Christmas is just around the corner but many of us would love to get into the holiday spirit somewhere hot. Warm Christmas destinations in the USA are aplenty so you won’t have a hard time finding the one that suits you best. Generally speaking, the south of the country sees the highest temperatures this time of year. States such as Florida, Arizona, Texas, California, and even Hawaii enjoy pleasant temperatures, ranging between the upper 70’s and mid-50’s.
1. West Palm Beach, Florida
Florida is widely recognized as the ultimate hot winter beach destination. West Palm Beach is one of those spots where you can expect balmy weather, even at Christmas. The coldest month is usually January when temperatures drop to around 65°F. In December, however, you can enjoy the pleasant average of 76°F, with very low chances of rainfall or snow as winter marks the dry season in Florida. Christmas events in West Palm Beach include “Snowfall” in Rosemary Square, admiring the lavishly decorated 100 Foot Christmas Tree, and watching the colorful Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade.
2. Orlando, Florida
You can expect a lot of sunny days in Orlando, no matter when you visit. Around Christmas, the temperatures hover around 70°F with minimum rainfall. Although there might occasionally be some morning frost, the weather is pleasant throughout the day. Orlando boasts elaborate Christmas entertainment which is why so many people flock here for the holiday season. It gets really crowded around Christmas and New Year’s Eve but that only adds to the festive atmosphere, especially if you hit any of Orlando’s theme parks - Universal Orlando, ICON Orlando 360, Pointe Orlando, and the unmissable Disney World.
3. Miami, Florida
Together with Orlando, Miami is possibly the most tourist-centric city in Florida. Of all the warm Christmas destinations in the USA, it is the beaches in Miami that draw so many tourists to it, particularly around Christmas. The temperatures range between 79°F to 76°F and visitors usually flock to its white-sand beaches - South Beach, Acqualina Beach, and Sunny Isles Beach being a few of the most visited ones. During the holiday season, you can enjoy the sight of Santa’s Enchanted Forest, Winterfest Boat Parade, and Festivities at the Deering Estate will help you get into the lavish festivity mood like no other.
4. Fort Myers, Florida
Like the previous three Florida destinations, Fort Myers is just as perfect for spending your Christmas. Daily average temperatures range between 78°F to 75°F, with only 14% chances of precipitation. The first in line of don’t-miss Christmas experiences in Fort Myers is Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade sailing along Estero Bay in an amazing splash of festive colors. The sparkling Festival of Trees, along with Santa’s Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise and Edison & Ford Holiday Nights will definitely help set the bar higher when it comes to the holiday celebration.
5. San Diego, California
San Diego is an ideal destination to spend your Christmas vacation, take some time out, and enjoy the local sights and sounds. San Diego Waterfront is a sight to behold and the best way to explore all the nooks and crannies is to rent a bike or just take a relaxing stroll. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (8 &15 December), Poway’s Christmas in the Park and Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights (14 December both), as well as Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade (26 December) truly live up to the reputation. A myriad of colors, music, and cheerful visitors will capture your imagination and create beautiful memories.
6. Santa Monica, California
Ice skating just a few steps from the beach? - Yes, that’s the least you can expect from Santa Monica at Christmas. The 8 000 square-foot rink laid out at the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue is one of the biggest Christmas attractions in Santa Monica. Also, don’t forget to pay a visit to the City of Santa Monica Official Tree Lighting Party and Main Street Holiday Party (7 December). Average Santa Monica temperatures stay around 64°F while the highest chance of overcast is forecast for 28 December, which means you should have great weather provided that you schedule your visit sometime before Christmas.Read more:Warm January Destinations
7. Palm Springs, California
As soon as you lay your eyes on Palm Springs, you’ll realize that this is the right place to be for your warm Christmas vacay. You must not miss the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway that won’t only lift you high up the mountain but will lift your holiday spirit too. You will see the city splashing in festive colors while back down, you can take part in Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, be dazzled at WildLights annual show, or take a stroll down the Cathedral City’s Minerva Road which transforms into Candy Cane Lane over the festivity period. Daily highs in Palm Springs range between 72°F and 68°F.
8. Corpus Christi, Texas
If someone told you you can spend your Christmas in the sixth-largest port town in the states, it wouldn’t sound like too much fun, right? Well, unless it’s Corpus Christi in Texas, of course. This lively city is visited by over 6 million people annually and it’s biggest attractions include the Harbor Lights Festival along with Scuba Santa making his appearance at the aquarium. Community theaters also have a few gems up their sleeve, including the performances by the Corpus Christi Symphony and “The Nutcracker” ballet show. Weather-wise, you can expect the temperatures between 72°F and 67°F.
9. Big Island, Hawaii
Early weeks of December in Hawaii don’t come with a lot of tourists but that changes as Christmas approaches. If you don’t mind extra crowds (and extra rates), Big Island is where you should go. It is by far one of the top family Christmas destinations but it also caters to couples and solo travelers alike. Low 80’s are pretty constant in December which means you can enjoy all the beautiful places no matter the time of your visit. Although December is the wettest month in Hawaii the Big Island is the only exception which means you won’t need an umbrella. Kailua Kona Christmas Parade is usually held in the second week of December but you can also get festive in the Annual Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade or go partying at one of many Christmas parties held in local clubs.
10. Phoenix, Arizona
You can take advantage of winter’s 69°F average highs in Phoenix and explore this city during the holiday season. There’s really so much to do in Phoenix, especially if you’re a nature enthusiast. Mountainous terrain, over 40 000 acres of parks and hiking trails, and miles of greenery in every direction will make your Christmas unforgettable. The largest light and lantern fest in North America is held exactly in Phoenix but you can also go ice skating in Downtown, admire the decorations all around the city, and so much more. The weather will be on your side as it usually is in Phoenix for almost 299 days a year. Are you ready for a break from all this cold and snow? Take some time away in these beautiful states where you can spend your dream Christmas without the frost. Sandy beaches and balmy weather will make your winter holiday truly remarkable.
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