63° to 74°F (17° to 23°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 4

If you’re looking for a warm getaway this winter, consider Lanai Hawaii – you won’t be disappointed!

This small island is located just off the coast of Maui, is known for its rocky gardens and beautiful beaches. In the winter, the temperatures are mild and the island is less crowded, making it a perfect time to visit.

Vacation on the beach: It’s Summer year-round on Lanai’s beaches, which are fully stocked with barbecue equipment, bathrooms,  and picnic tables.

Immerse yourself in a rock garden: Lanai’s famous rock gardens look like a new world, the formations caused by erosion are magnificent and best witnessed as dusk falls on the island. Keahiakawelo, also known as The Fire of Kawelo is a great one to visit—it’s only a 45-minute drive from Lanai City but you’ll think you’re on a different planet!

Keahiakawelo by @myfriendrhea

Kauai, Hawaii

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 54° to 72°F (12° to 22°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 15

Check out what you can do in Kauai:

Meet sea life up close: Kauai provides year-round snorkeling excursions for vacationers wishing to come face to face with a sea turtle or Hawaiian monk seal.

Take in the landscapes: Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast are some of the most stunning destinations in the world.

Kauai, Hawaii by Cristofer Maximilian

Maui, Hawaii

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 55° to 70°F (13° to 21°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 5

If you’re looking for a warm winter getaway, Maui is the perfect destination. The average temperature in January is around 70°F and the island is home to some of the best beaches in the world.

Maui is also home to some excellent restaurants and nightlife, so you’ll never run out of things to do.

Another great thing about visiting Maui in winter is that rates are generally cheaper than during peak season. So if you’re on a budget, this is a great time to visit!

Spot whales and snorkel with sea turtles: Maui’s warm winter waters play host to large migrations of humpback whales. You can also snorkel to meet the amazing green sea turtles. Just make sure you wear a wetsuit to keep you warm!

Watch the sunrise at Haleakalā volcano: The largest dormant volcano in the world is a must-see. When the sky is clear, the view from the summit of Haleakalā is absolutely breathtaking. The summit can be reached by car or by hiking, and both routes offer amazing views of the crater below. If you’re up for a hike, I highly recommend starting early in the morning so that you can catch the sunrise at the summit.

Haleakalā volcano by Jeff King

Best Destinations In The West 

Las Vegas, Nevada

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 29 to 60°F (-2° to 16°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 2

Las Vegas is a great place to visit in the winter. Although it may be cold in other parts of the country, Las Vegas is still warm and sunny.

There are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas, and the city is always alive with activity. The casinos and shows are always popular, and there are also plenty of restaurants and shopping options.

  • Get in the Christmas spirit – Las Vegas showcases the best festive spirit around, with a myriad of extravagant Christmas lights and decorations on every corner!
  • Watch a street entertainment show
  • Enjoy a rooftop party
  • Attend a nightclub
  • Ride a hotel rollercoaster
  • Watch one of six Vegas-exclusive Cirque du Soleil’s shows

Sedona, Arizona

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 34° to 61° F (1° to 16°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 4

The red rocks and surrounding landscapes of Sedona are breathtaking year-round, but the area truly comes to life in winter.

Sedona’s weather is mild, making it a perfect warm winter getaway.

There are also plenty of galleries and shops to explore in downtown Sedona, and restaurants serving up delicious southwestern cuisine.

Some of the other attractions include hiking, biking, skiing, and horseback riding. And if you need a break from all the activity, there are plenty of cozy cafes and charming boutiques to explore.

So if you’re looking for a beautiful and warm winter escape, be sure to add Sedona to your list!

Hike amazing trails: The Boynton Canyon and Devil’s Bridge are standout trails in Sedona!

Enjoy the annual Yoga festival: One of the best things about visiting Sedona in winter is the annual yoga festival. The festival features top yoga instructors from around the world, and there are classes for all levels of students.

Go rafting: The Verde River is a popular spot for rafting and kayaking in the summer but it’s just as enjoyable in the winter. The river is typically slower-moving in the colder months, making it perfect for rafting beginners.

Saguaro National Park, Arizona

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 40° to 66°F (4° to 19°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 3

Winter is a great time to visit Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. Although the temperatures can be a bit colder than in the summer, there are still plenty of warm days to enjoy the park’s outdoor activities. And because there are fewer visitors in winter, you can often get a more peaceful experience at the park.

There are plenty of things to do at Saguaro National Park in winter. You can hike or bike on one of the many trails, take a scenic drive, go birding, or explore the historic district.

There are also ranger-led programs available, including hikes and talks. In addition, the visitor center has exhibits about the park’s history and ecology.

Learn about cacti: Hit the lovely educational Cactus Garden and increase your knowledge of these cool desert plants.

Wildlife hikes: The Mica View Loop Trail and the Bridal Wreath Falls Trail feature some remarkable wildlife along the way and a magnificent waterfall for you to marvel at. 

Saguaro National Park by Karl Magnuson.

Phoenix, Arizona

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 47° to 68°F (8° to 20°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 3

Phoenix, Arizona is a great place to visit in the winter. The city has a variety of museums and cultural attractions, and there are also plenty of outdoor activities available.

Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert, so there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, like hiking and biking.

The city is also home to many museums, including the Heard Museum and the Phoenix Art Museum. And, of course, Phoenix is well known for its delicious food.

Ice skating and Christmas lights: Hit the outdoor rink for some icy fun in Phoenix, or marvel at the dazzling lights displayed around palm trees and cacti.

Explore mountains: Check out the extraordinary mountains and National Parks, which provide some amazing hikes and panoramic desert views. Don’t forget to bring a hat!

Best Destinations In The South

Texas Hill Country, Texas

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 41° to 65°F (5° to 18°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 4

Texas Hill Country provides the perfect warm winter getaway. You can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, birding, and more.

In addition, there are many charming towns and villages in the area that are worth exploring. There are also a variety of restaurants to choose from, serving up everything from barbecue to Mexican food.

Some of the best places to stay include bed and breakfasts, resorts, and campgrounds.

So if you’re looking for a warm winter escape, be sure to check out Texas Hill Country.

Have a look below at what you can do in the Texas Hill Country!

  • Warm waterparks: Heated pools, colorful slides, and rejuvenating spas are all the rage if you visit the Texas Hill Country in the winter. 
  • Visit Garner State Park 
  • Visit Enchanted Rock for beautiful scenery
Enchanted Rock by J. Amill Santiago

Houston, Texas

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 47° to 63°F (8° to 17°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 6

Take it from someone who lived in Houston for nearly three years: Houston is a great place to visit but in the winter, the city is particularly warm and welcoming.

The Museum District is a great place to start with 19 museums including the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Children’s Museum of Houston.

The Theater District is another great option, with performances by the Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, and more.

And don’t forget about Space Center Houston, which offers tours of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

But, one of my favorite things to do in Houston is eating! There are tons of restaurants serving up anything from local cuisine to the most unique international favorites.

Here’s a quick list of some of the best things you can do in Houston:

Chill in the park: Houston’s parks are filled with glorious hiking trails, outdoor sports facilities, and a wide range of locals and tourists relaxing in the sun. Discovery Green is a personal favorite in the winter, when you can even go ice skating without he cold and snow!

Food galore: Houston is a fantastic place to enjoy authentic Texas cuisine. Treat yourself to a man-sized meal at one of Houston’s many fantastic Tex-Mex or Barbecue eateries. And don’t forger to visit Houston’s own Chinatown and try ALL Asian cuisines.

Hangout at a local brewery: There are several fun breweries in Houston and personal favorite is the Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co.

Buffalo Bayou Brewery by Wander Her Way

Big Bend National Park, Texas

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 38° to 59° F (3° to 15°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 1

Big Bend National Park is a place of incredible natural beauty and diversity.

Nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, the park offers you unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature study.

The desert landscape is punctuated by snow-capped mountains, rugged canyons, and broad valleys. Wildlife abounds, including deer, javelina, coyotes, mountain lions, and dozens of species of birds.

The winter months are an especially good time to visit Big Bend National Park. Although the temperatures can be quite cold at night, the days are generally warm and sunny.

This makes for perfect conditions for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park’s many scenic trails offer spectacular views of the desert landscape and its diverse wildlife.

And with less crowds than in the summer months, you can really enjoy this beautiful corner of Texas!

Bathe in hot springs: the Rio Grande is home to 104°F (40°C) relaxing hot springs, with sensational mountain views. A perfect break from the cold winter season!

Enjoy the desert landscapes: Take a few scenic drives, or hike the trails to get up close and personal with some of Texas’ best scenery.

Santa Elena Canyon at Big Bend National Park by Brittani Burns

Austin, Texas

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 43° to 63°F (6° to 17°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 5

Located in the heart of the Lone Star State, Austin enjoys a temperate climate year-round making it one of my favorite warm winter getaways. That means you can enjoy all the fun and excitement that this vibrant city has to offer without having to bundle up in layers of clothes!

There’s no shortage of things to do in Austin during the winter.

The city is home to world-class museums like the Blanton Museum of Art and the Bullock Texas State History Museum, as well as a lively music scene that features everything from country music to blues to rock ‘n’ roll.

And don’t forget about Austin’s acclaimed restaurants—there’s something for everyone here!

Festive fun: The capital of Texas knows how to do Christmas, with a fantastic festival that lasts two weeks, a whopping 90 decorated Christmas trees, and a plethora of seasonal displays. 

Check out the street art scene: Incredible murals and vibrant art exhibits are central to Austin’s city culture. If you’re vacationing in this lively city, don’t miss the world-famous street art. 

Under 21? Check out this list of hotels in Texas that you can book at 18+.

New Orleans, Louisiana

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 47° to 65°F (8° to 18°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 6

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in New Orleans, making it a perfect winter getaway destination.

There are plenty of activities, festivals, concerts, and sporting events to keep you entertained. Not to mention that New Orleans restaurants are also top-notch, serving up some of the best food in the country!

Wander the French Quarter: There’s lots of entertainment to be found in New Orleans’ French Quarter, where you’ll come across live music and performing arts, funky markets, and historic architecture. 

Join the Parade: New Orleans is awash with festival fun during the winter months, with its Jingle Parade and Winter Wonderland attractions showcasing festive floats, ice-skating, marching bands, and enchanting holiday decorations. 

New Orleans by Wander Her Way

Best Destinations In The Southeast

Jackson, Mississippi

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 40° to 59°F (4° to 15°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 7

Jackson, Mississippi is known for its famous music scene, and for being the home of the University of Mississippi. The city is also home to a number of museums and historical attractions.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Jackson, from hiking in the nearby Natchez Trace National Park to visiting the world-renowned Jazz Museum.

Soak up some history: Jackson has a range of cool museums such as the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Old Capitol Museum, a perfect day out for history buffs. 

Attend a rodeo: Channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl and watch some skilled riders in action!

Tampa, Florida

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 57° to 74° (14° to 23°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 4

What can you do in Tampa? Let’s have a look:

Marvel at manatees: Tampa’s Manatee Viewing Center provides its visitors with the wonderful experience of observing and learning about lovable manatees, as well as the chance to wander through a stunning nature trail and butterfly garden.

Be a pirate: The Gasparilla Pirate Fest welcomes thousands of pirates every year and showcases a huge celebration of pirate-themed parades, parties, and awesome live music. 

Florida Keys, Florida

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 68° to 75° (20° to 24°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 4

When it comes to warm winter getaways, the Florida Keys are high up on my list.

Here are some things to do in the Keys:

Sample scrumptious seafood: Key West is famous for its delicious range of authentic seafood eateries, world-famous pies, and ridiculously fresh ocean to plate concoctions. 

Snorkel the reef: Experience the marvelous underwater world of the Florida Keys, home of the most extensive living coral reef tract in North America. Head out on an excursion and meet the tropical aquatic life living on the seafloor.

Sanibel And Captiva Islands, Florida 

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 56° to 77°F (13° to 25°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 3

Here are some of best things to do in Sanibel and Captiva Islands during your warm winter getaway: 

Check out the wildlife: The Sanibel and Captiva Islands host a wide range of rare species, rich habitats, and beautiful hiking trails for you to explore. 

Go treasure hunting: Scour the glorious beaches of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands in search of treasures, hunt for gorgeous seashells and take in the vast emerald ocean.

Miami, Florida

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 56° to 77°F (13° to 25°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 3

It’s not surprising that Miami is one of top warm winter getaways in the United States.

Miami comes alive in the wintertime with a ton of outdoor activities, live music, festivals, Cuban coffee, and of course, the beach.

Meet aquatic creatures: sea turtles, dolphins, and alligators are at large in Miami during the winter months. Take a fun-filled snorkeling excursion to tick them all off your sea life bucket list.

Get festive: What Miami lacks in snow, it makes up for in creativity around the holidays. During the holidays, there are a lot of things to do in Miami. Lucky for you, I created a list of the most magical things to do in Miami at Christmas (and what to avoid) and also an essential guide to safety in Miami.

Orlando, Florida

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 54° to 75°F (12° to 24°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 4

What can you do in Orlando? Let’s take a look:

Feel the Magic a Disney World: There’s nothing quite like spending Christmas at Walt Disney World. Celebrate the season in style with your favorite Disney characters in a festive wonderland of lights, tinsel, shows, and holiday-themed rides.

Get your Hagwarts on at Universal: Wander through the enthralling Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Resort.

Sealife Orlando Aquarium: Get up close and personal with a Black Tip Reef shark at the Sealife Orlando Aquarium.

Universal at Christmas by Anita Boeira

Savannah, Georgia

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 41° to 63°F (- 5° to 17°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 6

Let’s look quickly at what there is to do in Savannah!

Take in the festive cheer: Venture to The Historic District for fabulous Christmas decorations, quirky stores, magnificent architecture, and enchanting ghost stories.

Wander around historic mansions: Jump on one of the awesome historic mansion tours in Savannah for a wonderful day of stunning architecture and vast culture.

Macon, Georgia

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 37° to 61°F (3° to 16°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 7

Let’s take a look at your options of things to do in Macon.

See the flowers: Macon showcases a ten-day Cherry Blossom Festival in the winter, with a huge variety of food trucks and a fantastic parade. Enjoy the beauty of a city shrouded in a veil of delightfully pink cherry blossoms. 

Check out a Broadway show: Head to the Grand Opera House, which is steeped in cultural history and has played host to world-famous stars such as Charlie Chaplin. 

Gulf Shores, Alabama

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 47° to 65°F (8° to 18°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 7

Enjoy some outdoor activities: The Gulf State Park is the place to be for outdoor fun. With breathtaking hiking trails teeming with wildlife and natural beauty, it’s a fantastic backdrop for fishing and water sports.

Shop til you drop: The Wharf at Orange Beach is packed with trendy stores, charming restaurants, and lots of fun activities such as ziplining and ice-skating. 

Mobile, Alabama

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 45° to 63°F (7° to 17°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 6

Amazing architecture: Wander around the Historic Districts of Mobile for a taste of Victorian-era architecture, chic boutiques, cool street art, and awesome live music.

Take a stroll in the gardens: Mobile’s Botanical Gardens have a lush range of distinctive plants and flowers, so a relaxing stroll will be met with a joyous array of color and natural beauty. 

Charleston, South Carolina

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 45° to 61°F (7° to 16°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 6

Here are a few things you can do in Charleston: 

Take a ghostly tour: The winter months are the best time to take a ghost tour in Charleston, where you can learn all about its dark and spooky history in the depths of the night. 

Attend the Oyster Festival: Winter brings thousands of visitors to the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, which is the largest in the world and has a range of activities on offer, such as oyster shucking, beer, and wine tasting, and lots of live music. 

Best Caribbean Destinations

Puerto Rico 

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 45° to 63°F (7° to 17°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 13

Puerto Rico definitely on the top US warm weather winter getaways. There is a lot do on the island but here are some ideas on your trip to Puerto Rico:

Head to Old San Juan: Discover the fascinating history of the oldest district in Puerto Rico, which is filled with colorful architecture, amazing historical forts, stunning cobbled streets, and mouth-watering Caribbean cuisine. 

Kayak in bioluminescent waters: Kayaking at night in Puerto Rico is one of the most amazing experiences you can have. The water lights up neon-green and the pitch black sky is littered with stars as you paddle. 

U.S Virgin Islands

☀ Average temperature in Winter: 75° to 83°F (24° to 28°C)
☁ Average days of rain in Winter: 10

Let’s see what you can do in the US Virgin Islands:

  • Swimming
  • Sunbathing, boating
  • Snorkeling
  • Water sports 
  • Enjoy a national park 

Final Thoughts 

Winter doesn’t have to spell the end of your vacation plans, especially in the US, where there are so many fantastic places to visit during the winter months.  

You can find glorious winter heat and white sandy beaches or immerse yourself in the culture, history, and natural beauty in the best warm winter getaways in the US.

So pack your bags and get ready for some fun in the sun. Or cold. Or snow.

And if you’re looking for a snow-covered vacations, check you these amazing Winter Wonderland Destinations Around the World.

Denise, travel blogger at Wander Her Way

About Denise Cruz

Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world… twice. A Brazilian native living in the U.S., she’s lived in 4 countries and visited 35+ others. After side-hustling her way to financial independence, she curates solo destination guides, slow travel tips, and travel blogging advice on Wander Her Way. When she’s not on the road, you can find her in Miami with her dog Finnegan.