5 sunny US destinations that stay warm all year round

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Let’s address the obvious… ‘Sunny’ does not mean ‘warm’. In Denver, you can get a sunburn in January while your toes go numb.

I’m tired of seeing lists that suggest places like Charleston as winter destinations.

Sure, they have charm, but when a cold front hits in February, you’ll be shivering in your parka and not drinking a mojito by the pool.

Bee Travel off the pathwe stick to the good things.

If you are looking for usable heat – the kind where you can actually wear a T-shirt and not regret it – your options in the US are geographically limited.

We dug into the climate data, filtered out the “sunny but frigid” impostors, and found the five places that actually deliver on the promise of an endless summer/spring.

These are the only 5 US destinations you can trust for warmth this winter.

1. The ‘True Tropical’ winner: Honolulu, Hawaii

Climate: Tropical semi-arid (trade wind stabilized)

Winter atmosphere: 80°F (27°C) high temperatures / 66°F (19°C) low temperatures

Honolulu is the gold standard. It’s the only major American city that is truly tropical, and it is great resorts too.

In January, when the rest of the country is scraping ice off their windshields, the average temperature in Honolulu is 80°F. The ‘winter’ is a technical detail here. The trade winds keep humidity lower than you’d expect, creating a thermal stability that’s almost designed for comfort.

• The reality check: You will see rain, but it is usually a “transient trade shower” – warm, short and often followed by a rainbow.
• What to do: We are currently in peak season on the North Shore. Even if you don’t surf, watching the pros tackle 20-foot waves during the upcoming competitions is a bucket list experience.
• My opinion: If you want guaranteed beach days where the water is actually warm enough to swim in without a wetsuit, this is the safest choice.

2. Winner of the “Caribbean Escape”: St. Thomas, USVI

Climate: Tropical savannah

Winter atmosphere: 85°F (29°C) high temperatures / 72°F (22°C) low temperatures

St. Thomas offers the Caribbean fantasy – turquoise water and white sand – without the need for a passport.

Statistically, this is the warmest place on this list. The temperature difference between summer and winter is negligible (about 18 degrees). In February you’re looking at highs of 85°F. The ocean stays around 79°F, which means you can snorkel Coki Beach or Magens Bay all day.

• The reality check: Traffic moves on the left, but the cars have the steering wheel on the left (American standard). It’s disorienting. Drive carefully.
• Travel hack: Because it is American territory, you do not need a passport. However, remember that the REAL ID mandate is now in full force. Make sure your driver’s license has that star in the corner, or you won’t fly.
• My opinion: Go here if you want an international atmosphere with domestic convenience.

3. The winner of the “Urban Oasis”: Miami, Florida

Climate: Tropical monsoon

Winter atmosphere: 76°F (24°C) high temperatures / 60°F (15°C) low temperatures

Miami is perhaps the most comfortable city in North America in winter.

While summer is humid and stormy, winter is the dry season. The Gulf Stream acts as a huge thermal shield, protecting the city from the cold fronts that freeze North Florida. You get low humidity, endless sunshine, and ocean waters that stay in the low 70s.

• The reality check: This is the high season. Hotels currently charge premium rates.
• What to do: Skip the tourist traps of South Beach for dinner. I always tell people to go there Wynwood for the street art and breweries, or Coral facades for a more sophisticated, canopy-covered atmosphere.
• My opinion: Perfect if you want warmth And a cosmopolitan city life. You can get a tan in the morning and visit a world-class art gallery in the afternoon.

4. The winner of “Desert Luxury”: Scottsdale / Phoenix, Arizona

Climate: Hot desert

Winter atmosphere: 67-71°F (19-21°C) high temperatures / 45°F (7°C) low temperatures

For those who hate humidity, the Valley of the Sun is your refuge.

This region gets more sunshine than almost anywhere else in the US (85% of daylight hours). The ‘dry heat’ is real. 70 degrees in the direct desert sun feels significantly warmer than 70 degrees in a humid city. It’s wonderful t-shirt weather.

• The reality check: The desert does not retain heat at night. Once the sun sets, it drops into the 40s. You shall I need a jacket for dinner. Also, don’t expect to go swimming unless the pool is heated.
• What to do: This is the golf capital of the world. The WM Phoenix Open starts in early February – it’s the wildest party in sports.
• My opinion: If you want to hike, play golf or just sit by a pool with a book, this can’t be beat. Just pack layers.

5. The winner of “Design”: Palm Springs, California

Climate: Desert microclimate

Winter atmosphere: 71°F (22°C) high temperatures / 45°F (7°C) low temperatures

Palm Springs is cooler than the others, but ranks high on the list for its style and consistency.

Sheltered by the San Jacinto Mountains, it has a microclimate that is incredibly dry and protected from the wind. It’s less about the ‘beach’ (there isn’t one) and more about the ‘pool lifestyle’. The winter sun here has a brightness that has attracted Hollywood royalty for a century.

• The reality check: Like Phoenix, the nights are clear.
• What to do: Week of Modernism starts next month (February). It’s a huge draw and offers tours of the iconic mid-century modern homes.
• My opinion: This is for the traveler who wants a put-together, relaxing aesthetic. It’s about cocktails by the fire pit and stunning architecture.

The breakdown

To make this simple, here’s how the top contenders stack up:

• St Thomas: Best for beach lovers and snorkelers (85°F).
• Honolulu: Best for surfers and culture seekers (80°F).
• Miami: Best for nightlife and art lovers (22°C).
• Palm Springs: Best for architecture and relaxation (21°F).
• Phoenix: Best for golfers and hikers (67°F).

Don’t be fooled by a brochure showing a sunny day in February. If you want heatyou have to go south.

For the absolute guarantee of summer heat, St Thomas And Honolulu are untouchable. If you want urban action with your sunshine, Miami is king. And if you just want to escape the gray sky and enjoy vitamin D in peace, go to the desert Arizona or California.

Tyler Fox

Tyler is our editor-in-chief and writer. After years of reading, writing, and obsessing about travel (while traveling as often as possible, of course!), he wants to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.