While some parts of Canada are colder than others during the winter months, most Canadians will feel the chill this season. If you need to escape the cold for a month, a week or even a weekend, there are warm-weather U.S. destinations not too far from home. From east to west, here are some U.S. hot (or at least relatively warm) spots that are easy to get to — and easy to enjoy.
If travelling from Eastern Canada
For Canadians living anywhere from the Atlantic provinces over to Quebec, the eastern coast of the U.S. is a go-to destination for sun-seekers. As you might expect, the farther south you travel, the warmer it gets, so you’ll want to balance the distance you’re willing to travel with your need for heat.
Closest to home, Virginia Beach and the coast of North Carolina offer a break from frigid weather, with mild temperatures and mostly sunny skies on the calendar from January to March. However, you’re unlikely to find much in the way of heat, as the highs tend to range from 8-15° C (45-60° F) these months. All the same, if you’re into afternoon strolls, sand sports or even a horseback ride along the beach, these destinations may appeal to you.
Virginia Beach | Average winter highs: 12° C (54° F)
| Distance from Toronto: 1,093 km | Flight time: 8 hours (2 stops) |
| Distance from Montreal: 1,161 km | Flight time: 4 hours, 30 minutes (1 stop) |
| Distance from Halifax: 1,971 km | Flight time: 3 hours, 50 minutes (1 stop) |
This iconic beach has a three-mile boardwalk with a vibrant mix of shops and restaurants. Even when it’s not beach weather, this laid-back town has plenty to offer those seeking food, culture, outdoor activity and more. For instance, the can’t-miss Virginia Aquarium has 800,000 gallons of exhibit space and thousands of animals.
North Carolina coast | Average winter highs: 12° C (55° F)
| Distance from Toronto to Wilmington: 1,350 km | Flight time: 4 hours (1 stop) |
| Distance from Montreal to Wilmington: 1,550 km | Flight time: 4 hours, 30 minutes (1 stop) |
| Distance from Halifax to Wilmington: 2,375 km | Flight time: 8 hours, 30 minutes (1 stop) |
The North Carolina coast is made up of 300 miles of barrier island beaches, each with its own vibe. From quaint coastal towns to water sports to historic sites, this region offers plenty to see and do over the winter. While not too far from home, it can be tricky to find direct flights to Wilmington International – but it’s worth scanning for deals!
South Carolina | Average winter highs: 15 – 21° C (59 – 70° F)
| Distance from Toronto to Myrtle Beach: 1,485 km | Flight time: 4 hours (1 stop) |
| Distance from Montreal to Myrtle Beach: 1,644 km | Flight time: 4 hours, 45 minutes (1 stop) |
| Distance from Halifax to Myrtle Beach: 2,462 km | Flight time: 8 hours (2 stops) |
A little farther south along the U.S. East Coast, South Carolina offers warmer temperatures for those looking to dig out their short sleeves over the winter months.
Myrtle Beach, for instance, is a fun destination, no matter what kind of trip you’re looking for. With 60 miles of sandy beach, a world-famous boardwalk, thousands of restaurants, more than 90 golf courses, an active fishing community and nearby coastal towns worth exploring, Myrtle Beach has something for everyone.
Hilton Head Island, meanwhile, is an upscale resort destination with pristine beaches, excellent tennis facilities and dozens of championship golf courses. With its charming, laid-back vibe, exceptional restaurants, outdoor concerts, miles of bike paths and ample shopping, Hilton Head offers a delightful getaway in a wonderfully mild climate.
Florida
Florida has long been a favourite destination among Canadians seeking warmth and sunshine during the colder months — in fact roughly 50% of Canadians choose the Sunshine State for their winter getaway! While farther south, there are direct flights from Toronto, Montreal and Halifax, as well as from a few other Atlantic centres.
North and Central Florida | Average winter highs: 16- 26° C (60 – 79° F)
| Distance from Toronto to Orlando: 2,060 km | Flight time: 3 hours |
| Distance from Montreal to Orlando: 2,312 km | Flight time: 3 hours, 30 minutes |
| Distance from Halifax to Orlando: 2,130 km | Flight time: 4 hours |
From the panhandle region to Atlantic coast beaches to bustling cities such as Orlando and Tampa, North and Central Florida offer a range of activities and adventures for Canadians looking for outdoor fun in the sun. For beachgoers, there are plenty of options from Jacksonville Beach down to Daytona, each stretch of sand offering its own atmosphere and energy.
As the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” Orlando is a natural landing spot for families looking to keep the kids entertained before or during March Break. But the region is also popular among golf enthusiasts, Canadian baseball fans (the Blue Jays spring training is in Dunedin every February-March) and anyone looking to be active. The 92,000 square-foot Orlando Sports Complex is just 15 minutes out of downtown and features 6 basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, 24 pickleball courts and personal training facilities. And across the region, there are excellent paths for walking, cycling and hiking.
Southwest Florida | Average winter highs: 23- 26° C (73 – 79° F)
| Distance from Toronto to Fort Myers: 2,350 km | Flight time: 3 hours, 50 minutes |
| Distance from Montreal to Fort Myers: 2,601 km | Flight time: 3 hours, 20 minutes |
| Distance from Halifax to Fort Myers: 3,420 km | Flight time: 7 hours, 30 minutes (1 stop) |
Made up of cities such as Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota and Cape Coral, Southwest Florida is truly a hot spot for Canadian sun-seekers. The area is known for its laid-back, family-friendly beaches, where long strips of sand beckon winter-weary travelers looking for a place to set up their blanket and umbrella. It’s also been called the “Golf Capital of the World,” as there are more golf holes per capita here than anywhere else.
Southeast Florida | Average winter highs: 23- 27° C (73 – 81° F)
| Distance from Toronto to Miami: 2,400 km | Flight time: 3 hours, 50 minutes |
| Distance from Montreal to Miami: 2,650 km | Flight time: 3 hours, 20 minutes |
| Distance from Halifax to Miami: 3,470 km | Flight time: 4 hours, 15 minutes |
Southeast Florida is among the warmest regions in the U.S. and typically warmer in the winter than its Gulf Coast counterparts. High-energy beaches in Miami and Fort Lauderdale are a draw for Canadians looking for white sand and sunshine, although there are also quieter options in the area for those looking for a slower pace. The area also has a great variety of world-class golf resorts, along with public courses for any budget or ability.
Alabama Gulf Coast| Average winter highs: 18- 22° C (64 – 72° F)
| Distance from Toronto to Gulf Shores: 1,980 km | Flight time: 5 hours (1 stop) |
| Distance from Montreal to Gulf Shores: 2,510 km | Flight time: 5 hours (1 stop) |
| Distance from Halifax: 3,350 km | Flight time: 10 hours, 20 minutes (2 stops) |
Alabama is gaining popularity among Canadians looking for a southern destination that’s more affordable and less crowded than its neighbour to the east. The Alabama Gulf Coast, in particular, offers mild winters and blue skies — Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are consistently ranked as the best Alabama destinations for Canadians. If flying, the best bet is to fly into Pensacola, Florida — it’s one hour from the beach, and there are regular inbound/outbound flights.
If travelling from Central/Western Canada
For Canadians travelling from the Prairies or the Northwest Territories, there are wonderful warm-weather options across the border, most notably in Texas and Arizona.
Texas | Average winter highs: 16- 21° C (60 – 70° F)
| Distance from Calgary to Galveston: 3,470 km | Flight time: 4 hours, 10 minutes |
| Distance from Regina to Galveston: 2,850 km | Flight time: 8 hours, 15 minutes (1 stop) |
| Distance from Winnipeg to Galveston: 2,555 km | Flight time: 5 hours, 25 minutes (1 stop) |
Texas is an increasingly popular destination for sun-seeking Canadians (who are affectionally referred to as “Winter Texans” by the locals). The Gulf of Mexico is the main draw for those looking to escape the cold — after all, it boasts 400 miles of coastline and waters that are idyllic for swimming (during a warm spell) and boating.
Golf lovers can choose from a variety of courses, while fishing enthusiasts will find themselves right at home. With 36 rivers, 6,736 lakes and 377 miles of coastline, Texas offers an abundance of fishing opportunities that are deeply rooted in the state’s culture.
To get there, fly into Houston. Galveston and other beach towns are an hour away by car.
Arizona | Average winter highs: 20- 25° C (68 – 77° F)
| Distance from Calgary to Phoenix: 2,445 km | Flight time: 3 hours, 15 minutes |
| Distance from Regina to Phoenix: 2,545 km | Flight time: 7 hours (1 stop) |
| Distance from Winnipeg to Phoenix: 3,000 km | Flight time: 3 hours, 40 minutes |
Arizona continues to grow in popularity among vacationers — 22% of Canadians choose this desert state as their winter destination, many of them from the Prairie provinces. Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson and Sedona are a few of the favourites among winter travellers, thanks in large part to their proximity to international airports, as well as the many attractions and activities they offer. Not to mention the reliable sunshine!
The subtropical desert climate of Arizona makes for hot and dry days, even in the winter months. This weather makes outdoor activities highly accessible and is a big reason this state is such a hit with Albertans, Manitobans and Saskatchewanians.
If travelling from the West Coast
Sure, British Columbia doesn’t typically experience the deep freeze that the rest of the country often does, but winters can bring about plenty of rain in the south and snow in the north. If you’re not a skier, the winters can feel especially long. Yukoners, meanwhile, experience long dark days and frigid temperatures. If you need an escape, these West Coast options may just be what you need.
Southern Nevada | Average winter highs: 15 – 22° C (59 – 72° F)
| Distance from Vancouver to Las Vegas: 2,010 km | Flight time: 2 hours, 45 minutes |
| Distance from Whitehorse to Las Vegas: 4,295 km | Flight time: 8 hours, 30 minutes (1 stop) |
Southern Nevada is a great destination for West Coast Canadians — average temperatures range from 28 ° C to the low 10s (it’s best to check the forecast before you book, as the region is known to have both cold and hot spells). Whether you want to check out charming and historic Boulder City (no casinos here), the riverside town of Laughlin or the incomparable Las Vegas, there is so much to see and do in this state. Sunshine is all but guaranteed, and there are lots of options for golfing, tennis, hiking, pickleball, cycling and more in the great outdoors.
Southern California | Average winter highs: 19 – 27° C (66 – 81° F)
| Distance from Vancouver to Los Angeles: 2,050 km | Flight time: 3 hours |
| Distance from Whitehorse to Los Angeles: 4,335 km | Flight time: 7 hours, 10 minutes (1 stop) |
The State of California offers a range of climates and cultures. If you’re seeking warmth and sunshine, it’s best to head south to places such as San Diego, Palm Springs and the Los Angeles area. With weather in the low 20s, it may not be lay-out-on-the-beach weather, but it’s perfect for other activities such as volleyball, beach tennis and walking. It is also whale watching season in Southern California, as grey whales make their way from Alaska to Mexico. Large pods of dolphins may often be seen from the shores.
California Desert | Average winter highs: 21 – 27° C (70 – 81° F)
| Distance from Vancouver to Palm Springs: 2,225 km | Flight time: 3 hours |
| Distance from Whitehorse to Palm Springs: 4,660 km | Flight time: 8 hours, 30 minutes (1 stop) |
Cities such as Palm Springs, Indian Wells and Palm Desert offer a thriving golf scene, natural hot springs, resort escapes and plenty of adventures in the desert region of California. Hiking, cycling, tennis and rock climbing are all popular here and offered in abundance for anyone looking for outdoorsy activities. The spa and wellness scene is also bountiful, with natural hot springs and a range of resorts that cater to those looking to unwind, and the culinary scene features an abundance of farm-to-fork dining.
Hawaii | Average winter highs: 21 – 28° C (70 – 82° F)
| Distance from Vancouver to Honolulu: 4,357 km | Flight time: 6 hours, 30 minutes |
| Distance from Whitehorse to Honolulu: 4,725 km | Flight time: 12 hours, 50 minutes (1 stop) |
West Coasters rejoice! Hawaii has the warmest temperatures of any U.S. state, making the Aloha State an ideal winter getaway. Each of the four main islands (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai) has its own highlights, activities and areas to explore, so this destination takes a bit more research before jetting down south. But a few things are consistent — exceptional weather, beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes and a relaxed pace of life. Sound perfect? That’s a yes.
Whatever your starting point, there are many U.S. destinations offering ways to escape the winter – whether you’re seeking heat and sunshine or just a little relief from the snow and ice back home.
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