Winter shows up and Texas just points at the thermometer reading 72 degrees.
The state collects sunshine in December like it is a competitive sport.
Meanwhile, half the country is living in what basically qualifies as nighttime.
Certain Texas cities have cracked the code on year-round vitamin D.
These 21 destinations prove geography really is just showing off sometimes.
1. El Paso, Texas
El Paso leads the state with the most sunshine in December.
The city enjoys about 8 hours of sunshine per day during this month.
That is 77% of daylight hours filled with bright, clear skies.
The West Texas location provides consistently dry air and minimal cloud cover.
Desert conditions create optimal circumstances for maximum sun exposure throughout winter.
Franklin Mountains State Park offers hiking trails with panoramic views under endless blue skies.
Why It’s On This List: El Paso receives 193 sunny days per year, making it Texas’s sunniest city and a perfect December destination for warm, clear weather.
2. Midland, Texas
Midland offers 165 sunny days annually and ranks among West Texas’ brightest spots.
December brings clear skies about 65% of the time here.
The city’s high desert location means minimal cloud cover during the winter months.
Oil country meets sunshine country in this Permian Basin city.
Wide open skies and low humidity contribute to exceptional visibility year-round.
The downtown skyline stands out dramatically against crystalline December skies.
December Advantage: With 10.1 hours of daylight and consistently sunny conditions, Midland provides reliable sunshine for outdoor activities throughout the month.
3. Odessa, Texas
Odessa shares Midland’s reputation for abundant sunshine.
The city gets approximately 261 sunny days each year.
December sunshine reaches 65% of daylight hours in this West Texas community.
The flat terrain allows unobstructed sunlight from sunrise to sunset.
Dry conditions and stable weather patterns keep clouds at bay most days.
Local parks and recreation areas benefit from extended comfortable outdoor weather.
Why It’s On This List: Odessa’s clear desert skies and low humidity create ideal conditions for maximum sunshine exposure during the winter season.
4. Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock shines with 262 sunny days annually.
The city receives 13 sunny days during December alone.
Another 7 days are partly sunny, giving visitors 20 days with sunshine.
High Plains elevation contributes to crystal-clear atmospheric conditions.
The city sits at 3,256 feet above sea level, where air quality enhances sunlight.
Cotton fields surrounding the city reflect additional light across the landscape.
December Sunshine: At 65% sunshine during December, Lubbock offers consistent, clear weather perfect for exploring the South Plains region.
5. Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo delivers about 7 to 9 hours of sunshine daily in December.
The city enjoys 67% of possible sunshine during this month.
That translates to 13 sunny days plus 7 partly sunny days.
The Texas Panhandle position creates unique weather advantages in winter.
Cold fronts pass through quickly, leaving behind brilliant blue skies.
Palo Duro Canyon nearby offers stunning geological formations illuminated by winter sun.
Why It’s On This List: Amarillo’s Panhandle location provides some of the clearest winter skies in Texas, with sunshine 20 days out of the month.
6. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend offers stunning desert sunshine year-round.
December brings comfortable daytime temperatures around 66 degrees.
The park’s remote location means minimal light pollution and maximum sunny days.
Chihuahuan Desert conditions guarantee exceptional weather reliability.
Mountain peaks frame endless horizons under perpetually blue skies.
Santa Elena Canyon walls glow golden in the low-angle December sunlight.
Winter Appeal: December is peak season at Big Bend, combining mild temperatures with brilliant sunshine and fewer crowds than other times of year.
7. Del Rio, Texas
Del Rio records 227 sunny days each year.
December brings 11 sunny days and 6 partly sunny days.
The city sits along the Rio Grande with 48% December sunshine.
Border proximity creates a warm microclimate with extended growing seasons.
Amistad Reservoir reflects sunlight across the landscape for enhanced brightness.
Water recreation remains accessible throughout December under comfortable sunny skies.
Why It’s On This List: Del Rio’s location near the Mexican border provides warm December temperatures averaging 67 degrees with consistent sunshine.
8. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio offers 10 sunny days during December.
The city adds 6 more partly sunny days for a total of 16 days with sun.
Daytime highs reach a pleasant 66 degrees during this month.
The Hill Country setting creates natural amphitheaters that capture sunlight.
South-central location balances coastal moisture with inland dryness perfectly.
Historic missions and colonial architecture look spectacular under bright winter light.
December Bonus: San Antonio combines 48% sunshine with festive holiday celebrations and comfortable weather perfect for exploring the River Walk.
9. Laredo, Texas
Laredo sits in South Texas, where sunshine is plentiful.
December brings mildly cool weather with highs around 72 degrees.
The city’s southern location ensures more sunny days than northern Texas cities.
Rio Grande Valley weather patterns dominate this border community.
Subtropical influences keep winter mild and bright throughout the season.
Downtown plazas and parks remain vibrant gathering spaces under December sunshine.
Why It’s On This List: Laredo’s proximity to the border creates a warm microclimate with extended sunshine hours throughout December.
10. South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island offers beach sunshine in December.
Daily high temperatures reach 74 degrees at the month’s start.
The island provides year-round sunshine with warm Gulf breezes.
Barrier island geography maximizes exposure to southern sun angles.
Ocean proximity moderates temperatures while maintaining clear skies overhead.
Beach activities remain enjoyable with water temperatures hovering around 65 degrees.
Beach Weather Advantage: South Padre combines sunshine with beach access, making it ideal for travelers seeking warm coastal weather during winter months.
11. Brownsville, Texas
Brownsville sits at the southernmost tip of Texas near the Mexican border.
December brings average high temperatures of 75 degrees here.
The city enjoys 10.6 hours of daylight with consistently mild, sunny weather.
Tropical latitude positioning provides optimal sun angles year-round.
Gulf Coast influence creates stable atmospheric conditions with minimal storms.
Nature preserves and wildlife refuges thrive under abundant December sunshine.
South Texas Sunshine: Brownsville’s tropical climate and southern location provide some of the warmest and sunniest December weather in the entire state.
12. McAllen, Texas
McAllen offers December highs reaching 76 degrees.
The city provides 10.5 hours of daylight throughout the month.
Its Rio Grande Valley location creates a warm microclimate with abundant sunshine.
Agricultural richness stems from reliable sunshine supporting citrus groves.
Protected valley geography shields the area from harsh northern weather systems.
Botanical gardens and parks showcase tropical plants flourishing in the winter sun.
Why It’s On This List: McAllen combines warm temperatures with reliable sunshine, making it one of Texas’s most comfortable winter destinations.
13. Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi delivers 10.4 hours of daylight in December.
The coastal city sees average highs of 70 degrees during this month.
Gulf breezes create pleasant conditions for enjoying outdoor sunshine.
Coastal Bay position offers protection from rougher Gulf weather.
Seawall areas provide perfect vantage points for sunrise and sunset viewing.
Marina districts and waterfront restaurants benefit from extended outdoor dining weather.
Coastal Sunshine: Corpus Christi blends beach access with reliable winter sunshine, offering temperatures 15 degrees warmer than northern Texas cities.
14. Wichita Falls, Texas
Wichita Falls receives 12 sunny days during December.
The city adds 6 partly sunny days for a total of 18 days with sun.
That is 56% of daylight hours filled with clear or partly cloudy skies.
North Texas prairie conditions allow unfiltered sunlight across rolling terrain.
Red River proximity provides scenic backdrops under winter’s golden light.
Lucy Park and trail systems remain accessible for outdoor recreation throughout December.
December Sun: Wichita Falls provides 13.5 hours of clear or sunny conditions daily, ranking among North Texas’ brightest spots.
15. Waco, Texas
Waco enjoys 11 sunny days each December.
Another 6 days bring partly sunny conditions.
The city totals 17 days with sunshine during the month.
The Brazos River Valley setting creates natural corridors for sunlight exposure.
The Central Texas position balances various climate zones for optimal weather.
Cameron Park trails and overlooks offer stunning views under clear December skies.
Why It’s On This List: Central Texas location gives Waco balanced weather with more sunshine than East Texas and comfortable 60-degree temperatures.
16. Houston, Texas
Houston sees clear or sunny skies 52% of the time in December.
That equals 12.5 hours of sunshine daily.
The city provides 10.3 hours of daylight throughout the month.
The urban heat island effect extends comfortable temperatures during the winter months.
Coastal plain geography allows the southern sun to penetrate easily.
Museum district and park systems remain popular destinations under December sunshine.
Urban Sunshine: Houston offers big-city amenities combined with more than half the daylight hours in sunshine during December.
17. Alpine, Texas
Alpine sits high in the Davis Mountains at an elevation of 4,500 feet.
December brings 10.2 hours of daylight here.
The town’s mountain location provides crystal-clear desert skies.
Thin mountain air reduces atmospheric interference with sunlight.
Surrounding peaks create dramatic shadows that enhance the sunshine contrast.
The McDonald Observatory nearby takes advantage of exceptional sky clarity for stargazing.
Mountain Sunshine: Alpine’s high elevation and dry climate create exceptional visibility and abundant sunshine, perfect for December stargazing and outdoor activities.
18. Marfa, Texas
Marfa offers 10.3 hours of daylight during December.
The town experiences only 7% chance of rain or snow on average days.
Clear West Texas skies make it a haven for sunshine seekers.
High desert plateau eliminates most weather disturbances year-round.
Minimal development preserves dark skies and unobstructed sun exposure.
Art installations and galleries showcase contemporary works under brilliant natural light.
Why It’s On This List: Marfa’s remote desert location and famous art scene combine with reliable sunshine and minimal precipitation throughout December.
19. Port Aransas, Texas
Port Aransas provides 10.4 hours of daylight in December.
Sunny afternoons follow cool mornings in this coastal town.
The barrier island location ensures 5.8 hours of direct sunshine daily.
Atlantic migratory bird routes bring clear weather systems through regularly.
Beach orientation maximizes southern exposure for winter sun angles.
Fishing piers and jetties attract anglers enjoying comfortable December conditions.
Beach Town Advantage: Port Aransas offers December as its driest month with pleasant 69-degree highs and consistent afternoon sunshine along the Gulf Coast.
20. Uvalde, Texas
Uvalde delivers 5 to 8 hours of sunshine each day in December.
The sunniest days reach 8 full hours of bright skies.
This Hill Country town sits in a region known for clear winter weather.
Limestone hills reflect and amplify available sunlight across valleys.
Spring-fed rivers create microclimates that moderate temperature extremes.
Historic downtown square and county courthouse shine under December’s golden light.
Why It’s On This List: Uvalde’s position between San Antonio and Del Rio creates a sunny corridor with mild December temperatures and minimal cloud cover.
21. Galveston, Texas
Galveston Island offers 10.4 hours of daylight during December.
The historic coastal city provides beach access with winter sunshine.
Gulf waters moderate temperatures for comfortable outdoor exploration.
Island position catches southern exposure from multiple angles daily.
Seawall architecture frames endless ocean horizons under bright skies.
Victorian mansions and historic districts look particularly stunning in winter sunlight.
Island Sunshine: Galveston combines Victorian charm with coastal sunshine, offering a unique blend of history and beach weather during the winter season.