There are two types of people; those who hate winter and those who love winter.
As a travel nurse, you have the luxury of being either.
You can choose to be a working snowbird and flee to warmer cities to escape the snow, wind, and cold …
OR
… you can embrace the coldest season of the year and head north to find your ideal winter wonderland.
And since travel nursing is all about choice, we’re sharing the best places to travel nurse in the winter — both cold, and hot — and letting you decide which sounds best to you!
Table of Contents
- 6 Best Warm Weather Places To Travel Nurse in the Winter
- 6 Best Cold Weather Places To Travel Nurse in the Winter
- Trusted Nurse Staffing Can Help You Find Your Favorite Winter Travel Nursing Assignments
6 Best Warm Weather Places To Travel Nurse in the Winter
Okay, winter isn’t for you. We get it. Not everyone likes snow, ice, sleet… and, well, you get it. So, this section is for you!
We’ve narrowed down the top six warm-weather destinations where travel nurses can find amazing positions while escaping everything they dislike about winter.
The best places to travel nurse in the winter for warm weather lovers are:
- Phoenix, AZ
- Miami, FL
- Austin, TX
- Scottsdale, AZ
- San Diego, CA
- Honolulu, HI
For each of these locations, we’ll share some of the top reasons why these are the best places to travel if you want to avoid the coldest part of the year and what makes them especially desirable for travel nurses.
#1: Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix is a warm weather paradise for many snowbirds and destination travelers alike. Whether you’re an avid golfer or a hiking enthusiast, Phoenix has warm-weather activities for all types to enjoy.
Phoenix also offers the best of city life. From gallery strolls to food truck festivals and the Phoenix Zoo, there’s no shortage of fun to be had on your days off.
The city is also a travel nurse destination because there are more than 50 hospitals — including the famous Mayo Clinic — giving travel nurses plenty of job options to choose from.
And what’s even more attractive, Phoenix travel nurses can earn an average of $2,582 per week. That’s well above the national average!
#2: Miami, FL
Miami is the perfect mix of metropolitan life and beach vibes. With stretches of white sand beaches perfect for relaxing on your days off and a restaurant and nightlife scene that rivals NYC, you’ll never be bored in Miami.
Take a walking tour to enjoy the iconic architecture of South Beach or experience the cultural hotspot of Little Havana. Become a festival junkie or a foodie.
And don’t forget the shopping — from Bayside Marketplace to the Shops at Midtown and more — nothing beats Miami for some retail therapy.
As a travel nurse, you have the benefit of choice. Florida has a high demand for travel nurses, especially during the winter months when the state’s population increases by about 20%.
To top it off, travel nurses earn an average of $2,779 when they choose Miami.
#3: Austin, TX
Do you want to spend your winter kayaking on Lady Bird Lake? Maybe you find yourself more attracted to rage rooms and axe-throwing — no judgments here, nurses need a way to vent!
Whatever you’re interested in, Austin, TX, has it. With a city slogan of “Keep Austin Weird”, it’s no wonder there are so many strange and awesome things to do in this vibrant city.
Breweries, theaters, and cat lounges are a hit for city slickers, while stand-up paddleboarding, ziplining, and electric bike tours keep the adventurous spirits high.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to escape the cold without overheating, Austin has an average temperature of 66°F through the winter months.
With some of the best hospitals in Texas, it’s no surprise that Austin is one of the best places to travel nurse in the winter.
#4: Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ, is quickly becoming one of the posh spots to vacation, so if you like high-end resorts, boutiques, luxury shopping, and world-class golfing, this could be the place for you.
Thanks to sunny, blue skies and an average high that’s below 73°F from December through February, it’s a particularly attractive destination for retired snowbirds.
In fact, Scottsdale has the highest population of people over 65 among cities with 100,000 or more residents. For this reason, geriatric travel nurses are in high demand.
So if you love working with older patients, Scottsdale might be the best place to spend your winter as a travel nurse.
#5: San Diego, CA
The Golden State comes to mind for many travel nurses when considering sunny destinations. San Diego is especially appealing due to its comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and very little rain or humidity.
If it’s more than warmer weather you’re after, you’ll absolutely love everything San Diego has to offer. Pristine beaches, a vibrant art scene, and of course, the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
If outdoor living is your jam, you’ll love Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve with miles of trails, sandstone canyons, and a 4.5-mile beach.
You’ll be hungry after all that activity, making Little Italy the perfect post-hike spot to fill up on some Mediterranean food and drink.
Settle in for some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world, followed by a night sky speckled with millions of stars.
As home to some of the top hospitals in California for travel nurses, San Diego is a sure winner when looking for your winter working destination.
#6: Honolulu, HI
Hawaii is the stuff dreams are made of. For many, it’s the kind of place that lives in the imagination only because of how out-of-reach it seems.
But, not if you’re a travel nurse!
Not only is Honolulu the quintessential warm weather destination for anyone looking to flee colder temps, it’s loaded with amazing things to do and see.
If you crave island life, surfing, diving, hiking, waterfalls, and sweeping views, Hawaii offers the opportunity of a lifetime.
Because it’s such a popular destination for travel nurses, salaries can be lower than some of the high-demand states, but you’ll earn more than enough to enjoy your time and cover your cost of living.
Soak up the local culture and learn why Hawaiians are so proud to call the islands home.
6 Best Cold Weather Places To Travel Nurse in the Winter
Snowboarding, tobogganing, hot chocolate, and more! Winter is your happy place and you want to get out and enjoy!
Many of our travel nurses choose wintery destinations that may otherwise seem more like a dream than a reality.
We’ve narrowed it down to these six best places to travel nurse in the winter for nurses who love winter:
- Denver, CO
- New York, NY
- Burlington, VT
- Chicago, IL
- Fairbanks, AK
- Leavenworth, WA
Learn why we think these are some of the best locations to travel nurse this winter.
#1: Denver, CO
World-class ski resorts, winter festivals, and cozy fireplaces might be what comes to mind when we first mention Denver as a top winter travel nurse destination.
There’s so much to do and explore both in and outdoors in Denver and surrounding areas.
Check out the Christmas gingerbread display at Broadmoor Resort, try your hand at snowshoeing, or spend a weekend in Boulder, voted Top 10 Winter Town by National Geographic.
For travel nurses, Denver is an excellent choice as many of Colorado’s top hospitals are located in the capital city.
#2: New York, NY
There’s nothing like Christmas in New York. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to watching the ball drop in Times Square, New York City is brimming with festive-filled events.
Outdoor skating in Rockefeller Center, strolling through Central Park on a snowy day, or taking a holiday lights tour at Dyker Heights all bring merriment and joy to just about anyone.
If the weather is too frightful, NYC is loaded with fireplace bars, indoor shopping, and some of the best restaurants in the world.
Broadway (or off-Broadway) shows, museums and art galleries, and New York’s famous public library all offer refuge from the coldest of days.
And with one of the top three hospitals in the entire U.S. New York is an especially attractive location for travel nurses!
#3: Burlington, VT
Hallmark movie, anyone? Burlington, VT, is a picturesque town that looks like it belongs in a snow globe.
With a population of a little over 42,000 people, Burlington is the perfect location for anyone looking to enjoy some peace and quiet during the winter months, while still having access to a plethora of adventures and activities.
Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, and Stowe are popular nearby ski mountains visited by thousands of people every year.
At Christmas, Church Street Market is lit-up with thousands of twinkling lights, festively decorated storefronts, and delicious eateries.
The University of Vermont Medical Center, located in Burlington, is ranked the number one hospital in Vermont, making it an attractive option for travel nurses everywhere.
#4: Chicago, IL
The windy city in the winter? Are we crazy?
Hear us out.
Chicago is not only home to some of the best hospitals in the country, but the pay for travel nurses is well above the national average.
Not to mention, Chicago is FUN! Ride the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier, shop til you drop at the German-inspired Christkindlmarket, or get loud at a Bears game with some of the NFL’s best fans.
If the weather is getting you down, there’s plenty to do indoors as well. Check out Chicago’s thriving theater scene, visit world-class museums, or have dinner in a climate-controlled igloo.
Chicago is cold, but for winter lovers, it’s kind of the place to be.
#5: Fairbanks, AK
Does the kid in you long to visit the North Pole? Are you fascinated by Aurora Borealis and all its magic? Have you ever wanted to try dog sledding?
Fairbanks, Alaska, might just be one of the best places to travel nurse in the winter — if you really LOVE winter.
For a truly unique experience, check out the World Ice Sculpting Championships, held every year in the city.
Or check out the Iditarod for a one-of-a-kind dogsled racing competition or the Festival of Native Arts, where you can learn about the unique lifestyle and history of the native peoples of Alaska.
You may choose to hibernate through the winter and save some of your hard-earned — albeit, very high — travel nursing salary. Travel nurses in Fairbanks earn about 55% higher than the national average!
#6: Leavenworth, WA
Want to work in Germany without ever leaving the country? Leavenworth, WA, is a Bavarian-inspired town that takes Christmas to the next level.
Sip hot cider as you stroll beneath the half-million twinkle lights that set the town aglow each holiday season. Peruse the Nutcracker Shop and Museum to find some gifts to bring back home. Or gobble up some sausages or pretzels and cheese at one of the many German-themed restaurants.
Leavenworth is truly an experience for travel nurses who crave a postcard-perfect winter wonderland.
Trusted Nurse Staffing Can Help You Find Your Favorite Winter Travel Nursing Assignments
When you choose Trusted Nurse Staffing, you’ll be paired with one of our Trusted Partners who will be with you every step of the way as you choose your perfect winter travel nursing assignment.
Whether it’s ski hills or beaches, festive lights, or scuba diving, we’ll help you find the perfect destination to work AND relax during the winter months.
For more information, or to browse our listings, visit our website. We look forward to partnering with you!