Escape to These US Cities to Avoid the Winter Blues
According to a December 2025 report on the warmest American cities to spend the winter, Miami is the best place to escape the cold-season blues.
The study by digital entertainment platform JB examined cities based on factors like warm weather, sunshine, and cozy indoor spaces. The research aimed to find which US cities have the most comfortable weather in winter. The study looked at nearly 30 major cities and measured seven different factors. These included daylight hours from December through February, average winter temperatures, safety ratings, and monthly rent prices. The research also tracked overall living costs, the number of cozy cafes per 10 square miles, and indoor activity options like museums, cinemas, and wellness centers.
Here’s a look at the top 10 cities to spend the winter:
1. Miami, FL
Miami is America’s best city for escaping winter blues. With temperatures averaging 72°F from December through February, the city rarely sees cold weather while most of the country freezes. Miami also gets more than 10 hours of sunshine each day during winter, giving residents plenty of daylight for outdoor activities. And even when it rains, every neighborhood here still offers 100+ indoor entertainment options, from museums to wellness centers.
Browse the Top 10 LGBTQ hotels in Miami here.
2. Honolulu, HI
Honolulu comes second with the warmest winter temperatures in America at 75°F. The Hawaiian capital receives 10.5 hours of daily sunlight during cold months, the most in the country. While the tropical weather comes at a higher living cost ($1,608 monthly), Honolulu makes up for it with plenty of social spaces to have fun. This includes cozy cafe culture, as every neighborhood here packs more than 15 such places.
Shop the Top LGBTQ-welcoming hotels in Honolulu.
3. Orlando, FL
Orlando ranks third, offering nice winter weather and costing less than Florida’s coastal cities. Winter temperatures average 64°F here, great for outside activities, and the city gets more than 10 hours of daylight each day. With living costs around $1,179 per month, Orlando is about $175 cheaper than Miami while still offering the same winter warmth.
Here are Orlando’s best LGBTQ-welcoming hotels.
4. Tampa, FL
Tampa takes fourth place as another Florida getaway option to avoid winter blues. The average temperature here is around 65°F during the cold season, plus you get 10+ hours of daily sunshine. The sun doesn’t set until 5:30 PM either, giving residents extended evening daylight. Tampa is also among the more affordable cities in Florida, with living costs just under $1,200 monthly.
Best LGBTQ-friendly hotels in Tampa here.
5. Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas rounds out the top five destinations in America to escape the cold weather. The city records 53°F winter temperatures, cooler than Florida but still mild by national standards. Residents here get up to 10 hours of daylight, enough to avoid the gloomy darkness that affects northern cities. Living here is also less expensive than in other alternatives in the ranking, with locals managing to get by with just $1,133 monthly.
Shop the Top hotels in Las Vegas here.
The CEO of JB commented on the study: “Winter takes a real toll on people’s mental health. When you’re stuck in cold weather with only a couple of hours of daylight, your mood drops. Sunlight affects how you feel, how well you sleep, and how much energy you have throughout the day. So if you can afford to spend a few weeks in a warmer, sunnier place, it can make a huge difference.”
