25 Warm Places to Visit in December in USA

As the cold temps start to settle in during the month of December, there’s just one thing to do – beat the winter blues with a trip to some place warm and inviting. Luckily, the US has tons of hot and sunny destinations in winter.

This article includes 25 warm places to visit in December and has just about every type of location you can imagine.

It’s got tropical island locations. It has places that are ideal for outdoor adventures and the perfect spots for hot December weather. There’s also one of the hottest places in the world, but it has comfortably warm weather in December.

So, let’s have a look at the top destinations for warm winter vacations in the US.

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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 one of the best places to visit in December. Why?

It’s the start of whale watching season. Here you can even see whales from the shore.

Warm waters around Maui means water sports are a go in December. Surfers love this month as they can really catch great waves.

Get a view of the undersea world while snorkeling or scuba diving or simply relax on the beach and soak up the vibe.

Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateau is the perfect (adults only) location overlooking Maui’s southern coastline.

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to visit Haleakalā National Park while the Road to Hana is a must-do for those who love a scenic drive.

Maui gets festive in December with holiday markets such as the shops at Wailea and the cowboy town of Makawao. And why not enjoy a Hawaiian tradition and attend a luau in Maui.

It’s no wonder Hawaii is on our list of best places for Christmas vacation in the USA.

Orlando Florida

Orlando is a fabulous place to visit in the winter whether you’re into the amusement parks or prefer to get out and explore more.

But specifically in the month of December you’ll be in for a real treat beside the warm temps that average 75 degrees.

Home to many major theme parks, during the month of December they all get behind the holiday spirit.

For an ideal location stay at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Orlando on International Drive.

Celebrate at Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays, or SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.

Santa has been known to tour Disney World’s parks throughout the month.

Not so much into Disney? Check out our list of things to do besides theme parks or find the perfect beach near Orlando and escape to sun, sand, and surf.

For those with an adventurous spirit you can hop in the car and explore all the best day trips from Orlando.

Palm Springs California

Palm Springs has perfect weather for a warm getaway in December.

Each day the temps rise to about 70 degrees which is just perfect for any outdoor activity like hiking Tahquitz Canyon or a round of golf.

Between the sunny days and taking a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs you’ll definitely melt away the winter blues.

The crowds don’t really get big until the end of the month, meaning Palm Springs is totally one of the most relaxing (and warm) places to visit in December.

Plus December is a great time to explore Southern California, check out our list of the best day trips from Palm Springs, including the extraordinary Joshua Tree National Park.

Read our list of the Best Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs

Phoenix Arizona

December is a great time to visit Phoenix.

Moderate temperatures in the desert are perfect to take advantage of all of the outdoors activities.

With the daily temps hanging around mid-60s and lows hovering in the 50s you’ll want to hit the hike and bike trails around Phoenix.

And venture into nature at the Desert Botanical Garden or the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

Las Noches De Las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden can’t be missed.

For a convenient location in downtown Phoenix check out the reviews for Hyatt Place Phoenix.

Kauai Hawaii

Kauai is known for its fantastic vegetation and epic hikes all year round.

Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is a great adventure waiting for anyone who loves to hike.

For a luxurious stay in Kauai stay at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa right next to Shipwreck Beach.

And yes it’s true that the most popular vacation time in Hawaii is over the holiday season at the end of December (so prices are higher).

But the rest of the month is pretty quiet. So if you’re looking to escape the crowds and the cold temps, try early December instead.

With fewer tourists early in the month the prices for accommodations are more affordable too.

St. Augustine Florida

December in St. Augustine is just comfortable.

With temperatures in the upper 60s during the day, it’s easy to get out and experience this fabulous city.

There’s so much to see in St. Augustine, with historical sites, quaint stores, and narrow streets of old town.

A visit isn’t complete without a trip to the beach. You can go beachcombing, surfing, or fishing from the pier.

The ocean might be a bit chilly in December, but you can still have a great beach day without getting wet.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of the warmest places you can visit in the month of December.

With highs in the mid-80s and lows only in the 70s you can’t go wrong.

The perfect weather makes Puerto Rico the best place to enjoy everything from the beach to the many cultural attractions.

For live music, street food, and items for sale check out the Festival del Petate. And head to the carnival at La Feria amusement park.

Tucson Arizona

In need of sun and warmer temps in December? Then head to Tucson.

Southern Arizona is one of the top sunny winter destinations in the US.

Temperatures for Tucson in December typically reach the lower 60s and dip down into the 40s at night.

You’ll get your vitamin D from the sun as it rarely rains and is normally super sunny.

This great weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

Head over to Sabino Canyon or explore the trails and demonstration gardens at Tohono Chul botanical gardens.

And you have two options for Saguaro National Park – east or west.

Check out the annual Downtown Parade of Lights, Luminaria Nights at Tucson Botanical Garden, and the Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair that all take place in December.

Tucson Arizona is a great option when you’re searching for sunny destinations in winter.

Big Island Hawaii

Looking for a warm place for vacation in December? You know Hawaii is the place to be.

Here temps reach into the lower 80s making it one of the best warm places to visit in the US.

The Big Island has so much to do throughout the year, and December is no different.

Hike through the rainforest or see a volcano from above on a helicopter tour.

Get into the holiday spirit at the Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade or the Holualoa Music & Light Festival.

San Diego California

December is just about the coldest month in San Diego. But let’s get real, days with highs of 66 degrees are a heck of a lot warmer than much of the US.

So, in short: San Diego is one of the best warm places in California to visit in December.

Many of the city’s main attractions get into the holiday spirit – the zoo hosts their Jingle Bells event and ice skating at Hotel Coronado.

Then you have the gorgeous sunsets over the Pacific and of course the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights for a fun festive evening event.

US Virgin Islands

Can it get much better than a winter getaway to the Caribbean without leaving the US?

Didn’t think so. Simply put this is the reason any of the US Virgin Islands are some of the best hot weather places to visit in December.

Take your pick from St. Croix, St. Thomas, or St. John.

They all have gorgeous white-sand beaches, the island vibe, and 80 degree temps throughout December.

Can’t get much better than that!

Key West Florida

Island life awaits in Key West Florida.

A trip to Key West is hands-down one of the perfect warm places to visit in December.

Here you’ll find perfect beaches with weather that keeps you warm in the upper 70s.

Beyond the appeal of the sand and sun, Key West has a thriving downtown and historic district.

You can visit President Truman’s Little White House or Ernest Hemingway’s House & Museum.

Los Angeles California

Los Angeles is a perfect getaway any time of year.

But in December it’s extra festive and its warm temps are just what you need to thaw out from the cold.

Temperatures normally hit the mid-60s in December. It may rain a bit, but that’s not too difficult to navigate.

The city of LA and nearby theme parks really get into the holiday season making it a festive destination in December.

Death Valley National Park (Nevada / California)

You probably guessed it – December is the best time to visit Death Valley.

As it’s too hot for several months in the year, the cooler December weather makes for a perfect visit in winter with daytime highs hovering around the mid-60s.

Since the winter season is an ideal time to visit Death Valley, it also means it’s the most popular.

So you should definitely plan ahead and book accommodations.

But the park is ginormous (it’s the largest national park in the lower 48 states), so you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy the majestic landscapes of the park.

Oahu Hawaii

Oahu has many of the same things noted in the other Hawaiian islands like temps in the 70s/80s and warm waters.

No wonder it’s on the list for the best warm weather places to visit in December.

But what sets Oahu apart in December are the festive holiday events. On Oahu you can enjoy the Honolulu City Lights and the Festival of Lights Boat Parade.

Watch the world’s best surfers hang ten at the Vans Triple Crown competition on Oahu.

Crystal River Florida

Crystal River Florida is loved by locals, visitors, and manatees.

That’s right, the gentle giants love the warm waters of Crystal River in the winter making it the best time of year to see them.

You can even go kayaking with manatees and swim alongside them.

December weather in Crystal River is just about as warm as the spring water, a balmy 72 degrees.

There’s so much to do in Crystal River including hiking, outdoor water sports, and eating super yummy seafood.

Savannah Georgia

December in Savannah is filled with holiday joy and mild temperatures.

With temps in the low 60s each day, it’s easy to take part in all of the outdoor festivities.

Join a holiday house tour to get an inside look at the historic homes.

Enjoy the holiday Boat Parade of Lights as a fleet of vessels sail the river spreading holiday cheer.

Definitely one of the best places to visit in December, as there’s so much to do and see in Savannah.

Miami Florida

The summer never really ends in Miami.

That’s why it’s obviously one of the best places to visit in December.

Temps are ideal with highs in the mid-70s and the lows only in the mid-60s.

December means celebrating the holidays on the beach. If you’re up for a bit more, check out Art Basel Miami Beach taking place in December.

In the holiday spirit the city decks the halls with events like ZooLights and Santa’s Enchanted Forest.

St. Petersburg Florida

Head to the Gulf Coast for a true December getaway. Located on the Gulf of Mexico and at the mouth of Tampa Bay, there are tons of beaches to enjoy.

Though the December weather and water temps are both quite mild (upper 60s to lower 70s), you won’t find many locals going for a swim.

But if you’re escaping colder climates, you may be motivated to jump in and melt away the winter chill.

Whether you take a dip or not you’re sure to enjoy the sand under your feet and soothing sound of the waves.

Las Vegas Nevada

No matter the time of year Las Vegas is the place of glitz and glam.

In December everything gets kicked up to a whole ‘nother level.

With the holidays, everything on the Strip is about festivities and celebration.

Step into a winter wonderland at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden or go ice skating at the Cosmopolitan. And don’t forget New Years in Vegas is spectacular!

Temps in Vegas warm up to about 60 degrees which isn’t the warmest place in December. But it’s Vegas!

And if you’re in the mood for exploring there are plenty of awesome day trips from Vegas. You can hike the Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire in comfortable temps.

Naples Florida

Imagine December days hitting 78 degrees.

That’s what you’ll have when you visit Naples, Florida.

With stellar weather like this, you can be up for just about anything including a great beach day with your toes in the sand.

Naples is also a town that really gets into the holiday spirit with Christmas parades (on land and in the water) and decorations throughout the city.

San Antonio Texas

A visit to San Antonio in December means low humidity and cooler temps.

Reaching up to the low 60s, December days are perfect for spending the day outdoors. Stroll the River Walk all day, visit the San Antonio Missions, or take a cruise on the river.

After sunset in San Antonio check out the Holiday Lights on the River Walk – it’s free to attend.

Or pack everyone into the car and pay for a ticket to Lights Alive. This drive-thru Christmas lightshow is synched to music for a fun family outing.

In December, San Antonio is all about the holiday spirit. So you’ll see how the city celebrates Texas-style.

LEARN MORE: 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas

South Padre Island Texas

South Padre Island is known as having a kickin’ party right on the beach.

December is no different. It might not have the same pumpin’ energy as spring break but you’ll still have a good time.

The weather and water are ready for fun on the beach. Air temps hit the low 70s and fall into the upper 50s at night.

Water temperatures average 71 degrees so you can go for a dip or partake in watersports without an issue.

New Orleans Louisiana

New Orleans is the place to party no matter the time of year.

And when there’s a good reason, watch out as they kick it into high gear. So when it comes to the month of December and the holiday season, it’s a non-stop party.

You’ll find things like parades, fireworks, bonfires, and outdoor sporting events.

The music scene in NOLA is always top notch.

Check out Frenchmen Street for the best live music options but also pop over to Tipitina’s and Preservation Hall to catch the vibe at these iconic music venues.

The best part of visiting New Orleans in December is that the temps are divine. The average high is a lovely 64 degrees.

LEARN MORE: Top Places to Visit in Louisiana

Charleston South Carolina

December in Charleston is full of holiday cheer and southern charm.

This historic port city gets into the spirit with decorations throughout.

Marion Square is festive for the whole month with a holiday market, storytelling, and choirs performing.

The James Island County Park Holiday Festival of Lights is a must-see attraction during the holiday season.

The weather in Charleston is lovely in December as it reaches about 60 each day.

Summary

As you can see there are tons of great warm places to visit in the US in December. From the east coast to the west coast, there’s a place where you can escape the chilly winter weather and enjoy a vacation of sunshine and hot weather in December.

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