Warm Places to Visit in December: 7 Sunny US Getaways

If the first cold snap has you dreaming of sunshine, December is a great month to chase it without leaving the country. The weeks before Christmas are often quieter than the holiday rush, and the right destination can turn a gray month into a beach week or a desert hiking trip. Here are seven warm places to visit in December in the United States, what each one feels like that time of year, and how to plan it while you still have good choices.

How to choose your warm December trip

Warm means different things in December. South Florida and Hawaii feel like summer to most visitors. Southern California and the desert Southwest feel like perfect spring days, with cool mornings and chilly nights. Decide which you want before you book.

A few questions help narrow it down.

• Do you want to swim? Choose Florida, Hawaii or Puerto Rico. Ocean water in Southern California is cold this time of year, even when the beach is sunny.
• Do you want to hike? The desert is at its best in winter, when trails that are brutal in summer become comfortable.
• When can you go? Early and mid December are usually easier to book. The days from Christmas through New Year's are the busiest and most expensive travel stretch of the season almost everywhere warm.

1. Key West, Florida: island time at the end of the road

Key West sits at the southern end of the Overseas Highway, and the drive down from Miami across the Florida Keys is a big part of the fun. Rent a bike, wander the side streets of Old Town, and stop by the Southernmost Point marker for the photo everyone takes.

Do not miss the sunset celebration at Mallory Square, where street performers and vendors gather every evening as the sun drops over the water. December is a lovely time to snorkel or take a boat out to the reef, and the town dresses up its historic homes and harbor for the holidays.

2. Miami, Florida: beach days and big city energy

Miami gives you real beach weather in December plus a city full of food, art and nightlife. Spend mornings on South Beach, walk the Art Deco Historic District along Ocean Drive, and save an afternoon for the murals of Wynwood and a long Cuban lunch in Little Havana.

Early December is when Miami Beach hosts Art Basel, which brings a huge crowd of visitors to the city, so check the dates before you book. Our Miami weekend itinerary lays out three easy days that work just as well in winter as any other time of year.

3. San Diego, California: sunny and easygoing

San Diego is one of the most reliable sunny places in the country in December. You probably will not swim, but you can spend the day outside in comfort. Watch the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, walk the gardens and museums of Balboa Park, and bike or stroll along the beach on Coronado.

Winter is also gray whale migration season along the California coast, and whale watching tours run from San Diego Bay. For a full plan by day, see our San Diego 3 day itinerary.

4. Palm Springs, California: desert sun and mountain views

Palm Springs is a classic winter escape for a reason. Days are usually sunny and mild, perfect for lounging by a pool, browsing midcentury modern architecture, and eating outside. For a change of scenery, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mount San Jacinto, where you can step from desert palms into pine forest and sometimes snow in a single trip.

Joshua Tree National Park is about an hour away, and its strange rock formations and namesake trees are easiest to explore in the cooler months. Pack layers, because desert nights cool off fast.

5. Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson, Arizona: winter hiking season

Southern Arizona is where a lot of people go to spend winter outdoors. In the Phoenix area, hike Camelback Mountain early in the day, walk the trails at the Desert Botanical Garden, and give yourself a slow evening in Old Town Scottsdale.

Tucson is a quieter alternative. Saguaro National Park protects forests of the giant cactus on both sides of the city, and Sabino Canyon is a favorite for walks in the foothills. Bring a warm jacket for the evenings and plenty of water for every hike.

6. Hawaii: the warmest choice in the country

If you want guaranteed warmth in December, Hawaii is it. Every island has a different personality, so pick based on the trip you want.

Oahu

Oahu mixes city and beach. Stay near Waikiki, hike Diamond Head for the view over Honolulu, and visit Pearl Harbor. Winter is big wave season on the North Shore, and watching the surfers from the beach is a highlight even if you never touch a board.

Maui

Maui is the pick for slower days, scenic drives and wildlife. Humpback whales return to Hawaiian waters in winter, and the channels off West Maui are among the best places in the state to see them. The sunrise at Haleakala is famous, so check current reservation rules before you go.

Flights to Hawaii around the holidays fill early, so this is one destination where booking well ahead pays off.

7. San Juan, Puerto Rico: tropical warmth without a passport

Puerto Rico is a US territory, so travelers who are US citizens can fly from the mainland without a passport. San Juan pairs warm beaches with deep history. Walk the colorful streets of Old San Juan, explore the fortress of El Morro on the edge of the Atlantic, and take a day trip to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System.

The holiday season is a big deal in Puerto Rico and often runs well into January, so a December visit comes with music, festive food and lights all over the old city.

Booking tips for a December escape

Warm destinations are in high demand once cold weather hits, so a little planning goes a long way.

1. Pick your dates first. If you can travel in the first half of December, you will usually find more choices than during the holiday weeks.
2. Book the hotel early. Look for a rate with free cancellation so you can lock in a room now and adjust later.
3. Pack for both warm days and cool nights. Even in Florida, a light jacket helps after sunset, and the desert can be cold at night.
4. Check event calendars. Big festivals, bowl games and holiday events can fill a city fast, so look before you commit.

Making it a family trip

December is a natural time for a family vacation, with kids out of school for part of the month. Choose places with easy days built in, like a beach morning followed by a nap and a relaxed dinner. Keep the schedule light, and plan one special outing per day rather than three. Our guide to planning a family vacation has more ideas for keeping everyone happy.

Planning your warm December getaway in Wander Off

Start an adventure in Wander Off and invite everyone coming along so the whole group sees one plan. In the Plan tab, add the beaches, hikes, restaurants and sunset spots by day, and let everyone vote on their favorites. Book flights, hotels and things to do in the Tickets tab, or ask the AI Travel Concierge to find options for your dates. While you travel, your photos and videos land on the right day and place automatically. When you get home, make the adventure public so friends can copy your trip for their own winter escape.