Tuscon ("Seduced by a searing desert sun") is far from the only place in the United States that can be warm, sunny and uplifting at this time of year. Here are some other ideas for enticing all-American winter-sun breaks – at least, based on normal weather conditions. Florida has been experiencing weather as abnormally cold as we have in Britain. Earlier this month, snow flurries were spotted around Orlando and record low near-freezing temperatures were recorded in Miami.

Prices for the packages below are, unless otherwise stated, per person for a week in February, based on two sharing the cheapest type of room, and include return economy flight.

Miami and Key West

The winter months are high season in subtropical southern Florida, when “snowbirds” descend in large numbers from the northern US and Canada to bask in temperatures that usually reach around 73-79F (23-26C) in the daytime and 60-65F (16-18C) at night. Miami’s big draw is South Beach, home to fabulous Art Deco hotels and intense nightlife. Sports fans might want to time their visit to see the NFL Superbowl, which takes place on February 7 at Dolphin Stadium. Add on a few days in Key West: a three-hour drive from Miami along US Highway 1, the southernmost settlement in the US has a beguilingly laid-back lifestyle.

• Booked through Bon Voyage (0800 316 0194; www.bon-voyage.co.uk) £1,185 with four nights on South Beach and three nights in Key West, room only in three-star hotels, and car hire.

Orlando

February half-term – February 13-21– is not a bad time to take the family to the world’s theme-park capital. In summer, the heat and humidity can be really sapping, and there’s the risk of thunderstorms. In February, it’s usually pleasantly warm in the daytime (average highs 73F/23C), with little rain. (However, it is likely to be nippy enough after dark for coats to be needed.) Aside from President’s Day weekend – February 13-15 this year – the parks should not be particularly crowded.

• Booked through Virgin Holidays (0844 557 3859; www.virginholidays.co.uk), a week departing on February 15 staying in a three-bedroom villa near Disney World costs £4,469 for a family of four, including car hire.

San Diego and Palm Springs

Southern California is mild in the winter, with average daytime temperatures of 62-66F (17-19C) on the coast. The likeable city of San Diego, with lovely beaches such as clean-cut Coronado (Some Like It Hot was filmed at the Hotel del Coronado), and a downtown Gaslamp Quarter packed with lively bars and restaurants, is just about as far south as you can go. Combine it with a stay in Palm Springs, a desert oasis east of Los Angeles, with sunshine-sure weather, myriad golf courses, modernist architecture and glamorous hotels.

• Booked through California Vacations (01582 469662; www.vacationsgroup.co.uk), £995, four nights in San Diego and three nights in Palm Springs, room only in mid-priced hotels, flights to/from Los Angeles and car hire.

New Orleans

The most lively time to visit the Big Easy is during Mardi Gras. The parades start around February 5, with the festivities culminating on Fat Tuesday, on February 16. Daytime temperatures normally climb to 64F (18C), though it’s usually cool at night (10C).

• Booked through Continental Airlines Vacations (0844 557 1010; www.covacations.co.uk), five nights from February 12 at the Omni Royal Orleans, a great hotel in the heart of the French Quarter, room only, with Continental flights via New York, costs £929. (There are no non-stop flights to New Orleans from Britain.)

Texas

For a ranch holiday in winter, Texas is the best state. The climate charts for San Antonio show average maximum temperatures of more than 64F (18C) in February and lots of sunshine. The Dixie Dude Ranch, a rustic working ranch 55 miles from San Antonio in the Bandera Hill Country, offers scenic trail rides, lessons and advanced rides.

• Booked through American Round-up (01798 865946; www.americanroundup.com), £1,284 including all meals, ranch activities and car hire.

Hawaii

Tropical Hawaii rivals Florida as the US’s winter-sun playground of choice, with resorts such as Waikiki enjoying daytime temperatures of around 77F (25C) and balmy nights in February. The islands are wetter in the winter, though. Telegraph Travel covered Hawaii in detail last week – see telegraph.co.uk/travel/6996230/Hawaiian-highs-what-to-do-on-Oahu-Big-Island-and-Maui.html.

• United Vacations (0844 499 2229; www.unitedvacations.co.uk) offers a range of options, from £820 staying room only at the three-star Ohana Waikiki Malia, with United Airlines flights via Los Angeles or San Francisco.