While half the country is scraping ice off windshields, these eight warm weather winter destinations in the U.S. serve up 70-degree days and zero apologies.
Winter has a way of making us crave sunshine as if it were a biological imperative. And honestly, it kind of is (unless you’re a chionophile through and through).
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When the cold settles in across most of the U.S., the solution is straightforward. Pack your bags and head to a warm weather winter destination that actually delivers. Yes, natural vitamin D boosts your mood. But it’s really the fresh air and a chance to slow down that help your body reset.
The U.S. spans enough climate zones that somewhere is always having its warm-weather moment. These eight spots hit their stride between November and March, before the throngs of spring break roll in.
Why These Warm Weather Destinations in the U.S. Shine Brightest in Winter
Summer can be relentless in places such as Arizona and Florida. Instead, winter offers that sweet spot. You can hike desert trails at midday, spend afternoons at the beach and enjoy outdoor dining without sticking to a chair.
Sure, some of these spots are at peak season with corresponding prices. But you’re paying for prime warmth—not just escaping the cold. From desert sunsets that paint the rocks copper and gold to oceanfront retreats where the water stays swimmable, these eight warm weather winter destinations in the U.S. deliver sunshine and temps worth the flight.
1. Sedona
Winter in Sedona brings 60-degree days and near-constant sunshine, along with wide-open trails and fewer crowds than the summer months. Sedona is an easy place to shift between outdoor adventure and downtime, whether a hardcore hiker or wellness warrior.
Hiking runs the gamut from mellow trail walks to serious climbs up Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge, set against Sedona’s unmistakable landscape. After a day outside, the town’s spas lean into desert botanicals, sound healing and experiences inspired by Sedona’s long-held reputation for energetic renewal.
Where to stay: Amara Resort & Spa. Red rock views frame the property, and the spa incorporates local botanicals and nods to vortex energy, either embraced completely or shrugged off with a smile.
2. Phoenix & Scottsdale
Phoenix winters deliver reliable sunshine and highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s, with little rain to derail your plans. The weather practically begs you to get outside—whether that means hiking Camelback Mountain, teeing off on championship golf courses or slowing things down at the Desert Botanical Garden.
Nearby Scottsdale turns up the luxury, with resorts and spas drawing inspiration from the Sonoran Desert, where prickly pear, agave and mineral-rich mud make appearances.
Where to stay: ADERO Scottsdale Resort. High Sonoran Desert isolation, where the spa mines prickly pear and agave for treatments, trails connect endlessly and the dark skies justify the stargazing program.
3. Palm Springs
This classic winter escape has staying power for good reason. Temperatures land comfortably in the 80s, mid-century modern architecture defines the aesthetic and the restaurant scene punches above its weight.
You can chase the challenging Cactus to Clouds Trail if ambition strikes. Or you can dedicate entire days to poolside lounging with the San Jacinto Mountains as your view. Joshua Tree National Park is also close enough for a day trip, with surreal desert landscapes and fascinating rock formations included.
Where to stay: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Sprawling grounds with water features that cool the desert heat, multiple pools for finding your perfect lounging temperature and mountain views that make leaving the property feel optional.
4. San Diego
San Diego’s winter highs hover in the upper 60s, keeping things comfortable. The coastal setting encourages beach walks, hikes through Torrey Pines and tide pool exploration at La Jolla Cove. San Diego slows in winter, yet the city keeps its easygoing, no-worries vibe. You’ll find fewer crowds at popular spots and more room to spread out while watching the resident population of wild seals and sea lions.
Where to stay: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. Hacienda-style surroundings and sumptuous gardens create a serene retreat, while the spa, with its saltwater pool and intimate treatment rooms, makes it hard to leave.
5. Key West
Key West sits as far south as you can go in the continental U.S., holding steady in the high 70s to low 80s all winter. The island runs on its own schedule (“island time” is real here).
Kayaking through mangroves, sunrise yoga on the beach and sunset sailing trips are all easy to arrange. Seafood comes fresh from the water, Caribbean flavors shape menus and walkable streets help you rack up steps throughout the day.
Where to stay: Parrot Key Hotel & Villas. Private beach access in a town where that’s rare, pools for when the ocean feels like too much effort and Duval Street close enough for when you need a bit of action.
6. Miami & South Florida
Miami winters average highs in the 60s with barely a handful of rainy days per month—textbook beach weather. The city pulses with energy, from South Beach’s iconic nightlife to bike paths threading through sun-soaked parks.. You’ll find everything, including traditional Chinese medicine to Ayurvedic therapies, offering numerous ways to recharge.
Where to stay: The Setai Miami Beach. Oceanfront luxury and Asian-inspired serenity create a transportive retreat, while the spa and pools invite you to fully unwind amid South Beach sophistication.
7. Maui
Maui winters are mild, with highs around 75 degrees, and migrating humpback whales add a breathtaking touch to the season. The island packs a striking variety, complete with volcanoes, rainforests and beaches, each with its own distinct experiences.
A full day on the Road to Hana delivers waterfalls and sacred pools, sunrise at Haleakalā rewards the early wake-up and simply sitting by the ocean can reset your entire nervous system.
Where to stay: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali. Oceanfront views showcase migrating humpback whales, featuring pools for every mood and a spa rooted in Hawaiian healing for the ultimate calm.
8. Oahu
Oahu offers range. Waikiki buzzes with activity, the North Shore draws serious surfers, botanical gardens invite peaceful wandering and traditional Hawaiian healing practices are found across the island. The wellness scene blends ancient techniques like lomilomi massage with contemporary spa treatments.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. Protected lagoons make the swimming pleasant, the spa incorporates Hawaiian botanicals with intention and you escape Waikiki’s intensity without leaving the action behind.
Snapshot
- Escape frigid winters at these warm weather winter destinations in the U.S., from Sedona’s red rocks to Hawaii’s healing shores.
- Discover eight destinations hitting their stride between November and March, offering 60-80°F temps. Think hiking, beach days and outdoor dining minus the summer swelter.
- Explore desert wellness hubs such as Sedona and Scottsdale, where spas harness botanicals and healing vortexes. Or chase waterfall trails and sacred pools across Maui’s volcanic landscapes.
- Book stays at resorts blending natural beauty with spa treatments—from Arizona’s Sonoran Desert healing traditions to Hawaii’s ancient lomilomi massage techniques.
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