Retirees often look for places with milder winters and no hot summers. We’ve found 15 states that strike that perfect balance, with temperatures staying pleasant year-round.
California
California has the most prominent cities with pleasant weather all year. Eureka is in the top spot, with an average low of 41 degrees in January, rarely going below freezing. Summers are cool, hitting an average high of only 63 degrees in July. Other cities like Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Santa Maria also offer great weather for retirees.
Hawaii
If you’re dreaming of a beach retirement, Hawaii is your place! The islands boast gorgeous year-round weather, stunning landscapes, a relaxed lifestyle, and the longest life expectancy of all U.S. states at 80.7 years! With a 65+ population nearly 3% higher than the national average, Hawaii offers a great community for retirees. The best cities are Hilo, the state capital of Honolulu, Kahului, and Lihue.
Florida
Florida’s weather is warm and sunny all year, making it a top choice for retirees, avoiding harsh winters. You can enjoy outdoor activities like tennis, golf, and swimming. Key West stands out as one of the sunniest places in the U.S., with an average January low of 63 degrees. While summers are hotter, excessively high temperatures are rare. Retirees also favor Vero Beach, a beachside town with humid summers and mild winters, boasting an average January low of 53 degrees.
Texas
Retiring in Texas comes with mild weather, a welcome change from snow and ice hassles. Texas is also budget-friendly compared to other retiree-favored places. Galveston stands out as a top pick, offering a more relaxed escape with an average July high of 91 degrees. Winters are pleasant, averaging a low of 49 degrees in January. However, like many seaside spots, Galveston faces hurricane risks, especially in summer and fall.
Oregon
Oregon has diverse climates, but places like Astoria have moderate weather, mild winters, and warm summers. Astoria has an average January low of 38 degrees and a July high of 67. Oregon is also great, with moderate weather year-round for track and field athletes and recreational exercisers. Portland’s pleasant temperatures allow for enjoying parks year-round, and it’s ideal for growing roses, showcased at the International Rose Test Garden.
South Carolina
Retiring in South Carolina means enjoying warm weather throughout the year, making it a popular choice over the slightly more excellent North Carolina. Winters are mild, and the ideal climate in spring and fall is perfect for outdoor activities. Charleston, the state’s oldest city, features classical architecture, unique charm, and moderate temperatures for much of the year. It’s an excellent option for retirees seeking a pleasant climate and historic allure.
North Carolina
North Carolina offers beaches, the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, and consistent moderate weather throughout the year. Cape Hatteras, a string of barrier islands off the east coast, benefits from the Pamlico Sound to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, resulting in cooler summers and milder winters than inland areas.
Georgia
Georgia is an ideal pick for older adults seeking a warm home. The state has four seasons without extreme temperatures. Summer sees lows around 80 and an average high of 95. Atlanta, the state’s capital, experiences hot summers and mild winters. July’s average high is 90, sometimes with humidity. Winters bring occasional freezing weather and snowstorms, but they are usually short-lived. January averages a low just above freezing at 36 degrees.
Washington
Washington State provides a beautiful retirement destination with varied landscapes and outdoor activities. Olympia, the state capital in the southern Puget Sound region, is a top pick, just an hour from Seattle. Winters in Olympia are often cloudy with fog and rain, but the average January low hovers just above freezing at 33 degrees. Summers bring dry and cool weather, averaging a high of 78 degrees in July.
New Mexico
The moderate temperatures and low humidity in New Mexico create perfect conditions for year-round outdoor activities. While much of the state, especially the southern parts, can be hot in summer, there are cooler options. Silver City stands out with a mild climate, prioritizing warm winters and the coolest possible summers. Clovis could be an alternative for those desiring warmer winters and don’t mind hotter summers, with daytime winter temperatures at 56 degrees and summer temperatures at 92 degrees.
Arkansas
Arkansas, nicknamed the “Natural State,” is gaining popularity as a retirement spot. Its mild climate, stunning natural landscapes, and affordable living costs attract retirees. Fayetteville is an increasingly favored retirement destination due to its mild climate, low living expenses, and access to medical care, which make it an increasingly favored retirement destination.
Arizona
Arizona offers a delightful warm climate many retirees appreciate, with many sunny days. Even in December, the coldest month, temperatures range from 45 to 66 degrees. Oro Valley stands out as one of the top choices, though temperatures can reach 107 degrees in the hottest months. Fortunately, this Arizona region receives substantial rainfall for about nine and a half months annually, including a consistent 31-day rainfall of at least 0.5 inches.
Louisiana
Louisiana has a pleasant climate year-round, featuring warm temperatures and mild winters. It is an excellent choice for retirees looking to avoid harsh winter weather. Lake Charles, a top city, maintains winter averages above 60 degrees and reaches the mid-90s in summer. While it sees about 60 inches of precipitation annually, the sky is primarily apparent when it’s not raining. It provides a sunnier atmosphere compared to many other places, with 72 percent clear skies.
Tennessee
Tennessee boasts a favorable climate with hot and humid summers but mild winters, offering residents the beauty of all four seasons. Memphis enjoys pleasant temperatures in spring and fall without extreme heat or cold throughout the year. Summer highs reach the low 90s, while winter days usually warm up to the 50s. The annual rainfall averages 55 inches, and sunshine graces the region 64 percent of the time.
Mississippi
Mississippi has a mild climate all year, perfect for outdoor activities. Jackson has the best weather, featuring longer summers and shorter winters. Summer temperatures in Jackson average from a high of 91 degrees to a low of 64 degrees, while winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from a high of 61 degrees to a low of 38 degrees.
