Winter temperature can be unpleasant and boring especially with the freezing temperature and the weak sunshine. While some travelers love the chilling cold, others simply want to get away and spend those long cold months in warmer climates. The United States offers lots of warm winter destinations and while many of them are popular, these are underrated yet they offer a pleasantly warm winter vacation.

8 Savannah, Georgia

In Savannah, the winter is short, cool, and mild making it perfect for enjoying some outdoor activities without the fear of coming back with numb bones. In addition to the convenience, Savannah is less crowded in winter which also means cheaper prices for bookings. Even though the haunted stories of this city can be scary, Savannah presents travelers with a range of activities such as – ice skating, historic exploration, art exploration, haunted tours at cemeteries, and festivals.

7 Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is a wonderful place to visit all year long but the Hawaiian Island is particularly appealing during winter as it offers an amazing escape from the chilling cold of other parts of the country. The weather in Hawaii is mostly sunny and rainy in winter and the temperature is warm enough to make it feel like summer for those coming from freezing temperatures. The rainy and snowless atmosphere might seem unpleasant for many but this is what creates the atmosphere for excellent surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and whale watching in Kauai during winter. And by the way, the rainy and warm weather in Kauai is more pleasant than the freezing temperature of many other parts of the country.

6 Sedona, Arizona

Due to its dry climate, rocky Arizona is one of the states with the hottest weather in the United States. While it might be a turn-off for many during the summer season, the state is great to visit in winter. Sedona – a desert town in Arizona offers modest weather in winter with occasional rainfall and daytime temperature that’s not too sunny to burn the skin and not too cold to keep people trapped indoors. Since it’s the off-season, prices are lower which means it’s easier to book a reservation during this season in Sedona.

Winter is also a great time to enjoy outdoor activities in Sedona. From scenic rides, helicopter tours, and hiking on the beautiful snow-capped rocks to winter camping and star gazing at night, Sedona will have travelers spending most of their time outdoors (in winter). Although the daytime temperature is generally pleasant for all types of outdoor activities, the nights are usually chilly but it’s nothing a campfire cannot overcome.

5 Palm Springs, California

The weather in Palm Springs during winter is cold but mild and warm enough to accommodate those trying to get away from chillier temperatures. Perhaps the most exciting offering of this desert resort city is its numerous natural hot springs and spas where travelers can enjoy warm soaks whenever they feel cold. Lots of trails and mountains are available for outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and camping while museums, zoos, and art galleries are also available for those who want more things to explore. Since the winter season is also the time for many large events, travelers are advised to make their reservations early as the prices can go higher than other times of the year.

4 Maui, Hawaii

The volcanic island of Hawaii remains one of the warmest in the country and its second-largest island – Maui is a perfect place to enjoy all that warmth during winter. Travelers who seek refuge in Maui during winter will not just enjoy the sunny atmosphere but some adventurous activities to ward off the cold. Besides the mountainous landscape and the trails, the Island is also made up of beautiful lush vegetation to offer travelers some scenery as they engage in outdoor activities. The strong tree-rocking wind that characterizes the Island even makes surfing so much fun here although amateur surfers should beware of the mighty waves. While the warm atmosphere of Maui in winter attracts travelers, the warm waters also attract whales offering visitors a great whale watching atmosphere. It is cloudy and rainy during winter in Maui but with a raincoat or umbrella, travelers will be just fine wherever they are.

Related: 10 Best Must-Do Activities In Maui (Only Known By Locals)

3 St. George, Utah

St. George in Utah is a place of all-year sunshine and when the cool winter weather combines with this lovely sunshine, it creates perfect weather that is conducive enough to allow travelers to enjoy outdoor activities. Parks in St. George present scenic views with their red rocks, thundering waterfalls, tall trees, and trails that offer travelers opportunities to explore all that scenery. With such a mild atmosphere, travelers can feel free to engage in the outdoor activities this city offers some of which include – hiking, biking, and rock climbing while taking pictures of the amazing landscape. With the lesser crowd at this time of the year in St. George, prices will be lower and those who visit will enjoy a peaceful atmosphere regardless of what part of the desert city they choose to explore.

Related: The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Guide

2 South Padre Island, Texas

Texas is, without doubt, one of the hottest states in the US and while there are so many cities in the state suitable for a warm winter vacation, South Padre Island is arguably the best place to escape winter weather for those also looking to enjoy relaxing beaches, delicious seafood, barbecue, and, plenty outdoor activities. With temperatures averaging 680F during the coldest winter month, it sure feels like summer. Travelers on this Island during winter will enjoy activities such as - windsurfing, bird watching, fishing, kayaking, surfing, and swimming all with lesser crowds and cheaper prices.

1 Joshua Tree National Park, California

Many travelers generally like to travel during the summer season even to a hot desert region like Joshua Tree National Park. While it may be good enough for some travelers, this park is most convenient during the winter season except you specifically love the average summer temperature of 910F. With its large rocks and lots of hiking trails, Joshua Tree National Park offers more than just warm weather. Camping in the park during winter will have travelers witnessing gorgeous sunrise and sunset views and star gazing at night.

Next: Winter Is Here: The Most Beautiful Frozen Lakes In The World (That You Can Visit)