City Guide

The Best Cities to Spend the Winter in 2023

By Bri Hand | Sep 2, 2021
View out the window of a plane

While these dog days of summer are all about sunny skies, beautiful breezes, and sandy shores, there’s no ignoring that in just a few short months, winter will be on its way. But don’t fret! Whether you’re thinking about flying south or finding the perfect place to hit the slopes, the U.S. is home to plenty of cities that make the colder months just a bit more bearable—and a lot more fun!

If you’re thinking about spending the season somewhere new, here are the six best cities in the U.S. to spend the winter:

1. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

If you shudder at the thought of snow, Fort Lauderdale is the wintertime escape you’ve been dreaming of. With highs of around 77 degrees and lows at only 61 degrees during the winter months, this city lets you enjoy the Florida heat without needing to hide out all day in your AC—the perfect balance! 

From Fort Lauderdale Beach to Las Olas Beach, you’ll have no shortage of sandy shores to choose from while you’re in town, whether you want to work on your tan, go boating, or participate in some water sports. Keep the outdoor fun going at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, where you can kayak, hike, fish, or bird-watch.

Fort Lauderdale is also known for its amazing shopping scene. Be sure to stop by Las Olas Boulevard for ritzy shops, amazing restaurants, and art galleries, and go on a shopping spree at Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet mall in the country. 

In town for the holidays? You’ll love the Winterfest Boat Parade and the Christmas on Las Olas light shows! 

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2. Austin, Texas

If you are looking for a milder place to ride out the winter months, Austin may be the right choice for you. This city typically hovers around a high of 63 degrees and lows of 43 degrees from December to February, and can experience occasional snowfall.

Austin is known for its food, and that doesn’t change once the hotter weather fades away. You can grab a taco (or three!) on a heated patio if you want to dine outside, or head inside one of the city’s many distilleries, wineries, and breweries. There’s nothing like some red-hot queso or some classic Austin two-stepping to warm you up on a chilly day! 

Other winter activities in Austin include ice skating on the rooftop plaza at Whole Foods Market, and taking a trip to Barton Springs, where you won’t have to contend with a massive crowd like you would during the summer months. 

If you’re lucky enough to be in Austin during the holiday season, you can get all your shopping done at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, a market selling the work of nearly 200 artists. There’s even live music, if you want to belt out some carols! Not in the holiday spirit quite yet? Stop by the Austin Trail of Lights in Zilker for a holiday lighting experience you’ll never forget. 

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3. Denver, Colorado

Skiers and snowboarders, rejoice! Denver is one of the best cities to spend the winter if you’re looking for easy access to the slopes. You can easily take a day trip to Breckenridge, Vail, or Winter Park. Additionally, your proximity to the mountains means you can go on winter hikes, which offer stunning views of the Rockies.

With highs around 48 degrees and lows around 20 degrees in the winter, Denver will inevitably have some days where you’ll want to stick inside. Head over to the Clyfford Still Museum, Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for some education (and, more importantly, some heat).

Other great winter activities in Denver include going ice skating at Skyline Park and taking a soak in the Indian Hot Springs in nearby Idaho, CO.

If you’re in town for the holidays, be sure to check out the awe-inspiring lights displays at the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Zoo. You’ll also love shopping at Denver’s Christkindl Market and snapping pictures of Denver’s Mile High Tree

Looking for recommendations for which slopes to hit first? Check out our blog post, “The Top 8 Ski Resorts Close to Denver.”

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4. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is another mild place to spend the winter, with highs of around 55 degrees and lows around 36 degrees throughout December, January, and February. 

You can even participate in some winter sports in Atlanta, between tubing at Stone Mountain Park or ice skating at Avalon on Ice. If the city gets some snow during your stay, you may even get to go sledding in Piedmont Park!

Have a drink in style at The Roof at Ponce City Market, where you can keep warm in one of the bar’s igloos. Also, the Atlanta Beltline is a to-go spot all year long, and is a great place to catch some local art. 

If you’re in Atlanta during the holidays, be sure to stop by the Atlanta Botanical Garden for a dazzling lights display. Six Flags also hosts an incredible Holiday in the Park spectacular that’s a must-see for all ages. 

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5. Dallas, Texas

Another Texas city, Dallas is a great spot to spend the winter if you don’t want to freeze. The highs in the winter are around 58 degrees, while the lows hover around 39 degrees.

Dallas is a unique Texas city that offers an array of activities for everyone during the winter, whether you’re into history, art, sports, or entertainment. Visit the Sixth Floor Museum to learn about JFK and his legacy, admire some art at the Kimbell Art Museum, or stop by the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Dallas also has a fantastic shopping scene, between Galleria Dallas, the Shops at Park Lane, and the Sound at Cypress Waters

Top holiday events in Dallas include the Lights All Night Festival, the Dallas Holiday Parade, and the Dallas Zoo Lights Festival

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6. Miami, Florida

No list of beloved wintertime cities would be complete without the life of the party—Miami! With highs around 75 degrees and lows around 64 degrees, this city will keep you warm all winter long. 

There are plenty of both lively and quiet beaches to sun yourself on here, including South Beach, Surfside, and Sunny Isles Beach. You can also stay active with a variety of water sports and boating options in the area.

Other Miami activities include exploring the HistoryMiami Museum, visiting the Miami Seaquarium, shopping at the Lincoln Road Mall, and biking and exploring the Everglades National Park

The holiday season is a great time to stay in Miami, with attractions like the Miami City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” in the Park, The Holiday Market at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and The Wharf’s Riverside Holiday Village to enjoy! 

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Land somewhere great for the winter

Feeling inspired to spend the winter somewhere new? Landing offers fully furnished apartments with flexible lease terms, concierge services, seamless transfers, and all the amenities you need to make this the best winter of your life. 

Browse our available apartments here, or contact us to learn more about how Landing works.

Bri Hand

Bri Hand is Landing's Content Marketing Manager. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts, with her partner and dog, Arlo, but relishes any opportunity she can to travel so she can try new foods, see gorgeous sights, and daydream about living somewhere new after visiting there for less than 24 hours.