Looking for a winter getaway that doesn’t involve snow boots and freezing temperatures? Whether you’re craving sunny beaches, desert oases, or lush tropical landscapes, the U.S. has plenty of warm National Parks to chase away those winter blues.
From the deserts of Joshua Tree and Death Valley to the tropical volcanoes of Hawaii, these parks offer the perfect escape to milder climates and jaw-dropping scenery.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite warmest National Parks in winter, top activities you should check out at every park, and why they’re worth visiting during the cooler months.
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Top 5 Warmest National Parks in Winter
Feely chilly and want to cut right to the chase? Chase away the winter blues with these top warmest National Parks to visit in winter:
- Everglades: Explore Florida’s tropical rivers of grass and wildlife at Everglades National Park. Located a sort distance from Miami, it’s the perfect winter break for wildlife lovers.
- Hawaii Volcanoes: Hawai’i’s epic volcanoes created this island paradise, and the year-round warm temps make this the perfect island escape in winter.
- Dry Tortugas: Head south to the Florida Keys in this remote and rarely visited island park.
- Biscayne: The waters off Miami’s Biscayne Bay are some of the most biodiverse in any National Park. Explore on boat, paddleboard, and snorkle in this park thats 95% underwater.
- Death Valley: The land of extremes, you’ll want to visit iconic Death Valley in winter to avoid the deadly summer heat.
Death Valley National Park
- Average January High/Low: 67°F / 40°F
If you want to explore Death Valley’s iconic desert salt flats, incredible hiking trails, and wide-open vistas, head there in winter! California’s desert wonderland boasts mild, sunny days in winter. Whatever you do, don’t head there in summer when temperatures regularly top 120°!
Winter is the ideal time to hike iconic trails like Golden Canyon, wander the surreal Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, or marvel at the otherworldly beauty of Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Head to Zabriskie Point or Dante’s View for unforgettable vistas bathed in dramatic colors at sunrise, or visit Artist’s Point for a colorful sunset.
Whether you’re visiting Death Valley in 1 day as a day trip from nearby Las Vegas, or spending multiple days exploring the park (which you really should!), it’s a must see stop on your National Parks bucket list.
Joshua Tree
- Average January High/Low: 63°F / 37°F
For a funky desert getaway this winter, check out Joshua Tree National Park, in Southern California.
With highs in the low 60s, winter is an ideal season for hiking iconic trails like Hidden Valley or the Ryan Mountain, where you can marvel at the park’s famous Joshua trees and massive boulder formations.
Winter also means fewer crowds, so you’ll have more space to explore landmarks like Skull Rock or the breathtaking views from Keys View without the spring break rush.
While daytime temps are comfortable, even warm in Joshua Tree, desert nights and early mornings can drop to near freezing. Pack warm clothing just in case!
Big Bend
- Average January High/Low: 59°F / 39°F
Big Bend National Park, tucked away in the heart of West Texas, is a winter haven for those who crave adventure in the wide open wild west.
With daily highs near 60°F in much of the park, it’s the perfect time to explore its diverse landscapes, from the rugged Chisos Mountains to the winding Rio Grande. Don’t miss hiking the Lost Mine Trail for stunning vistas or exploring the Santa Elena Canyon, where sheer limestone walls tower above the river.
While temperatures in winter can vary wildly here, with snow in the Chisos Mountains, and hot temps in the desert floor, it’s still one of the most popular seasons for visiting Big Bend. Make sure to book your hotels and campgrounds in Big Bend early, spots fill up quickly here!
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
- Average January High/Low: 70s°F / 60s°F (Cooler temps by 10–15 degrees at higher elevations)
If you’re dreaming of a warm, tropical winter escape with a touch of adventure, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island delivers.
This park is home to some of the world’s most dynamic landscapes, shaped by the ever-changing activity of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Daytime highs in the 70s make winter the perfect season to explore lush rainforests, hardened lava fields, and dramatic craters.
For an unforgettable experience, hike the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which takes you across a solidified lava lake from a 1959 eruption.
Don’t miss the chance to drive the Chain of Craters Road, where sweeping ocean views meet lava-strewn landscapes.
For a bit of chill—literally—head up to the Kīlauea Visitor Center or Jaggar Museum Overlook in the evenings to feel the brisk air at higher elevations and possibly catch the glow of lava if conditions permit.
Haleakala National Park
- Average High/Low: 61°F / 44°F
Known as the “House of the Sun,” Haleakala National Park is famous for its stunning sunrises at the Haleakalā Summit, where winter temperatures are crisp, but the views are absolutely worth it.
The clear, cool air at this elevation makes for spectacular stargazing, so plan a visit after sunset to experience some of the darkest skies on Earth.
Winter days in the lower Kipahulu District bring warmer temperatures, making it ideal for exploring ʻOheʻo Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, or hiking the lush Pīpīwai Trail to see the breathtaking Waimoku Falls.
Whether you’re hiking above the clouds or wandering through dense bamboo forests, Haleakalā offers a unique blend of volcanic beauty and tropical vibes. With Hawai’i’s temperatures hovering around the 70’s (at lower elevations) year-round, it’s the perfect spot for a tropical winter escape.
Everglades National Park
- Average January High/Low: 76°F / 56°F
Everglades National Park is a warm winter haven, offering a unique subtropical wilderness filled with one of the US’s most diverse ecosystems and tons of wildlife.
Winter is the perfect time to visit, as the dry season (November through March) means cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, and higher chances of spotting animals like alligators, manatees, and even the elusive Florida panther.
Take a guided boat tour (Coopertown airboats, the ones we used, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Parks are the only authorized air boat tours that actually go inside the Park) or rent a kayak to explore the park’s winding waterways and mangrove tunnels.
The Anhinga Trail, a short boardwalk hike, is a must for birdwatching enthusiasts. You’ll likely spot egrets, herons, and maybe even an anhinga drying its wings in the sun. The Shark Valley Observation Tower provides sweeping views of the “River of Grass,” showcasing the vast beauty of this one-of-a-kind landscape.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars! The Everglades is one of the best spots in the U.S. for birdwatching during the winter months.
US Virgin Islands National Park
- Average January High/Low: 83°F / 74°F
Trade your winter coat for a swimsuit and explore the tropical paradise of Virgin Islands National Park.
With warm waters, pristine beaches, and lush greenery, it’s the ultimate escape from cold weather. Winter is the dry season in the Virgin Islands, making it the ideal time to explore under the Caribbean sun.
Relax on the soft sands of Trunk Bay, famous for its underwater snorkeling trail that guides you past colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Hike the strenuous Reef Bay Trail to discover ancient petroglyphs and a historic sugar plantation ruin. For a dose of adventure, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the park’s crystal-clear coves and hidden bays.
Make sure to book accommodations, tours, and rentals well in advance, as winter is peak season in the Virgin Islands.
Dry Tortugas National Park
- Average January High/Low: 74°F / 65°F
Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park offers a tropical oasis of turquoise waters, coral reefs, and a historic Civil War-era fort.
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this remote park feels like a true getaway, and is one of the least visited National Parks in the US.
Winter’s mild temperatures are perfect for exploring Fort Jefferson, snorkeling in the warm waters, or simply relaxing on sandy beaches.
You’ll need to bring your own food and supplies since the park has no services. Ferry service to the Park books many months in advance, and unless you have the cash for a private plane, is the only way to the island. Check bookings for the ferry here!
Saguaro National Park
- Average January High/Low: 59°F / 41°F
Nothing says “desert” like the iconic saguaro cactus, found in Saguaro National Park, in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert.
Divided into two districts (east and west of Tucson), the park is famous for its iconic saguaro cacti, some of which tower over 40 feet tall.
Winter is a great time to hike the park’s trails, from the easy Valley View Overlook Trail, where you’ll enjoy sweeping desert vistas, to the more challenging Wasson Peak, which offers panoramic views of Tucson and beyond.
Drive the scenic Cactus Forest Loop or Bajada Loop Drive to explore the park’s striking desert landscapes from the comfort of your car.
Biscayne
- Average January High/Low: 68°F / 59°F
Escape the winter chill at Biscayne National Park, where coral reefs, clear waters, and mangrove forests awaits just a short drive from Miami, Florida.
This park is 95% water, so to really experience this park, you’ll want to get out on the water. Activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and boating are the best ways to experience its beauty.
Take a guided boat tour to explore Boca Chita Key, home to a picturesque lighthouse and stunning views of Biscayne Bay. Paddle through the mangrove forest, and snorkel among the coral reefs and shipwrecks of the Maritime Heritage Trail.
Channel Islands
Average High/Low: 62°F / 39°F
Known as the “Galápagos of North America,” Channel Islands National Park is a coastal gem just north of Los Angeles off the California coast.
Hike along the scenic trails of Santa Cruz Island, where you can marvel at dramatic sea cliffs and the rare island fox.
Take a kayak tour through sea caves or go whale watching during winter, when gray whales migrate along the California coast. The park’s rich marine life and rugged beauty make it a winter destination worth visiting.
Like all the island destinations on this list, getting there is the hardest part of visiting Channel Islands. Island Packers Cruises provides transportation to the islands, as well as kayak and snorkel tours.
Explore More National Parks
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