Ranking America's Best Winter Travel Vacation Destinations

Daylight savings time has ended, marking the inescapable approach of the winter months. Some look forward to snowy days and a chill in the air, while others start searching for a way to wait them out in sunnier climes. 

And, this coming winter promises to be a particularly cold one for most of the country, with the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicting above-average snowfall and lower-than-usual temperatures across much of the United States.

To help Americans maximize their enjoyment of winter trips, WalletHub combed through the data to identify the nation’s most budget-friendly destinations that are also among the easiest to get to. 

To come up with a list of the best getaway spots for the winter of 2023-24, WalletHub took 69 of the most populous metropolitan areas in the U.S., classifying them as either “cold” or “warm” winter destinations. Those that have, over the past 50 years, recorded average temperatures below 46 degrees in December were classed as “cold”, while those with average December temps above 57 degrees were labelled “warm”.

In each of these groups, the metros were compared based on six key dimensions: travel costs and hassles, local costs, attractions, weather, activities, and safety. And, under those classifications, the cities were then ranked across 37 relevant metrics and graded on a 100-point scale. Once all factors were scored, it combined them to create an overall ranking of best warm-weather and cold-weather destinations for winter travel.

A family enjoying ski vacation during winter (photo via manonallard / Getty Images)

Best Winter Vacation Destinations for Warm-Weather Lovers:

1. Las Vegas
2. San Diego
3. Austin
4. Dallas
5. San Antonio
6. Charleston
7. San Francisco
8. Houston
9. Phoenix
10. Los Angeles

Las Vegas, Nevada (Photo Credit: Air Canada)

Best Winter Vacation Destinations for Cold-Weather Lovers:

1. Atlanta
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Chicago
4. New York City
5. Denver
6. Cincinnati
7. St. Louis
8. Kansas City
9. Philadelphia
10. Boston

The complete rankings and detailed breakdowns across the key dimensions considered can be viewed here.

Atlanta, Georgia skyline. (Photo via SeanPavonePhoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

“Compared with other rankings that focus on each destination’s scenic quality, this report focuses primarily on the cost and convenience of traveling to each location as well as its affordability,” according to WalletHub’s report. “It also ensures that the number of attractions and variety of activities in each destination will keep everyone busy and entertained throughout the trip.” 

A few of WalletHub’s experts rounded out the report by offering their tips for successful winter travels, including advice for saving money on flights, hotels and car rentals, and logistical “do’s” and “don’ts”.

David Miles, a retired Executive Professor in Residence at Northern Arizona University’s College of Business: Hospitality Management, cautions travelers to take a lesson from last year’s winter travel woes. “The biggest one to avoid is counting on the synchronization of timing for each part of your travel. For example, if you have a flight booked to join a cruise ship, allow an extra day, if possible,” he said.

“With weather issues, mechanical issues and short staff, all are strained to the breaking point when there is a problem,” he continued. “Count on the ‘when it rains it pours’ scenario. There is nothing worse than spending thousands of dollars for a great winter trip than sitting stranded in an airport or along a highway rest stop. Unfortunately, the way all of this works in a post-COVID labor shortage market is you will wait a long time. Give your vacation some elasticity in your planning. You may spend a few extra dollars, but then be able to have a fun-filled winter break.”

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