Ahead of a winter, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its 2025’s Best Winter Holiday Destinations report, with Washington DC and surrounding suburbs in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia ranked the third best winter travel destination in the country.

Focusing on cost and convenience rather than scenic beauty, WalletHub compared nearly 70 of the largest U.S. metro areas grouped by warm and cold weather. Each destination was analyzed based on 37 key metrics, primarily the expense and hassle of traveling to each location but also on other indicators, such as weather forecasts, safety and variety of activities.

Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV Metro Area as a cold-weather destination:

Overall Rank: 3rd among the listed destinations.

Travel & Local Costs

• Travel Costs & Hassles Rank: 3rd — relatively easy and affordable to reach compared to most other destinations.
• Local Costs Rank: 27th — on the pricier side once you arrive, reflecting higher costs for lodging, dining, and activities.

Attractions & Activities

• Attractions Rank: 4th — very strong in cultural, historical, and entertainment offerings (museums, landmarks, dining, and events).
• Cold-Weather Activities Rank: 11th — moderate appeal for winter-specific activities; not a ski or snow-focused destination, but offers seasonal events and outdoor attractions.

Weather & Safety

• Weather Rank: 5th — fairly mild and manageable winter conditions compared to northern destinations; cold enough for a winter atmosphere without harsh extremes.

• Safety Rank: 15th — middle-of-the-pack safety ranking, indicating reasonable safety but room for improvement versus smaller or less dense metros.

For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-winter-holiday-destinations/7930

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