10 Warmest USA Destinations to Visit in December 2025

After spending the last three Decembers hunting for winter sunshine across America (most recently in December 2024), I’ve become something of an expert on escaping the cold without needing a passport. There’s something deeply satisfying about texting a snow shoveling selfie to friends back home while you’re lounging by a pool in shorts and a t-shirt. If you’re dreaming of trading your winter boots for flip-flops this December, I’ve got you covered with the warmest destinations in the USA.

Quick Answer: Best Warm Places in USA for December

• Warmest overall: Key West, Florida (average 75°F/24°C)
• Driest warm weather: Palm Springs, California (less than 1 inch of rain in December)
• Best beaches: Maui, Hawaii (water temp around 77°F/25°C)
• Budget-friendly warmth: Tucson, Arizona (affordable accommodations, 65°F/18°C days)
• Off the beaten path: Brownsville, Texas (72°F/22°C and rarely crowded)
• Best for outdoor activities: Phoenix, Arizona (hiking, golf, outdoor dining)
• Christmas with a tropical twist: San Juan, Puerto Rico (no passport needed!)
• Warmest water for swimming: Hawaii and US Virgin Islands (75°F+ water temps)

I learned my “warm December” lesson the hard way in Savannah back in 2022. The forecast showed 65°F, so I packed mostly shorts and t-shirts… then a cold front hit and dropped temps to the 40s. Spent the entire trip shivering in the one sweater I’d brought “just in case.” Weather can be unpredictable, even in typically warm places!

Where Are the Warmest Places in the USA in December?

1. Key West, Florida

The southernmost point in the continental US delivers reliably tropical December weather. With average highs around 75-80°F (24-27°C) and water temperatures warm enough for swimming, Key West feels like summer while the rest of the country is bundling up.

Why it’s amazing in December:

• Consistently warm days and mild evenings
• Perfect weather for water activities (snorkeling, kayaking, sunset cruises)
• Key West Holiday Fest with unique tropical Christmas vibes
• Harbor Walk of Lights and lighted boat parade
• Fewer crowds than winter high season (which kicks in after New Year’s)

During my December 2023 visit, I spent Christmas Day snorkeling at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach and spotted a sea turtle gliding by—definitely beat opening presents in a freezing living room! The evening temperatures dipped to a “chilly” 68°F (20°C), which locals hilariously referred to as “sweater weather” while wearing heavy jackets that would be considered light spring wear up north.

One thing to note—December hotel prices in Key West are about 30% lower than January-March rates, making it the perfect time to experience this quirky island before the winter rush begins.

2. Hawaii (All Islands)

Hawaii is the ultimate December warm-weather escape. Each island offers consistent temperatures around 75-83°F (24-28°C) with water warm enough for hours of comfortable swimming.

Why Hawaii rocks in December:

• Perfect beach weather when much of the mainland is freezing
• Spectacular seasonal whale watching (especially around Maui)
• Festive tropical holiday celebrations
• Amazing surfing conditions on North Shore beaches
• Lush, green landscapes from light seasonal rain

The December rain in Hawaii tends to come in brief afternoon showers that clear quickly—during my week on Maui last December, we had daily 20-minute rain showers that were actually refreshing breaks from the sun. Just don’t make fixed plans around outdoor activities in the late afternoon.

I splurged on a whale watching tour from Lahaina and witnessed a mother humpback and her calf breaching repeatedly—apparently December marks the beginning of prime whale season. Worth every penny of the $135 tour price!

December is technically high season for Hawaii, with prices peaking around Christmas and New Year’s. If you can visit in early December, you’ll find better deals and fewer crowds while still enjoying perfect weather.

3. Puerto Rico

As a US territory, Puerto Rico offers Caribbean warmth without passport requirements. December brings ideal temperatures of 75-85°F (24-29°C) with declining rainfall after the wet season.

Why Puerto Rico shines in December:

• Tropical climate without international travel hassles
• Vibrant holiday celebrations with unique Puerto Rican traditions
• Perfect timing between hurricane season and peak tourist surge
• Warm ocean temperatures around 79°F (26°C)
• Lush, green landscapes from the recent rainy season

San Juan’s holiday decorations rival any mainland city, but with a tropical twist—palm trees wrapped in lights and outdoor Christmas markets where everyone’s in short sleeves. The traditional Parrandas (Puerto Rican Christmas caroling parties) were happening in Old San Juan during my visit, with groups of musicians seemingly appearing out of nowhere to perform before moving to the next location.

One unexpected December bonus—El Yunque rainforest was lush and vibrant from the fall rains but with significantly fewer downpours than previous months. The hiking was incredible with far fewer people on the trails than I expected.

4. Southern California

Southern California offers reliable December warmth with average temperatures of 65-75°F (18-24°C) in coastal areas and warmer inland.

Best December destinations in SoCal:

• San Diego: Perfect 65-70°F (18-21°C) days, minimal rainfall
• Palm Springs: Warm, sunny days around 70-75°F (21-24°C) and chilly nights
• Laguna Beach: Comfortable beach days without summer crowds
• Joshua Tree National Park: Ideal hiking temperatures after summer’s brutal heat

During my Palm Springs December visit, daytime temperatures hit a perfect 72°F (22°C) every single day—basically pool weather if you’re from the Northeast like me! Nights did cool down to around 45°F (7°C), so I needed that light jacket for evening outings.

The biggest December advantage in Southern California is the lack of crowds. I hiked popular trails in Joshua Tree National Park and had entire sections completely to myself. Try doing that in April!

5. Miami and the Florida Gold Coast

Miami delivers reliable December warmth with average temperatures of 75-80°F (24-27°C) and less humidity than summer months.

Why Miami area shines in December:

• Perfect beach weather without summer’s oppressive humidity
• Water temperatures around 75°F (24°C)—comfortable for swimming
• Art Basel brings world-class cultural events (early December)
• Festive holiday boat parades along the Intracoastal Waterway
• Winter season begins but before peak January-February prices

December hits that perfect Miami sweet spot—hurricane season is over, the oppressive summer humidity has broken, but the January-February tourist peak hasn’t arrived. I lounged on South Beach on December 12th in 78°F (26°C) sunshine alongside locals and in-the-know travelers, with plenty of space to spread out.

The Miami Beach oceanfront hotels were decorated with the most glamorous holiday displays I’ve ever seen—giant palm trees wrapped in lights and poolside Christmas trees. Something utterly magical about sipping a poolside cocktail while watching holiday lights reflect on the water.

6. Arizona Desert Cities

Arizona’s desert regions offer ideal December temperatures after the scorching summer heat breaks.

Top December destinations in Arizona:

• Phoenix: Average highs of 65-70°F (18-21°C), perfect for outdoor activities
• Tucson: Similar temperatures with a more relaxed vibe
• Scottsdale: Luxury resorts with perfect pool weather
• Sedona: Comfortable hiking temperatures with the possibility of snow-dusted red rocks for dramatic photos

My Phoenix December trip featured six straight days of cloudless blue skies with 68-72°F (20-22°C) temperatures—absolute perfection for hiking in the surrounding mountains. Even got slightly sunburned on my nose during a Camelback Mountain hike despite it being December 18th!

The true magic of Arizona in December is the temperature consistency. While other “warm” December destinations can see significant swings, Arizona delivers reliably sunny, dry, pleasant days. The desert does cool significantly at night (sometimes dropping to 45°F/7°C), so layers are essential.

December is technically high season for Arizona, but early December and the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas offer reasonable rates before the January-February snowbird invasion.

7. US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix offer Caribbean perfection without passport requirements. December temperatures hover around 80-85°F (27-29°C) with water warm enough for extended swimming.

Why USVI is amazing in December:

• True tropical weather when most of the US is freezing
• Beginning of dry season with decreasing rainfall
• Lush landscapes from the recent rainy season
• Water temperatures around 79-81°F (26-27°C)
• Unique island holiday celebrations

I spent last December 15-22 on St. John, and the weather was absolutely perfect—consistent 82°F (28°C) days with brief, refreshing afternoon showers every couple of days. The water was bathwater-warm for snorkeling, and Trunk Bay was significantly less crowded than during my previous March visit.

The surprising highlight was the Crucian Christmas Festival on St. Croix, which kicks off in December. The colorful parades, local food, and music created a holiday celebration unlike anything I’d experienced before.

The USVI does qualify as “high season” by December, but prices don’t reach their peak until after New Year’s. Early December offers the best combination of great weather and moderate prices.

8. South Texas

The southernmost region of Texas offers surprising December warmth that most travelers overlook.

Best December destinations in South Texas:

• South Padre Island: Average highs of 70-75°F (21-24°C), uncrowded beaches
• Brownsville: Similar temperatures with authentic Mexican-American culture
• Corpus Christi: Slightly cooler but still comfortable 65-70°F (18-21°C)

South Padre Island was my most surprising December discovery. While not quite tropical, the 72°F (22°C) days were perfectly comfortable for beach walking and outdoor dining. The water was too cool for swimming without a wetsuit, but the wide, empty beaches made for stunning sunset walks.

The best part? Prices were at absolute rock bottom. My beachfront hotel room cost just $89/night—the same room goes for $250+ during spring break and summer months. The affordable luxury continued with no-wait seating at oceanfront restaurants that would have 2-hour waits in peak season.

9. New Orleans, Louisiana

While not as reliably warm as Florida or Hawaii, New Orleans offers mild December temperatures of 60-65°F (16-18°C) with the occasional 70°F (21°C) day.

Why NOLA works in December:

• Comfortable temperatures for exploring on foot
• Incredible Christmas decorations throughout the French Quarter
• Celebration in the Oaks light display in City Park
• Réveillon dinners (traditional Creole Christmas feasts)
• Significantly smaller crowds than Mardi Gras season

I spent December 10-15 in New Orleans last year and lucked out with three days hitting 68°F (20°C)—perfect weather for exploring without the infamous NOLA sweat that comes with summer visits. Needed a light jacket in the evenings but was comfortable in short sleeves during sunny afternoons.

The Garden District homes were decorated with the most elegant Christmas displays, and Jackson Square looked magical with holiday lights. Café Du Monde was actually accessible without hour-long lines, and I snagged restaurant reservations at places that would be impossible during peak seasons.

Fair warning—December weather in New Orleans can be hit or miss. Pack layers and be prepared for temperature swings.

10. Coastal Georgia and South Carolina

The coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina offer mild December days that, while not beach weather, provide a gentle winter experience.

Best December destinations in the region:

• Savannah, GA: Average highs around 60-65°F (16-18°C)
• Charleston, SC: Similar temperatures with occasional warmer days
• Jekyll Island, GA: Quiet coastal retreat with comfortable hiking weather
• Hilton Head, SC: Golf-friendly temperatures with minimal crowds

These destinations are the least reliably “warm” on this list but still offer escape from harsh northern winters. My December weekend in Savannah featured a surprisingly warm 67°F (19°C) Saturday that allowed for comfortable outdoor dining and walking tours.

The historic districts of both Savannah and Charleston transform into holiday wonderlands in December, with gas lamps, historic homes, and Spanish moss creating a uniquely southern Christmas atmosphere. The lack of summer humidity and tourists makes exploring these walkable cities much more pleasant.

These destinations represent the “budget option” for December warmth. I found hotel rates in Savannah about 40% lower than high season, with similar discounts in Charleston.

QUICK FACTS: December Weather in Warm US Destinations

• Warmest Destination: Key West, FL and Hawaii (75-83°F/24-28°C)
• Warmest Water: Hawaii and US Virgin Islands (77-80°F/25-27°C)
• Driest Warm Places: Palm Springs and Phoenix (less than 1 inch December rainfall)
• Most Affordable Warmth: Tucson, AZ and South Padre Island, TX
• Most Reliable Sunshine: Arizona desert cities (80-90% sunny days)
• Biggest Temperature Drops After Sunset: Desert locations like Palm Springs (30°F/17°C daily swing)
• Most Affordable Flights: Florida destinations from East Coast, Arizona from Midwest/West
• Passport-Free Caribbean Options: Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands
• Best December Deals: First two weeks of December (before holiday surge)
• Most Expensive Period: Christmas week through New Year’s (prices double in many destinations)

When Should You Book a Warm December Getaway?

Timing is everything when booking a December warm-weather escape:

For Best Prices

• Book at least 3 months in advance for flights (September booking for December travel)
• Consider the first two weeks of December for lowest prices (before holiday surge)
• Look for Sunday-Thursday stays for best hotel rates
• Avoid Christmas through New Year’s completely if budget is a concern

For Popular Destinations

• Book Hawaii 6+ months in advance for decent rates
• Reserve Key West accommodations 4-5 months ahead minimum
• Book Christmas week 8-12 months in advance for quality options

During my December trip planning, I noticed flight prices jumped dramatically after mid-October. My Key West flight booked in August cost $340 roundtrip from New York; the same flight was $680 when I checked in November for a friend trying to join the trip.

The sweet spot for warm December travel is definitely December 1-15, when you get the winter escape benefits without holiday pricing. My Puerto Rico trip the first week of December cost about 40% less than what friends paid for the exact same trip over Christmas week.

What to Pack for a Warm December Destination

Even “warm” December destinations require strategic packing:

Essential Items

• Layers for evening temperature drops (especially in desert locations)
• Light jacket or sweater for restaurants (over-aggressive AC happens year-round)
• Sunscreen (winter sun can still burn, especially at southern latitudes)
• Bathing suit (obvious but easy to forget in December mindset)
• Rain gear for tropical destinations (brief showers are common)

Destination-Specific Items

• Desert locations: Significant day-to-night temperature swings require proper layers
• Tropical destinations: Quick-dry clothing for possible afternoon showers
• Florida/Southeast: One warm outfit for possible cold fronts

My biggest packing mistake was during my Arizona December trip—packed for warm days but completely underestimated how chilly the desert gets at night. Ended up buying an overpriced sweatshirt at the resort gift shop after shivering through dinner the first night.

FAQ About Warm US Destinations in December

Where is the most affordable warm place to visit in December?

South Padre Island, Texas offers the best value with reasonable flights, hotel rates 60-70% lower than peak season, and comfortable 70-75°F (21-24°C) temperatures. Tucson, Arizona is a close second for budget-friendly winter warmth.

Can you swim in Florida in December?

Yes, but location matters greatly. Key West and Miami water temperatures remain comfortable (75°F/24°C), while northern Florida beaches might be too chilly for most swimmers. During my mid-December Miami visit, locals and tourists were actively swimming, though the initial entry felt brisk before acclimating.

Which is warmer in December – Arizona or Florida?

South Florida (Miami, Keys) is generally warmer than Arizona, especially at night. Daytime temperatures might be similar (around 70-75°F/21-24°C), but Arizona cools significantly after sunset while Florida maintains more consistent temperatures. Choose Florida if you want to minimize packing layers.

Are December hotel rates lower than January in warm destinations?

Generally, yes—with a major exception for the Christmas to New Year’s week, which often has the highest rates of the entire year. Early December (1st-15th) typically offers 20-40% savings compared to January rates at most warm weather destinations. My early December Maui hotel was $289/night, while the same room was $379 in January.

Bottom Line: Escaping Winter Without Leaving the USA

After exploring warm December destinations across the country for the past several years, I’ve found that timing and location choice depend entirely on your specific “winter escape” goals.

For guaranteed swimming and tropical vibes, nothing beats Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, or Key West—though you’ll pay premium prices for this level of warmth. For the perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and value, Arizona’s desert cities deliver consistently pleasant days, though you’ll need layers for chilly evenings.

The budget-conscious traveler should target South Padre Island, Tucson, or early December visits to otherwise expensive destinations. And for those who care more about skipping snow than achieving tropical heat, coastal Georgia and South Carolina offer mild temperatures with significant savings.

Whatever warm destination you choose, book as early as possible and target the first two weeks of December for the best combination of good weather, low crowds, and reasonable prices. Your friends back home will appreciate the sunny selfies while they’re scraping ice off their windshields!