Best Winter Vacations in the US: Warm, Snowy and Hot Springs Picks
Winter in the US can mean a beach in Hawaii, powder in Utah, a snowcoach ride to Old Faithful or a hot spring under the northern lights. Here is how the main options compare and when each is at its best.
The best winter vacations in the US fall into four groups: warm escapes such as Hawaii, the Florida Keys and the Arizona desert; ski towns such as Park City, Jackson, Stowe and Lake Tahoe; winter national parks such as Yellowstone by snowcoach, Death Valley and Bryce Canyon; and hot springs trips, from Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Which winter vacation fits which traveler?
The right winter trip depends on whether you want to escape the cold or enjoy it. The table compares the main options; cost levels are relative, from $ (lower) to $$$ (higher), and rise sharply over the holidays and Presidents’ Day weekend.
| Trip | Type | Best months | Typical weather | Cost level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | Warm | January–March | Highs around 80°F at the coast | $$$ | Beaches, whale watching, volcanoes |
| Florida Keys | Warm | December–April | Highs in the mid-70s°F | $$–$$$ | Snorkeling, boating, easy driving trip |
| Palm Springs and Joshua Tree | Warm and dry | November–April | Highs around 70°F, cold nights | $$ | Pools, desert hiking, stargazing |
| Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson | Warm and dry | December–March | Highs in the 60s–70s°F | $$ | Golf, spring training in late winter, desert parks |
| Utah and Colorado ski towns | Snow | January–March | Cold, dry snow | $$–$$$ | Skiing, snowboarding, mountain towns |
| Lake Tahoe | Snow | January–March | Heavy snowstorms, mild sunny days between | $$–$$$ | Skiing near a big lake, easy from the Bay Area |
| Vermont | Snow | January–March | Very cold, frequent snow | $$ | East Coast skiing, inns and villages |
| Yellowstone | Winter park | Mid-December–mid-March | Below freezing, often below zero at night | $$$ | Wildlife, steaming geysers, snowcoach trips |
| Death Valley | Winter park | November–March | Highs 65–73°F December–February (NPS) | $–$$ | Hiking, photography, dark skies |
| Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs | Hot springs and aurora | Late August–mid-April for aurora; January–March for snow | Extreme cold possible | $$–$$$ | Northern lights, soaking, dog mushing |
| Hot Springs, Arkansas | Hot springs | November–March | Mild to cool | $ | Historic bathhouses, a no-fee national park |
Where can you go for warm weather in winter?
Hawaii and the Florida Keys are the warmest winter destinations in the 50 states. Hawaii adds humpback whale season, which runs from about November to May and peaks from January through March, while the Keys are an easy road trip from Miami. Both are in high season all winter, so book early.
For dry warmth rather than beaches, Palm Springs and the Arizona cities have sunny days and cold nights from December through February, and the deserts around them are at their best for hiking. US citizens can also head to Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands without a passport.
Which ski and snow towns are best?
The best ski towns combine a real town with a big mountain. A few strong choices:
- Park City, Utah: about 40 minutes from Salt Lake City’s airport, with two major resorts; Park City Mountain is on the Epic Pass and Deer Valley on the Ikon Pass.
- Jackson, Wyoming: steep terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Ikon) plus winter wildlife viewing in the valley and access to Grand Teton National Park.
- Stowe, Vermont: a classic New England village below Mount Mansfield, with skiing on the Epic Pass.
- Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada: several big resorts on both passes around the lake; storms bring chain controls on mountain highways.
- Taos, New Mexico: a ski area known for steep terrain, plus adobe architecture and the pueblo nearby.
Our guide to the best ski towns in the US compares season length, passes and price levels.
Which national parks are best in winter?
Desert parks are most comfortable in winter, and a few snowy parks are at their most dramatic. Death Valley averages highs of 65°F in December, 67°F in January and 73°F in February at Furnace Creek, according to the NPS Death Valley weather page.
In Yellowstone, most roads close to cars in early November and reopen to guided snowcoaches and snowmobiles from December 15, 2026, until mid-March 2027; the road between the North Entrance at Gardiner and Cooke City stays open to cars and passes through the Lamar Valley, a well-known winter wildlife area. Bryce Canyon, at about 8,000 feet, is open year-round, and snow on the red hoodoos is one of the best winter sights in the Southwest. Our guide to national parks in winter covers road closures park by park.
Where are the best hot springs for a winter trip?
Hot springs make a cold-weather trip more comfortable and are some of the most memorable winter experiences in the country.
- Chena Hot Springs, Alaska: about 60 miles from Fairbanks; on clear nights from late August to mid-April, you may see the aurora. See our guide to the best places to see the northern lights in the US.
- Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas: historic Bathhouse Row, thermal water you can soak in at two operating bathhouses, and no entrance fee for the park.
- Glenwood Springs, Colorado: large developed hot springs pools between Denver and Aspen, an easy add-on to a ski trip.
- Northern New Mexico: developed soaking resorts near Taos and Santa Fe pair well with a ski trip to Taos.
Never enter thermal features in Yellowstone or other parks; the water can be scalding or acidic, and the ground around it can break through.
How do you keep a winter trip affordable and safe?
- Avoid the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s and Presidents’ Day weekend, which fall on February 13–15 in 2027.
- Travel in early to mid-January, when demand drops after the holidays.
- Ski midweek and buy lift tickets online in advance; window prices are usually the highest.
- Book refundable lodging when you depend on mountain roads or flights through snowy hubs.
- Carry chains or traction devices, a charged phone, water and warm layers on winter drives, and check road conditions before leaving.
Bottom line
For warmth, Hawaii and the Florida Keys are the surest bets, with the Arizona and California deserts as drier, often cheaper options. For snow, Utah and Colorado ski towns have the most reliable conditions, while Yellowstone and Bryce Canyon offer a quieter, more unusual winter trip. Hot springs in Alaska or Arkansas round out the list, especially if you want the northern lights or a lower-cost getaway.
FAQ
What is the best warm winter vacation in the US?
Hawaii is the warmest and most reliable, with highs around 80°F at the coast. The Florida Keys are a close second and can be reached by car.
What is the best winter vacation for families?
Ski towns with beginner terrain and ski schools, such as Park City or Stowe, work well for snow lovers. For warmth, Orlando, San Diego or the Florida Keys are easy with kids.
When is the cheapest time for a winter trip?
Early to mid-January, after the New Year holiday, is usually the best value. Avoid the holiday weeks and Presidents’ Day weekend if price matters.
Which national parks are open in winter?
Most parks stay open, but many close high roads. Death Valley, Joshua Tree, the Everglades, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim are all good winter choices.
