These warm places to visit in December in USA will help you beat the winter blues. Whether it’s a domestic or international trip for you, heading toward warm winter destinations can be just the escape we all need. Show
Are you surprised at the warmest place in US in December? Let us know in the comments. Warm Places to Visit in December in USAThe US is an enormous country, so there are, of course, wide variations in climate. Generally speaking, the southern and western states offer warmer winters than the rest of the country. Within those regions, however, no place is a scorcher. That said, you can certainly enjoy t-shirt weather in some places and comfortable outdoor temperatures in plenty! The trick here is to go beyond the continental US if you want a really warm December vacation. Think: Island Life! If some members of your travel party aren’t too fussed about the weather, check out our guide to the best places in the US to visit in December for ski resorts, holiday shopping and chocolate box villages. Best Places to Visit in December in USA by State1) Honolulu, HawaiiHonolulu (Oahu) is ideal for enjoying Hawaii’s foodie scene while enjoying the holiday festivities, including the Honolulu City Lights. The Honolulu City Lights festival kicks off at the start of December for a month-long calendar of festivities including traditional tree lighting, parades and lots of family-friendly fun. Including the lights festival, there are weeks worth of attractions in Honolulu. Temperatures range from 67F-82F.  Things to do in Honolulu
Things to Eat in Hawaii
When you make new friends in Honolulu, don’t forget to say Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)! Where to Stay in Honolulu
Our guide to the best winter getaways in the US features a variety of locations in Hawaii so here is a map to help get your bearings. 2) Oahu, HawaiiWhile Honolulu is the biggest city on the island of Oahu, there are other areas and attractions to consider. Oahu is a unique December US destination for a heavy reason: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7th. There’s a parade and plenty to take in at the museum and memorial. If you plan to visit the USS Arizona Memorial Visit you must reserve a timed entry. If you require accommodation pick up check out this small group tour. Beyond that day, Oahu is ideal for surfers! The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing happens annually in December. Plan for temperatures ranging from 66F-79F. Things to do in Oahu
Where to Stay in Oahu
Oahu also features in our guide to the best islands to visit in December. 3) Kauai, HawaiiKauai is known as the Garden Isle, so it’s perfect for those seeking outdoor adventure. It’s also the start of the season to spot humpback whales on their migratory path. You may recognize some of Kauai’s stunning locations because they have featured in Hollywood greats such as King Kong (Kalalau Valley on the Napali Coast) and Jurassic Park (Napali Coast and Manawaiopuna Falls)! Hiking fans will want to spend time in Napali Coast State Wilderness Park (image below) to hike through five valleys during the Kalalau Trail. Visitors love Kauai’s plant life; Hanakoa Valley, in particular, has native plants and old agricultural terraces. Temperatures sit at around 55F-72F. Things to do in Kauai
Where to Stay in Kauai
Note: historically, Kauai and the North Shore of Oahu typically see a lot of rain during December and flash flood warnings. 4) Maui, HawaiiVisit Maui for its famous beaches and the chance to see whales! Maui’s December temperatures range from a pleasant 56F to 72F, so you can still hike while enjoying the warm weather. Like the islands above, December is one of the wettest seasons, but visitors still love it, especially since it is the start of whale watching season. Things to do in Maui
Read our guide free things to do in Maui for budget-saving tips! Where to Stay inMaui
If December prices are too steep, consider another season. Maui features in our guide to the best places to visit in the US in September. For more beach destinations to visit in December, check out this guide. 5) Destin, FloridaDestin is an are area in the northwest of Florida. The region is also known as the Panhandle which is often referred to as Florida’s Emerald Coast. This festive location boasts of Gulf of Mexico beaches, including the popular Crab Island Beach, Destin Harbor Boardwalk, golf courses, and nature hikes. Florida is one of the warm states in December but locals would say temperatures are a little chilly. However, they are still warm to visitors with highs of 64F and lows 48F. Things to do in Destin
Where to Stay in Destin
6) Crystal River, FloridaCrystal River, Florida, is known for its eponymous National Wildlife Refuge devoted to protecting manatees. If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing these sea cows in real life, Crystal River is the place to visit in December. When water temperatures in the Gulf Of Mexico drop below 62.2 degrees Fahrenheit, the S Fish & Wildlife Services (USFWS) closes Three Sisters Springs aka Idiot’s Delight, to protect the manatees which means you can’t go swimming but you can see these wonderful mammals! Since the days are cooler, with average high temperatures of 70F, the crowds are fewer. Things to do in Crystal River
Where to Stay at Crystal River
7) St Petersburg, FloridaThis is one of the few warm places to visit in December in USA where you might actually swim! St Pete is on Florida’s Gulf Coast, where water temperatures average 69F, which is pretty sweet for the festive season although locals would say this is cold. St Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater all connect to create The Tampa Bay area, Florida’s Tri-City. Locals often prefer St Pete’s Beach over Clearwater for fewer crowds and more laid-back vibes. Things to do in St Petersburg, Florida
» You may also like | For your Florida bucket list Where to Stay in St Pete’s
8) Tampa Bay, FloridaWe have a feeling that there may be an increase in people choosing a Tampa vacation after the Netflix drop, Selling Tampa! Daily temperatures rarely fall below 60F in December, and highs can reach 76F. Temperatures do decline as the month goes on, so aim for early December if you prefer a hotter trip. Things to do in Tampa
9) Clearwater Beach, FloridaThe final offering in Florida’s Tri-City is Clearwater Beach. This is an award-winning, family-friendly warm winter destination in the US. The temperature do drop between 60-70F though, so you won’t see many Floridians on the sand! Things to do in Clearwater Beach
You can rent support beach chairs for wheelchair users at Clearwater Beach. Where to Stay at Clearwater Beach
10) St. Augustine, FloridaSt. Augustine is a great winter location for those who are interested in warm weather on the beach and tons of historical sights to visit. Located on the Northeast coast of Florida, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States and is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. The old-world architecture makes St. Augustine feel more like the Spanish coast rather than Florida. Castillo de San Marcos is a national monument from 17th-century Spanish colonialism and is the only European castle still standing in the United States. St. Augustine is the perfect location for those who enjoy hiking and exploring historic sights. Walking tours are available all around the city and provide guests with the opportunity to explore America’s oldest city. Throughout the winter months, temperatures average between 50 – 70F. Things to do in St. Augustine
Where to stay in St. Augustine
11) Orlando, FloridaOrlando is an obvious one, right? Visit Orlando in December for the most magical of experiences: Walt Disney World itself. From November to the start of December, crowds are smaller than in summertime so if you’re looking to experience WDW with fewer people, plan for then. See Santa make his rounds at WDW four parks and Disney Springs from the second week in November. Eat your way around the world at the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Temperatures are around 63F and can drop to 50F in December so remember to pack layers. Things to do in Orlando
What to Eat in Florida
Where to Stay in Orlando
12) Anna Maria Island, FloridaAnna Maria Island (AMI) is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast and to get there you drive over a bridge from Longboat Key. Popular locations on the island include City of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, and Holmes Beach. Winter is the coolest month but also the driest with temperatures around from 55F to 74F. AMI is one of the warm places to visit in December in USA if you want a chilled out festive break in a less built up area compared to the likes of Orlando. Things to do in Anna Maria Island
Where to Stay in Anna Maria Island
13) Naples, FloridaSticking to the warm Gulf of Mexico destinations in Florida, Naples (Nay-pills) in the southwest goes wild for Christmas activity! From parades to outside movies, OTT decor to fake snow, Naples should be on every festive fans bucket list. Temperatures come in at lows 59F and highs 76F. Things to do in Naples
Naples also features in our guide to free things to do in Southwest Florida.
14) Marco Island, FloridaFor those looking for a sandy beach getaway in the middle of winter, Marco Island is a perfect choice. Located on the west coast of Florida right on the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island features four miles of ocean-front beaches. Marco Island is also a great option for nature lovers. With thousands of smaller islands close, Marco Island offers many options for nature hikes and exploration. The average winter temperatures in Marco Island are 60 – 80 F. Things to do in Marco Island
Where to Stay in Marco Island
Marco Island also features in our guide to free things to do in Southwest Florida and best islands to visit in December. 15) Miami, FloridaMiami is the hottest city in the USA in December, clocking average highs of 78. With its endless summer vibes, Miami is perfect for your US winter escape. Check out NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden or Luminosa! the Chinese Lantern Festival at Jungle Island. Miami Beach hosts Art Basel, an annual art and design festival. If you’re hoping to rub elbows with the glitterati, you won’t want to miss this. Popular stretches of sand include South Beach (below). Miami is one of the best holiday destinations in December if you like a beach/city fusion. Things to do in Miami
Miami also features in our guide the best US bachelorette destinations. What to Eat
Where to Stay in Miami
16) Key West, FloridaAverage high temps of 76F… it really doesn’t get much more perfect than that! This is one of the warm places to visit in December in USA if you ask me. Add in the palm trees, bicycle rides, and literary history of Key West, and you might actually think you’re in heaven. Key West bars and restaurants attract a lovely crowd, so if you’re social, this may be the US winter destination for you. Duval Street is the heart of downtown and where you will find some of the best Key West attractions, including live music, museums, and Audubon House. President Harry Truman enjoyed a vacation to Key West so much that he stayed for over 100 days over 11 trips. You can see his Little Whitehouse in Old Town. Things to do in Key West
Where to Stay in Key West
Although Key West is one of the best winter sun destinations in December, it also features in our January vacations guide, for the temps 17) Savannah, GeorgiaGeorgia’s oldest city Savannah enjoys temperatures of 46-54F in December, making it one of its coolest months which is ideal if you plan to spend a lot of time on your feet.A popular reason to visit Savannah is for the antebellum architecture. Many of the mansions in Georgia have been associated with plantations and enslaved people, so keep this in mind when learning more about the history and people of “Hostess City of the South”. Things to do in Savannah
What to Eat in Savannah and Charleston (Below)Popular Lowcountry food not to be missed includes:
If you are on a budget, consider Athens in Georgia, which features in our guide to the cheapest cities to visit in the US. Where to Stay in Savannah
18) Macon, GeorgiaMacon is lesser-known than Georgia or Savannah but is put on the map come spring when it arrives for its incredible pop of cherry blossoms. If 50,000 Yoshino cherry trees blossoming sounds like your kind of vacation, you can read about it in our guide to the best places to visit in the US in March. Macon is milder than warm, but this is often a welcomed contrast to the muggy summer temperatures. Temperatures start around 64F at the start of the month, decreasing to 58F by the end of the month. Only an hour south of Atlanta, Macon holds everything from interesting museums and historic landmarks to local markets and festive activities.Things to do in Macon
19) Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston is a historic port city located in the south of the state. Like Savannah, it is known for its antebellum architecture which can be found around the French Quarter and Battery districts. Plan for lows of 46F and highs 61F. Things to do in Charleston
Where to Stay in Charleston
20) Beaufort, South CarolinaBeaufort, South Carolina, is close to both Savannah and Charleston, so you could actually make this trio into quite the warm USA December vacation! While it’s a small town, Beaufort has been the setting for many popular films. Explore local history and film history. Famous movies filmed here include Forrest Gump, and you can take a tour to see the locations. Watersports fans enjoy Beaufort’s unique waterways for kayaking. Hunting Island State Park is the best spot for beaches; it was voted one of the best in the US by TripAdvisor. Expect lows of 43F and highs 62F. Things to do in Beaufort
Where to Stay in Beaufort
21) New Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans: An omnipresent destination. Whatever time of year, for whatever reason, New Orleans always seems to be the answer. New Orleans is a perfect warm place to visit in December in the US because you avoid the crowds and prices of Mardi Gras, plus the heat and humidity of the summer. The holidays are yet another reason locals decorate and dress the part, so enjoy the festivities and warm temperatures. The city averages 64F in December. Things to do in New Orleans in December
Our New Orleans Guides
What to Eat in NOLA
What to Drink in NOLA
Where to Stay in New Orleans
22)Nashville, TennesseeNashville is the music capital of the world and is the perfect destination for fans of country and rock music. The city has tons of historic sights and never-ending live music for everyone. Nashville is the home of the historic Grand Ole Opry as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame. With the Cumberland River running through the city there are plenty of natural areas and parks that are perfect for walking, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors. Temperatures in Nashville sit between 35 -60F throughout the winter months so you can expect a mild and crisp climate. Things to do in Nashville
Where to stay in Nashville
Nashville in fall is also a lovely time to visit. 23) Austin, TexasAustin is certainly a personal favorite of the Two Scots Abroad crew! An Austin elopement and the ever-popular SXSW might have something to do with that adoration. But you should visit Austin, Texas in December for its plentiful cultural events around the holiday season. There’s no shortage of festive events from ice-skating, light trails, parades and live music, it is Austin, the music capital of the world! Austin temperatures are around 43F-63F. Things to do in Austin
You May Also Like Our Other Austin Guides
What to Eat in Texas
Austin also made it to the best cities to visit in December guide! Where to Stay in Austin
24) Lockhart, TexasPrefer BBQ meat to turkey Christmas dinners? Head to Lockhart, just 35 miles from Austin for the BBQ capital of Texas.Temperatures range from 30F to 86F with sun and some clouds.Things to do in Lockhart, Texas
25) Fredericksburg, TexasFredericksburg is one of the best places to travel to in December if you miss Europe! When you first enter this Texas Hill Country location you’ll ask yourself, have I driven to Germany? Expect German cuisine on the menu and German beer in the bars. Fredericksburg is also home to vineyards and craft wine cellar shops so there is plenty to be merry about when you visit in December. Temperatures range from 59F to 64F so pack accordingly. Things to do inFredericksburg
For more NYE US ideas, check out this guide.
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg
26) Marfa, TexasMarfa, Texas is one of Two Scots Abroad’s favorite places in Texas. If you like art installations in the desert and exhibitions in ballrooms, then you might like this tiny community in West Texas too. Wondering where you’ve heard about Marfa before? Cast your mind back to The Simpson’s episode “Mad About the Toy” or every time a Vanderbilt took the elevator to your penthouse and passed the Prada Marfa sign in Gossip Girl! That’s the same Marfa. Oh and it didn’t hurt that both Knowles sisters have visited and posted about their trip on social media. If you plan to visit, ensure you do so over a weekend, and the town is dead during the week. Marfa December temperatures range from a toasty 76*F to freezing 21*F so pack accordingly. Things to do in Marfa
Marfa Hotels with Parking
Read our full guide to accommodation in Marfa here. 27) Big Bend National Park, TexasIf you dream of getting away from the city, office, working from home or hey, or even the family, a road trip out to Big Bend National Park could provide the solitude you need to prepare for a busy December or deflate after a manic month. Big Bend is the 15th largest national park and it is very well organized. The map that is allocated with your pass is easy to navigate, but if you do require further assistance, there are five visitor centers: Panther Junction, Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village, Persimmon Gap and Castolon. Big Bend’s December temperatures range wildly from a mild 63*F to freezing 39*F, and it gets very cold during the night, so invest in a high-quality sleeping bag if you are camping or staying in an RV.Things to do at Big Bend National Park
Big Bend also features in our guide to the best national parks to visit in March for the bluebonnets. 28) Terlingua, TexasTerlingua is also known as Texas ‘Ghost Town’ referring to its mining past in the 1800s. Things to do inTerlingua
Where to Stay in Terlingua
29) South Padre Island, TexasSouth Padre Island in December boasts an average high of 71* F/22* C, making it a dreamy escape from the bitter cold up north. Come to stroll on the sand, bask in the sunshine, and forget about those icy temps back home. You’ll be in good company with all the other snowbirds (read: Not much in the way of nightlife, but you’ll certainly feel relaxed!). Things to do in South Padre Island
Where to Stay in South Padre
Read next | Best beach towns in Texas 30) San Antonio, TexasThe San Antonio Riverwalk is a popular destination year-round. The holiday season it’s a wonderful time of year with average high temperatures at 64* F/18* C. Learn about the fight for independence in Texas at The Alamo and check out the city views from HemisFair Park’s 750-ft. Tower of the Americas. What about a warm winter vacation road trip featuring Austin and San Antonio? Things to do in San Antonio
There’s a cool treehouse cabin in San Antonio which features in our guide to treehouse cabins in Texas! Where to Stay in San Antonio
San Antonio also features in our guide to the best places to visit in January in the US, as that’s when the coffee festival and restaurant week kicks off, so if you like food, you might want to hang back a month! 31) Galveston Island, TexasAn under-the-radar destination for December, Galveston Island offers miles of lovely beaches to walk in very comfortable temperatures. Even better? Galveston is known as the “Winter Wonder Island” of Texas and offers more than 50 days of holiday events and activities! If you love beaches, here’s a guide to the best beaches in Texas. Things to do
Where to Stay at Galveston Island
32) Tempe, ArizonaTempe, an inner suburb of Phoenix, is enjoying a bit of a burst of popularity right now! Visit Tempe for its historic downtown and focus on the arts. The average December high temps of 68* F/20* C don’t hurt either! Image Credit – Tempe Tourism Things to do in Tempe
What to Eat in Arizona
33) Phoenix, ArizonaPhoenix offers a unique place to visit in December in USA. Despite the warmer temps (average highs of 66* F/19* C), there’s a downtown ice skating rink to enjoy! You can’t miss visiting the Desert Botanical Garden for Las Noches de Las Luminarias. More than 8,000 paper lanterns guide your way. Phoenix has several outdoor trails, including the Hole In The Rock at Papago Park, which can be hiked a little easier during the cooler winter temperatures. Also, look out for the many Hanukkah celebrations around the Valley. Expect a lighting ceremony, live music and doughnuts. Stay at the MOXY Phoenix for modern rooms at the reliable MOXY. You can also check out our guide to free things to do in Phoenix, Arizona. 34) Scottsdale, ArizonaScottsdale lies east of Phoenix, less than 30 minutes drive making a fun day trip from the capital or a winter destination in its own right. The desert temperatures of Scottsdale come in at around 37F-68F in December. Things to do in Scottsdale
Scottsdale also features in our guide to the best bachelorette destinations in the US. 35) Tucson, ArizonaTucson really leans into the holiday spirit. You can’t miss the Oro Valley Marketplace featuring local artisans and performers, plus an annual tree lighting ceremony. It’s one of the biggest community arts festivals in southern Arizona. Be prepared for dessert and snow if you choose Tucson for your winter vacation. Temperatures are similar to Scottsdale. Things to do in Tucson
Where to Stay in Tucson
36) Yuma, ArizonaYuma, Arizona, is the sunniest location in the continental US in December. If that’s not reason enough to visit, then check this: Yuma actually holds the Guinness World Record as the sunniest city…in the WORLD. It was also named Arizona’s Best Historic Main Street Community, so you can enjoy learning local history and shopping along the quaint downtown. 37) San Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego is just known for its perfect year-round climate with highs matching LA at 65F, a comfortable sightseeing temperature. As a warm US December destination, it offers warmth, sunshine, beaches, history, and — to top it all off — it’s fairly budget-friendly for a big city! You can find a full list of things to do in San Diego during the month in this guide. Or if you’re on a budget chek out our list of free things to do in San Diego. Things to do in San Diego
» Related | California bucket list items What to Eat in California
Where to Stay in San Diego
38) Palm Spring, CaliforniaTemperatures highs in Palm Springs are 72F and lows of 45F in December, but you have to pack for surprise rain with recordings of below-normal weather lately. Palm Springs is one of the coolest places in California if you enjoy art and architecture. Expect to meet at 6-ft (7.9-m) Marilyn Monroe to floating cars as you wander around town! Things to do at Palm Springs
39) Santa Monica, CaliforniaVisit Santa Monica for WinterLit during the holiday season. Take photos with Santa (pets can do it, too!), go ice skating beachside, attend menorah lightings, and shop at the holiday market. Average highs of 65F make it comfortable for moseying along to buy last-minute gifts. Stay at the Sant Monia Hilton for lazy pool days chilling in a cabana. 40) Los Angeles, CaliforniaVisit Los Angeles in December for Disney, views, food and endless summer vibes. The city is known for its glitz and glam year-round, but it steps up a notch for the holiday season. It doesn’t hurt that the weather is lovely all year long. Great for outdoor strolls without having to bundle up against the cold! Things to do in Los Angeles in December
Where to Stay in LA
» Related | LA bucket list items 41) Death Valley National Park, California + NevadaOne of the hottest locations on Earth is finally manageable in winter. Death Valley National Park in December reaches an average high of 65F, making it the perfect time to hike and explore this notorious region. The park is partly in California and also in Nevada. So, after hiking and getting your dose of outdoor adventure, it’s time to finish off December with an NYE party like no other… Stay at The Inn at Death Valley for manicured grounds and stargazing. Note: Death Valley became federally protected in 1994, after years of national monument status (1933). However, Timbisha Shoshone People lived in Death Valley long before it was declared a national monument. 42) Las Vegas, NevadaAh, Vegas. The city where debauchery is ubiquitous and oxygen is pumped through buildings to make you forget time exists. If that’s your thing, then hit Sin City to escape whatever winter woes befall you. Note that Las Vegas isn’t the warmest of places to visit in December in USA (average highs are 57F), but you’re mostly indoors there anyway. And it’s really a destination for New Year’s Eve extravaganzas! Dress to impress and leave time in early January for recovery. Things to do in Vegas
Where to StayMost visitors stay in the popular Vegas hotels such as Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino or The Venetian Resort, which ensures you are smack bang among the Vegas madness. You May Also Like
Bonus Warm December Destinations in the USDon’t forget the US has other islands! While these islands aren’t full states, they are US territories. If you’re not a US-passport holder, you’ll most likely follow the same visa entry rules. Not having statehood is a major issue for residents’ voting rights and representation. You can learn more about the legal background here or listen to John Oliver’s more lighthearted take on the issue: 43) Puerto RicoPuerto Rico is an ideal December US destination if you seek warmth, sunshine, beaches, history, culture, and more. The holiday season is particularly special in Old San Juan. Be sure to visit for the parrandas, which grow into big street parties. Extra bonus: Puerto Rico is still recovering from the devastating hurricanes of recent years. Putting our tourism dollars where they make the biggest, most positive impact is the least we can all do as tourists. Puerto Rico rarely falls below 80F, making it one of the warmest places in US in December. 44) St Croix, US Virgin IslandsThe largest of the US Virgin Islands (USVI), St Croix boasts an interesting cultural blend and multi-layered history. Enjoy the beaches, blow bubbles underwater, and come back home with a tan to tide you over until summer. St Croix also features in our guide to the best islands to visit in December. 45) St Thomas, US Virgin IslandsSt Thomas is the most popular of the USVI, with too many cruise ships regularly visiting. But, if you can get away from those busy spots and overwhelming crowds, this island offers ample amenities alongside stunning natural beauty. 46) St John, US Virgin IslandsSt John is the smallest of the three USVI. You must go through St Thomas to get here, but it’s absolutely worth the journey. Enjoy snorkeling and relaxing on white-sand beaches or walking through the lush, tropical jungle along hiking trails. What is the warmest place to visit in the US in December?Key West, Florida
Located at the very end of the beautiful Florida Keys, Key West is officially the Southernmost City in the USA, making it the warmest place in US in December — probably January and February too — outside the US Virgin Islands.
Where is the best place to vacation in December?Best Places to Visit in December. Phuket.. Rio de Janeiro.. Hawaii - The Big Island.. Banff.. Torres del Paine National Park.. Quebec City.. Park City.. Dubai.. Where should I go for Christmas in USA?24 Best Places to Visit During Christmas in the USA. New York, New York. New York is easily one of the best places to visit during Christmas in the USA. ... . Asheville, North Carolina. ... . Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. ... . Charleston, South Carolina. ... . Newport Beach, California. ... . Whitefish, Montana. ... . Chicago, Illinois. ... . Park City, Utah.. Which trip is best in December?15 Best Places to Visit in December in India. 1– Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh.. 2– Andaman Islands.. 3– Goa.. 4– Coorg, Karnataka.. 5– Agra, Uttar Pradesh.. 7– Binsar, Uttarakhand.. 8– Diu.. 9– Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.. |
Best places to visit in the united states in december
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