Hot in America: the winter sun cities you’ve never considered

Las Vegas buzzes like a pinball machine all year round, but winter brings sunny days, mild temperatures and fewer crowds, without taking away its sparky charm. Why not push past the city limits of this desert metropolis and go hiking in Red Rock Canyon or enjoy a soak in Gold Strike Canyon’s natural hot springs.

Back in the city, take a spin on the Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan, catch a show on the Strip or explore AREA15’s many immersive attractions, including the new Universal Horror Unleashed haunted house experience. After a Mai Tai or two in Frankie’s Tiki Room, Nevada’s most legendary tiki bar, enjoy a glimpse of Old Vegas history at the Neon Boneyard.

Sunshine, Art Deco style and cool culture on tap – nothing cures the winter blues like a weekend in Miami. With temperatures simmering around the mid-20s, the Magic City still offers an outdoor lifestyle in the cooler months, from yoga on the beach to alfresco film screenings and outdoor concerts at the New World Center.

Winter also welcomes some world-class events, such as Art Basel Miami and the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. A big draw is the Art Deco Weekend in January, now in its 49th year. You can enjoy guided tours of iconic South Beach houses, join a classic car meet-up or catch an indie film screening. It’s also a chance to check out BA’s new lounge concept at Miami International Airport.

With some 350 days of sunshine each year, Palm Springs is a true desert oasis. Palm tree-lined boulevards, marvellous Mid-century modern architecture and a slew of kitsch motels – piano-shaped pool, anyone? – it’s perfect for a sun-drenched winter getaway.

Ride the Palm Springs Ariel Tramway up to the hiking trails of Mount San Jacinto State Park, go shopping for Mid-century treats in the Uptown Design District or head to Palm Springs Art Museum for works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Anthony Gormley.

January is the best time to visit. Spot a Rolodex of celebrities at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, while February is all about Modernism Week, where you can have tours of historic homes, vintage trailer shows and design exhibitions – it’s a real highlight of winter.

There are few places in the world where you can ice skate by the ocean under a laser-blue sky. And San Diego is one of them. The SoCal city regularly sees temperatures in the early 20s, making it an ideal sunny escape from the British gloom. Whale watching is a big draw in the winter months, when you can spot migrating grey whales and dolphins from the beach right through until March.

It’s always sunny somewhere in San Diego, so hit the hiking trails in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or head to La Jolla Cove and go kayaking, standup paddleboarding or snorkelling in this protected marine reserve. After browsing the many museums in Balboa Park, stay for December Nights, San Diego’s biggest free winter festival with live music, global food stalls and light shows.

For sun-soaked surrealism this winter, look no further than Florida. Once famed for its heavenly quartz-white beaches and turquoise seas, St Petersburg’s booming art scene has put the laid-back oceanfront city firmly in the cool club.

With highs around 22°C, art fans flock to its sun-soaked streets to see the 600+ murals in Downtown or visit the Dalí Museum, which houses the largest Dalí collection outside of Spain. A perennial favourite is the Chihuly Collection, a quirky collection of whimsical sea creatures and scenes by glass artist, Dale Chihuly.

February is festival season in St Petersburg and kicks off with the Fine Art Festival and the Seafood & Music Festival, followed by Festivals of Speed, a showcase of vintage sports cars and boats in Vinoy Park.

For bluebird days and bluesy nights, check out Austin, aka The Live Music Capital of the World. With temperatures hovering around 18°C, the Texan capital is ideal for some winter warmth. Go hiking in Barton Creek Greenbelt, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Lady Bird Lake or browse the funky thrift stores and vintage boutiques on South Congress. And when the sun goes down, it’s time to hit the dive bars on Sixth Street and discover some of America’s coolest new music.

Austin’s annual winter treats include the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar Winter Arts Fest, which celebrates its 50th season in December, and FronteraFest, a five-week festival of alternative and experimental fringe theatre in January.