Where to Go in December in the US: Warm Escapes, Snow and Lights
December splits into two very different travel months: a quiet, good-value first half and a crowded, expensive holiday stretch. Here is where to go for sun, snow or holiday lights, and when to book.
For warm weather in December, the best US destinations are Hawaii, the Florida Keys and the desert Southwest, where Death Valley averages 65°F highs. For holiday lights, go to Christmas towns such as Leavenworth, Solvang or St. Augustine, and for snow, Western ski resorts after mid-December. Prices are lowest in the first half of the month and peak from about December 19 to January 1.
Where is it warm in the US in December?
Hawaii and the Florida Keys are the only places in the 50 states where beach weather is close to guaranteed in December. Southern California and the Arizona and California deserts are mild and sunny but too cool for most people to swim. The table shows typical conditions; temperatures are approximate average highs, and the price level compares the first half of December with the holiday weeks.
| Destination | Typical December high | Best for | Price level: early Dec / holiday weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu and Waikiki, Hawaii | About 80°F | Beaches, snorkeling on calm days, Pearl Harbor | High / very high |
| Maui and the Big Island, Hawaii | Upper 70s–about 80°F at the coast | Start of whale season, volcano and beach trips | High / very high |
| Key West and the Florida Keys | Mid-70s°F | Snorkeling, boat trips, sunsets | Moderate to high / very high |
| Miami and Fort Lauderdale | Mid- to upper 70s°F | Beaches, nightlife, day trips to the Everglades | Moderate / high |
| San Diego | Mid-60s°F | Mild city break, coastal walks, zoo and parks | Moderate / moderate to high |
| Palm Springs and Joshua Tree | Upper 60s°F in town, cooler in the park | Pools, hiking, desert stargazing | Moderate / high |
| Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson | Mid-60s°F | Golf, desert hikes, Saguaro National Park | Moderate / high |
| Death Valley National Park | 65°F (NPS average) | Hiking that is unsafe in summer | Low to moderate / moderate |
Death Valley’s figures come from the National Park Service Death Valley weather page, which lists a December average high of 65°F and low of 38°F at Furnace Creek. For a trip built around the Keys, see our Florida Keys guide.
Which towns do Christmas best in December?
The strongest Christmas towns combine a walkable historic center with a long-running festival. Dates for the 2026 season:
- Leavenworth, Washington: Christmastown, November 27 to December 24, 2026; lights stay on through February.
- Solvang, California: Julefest, November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
- St. Augustine, Florida: Nights of Lights, November 21, 2026 to January 18, 2027.
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: Christkindlmarkt on weekends from November 13 to December 20, 2026.
- Kennebunkport, Maine: Christmas Prelude, December 3–13, 2026.
Our guide to the best Christmas towns in the US compares these and more, with crowd tips and cheaper places to stay nearby.
Is December a good month for skiing?
December is good for skiing in the second half of the month, but early December is a gamble. Many large Western resorts open in late November or early December, often with only part of their terrain, and how much opens depends on natural snowfall and snowmaking. By Christmas week, most resorts have more runs open, but that week is also the busiest and most expensive of the season.
- Best bet for early-season snow: high-elevation resorts in Colorado and Utah, which tend to open earlier and hold snow well.
- Avoid if you can: December 26 to January 1, when lift lines, lodging rates and lesson prices peak.
- Book ahead: ski school, rentals and lodging for the holiday weeks; lift tickets bought online in advance are usually cheaper than at the window.
For a town-by-town comparison, see our guide to the best ski towns in the US.
Which national parks are good in December?
Desert and subtropical parks are at their most comfortable in December, while many high mountain parks close their scenic roads for winter. Good choices include Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Saguaro, Big Bend and the Everglades, where the dry season begins.
- Zion: in 2026 the canyon shuttle does not run from November 29 to December 25, so private cars can drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive; holiday shuttle service runs December 26 to January 2.
- Yellowstone: most roads closed to cars on November 1, 2026. Guided snowcoach and snowmobile travel begins December 15, 2026. The road from the North Entrance at Gardiner to the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City stays open to cars year-round, per the Yellowstone park roads page.
- Bryce Canyon: open year-round; the main road is plowed but can close temporarily past the first few miles after storms.
Our guide to national parks in winter lists which park roads close and when.
When is December cheapest, and when is it most expensive?
The first two weeks of December, from the Monday after Thanksgiving until about December 18, are one of the better-value periods of the year for many US trips. Business travel slows, school is in session and many hotels outside ski and holiday-event towns cut rates. The exceptions are Christmas-town weekends, which fill early, and New York City, where holiday shopping and shows keep demand high all month.
From roughly December 19 through January 1, nearly everything costs more: flights, rental cars, beach hotels and ski lodging. If your dates are fixed to the holidays, book flights and lodging as early as you can, choose flexible or refundable rates, and fly on Christmas Day or the days just after it, which are often less crowded than the weekend before.
What should you know about December weather and driving?
December brings the shortest days of the year, so plan driving and hikes for daylight; in the northern states, the sun sets before 4:30 p.m. in many places. Mountain passes in the West and Northeast can require chains or traction tires, and state 511 services post closures and restrictions. In Hawaii, winter swells can create dangerous surf on north-facing shores, so follow lifeguard flags and posted warnings, and in all parks check road status pages on the morning you drive.
Bottom line
Go early in December for the best value, whether you want lights, desert hiking or the first ski days. For guaranteed warmth, pick Hawaii or the Florida Keys and book months ahead if you need the holiday weeks. For a classic Christmas trip, pair a festival town with a weekday visit, and for skiing, wait until mid-December or later for better snow.
FAQ
Where is the warmest place in the US in December?
Hawaii and the Florida Keys are the warmest, with typical highs in the mid-70s to about 80°F. South Florida is close behind.
Is December a cheap time to travel in the US?
The first half of December often is, especially for cities and national parks. The second half, from about December 19 to January 1, is one of the most expensive periods of the year.
Where can you see snow and Christmas lights on one trip?
Leavenworth in Washington and Woodstock or Stowe in Vermont combine holiday events with a good chance of snow. Leavenworth’s lights stay on through February, so a January visit still works.
Are national parks open in December?
Most national parks stay open in December, but many close high-elevation roads for winter. Check each park’s road status page before you go.
