Top Warm Destinations in the USA to Visit in December

Are you looking to escape the winter chill this December? Here are some of the Top Warm Destinations in the USA to Visit in December that offer a respite from the cold weather. From the sunny beaches of California to the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico, there’s a perfect place for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the best warm US destinations in December.

Top Warm Destinations in the USA to Visit in December:

San Diego, California: A Coastal City with Sunny Days

San Diego, with an average high temperature of 65°F (18°C) and a low of 48°F (9°C), is a great place to visit in December.

The city is known for its beautiful beaches, Balboa Park, and the historic sites of Old Town San Diego.

The holiday season brings a festive atmosphere to the city with events like December Nights at Balboa Park.

Don’t forget to try the local fish tacos and enjoy a day trip to La Jolla. For more information, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority website.

Palm Springs, California: A Desert Oasis with Mild Temperatures

Palm Springs, with average highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 45°F (7°C), is a perfect destination for those seeking warm weather and outdoor activities.

The city is famous for its mid-century modern architecture, vibrant arts scene, and natural hot springs. The Festival of Lights Parade in December is a must-see

. Try the local date shake and explore the Joshua Tree National Park. Visit the Palm Springs official tourism site for more details.

Puerto Rico: A Caribbean Gem with Warm Winter Vacation Opportunities

Puerto Rico, with average highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 75°F (24°C), offers a tropical escape in December.

The island is known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites in Old San Juan, and rum distilleries. The holiday season is a great time to experience local traditions and festivities.

Try the local dish Mofongo and enjoy a day trip to the El Yunque National Forest. For more information, visit Discover Puerto Rico.

One of our favorite things to do in San Juan is visiting one of the forts such as San Cristobal.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island, with average highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 55°F (13°C), is a haven for beach lovers in Texas.

The island is known for its white-sand beaches, water sports, and bird watching opportunities. The annual Christmas Parade in December is a highlight.

Try the local seafood and explore the Laguna Madre Nature Trail. Visit the South Padre Island Tourism website for more information.

Key West and the Florida keys: One of the Best Warm Places with Beautiful Beaches

Key West and the Florida Keys, with average highs of 76°F (24°C) and lows of 65°F (18°C), is a perfect place for a warm December vacation.

The island city is known for its coral reefs, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife. The Lighted Bike Parade in December is a unique experience. Try the local Key Lime Pie and take a ferry to the Dry Tortugas National Park. For more details, visit the Key West Tourism website.

While Key West may not be as family-friendly as some other Florida Keys, a quick drive east will take you to some quieter keys, like our favorite Key Largo.

San Antonio, Texas: A City with Rich History and Warm Temperatures

San Antonio, with average highs of 64°F (18°C) and lows of 41°F (5°C), is a great place to visit in December.

The city is known for its historic sites like the Alamo, vibrant markets, and the beautiful River Walk. The River Walk is especially festive during the holiday season with thousands of lights illuminating the area.

Try the local Tex-Mex cuisine and explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Visit the San Antonio Tourism website for more information.

Los Angeles and Southern California: A Region with Best Places for Winter Months

Los Angeles and Southern California, with average highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 48°F (9°C), is a city of endless entertainment.

There’s something for everyone, from theme parks like Disneyland to iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign. The LA County Holiday Celebration is a must-see event.

Try the local street food and take a day trip to the Griffith Observatory. For more details, visit the Los Angeles Tourism website.

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a must-see event. Try the local fish tacos and take a short drive to the Joshua Tree National Park. For more details, visit the Visit California website.

Santa Barbara, California: A Coastal City with Perfect Time for Outdoor Activities

Another Southern California city, Santa Barbara, with average highs of 65°F (18°C) and lows of 41°F (5°C), is a beautiful destination in December.

Known for its Spanish colonial architecture, wineries, and beautiful beaches, the city offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Parade of Lights in December is a festive event.

Try the local seafood and explore the Lotusland garden. Visit the Santa Barbara Tourism website for more information.

Disney World, Florida: A Magical Place with Christmas Season

Disney World, with average highs of 73°F (23°C) and lows of 53°F (12°C), is a magical place to visit in December.

Known for its iconic theme parks, it’s a perfect destination for families. The Christmas season brings special events and decorations to the parks.

Check out Universal Orlando and explore the Magic Kingdom. Visit the Disney World website for more information.

St. Augustine, Florida: A Historic City with Warm Winter Getaway

St. Augustine, with average highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 52°F (11°C), is a beautiful place to visit in December.

Known as the oldest city in the U.S., it’s rich in history and charm. The Night of Lights, where the historic district is lit up with millions of Christmas lights, is a must-see.

Try the local Minorcan Clam Chowder and explore the Castillo de San Marcos. For more details, visit the St. Augustine Tourism website.

Anna Maria Island, Florida: A Tropical Paradise with Best Beaches

Anna Maria Island, with average highs of 73°F (23°C) and lows of 60°F (16°C), is a tropical paradise in December.

Known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back vibe, it’s one of the best warm winter vacations. The Pine Avenue Christmas Walk is a festive event.

Try the local grouper sandwich and explore the island on a bike. Visit the Anna Maria Island Tourism website for more information.

Hawaiian Islands: A Tropical Paradise with Warmest Places

The Hawaiian Islands, with average highs of 80°F (27°C) and lows of 65°F (18°C), are a tropical paradise in December.

Known for their beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and water activities, they offer a unique winter getaway. The Honolulu City Lights are a festive event.

Try the local Poke Bowl and explore the Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Hawaii Tourism website for more information. See some of our other posts on Oahu or snorkeling in Maui.

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands: A Caribbean Gem with Sunny Weather

St. Croix, with average highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 75°F (24°C), is a Caribbean gem in December.

Known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and water activities, it’s perfect for a warm winter getaway. The Crucian Christmas Festival is a festive event.

Try the local Johnny Cake and explore the Buck Island Reef National Monument. Visit the USVI Tourism website for more information.

Savannah, Georgia: A Historic City with River Street

Savannah, with average highs of 63°F (17°C) and lows of 41°F (5°C), is a historic city that’s a good reason to visit in December.

Known for its beautiful parks, antebellum architecture, and River Street, it’s a perfect destination for a warm winter getaway.

The Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights is a must-see event. Try the local shrimp and grits and explore the Historic District. Visit the Savannah Tourism website for more information.

Austin, Texas: A Vibrant City with Best Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Spirit

Austin, with average highs of 62°F (17°C) and lows of 42°F (6°C), is a vibrant city that’s a better place to visit in December.

Known for its live music, unique cuisine, and vibrant culture, it’s a great place to visit in December.

The Trail of Lights in Zilker Park is a festive event. Try the local barbecue and explore South Congress Avenue for shopping and dining. For more details, visit the Austin Tourism website.

Charleston, South Carolina: A Historic City with Main Street

Charleston, with average highs of 60°F (16°C) and lows of 40°F (4°C), is a historic city that’s a good time to visit in December.

Known for its historic homes, beautiful gardens, and Main Street, it’s a perfect destination for a warm winter getaway. The Holiday Festival of Lights is a must-see event.

Try the local she-crab soup and explore the Historic District. Visit the Charleston Tourism website for more information.

Clearwater Beach, Florida: A Beach Paradise with Fewer Crowds

Clearwater Beach, with average highs of 73°F (23°C) and lows of 60°F (16°C), is a beach paradise that’s a great place to visit in December.

Known for its white-sand beaches, clear waters, and fewer crowds during this time of year, it’s a perfect destination for a warm winter getaway

. The Outback Bowl Beach Day in early December is a festive event. Try the local grouper sandwich and explore the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Check out the best hotels in Clearwater, and visit the Clearwater Tourism website for more information.

Siesta Key, Florida: A Tropical Island Getaway

Siesta Key has some of the TripAdvisor best-ranked beaches in the country!

With average highs of 73°F (23°C) and lows of 60°F (16°C), is a tropical island that’s a good time to visit in December. Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and nearby botanical gardens, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers.

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic in November is a must-see event. Try the local seafood and take a road trip to the nearby Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Visit the Siesta Key Tourism website for more information.

New Orleans, Louisiana: A City with Live Music and Festive Atmosphere

While not one of our favorite family travel destinations, New Orleans is another warmer destination. New Orleans with average highs of 64°F (18°C) and lows of 46°F (8°C), is a city that knows how to celebrate.

Known for its live music, unique cuisine, and vibrant culture, the city is a great place to visit in December. The Celebration in the Oaks is a must-see event.

Try the local Gumbo and take a day trip to the French Quarter. For more details, visit the New Orleans Tourism website.

Las Vegas, Nevada: A City of Lights with Perfect Destination for December

Las Vegas, with average highs of 58°F (14°C) and lows of 39°F (4°C), is more than just casinos.

As it’s not the most family friendly destination, we’d prefer to stay somewhere outside of the main strip when traveling with a family.

The city offers a variety of shows, concerts, and events, especially around the New Year.

Try the famous Vegas buffet and take a day trip to the Death Valley National Park. For more details, visit the Las Vegas Tourism website.