Best US winter getaways
The best US city for a warm winter getaway is Honolulu, HI, which averages a 81°F high across December–February with only 2 in of rain per winter month. Miami, FL and Phoenix, AZ rank next. The table ranks cities by a simple warm-and-dry score (winter high minus a rain penalty) using NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020. Data as of June 2026.
Top 11 warm winter destinations
| # | City | Avg winter high | Avg winter precip/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honolulu, HI | 81°F | 2 in |
| 2 | Miami, FL | 77°F | 2.1 in |
| 3 | Phoenix, AZ | 68°F | 0.8 in |
| 4 | Orlando, FL | 74°F | 2.3 in |
| 5 | Tampa, FL | 73°F | 2.6 in |
| 6 | San Diego, CA | 66°F | 2 in |
| 7 | San Antonio, TX | 65°F | 1.9 in |
| 8 | Los Angeles, CA | 68°F | 3.1 in |
| 9 | Austin, TX | 65°F | 2.4 in |
| 10 | Houston, TX | 66°F | 3.6 in |
| 11 | New Orleans, LA | 65°F | 4.7 in |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020. Data as of June 2026.
How the ranking works
Only cities with an average December–February daytime high of at least 60°F are eligible. Among those, we rank by warmth with a penalty for rain, so a warm but wet city scores below a warm, dry one. This favours the Sun Belt and Southwest. For pure warmth regardless of rain, see the warmest cities in January; for the opposite end, the snowiest cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best US city for a winter getaway?
For warm and relatively dry winter weather, Honolulu, HI ranks first, with an average December–February high of 81°F and just 2 in of rain per winter month. Miami, FL and Phoenix, AZ follow closely. Rankings use NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Which US cities are warm and dry in winter?
Southwestern cities such as Phoenix combine warm winter highs with very little rain, making them reliable cold-season escapes.
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Last updated: 2026-06-18