12 States with the Most Mild Winters

1. Arizona

It’s hard to beat the beautiful winters of Arizona. This state sees temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees throughout the winter months. In the desert, temperatures can dip quite low and it gets chilly! 

About 85% of days throughout the year are sunny and the entire state sees just 12 inches of rain a year! Arizona is a popular place due to its undeniable idyllic landscape. If you like to spend time outdoors without having to bundle up, Arizona may just be the state for you!

2. California

We can’t talk about states with mild winters without bringing up California. Whether you are in Redding, Big Bear, or San Diego, you’re sure to enjoy the Golden State all year round. Daily temperature throughout the winter can dip into the 60s, which for most is quite lovely. 

As one can assume, the further north you go in the state, the cooler it gets. Skiing and vacationing on snow-capped mountains is the perfect way to enjoy a winter vacation in California. There is less than 20 inches of rain per year and the entire state sees sunshine 70% of the time!

3. Georgia

Next, Georgia is a gorgeous state and has pleasant winters. There aren’t too many extreme weather days throughout the winter months in the Peach State. Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah are some of the most popular cities. 

You’ll typically see daily temperatures cap out between 60 and 70 degrees. It’s relatively sunny, and 60% of days are filled with sunshine. Georgia sees roughly 45 inches of rain per year, and low temperatures dip into the mid-30s.

4. Florida

One of the first places to come to mind when you think of states with mild winters is Florida. This is one of the go-to vacation spots for people who want to escape the cold! Orlando, Tampa, and Key West are just some of the popular destinations within the Sunshine State. 

Throughout the winter, Florida temperatures stay between 60 and 80 degrees. The state experiences about 47 inches of rain per year. You won’t find any blizzards headed your way in Florida. 

Because of the balmy weather, there is a plethora of outdoor experiences to be had. Surfing, camping, swimming, and lying under the warm sun are just a few! Florida sees over 500,000 tourists just over the winter holiday season!

5. Nevada

When you think of Nevada, you might picture the blinking lights and busy streets of Las Vegas. The state has so much more to offer, including mild winters. Although the summers can be hot, the winters are quite enjoyable.

In the desert, the lows typically hang around 27 degrees. This is a great state for winter vacations, and many people love exploring the great outdoors.

6. New Mexico

Another state with mild winters is New Mexico. This state has a rich cultural history and stunning outdoor surroundings to show for it. There are dense forests, raging rivers, and deep canyons. 

People like spending winters in New Mexico because of the sunny weather. Temperatures can hit as low as 40 degrees throughout this season. We suggest exploring Conchas Lake State Park if you plan on visiting New Mexico this winter.

7. South Carolina

If you like golfing, look no further than South Carolina! This is a state with mild winters and is the golf capital of the South! One of the most popular areas in this state in the winter is Charleston.

You can enjoy the upper 50s throughout the winter! About 63% of the year is sunny in South Carolina and there is just 46 inches of rain a year. There are plenty of places to go ice skating in Greenville or stroll down the renowned Myrtle Beach. 

The coastal regions of South Carolina experience 60s as highs in the winter and lows in the mid-30s.

8. Texas

The Lone State State easily has one of the most enjoyable winters in the country. In terms of states with mild winters, Texas has something for everyone. One of the most popular activities here during the colder season is to camp in an RV! 

There are a plethora of RV parks and the weather is perfect for a campfire in the evening. Texans don’t experience snow like northern states and temperatures rarely get below freezing. 

The weather is perfect to explore Big Bend National Park or spend a weekend in downtown Galveston. The high temperatures throughout Texas in the winter stay in the low 60s. Even with Daylight Savings Time, Texas still gets about 10 hours of sunlight each day. 

The humidity is a balmy 65% and the state typically has refreshingly cool and light breezes.

9. Delaware

Most people may not have Delaware on their radar in terms of states with mild winters. If you don’t, you should! Although it’s small, Delaware is a great place to stay with easy access to popular nearby cities such as Baltimore and New York City! 

Shockingly, you can drive through the entire state in less than two hours! Through the winter, people in Delaware enjoy highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. There are a plethora of state parks and nature preserves to explore here! 

We suggest spending time in Wilmington during the holiday season. It’s quite charming and you may feel like you just stepped into a Hallmark movie. Delaware is colder than other states on this list, with an average high of 35 degrees in the winter.

10. Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful states in the country. Many people from the mainland make their way to the island because of its tropical weather. It’s truly a paradise with winter highs in the low 80s. 

At night, you can walk around in a light jacket, as temperatures fall into the mid-60s. December is the ideal time to visit as the rain typically comes at night and doesn’t last too long. 

Maui and the Big Island are the driest of the Hawaiian islands. It’s essential to know that this state sees the vast majority of its tourists in the last two weeks of December. Because of this, it’s important to make any bookings and reservations in advance.

11. North Carolina

While North Carolina does see snow, it’s still one of the top states with mild winters. Because temperatures don’t stay below freezing for extended periods of time, the snow doesn’t stick around for too long.

The temperatures tend to stick around the low 50s, though the state does see days in the 60s. The mountains have ski resorts that still allow visitors to experience winter without freezing. Asheville has a beautiful winter lights display at the North Carolina Arboretum that’s a must-see!

12. Alabama

January is the coldest and snowiest month in Alabama. With that being said, snow isn’t all that common, and many cities don’t see any at all! Huntsville, AL, sees less than three inches of snow per year. 

The average temperature in Alabama throughout the winter is 48 degrees. It does get cold and into the 20s, but not for long! The Gulf Coast beaches are a great way to spend the chilly winter months!