12 Sunny and Hot Places to Visit in December in America

It’s hard not to daydream about escaping to sunnier skies when the winter chill sets in. December might mean frost and heavy coats for some, but in America, there are plenty of hot places to visit in December where the sun still shines bright, and you can still sport a T-shirt.

As a former East Coaster who dropped the ski jacket for the Los Angeles sun, I’ve found that a getaway to somewhere hot and sunny is the ultimate mood booster. From golden beaches to desert landscapes that glow under the sun, here are 10 incredible destinations where you can trade your snow boots for flip-flops and turn your December into the warm escape you deserve.

1. Naples, Florida

December days in Naples often hover near 75 degrees Fahrenheit an the warmest beaches in Florida for the month. There are more than 80 championship golf courses and local seafood where you can still dine outdoors.

With over 10 miles of coastline, there is room enough to stretch out and do nothing. December remains calmer than peak season.

3rd Street South and 5th Avenue South also have great shops and restaurants decked out for the holidays. You can also drive through Victoria Park for spectacular Christmas lights and decorations. 

2. Tucson, Arizona

With warm sunny days, Tucson is the perfect place to thaw out and warm up in December. Tucson hovers near 65 degrees this month, so short sleeves work during the day, and a thin jacket may be needed after the fiery red sunsets.

More than 2 million saguaro cacti stand tall in Saguaro National Park, and the Bryce Thompson  Arboretum, a botanical garden, has nearly 5 miles of trails and plants to explore.

Downtown is lit up for the holidays with more than 60 decorated buildings. You won’t want to miss a visit to the Winterhaven Festival of Lights, where the residents go all out. 

3. Puerto Rico, U.S.

If you need a warm destination for a December trip, US citizens don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico! The weather stays around 85 degrees so the ocean stays tempting all day. With over 270 miles of coastline, you can choose quiet stretches or join others in water sports.

Old San Juan stacks 500 years of history along its cobblestone streets, and El Yunque National Forest brims with hundreds of tropical plants and the odd coqui frog.

Christmas in Puerto Rico is more than just a day. The locals celebrate for weeks with fiestas, jubilees, and festivals, like the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, across the island.

4. Orlando, Florida

You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the warm 70-degree weather and theme parks in Orlando. The theme parks deck the halls with parties, parades, and fantastic seasonal treats all month long.

Outside the parks, over 100 lakes wait for you to paddleboard or drop a fishing line. Go golfing on award-winning courses, take a walking tour of the outdoor art, ride an airboat through the Everglades, or hang glide at Wallaby Ranch.

Downtown Orlando is the place to go for great shopping, restaurants, nightclubs, and plenty of festive fun, such as Christmas Markets and boat parades.

5. Miami, Florida

Miami is one of the hottest places to visit in December, with an average temperature of 77 degrees. Soak up some sun on South Beach or dip in the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay.

Take in the beautiful Art Deco architecture while strolling through Miami’s famous neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood.

Miami is also one of the best places in the country for nightlife, which means incredible New Year’s parties if you’re into that scene.

6. San Diego, California

San Diego is warm and sunny in December, with daytime temperatures in the 60s and little chance of rain. More than 70 miles of coast mean surfers chase waves year-round.

Go on a whale-watching cruise to see the more than 20,000 gray whales that made the San Diego coast their winter home. Hike up Cowles Mountain, the highest peak in San Diego for fantastic 360-degree views.

In December, the San Diego Zoo hosts Jungle Bells with lights, delicious treats, and, of course, fantastic animal exhibits.Visit Old Town State Park for shopping, carolers, decorations, and even more fantastic Christmas treats.

7. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix’s December temperature settles near 68 degrees, which feels unexpectedly mild for a desert—much better than the scorching summertime temperatures they endure each year.

Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak rises over the skyline daring hikers to reach its top. Go biking along the Arizona Canal or take a hot air balloon ride over the desert.

You’ll also discover plenty of festive fun with lights and decorations and special holiday events like the Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. 

8. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is a great place to visit in December if you need to warm up.

The Museum of Art and century-old Japanese Tea Garden are popular places to visit. You’ll also want to visit San Antonio National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 4 missions to see including the Alamo. Market Square known as El Mercado blasts mariachi tunes over weekend crowds.

With carolers echoing songs of Christmas cheer all the way, watch the lights twinkle on the River Walk as it snakes along for about 15 miles, stacking up Tex-Mex stops that rarely disappoint. Holidays on Houston Street is another popular seasonal attraction with lights and live entertainment.

9. Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii

As America’s finest tropical getaway, December across the Hawaiian Islands hovers near 80 degrees. Although it is tourist season and rainy season for many islands, it is also whale-watching season. The North Pacific Humpback Whales return to the warm waters around Hawaii in December to breed and give birth.

With over 750 miles of coastline, you can take your pick from multiple beaches across the islands with crystal clear waters and soft white sands.

For Hawaiian culture, check out the many holiday festivals in December, such as Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace in Honolulu and the Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade on Hawaii Island.

10. South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island is a favorite winter spot for Texans and visitors, with temperatures averaging around 70 degrees in December. Nearly 34 miles of coastline means you can spend your days lounging on the beach and taking part in water sports.

You can also visit Sea Turtle Inc., a rescue and rehabilitation center for sea turtles, or take a boat tour to see dolphins playing in the Gulf of Mexico.

During the holidays, South Padre Island hosts festive events such as Christmas parades, music festivals, and a New Year’s Eve fireworks show over the bay.

11. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah makes a wonderful winter getaway with daytime highs in the mid-60s. More than 20 historic squares scatter the city, and it’s less crowded than in the summer months.

Go shopping on the beautifully decorated River Street filled with Southern hospitality and fantastic Southern cuisine. Tour the historic homes that have been carefully decorated for the season, visit a museum or pop into an art gallery.

The Savannah Christmas Market, with its Festival of Trees and live musical performances, has a European-style atmosphere that is in full swing.

12. Las Vegas, Nevada

You won’t have pool parties in Las Vegas in December hovers, but at 60 degrees, daytime temperatures are downright pleasant compared to shoveling snow. Casinos will be decorated for the holidays, and New Year’s events are always epic.

You can also check out the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead or hike in the winter sunshine in the Red Rock National Conservation Area, which is just a short drive outside of the city.

During the holiday season, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Glittering Lights attraction is a drive-thru event that can’t be missed. It’s been rated as one of the top ten light displays in the United States.

Head over to the Las Vegas BallPark to experience Enchant, a seasonal holiday event with light mazes, ice skating, nightly concerts, caroling, and a shopping village.

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