For many of us, the arrival of December signals winter and the holiday season, making us long to escape the cold and snow. Fortunately, America’s vast expanse offers us excellent opportunities to find cities blessed with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. When you’re planning your great escape, knowing the best warm places to visit in December in USA becomes your mission.

Whether you enjoy walking along the beach, visiting theme parks or getting to know the culture of historic cities, there’s something for everyone. Check out these warm destinations in the USA in December, where you can enjoy sunshine and a warm welcome this holiday season.

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Is December a Good Time to Visit the USA?

Yes, it’s a fantastic time to travel. In December, you can experience diverse atmospheres and activities across the United States due to varying climates. Southern cities like Miami continue to offer warm weather and gentle waves, making beach vacations possible even in December.

For winter sports enthusiasts, Park City and Lake Tahoe are premier skiing destinations. Meanwhile, cities like New York and Boston are filled with holiday cheer, surrounded by Christmas markets and festive decorations.

Warm Places to Visit in December in USA

Here are 15 of the top destinations where you can find that desirable warm weather in December USA, each city has its own unique characteristics, so you can choose one that matches your interests.

City / State	Average Temp (°F)	Typical Activities	December Highlights	Budget Level 💵	Best For
Miami, Florida	70–78°F	Beach days, nightlife, art events	Art Basel Miami (early Dec), Holiday Boat Parade	$$$	Party lovers & culture seekers
Orlando, Florida	60–75°F	Theme parks, family fun	Christmas at Disney World & Universal (all month)	$$	Families & theme park fans
Fort Myers, Florida	65–78°F	Beach walks, dolphin tours	Edison & Ford Holiday Nights (Dec)	$$	Relaxed travelers & retirees
Las Vegas, Nevada	45–65°F	Entertainment, shopping	New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Strip	$$$	Nightlife & show-goers
Los Angeles, California	55–72°F	City tours, beaches, hiking	LA County Holiday Celebration (Dec 24)	$$$	Urban explorers & art lovers
San Diego, California	58–70°F	Surfing, zoo, harbor cruises	San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (mid-Dec)	$$	Families & outdoor adventurers
Santa Barbara, California	50–68°F	Wine tasting, coastal walks	Parade of Lights (early Dec)	$$$	Couples & wine lovers
Phoenix, Arizona	50–70°F	Desert hikes, golf	Las Noches de las Luminarias (Desert Botanical Garden, all month)	$$	Outdoor enthusiasts
South Padre Island, Texas	60–75°F	Water sports, beach walks	Holiday Sandcastle Village (Nov–Jan)	$	Beach lovers & budget travelers
San Antonio, Texas	55–70°F	River Walk, cultural events	River Walk Christmas Lights (all month)	$$	Couples & cultural travelers
Las Cruces, New Mexico	48–65°F	Desert hiking, markets	Christmas Carols and Candlelight (Old Mesilla, mid-Dec)	$	History & nature lovers
New Orleans, Louisiana	55–70°F	Jazz, food tours	Celebration in the Oaks (Nov–Jan)	$$	Foodies & music fans
Mobile, Alabama	50–68°F	Coastal walks, history tours	Christmas Nights of Lights (Hank Aaron Stadium, Dec)	$	Families & road trippers
Honolulu, Hawaii	70–83°F	Surfing, snorkeling, luaus	Honolulu City Lights (Dec–Jan)	$$$	Beachgoers & honeymooners
Kauai, Hawaii	68–80°F	Waterfalls, kayaking, beaches	Festival of Lights at Historic County Building (Dec)	$$$	Nature lovers & honeymooners

1. Miami, Florida  

If you’re seeking sunny weather and lively beach vacations, Miami is arguably the best places to visit in December in the USA. Offering pleasant temperatures alongside vibrant nightlife, it stands as an ideal destination to escape the cold.

Average Temperature in December: 77-65 ° F (25-18 ° C).

Highlights of December: One of the advantages of visiting Miami in December is that you can avoid the intense summer heat and humidity. You can enjoy outdoor activities and dining on South Beach in comfortable temperatures. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Art Basel, which is held from the 5th to the 7th of December and showcases works by thousands of artists.

2. Orlando, Florida  

Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, is the top destination for family trips in December. Its mild climate makes wait times bearable, allowing families to enjoy magical moments together during the holiday season.

Average Temperature in December: 75–54°F (24–12°C).

Highlights of December: Disney World and Universal Studios feature exclusive Christmas decorations, light shows, and holiday parades in December, immersing you in a uniquely festive atmosphere.

3. Fort Myers, Florida  

If you enjoy warm weather and beautiful beaches, but would prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of Miami, then Fort Myers is the perfect destination for you. As well as offering a wide range of outdoor activities, the city is also great for shelling and birdwatching.

Average Temperature in December: 75–59°F (24–15°C).

Highlights of December: The Gulf of Mexico waters are often still inviting for a swim or shell collecting on the area’s beautiful barrier islands like Sanibel and Captiva. This year also marks the 50th Annual Edison and Ford Holiday Nights, offering nighttime illuminated tours from November through January. Plus the Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade in December, featuring beautifully decorated boats.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada  

A city full of vitality and entertainment, although not a beach climate, Las Vegas enjoys a more moderate climate compared to most cities. Walk along the Strip during the day, and as night falls, a variety of entertainment activities await your experience.

Average Temperature in December: 56–35 °F (13–2 °C).

Highlights of December: The city shines with dazzling holiday lights and decorations on the Strip. Many resorts host special events, and the significantly cooler temperatures make daytime outdoor sightseeing much more bearable than the scorching summer months. You can even take a day trip to the stunning Red Rock Canyon comfortably. From mid-November through December, the Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade will also take place, featuring a variety of dance performances and character floats.

5. Los Angeles, California  

Los Angeles is a year-round holiday destination, enjoying sunshine even in December. There are attractions to suit all tastes, including beaches, theme parks and museums.

Average Temperature in December: 67–48 °F (19–9 °C).

Highlights of December: You can explore Los Angeles’ famous landmarks, including the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, and Santa Monica Beach, all while enjoying the gentle sea breeze. The spectacular Hollywood Christmas Parade takes place in downtown Los Angeles on the first or second Sunday of December. The Candy Cane Lane neighborhood light display is also one of the city’s annual highlights.

6. San Diego, California  

San Diego typically has the most stable temperatures on the West Coast, so you can enjoy bike rides and walks along the La Jolla Shores even in December. It’s the perfect place to experience California’s warm winters.

Average Temperature in December: 64–51 °F (18–10 °C).

Highlights of December: Balboa Park‘s “December Nights” festival is a major highlight. A large-scale, free holiday lights and food festival will be held on the 5th and 6th of December. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, a decorated sailboat parade on the bay, will also take place mid-month. You can also enjoy less crowded beaches and excellent whale-watching opportunities as the grey whale migration season begins. Cabrillo National Monument is an ideal place to view the whales.

7. Santa Barbara, California  

Santa Barbara is located along California’s central coast, offering breathtaking coastal scenery and a Mediterranean-like climate. Compared to the bustling tourist hub of Los Angeles, it is quieter and less crowded.

Average Temperature in December: 62–47 °F (17–9 °C).

Highlights of December: Santa Barbara is home to many excellent wineries that produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Enjoy a wine tasting session in the charming Santa Ynez Valley. Alternatively, you can attend the festive market at The Post, which features multiple artisan vendors and wine tastings.

8. Phoenix, Arizona  

Nestled in a desert region and surrounded by mountains and desert landscapes, Phoenix enjoys abundant sunshine year-round and a drier climate. Even in December, visitors can go hiking, biking or on hot air balloon tours.

Average Temperature in December: 67–43°F (19–6°C).

Highlights of December: This is the ideal season for hiking and golfing, activities that are unbearable in the summer. You can hit the trails in Papago Park or South Mountain. The Phoenix Zoo also hosts “ZooLights,” a major holiday light display.

9. South Padre Island, Texas  

South Padre Island is located along the Gulf Coast of Texas. This renowned vacation island enjoys year-round sunshine, offering visitors the chance to enjoy beach vacations anytime on its soft white sand beaches.

Average Temperature in December: 68–55 °F (20–13 °C).

Highlights of December: December is an ideal time for birdwatching, as many migratory birds stop here on their journey. There are also plenty of ocean activities to experience, such as surfing and parasailing. From 4th December, there will be a variety of tropical-themed holiday events held along the beach, including a decorated boat parade and sand sculpture displays.

10. San Antonio, Texas  

Located in south-central Texas, San Antonio is a historic city where Mexican and American cultures blend. Its mild winter temperatures make it the perfect place to stroll or dine along the San Antonio River Walk in the city centre.

Average Temperature in December: 65–40°F (18–4°C)

Highlights of December: The River Walk is a showstopper, transformed by millions of twinkling lights for the Christmas season, an absolute highlight of San Antonio. You can take a boat ride under the canopy of lights or visit The Alamo comfortably without the sweltering heat.

11. Las Cruces, New Mexico  

Located in southern New Mexico and surrounded by desert and mountains, the sunny city of Las Cruces exudes Southwest charm. Its unique natural landscapes are just one of its many attractions. Downtown Las Cruces is full of Spanish colonial and Mexican-style architecture and hosts weekly farmers’ markets. It’s the ultimate hidden gem for winter getaways.

Average Temperature in December: 57–33°F (14–1°C)

Highlights of December: Take advantage of the warm daytime weather to visit White Sands National Park. In the evening, attend the Las Cruces Christmas Tree Lighting in Old Town, featuring food vendors, stalls, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.

12. New Orleans, Louisiana  

New Orleans is a city rich in musical, cultural and historical charm. As the birthplace of jazz, it is a melting pot of French, Spanish, and African influences. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the American South in the ‘Big Easy’.

Average Temperature in December: 64–48 °F (18–9 °C)

Highlights of December: Beyond exploring the ornately decorated French Quarter, the classic family holiday event Celebration in the Oaks ranks among New Orleans’ most spectacular light displays. Running from 28 November to 1 January, it is a must-see for visitors to the city. You can also experience local holiday traditions such as Réveillon dinners, which involve enjoying multi-course meals at restaurants.

13. Mobile, Alabama  

Mobile, a historic port city in the south of the state, offers visitors Victorian architecture, stunning bay views and a lively cultural scene. Here, you can experience the warmth of the southern coast while exploring the artistic downtown district.

Average Temperature in December: 61–43°F (16–6°C)

Highlights of December: Take a walk through the historic district to admire the festive decorations, or drive to Bellingrath Gardens, which displays millions of lights in December as part of a major local winter event. Other excellent options for learning about local history include visiting the USS Alabama memorial ship or the Mobile Carnival Museum.

14. Honolulu, Hawaii  

Honolulu is the largest city on Oahu, Hawaii, offering year-round warmth with both tropical scenery and modern amenities. For a guaranteed tropical getaway, Honolulu is the ultimate choice for where to visit in December in USA if you want to leave winter far behind.

Average Temperature in December: 80-60°F (27-20°C)

Highlights of December: This is the peak season for massive surfing waves on the North Shore, so it’s a fantastic time to watch world-class surfing competitions. Waikiki is adorned with festive decorations brimming with Hawaiian flair, while the City Hall hosts the holiday tree lighting and parade.

15. Kauai, Hawaii  

As the oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauai is famous for its lush tropical landscapes and spectacular canyons. In comparison to Oahu and Maui, it offers a more tranquil and natural setting, making it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures and a relaxing holiday.

Average Temperature in December: 80–60 °F (27–18 °C)

Highlights of December: December marks the start of the humpback whale viewing season in Hawaiian waters. There is an excellent chance of witnessing these majestic creatures. Meanwhile, the waterfalls of Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast become even more spectacular as the rainy season begins. And, of course, small towns will be adorned with Christmas lights and host community celebrations during the holiday season.

Tips for Travel to USA in December

Being prepared before heading to a warm destination can be hugely helpful, especially during the holiday season. These tips will help you to decide what to pack and how to manage your vacation budget.

What to Wear

Although the cities you’re visiting all have mild weather, some experience significant temperature differences between day and night, such as Phoenix and Las Vegas. Depending on your destination, pack these items:

• Daytime: Pack breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. T-shirts, capris, and lightweight dresses will be perfect for Florida and Hawaii. For California and Arizona, shirts or pants will also be comfortable for daytime sightseeing.

• Evening: In desert climates like Las Vegas and Phoenix, temperatures drop significantly after sunset, so you’ll definitely need a light jacket or even a slightly heavier sweater.

• Comfortable shoes: Pack comfortable walking shoes or stylish sneakers, as you’ll likely do a lot of walking, whether you’re on the Las Vegas Strip or San Diego’s Balboa Park. Don’t forget to bring sandals or flip-flops for the beach.

• Sun protection: Even in December, sunlight can be intense in some locations. Always carry high SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

How to Save Money

• Avoid peak periods: The most effective way to save money is to travel in the first two weeks of December. At this time of year, airfares and accommodation prices are usually lower as the main holiday season has not yet begun. Conversely, travelling between Christmas and New Year’s Day is usually the most expensive time.

• Book in advance: Reserving flights, hotels, and attraction tickets 2-3 months ahead typically results in lower prices.

• Consider package deals: Look for flight-and-hotel bundles or theme park passes to get discounts on popular destinations like Florida and California.

• Cooking for yourself: Dining out can be a major expense. Consider booking accommodations with a kitchenette to save at least $50 per day.

• Look beyond the main hubs: While Miami and San Diego are fantastic, they can be pricey. Consider more affordable yet equally warm destinations like Fort Myers in Florida, Tucson in Arizona, or South Padre Island in Texas. These spots typically offer more budget-friendly accommodations and activities.

• Look for free events: Many cities offer exciting free attractions, especially in December. Check the local calendar for free holiday light displays, free museum days, and lighting ceremonies.

• Using public transportation: In cities like Miami, Orlando, and Las Vegas, shuttle buses and public transit can save you money on parking fees.

FAQ

What is the warmest place in the US in December?

The hottest places in the United States during December are typically Key West, Florida, or the Hawaiian Islands, with the U.S. territory of Guam offering the most consistently tropical temperatures. Key West averages between 80 and 70 °F, while Honolulu typically reaches 80 °F. Guam’s daily highs of 86 °F represent a true year-round tropical climate.

Where is the cheapest place to visit in December in the USA?

Destin, Florida, and San Antonio, Texas, are typically more affordable. Compared to the bustling coastal cities of Southern California or South Florida, cities like Tucson, Arizona, or Savannah, Georgia, offer milder weather and lower daily costs.

How cold is the USA in December?

Extremely cold weather is expected in the northern states and most of the Midwest and Northeast. Average temperatures are expected to remain below 40 °F, with widespread snowfall and sub-zero temperatures common.