For many of us the month of December is filled with cold temperatures and the anticipation of the holiday season. Instead of feeling stuck at home, think of how fun it would be to escape on a winter vacation getaway.
The US has such diverse places to visit that you’ll definitely find the December destination that’s right for you.
This list of 15 best places to travel in December will help you plan your trip. Places like the Florida Keys and Maui are the tropical paradise you need to melt away the winter blues.
While if you’re a snowbum, consider heading to Alaska where winter sports are at the top of the to-do list. Or you can head to New York City where the holiday season is in full swing.
To get started, begin here by exploring the top places in the US to travel in December.
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1. Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are one of the warmest places to travel in December.
With daily highs typically in the mid-70s, it’s perfect weather to be on the water. In the water, it’s even better as the water temps usually hover in the upper 70s.
A major plus is that hurricane season is over. Hooray!
December is the perfect month to do everything outdoorsy in the Florida Keys.
You can stroll along Duval Street in Key West, go on a snorkeling or scuba diving tour, or ride in a glass bottom boat.
For a fun and adventurous outing take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park – you can only get there by boat or sea plane!
2. Maui Hawaii
***While Lahaina is recovering from devastating wildfires of August 2023 visitors should stay away from the area but the remainder of West Maui, Southern and Eastern Maui regions are open for tourism. Check Maui Travel Updates for more info***
Maui is absolutely the perfect destination in December.
The weather is pleasant in the low 70s normally but can reach into the low 80s some days.
The water temperatures are even better, staying in the upper 70s which is perfect for any water sports.
December is prime whale watching season.
To get a glimpse, take a whale watching tour on the water or hike the Lahaina Pali Trail to see them from ashore and the gorgeous views.
Where to stay in Maui? Check out the Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateau for the perfect (adults only) location overlooking Maui’s southern coastline.
3. Joshua Tree National Park (California)
December is a great time to visit Joshua Tree National Park.
With temperatures normally hitting a high of about 60, it’s perfect for hiking the park.
Remember to dress in layers as it’s chilly at the start of the day, but you’ll definitely warm up as you get your blood pumping on the trails under the sun.
In December, Joshua Tree typically sees fewer visitors than other times of the year, which is nice. You can even visit on Christmas Day!
4. Miami Florida
If you’re looking to melt away the December chill then definitely head to Miami – one of the warmest spots in the US in December.
This city is all about fun in the sun. With temps in the 70s spending time at the beach is a definite must-do.
The mild December weather means you’ll be able to do so much in the city without getting overheated.
Outdoor activities like seeing Wynwood Walls, exploring the Design District, or strolling through Little Havana should all be on your to-do list.
At nighttime you can head to the clubs in Miami Beach and dance until the early morning hours.
5. Alaska
Although most folks plan a trip to Alaska during the summer months, don’t count out a visit in December.
Alaska comes alive with the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in December.
So, there’s no need to head to Finland or Iceland, as you can see this natural wonder right here in the US.
From skiing and snowboarding to ice fishing and dog sledding, Alaska is totally one of the best wintery places to visit in December.
6. Catalina Island California
Catalina Island is the perfect getaway in the winter.
You may not be ready to jump into the beautiful clear blue water, but you can still have fun exploring the island.
Take a ride on the Undersea Expedition to get an up close look at the sea life without getting wet.
Rent a golf cart and drive up into the hills to see the island a bit more. You’ll have an incredible view of the island and the sea from up there.
7. New York City
December in New York City is just like in all of the movies.
During the holiday season the streets are bustling with energy, color, and holiday cheer.
That’s why New York City is definitely one of the best places to travel in December.
On a trip to the city you must see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and go ice skating in Central Park.
Remember to check out the holiday window displays along Fifth Ave and see a Broadway Show.
8. Orlando Florida
Orlando is one of the warmest places to travel in December.
It boasts daily highs of about 75 degrees and low humidity, making a visit to Orlando just lovely.
What draws a lot of visitors to Orlando in December are the holiday celebrations.
And if you’re longing to get your feet in the sand there are several beaches near Orlando you can easily visit for an afternoon.
Home to many of the world-famous theme parks, Orlando really gets into the holiday spirit.
There’s Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration, and Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays among others.
And hey, there are tons of fun things to do in Orlando besides the theme parks.
9. Death Valley National Park (California / Nevada)
For the hottest place on the planet, December is hands-down the best time to visit. Daily December temps normally get up to the mid-60s, so it’s just right to get out and explore this gorgeous national park.
It can sometimes rain in December but annual rainfall for Death Valley is only 2.2 inches total. Just make sure to keep an eye on the forecast so you don’t have any issues.
It’s always a good idea to check the official National Park website for alerts, maps, and more info before your trip.
Also remember that in the desert the temps drop down at night, typically into the 30s in December. When you’re packing for your trip you’ll want to bring layers of clothing to suit the changing temps.
10. San Diego California
With average highs in the mid-60s, San Diego is just lovely in December.
Although you won’t be wanting to jump in the water, don’t count San Diego out.
The sun and temps in December mean you can spend the day outdoors and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
You can spend a day exploring Balboa Park, see the seals in LaJolla Cove, or go kayaking.
It’s also possible to enjoy the beach in December without getting wet.
11. Destin Florida
A trip to the Emerald Coast is just what you need in the dead of winter.
Temperatures are delightfully in the 60s in December.
So it may be a bit too chilly to take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico, but it doesn’t mean all water sports are off limits.
Instead consider parasailing and banana boat tours, which are a perfect activity in December.
12. Zion National Park (Utah)
You’ll find fewer crowds at Zion National Park in the winter making it one of the best places to travel in December.
Cooler winter temps get up to the upper 40s in Zion. So you could catch a glimpse of snow covering higher elevations in the park.
A major plus is that you can drive your own car through Zion Canyon in December – Something you can’t do during peak season.
13. St. Augustine Florida
There’s no better time to visit the country’s oldest city than in December.
With temps in the upper 60s, St. Augustine is totally one of the best sunny places to travel in December.
There’s so much to do in the city from exploring the sights and sounds of old town to taking a stroll on the beach – read our full list of 50 things to do in St Augustine.
St. Augustine is buzzing with holiday spirit in December.
The Nights of Lights decorating the Bridge of Lions throughout the historic district will put you in the holiday mood.
And you still get to enjoy beautiful beach walks, looking for shells, or why not try your luck fishing on the pier?
14. Palm Springs California
A trip to Palm Springs in December means you can spend the day enjoying the outdoors in the sun.
Temperatures in the 70s makes any activity outside delightful.
There’s tons to do, like going for a hike in Joshua Tree National Park or heading to the golf course.
No matter what you do, you’ll have a great day in this desert oasis.
If the sun hasn’t melted away all of the winter chill, a relaxing dip in one of the hot springs should do the trick. Read our list of the Best Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs and find your next vaca spot!
15. Oahu Hawaii
Oahu in December is seriously the best.
The weather is just about perfect during this time of year with air temps reaching the upper 70s and 80s and water temps keep steady around 78 degrees.
These temps definitely make Oahu one of the warmest places to visit in December.
Surfers flock to Oahu in December to catch the perfect wave and compete in the Vans Triple Crown surfing competition.
Summary
As you can see there are so many wonderful places to travel in December. You could be ice fishing in Alaska or soaking up the sun on the beach in Miami. No matter where you go, chances are you’ll have a great time.
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