When winter settles in and the skies turn gray, most of us start doing the same thing: search for sunlight. Not just warmer weather, but the kind of days that feel usable. Sunshine you can plan around. Sidewalk cafés instead of slippery sidewalks. Long walks without ten layers.
According to a December 2025 report, one U.S. city rose above the rest as the best winter escape. The rankings looked at winter temperatures, daylight hours, cost of living, safety, and the cold-weather comforts people actually care about.
Here are the top cities that made the list, starting with the one that came out on top.
#1│Miami, Florida
The winter escape that feels like spring every day
Miami takes the No. 1 spot for a simple reason: winter here does not feel like winter. Average temperatures stay around 72 degrees, and even in January, you still get more than 10 hours of daylight. The days feel bright, long, and easy to fill.
It is also a city that gives you options. You can spend a morning on the sand in South Beach, then head somewhere quieter like Surfside when you want a slower pace. And when a rare rain shower rolls in, Miami still delivers, with museums, wellness studios, cafés, and indoor spaces that keep the day moving.
#2│Honolulu, Hawaii
Warm air, ocean views, and a winter that barely exists
Honolulu sits near the top of the list for a reason. Winter temperatures hover in the mid-70s, with long daylight hours and the kind of weather that makes you forget the rest of the country is bundled up.
The best part is how balanced it feels. You can swim, hike, eat well, and still find quiet corners when you need a break. Honolulu gives you a reset that feels natural, like your body remembers how to relax the moment you arrive.
#3│Orlando, Florida
Sunshine and easy fun without the Miami price tag
Orlando is not just theme parks. It ranks high because it stays comfortable in winter, averaging around the mid-60s, with long, bright days and lower monthly living costs than Miami.
Orlando is also built for comfort. There is always something to do, even indoors, and the whole city feels designed to keep you busy in a way that does not require perfect weather. If you want warmth and convenience, Orlando is one of the easiest winter destinations you can choose.
#4│ Tampa, Florida
Beach energy with a slower, more local pace
Tampa earns its spot with mild winter temperatures and a relaxed lifestyle that doesn’t feel sleepy. Average winter temps stay around 65 degrees, and the area has enough sunshine to make even a short trip feel like a real reset.
It is also a city with variety. You can do waterfront walks, museums, sports, and great food, all without the constant buzz of a bigger tourist scene. Tampa is a winter escape for people who want warmth without feeling grounded.
#5│ Las Vegas, Nevada
A bright winter with nonstop indoor options
Las Vegas may not be tropical, but it earns its place because winter is still mild compared to much of the country. The air stays crisp and dry, and the daylight holds on long enough to make your days feel open.
Vegas is also a city where you can have fun even on a cloudy day. Between shows, restaurants, spas, and indoor attractions, it is hard to be bored. If your winter goal is entertainment, Vegas makes the case.
#6│Tucson, Arizona
Warm desert days and clear skies you can count on
Tucson feels like a quiet answer to winter. Temperatures stay in the mid-50s, and the sun shows up reliably enough that you can plan your days around being outside.
This is a city built for hiking, patios, and slower mornings. It is not flashy, and that is the point. Tucson is the kind of winter escape that makes you feel better simply because the skies stay bright.
#7│ Austin, Texas
A city that stays lively even when winter arrives
Austin makes the list because it delivers comfort without losing energy. Winter temperatures average in the 50s, and the city still feels active, walkable, and full of places to gather.
Even on cooler days, Austin has plenty of indoor appeal, from music venues to cozy bars and coffee shops that stay busy year-round. If you want warmth plus personality, Austin holds its own.
#8│ Houston, Texas
Mild winter weather with big-city comforts built in
Houston earns its spot with temperatures in the upper 50s and enough daylight to keep winter from feeling too heavy. It is also a city with endless indoor options, from museums and food halls to shopping and cultural events.
If you want a winter escape where you can still feel like you are living a full life, Houston is a strong choice. You get warmth, variety, and a city that never shuts down.
#9│ San Antonio, Texas
History, walkable charm, and a gentle winter climate
San Antonio offers winter weather that feels comfortable, not harsh. Temperatures average in the mid-50s, and the days stay bright enough to spend time outdoors without rushing back inside.
What makes San Antonio special is the atmosphere. The River Walk, historic landmarks, and slower pace give it a softer feel than some bigger cities. It is the kind of place that makes winter feel quieter in a good way.
#10│ Atlanta, Georgia
A surprising winter pick with big-city perks
Atlanta rounds out the top 10, and while it is cooler than the others, it still offers a more livable winter than many northern cities. The daylight holds steady, and the city has plenty of indoor comforts to offset colder days.
Atlanta is also a place where you can fill your winter with good food, museums, and neighborhood energy. It is a solid option if you want a winter change of scenery without going fully tropical.
So, What Kind of Winter Escape Are You?
Some people want a beach chair and a warm ocean. Others want desert sunshine and hiking trails. And some of us just want a place where the sky stays bright and you can walk outside without bracing for impact.
Now tell us which of these sunny winter destinations would you pick first? Are you going full Miami beach mode, or are you more of a Tucson and quiet patios person? Drop your answer in the comments, and if you have a winter escape you swear by, share it. Someone reading might be planning their trip right now.
If you’re still daydreaming about warm-weather trips, here are a few more travel reads to keep you inspired: