5 Sunny U.S. Destinations That Stay Warm All Year Round

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Let’s address the obvious… “Sunny” does not mean “warm.” You can get a sunburn in Denver in January while your toes go numb.

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

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

At Travel Off Path, we stick to the good stuff.

If you are looking for usable warmth—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 freezing” imposters, and found the 5 spots that actually deliver on the promise of an endless summer/spring.

Here are the only 5 US destinations you can trust for heat this winter.

1. The “True Tropical” Winner: Honolulu, Hawaii

Climate: Tropical Semi-Arid (Trade Wind Stabilized)

Winter Vibe: 80°F (27°C) Highs / 66°F (19°C) Lows

Honolulu is the gold standard. It is the only major American city that is genuinely tropical, and has amazing resorts too.

In January, when the rest of the country is scraping ice off windshields, Honolulu’s average high is 80°F. The “winter” here is a technicality. The trade winds keep the humidity lower than you’d expect, creating a thermal stability that feels almost engineered for comfort.

• The Reality Check: You will see rain, but it’s usually a “passing trade shower”—warm, brief, and often followed by a rainbow.
• What to Do: We are in peak surf season on the North Shore right now. Even if you don’t surf, watching the pros tackle 20-foot waves at the upcoming competitions is a bucket-list experience.
• My Take: If you want guaranteed beach days where the water is actually warm enough to swim in without a wetsuit, this is your safest bet.

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

Climate: Tropical Savannah

Winter Vibe: 85°F (29°C) Highs / 72°F (22°C) Lows

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

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

• The Reality Check: Traffic moves on the left, but the cars have the steering wheel on the left (US standard). It’s disorienting. Drive carefully.
• Travel Hack: Since it’s a US territory, you don’t need a passport. However, remember that the REAL ID mandate is now in full effect. Ensure your license has that star in the corner, or you aren’t flying.
• My Take: Go here if you want an international vibe with domestic convenience.

3. The “Urban Oasis” Winner: Miami, Florida

Climate: Tropical Monsoon

Winter Vibe: 76°F (24°C) Highs / 60°F (15°C) Lows

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

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

• The Reality Check: This is peak season. Hotels are charging premium rates right now.
• What to Do: Skip the South Beach tourist traps for dinner. I always tell people to head to Wynwood for the street art and breweries, or Coral Gables for a more sophisticated, canopy-covered vibe.
• My Take: Perfect if you want heat and a cosmopolitan city life. You can tan in the morning and hit a world-class art gallery in the afternoon.

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

Climate: Hot Desert

Winter Vibe: 67-71°F (19-21°C) Highs / 45°F (7°C) Lows

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

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 is glorious t-shirt weather.

• The Reality Check: The desert doesn’t hold heat at night. Once the sun goes down, it drops into the 40s. You will need a jacket for dinner. Also, don’t expect to swim unless the pool is heated.
• What to Do: This is the golf capital of the world. The WM Phoenix Open is coming up in early February—it is the wildest party in sports.
• My Take: If you want to hike, golf, or just sit by a pool with a book, this is unbeatable. Just pack layers.

5. The “Design” Winner: Palm Springs, California

Climate: Desert Microclimate

Winter Vibe: 71°F (22°C) Highs / 45°F (7°C) Lows

Palm Springs is cooler than the others, but it makes the list for its style and consistency.

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

• The Reality Check: Like Phoenix, the nights are crisp.
• What to Do: Modernism Week is kicking off next month (February). It’s a massive draw, offering tours of the city’s iconic mid-century modern homes.
• My Take: This is for the traveler who wants a curated, relaxing aesthetic. It’s about cocktails by the fire pit and stunning architecture.

The Breakdown

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

• St. Thomas: Best for beach bums and snorkelers (85°F).
• Honolulu: Best for surfers and culture seekers (80°F).
• Miami: Best for nightlife and art lovers (76°F).
• Palm Springs: Best for architecture and relaxation (71°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 warmth, you 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 skies and soak up Vitamin D in peace, head to the desert in Arizona or California.

Tyler Fox

Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years reading, writing, and obsessing over travel (while taking trips as often as possible of course!), he aims to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.