There are stunning warm winter destinations all over the world you cannot miss! Plus, who wouldn’t love the chance to show off their warm vacation photos on Insta? Here are the bucket list-worthy destinations that will keep you warm all winter long!
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
If you are looking to escape the cold for a warm-weather winter escape, Puerto Vallarta Mexico is the perfect destination. Puerto Vallarta is located on the west coast of Mexico along the Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Banderas. It has the perfect combination of sandy beaches and lush jungle within a couple of miles of each other.
Depending on your budget, the best areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta are in the Marina Vallarta at the Marriott. Or in the neighboring town of Punta Mita at the Four Seasons. Marina Vallarta has beautiful, white-sand beaches, and great restaurant options. Punta Mita is very upscale with many luxury resorts.
Some of the top things to do in Puerto Vallarta are food tours, snorkeling, ziplining, and lounging by the pool. For the perfect winter escape, balance time between the city, jungle, and water activities.
For the best food in Puerto Vallarta, spend time downtown and the Marina. Downtown, the best dinner restaurants are Joe Jack’s Fish Shack and Cuates Y Cuetes. The best dinner restaurants in Marina Vallarta are La Terrazza Di Roma and Fajita Banana. At any of these restaurants, take advantage of the fantastic local seafood and tequila cocktails.
Overall, Puerto Vallarta is a great winter escape because of the year-round warm weather. And a blend of adventure and relaxation.
Recommended by: Lauren at Traveling Moore
Baja, Mexico
While many people enjoy a cold winter in North America; there are quite a few people who would prefer a warmer climate through the winter months. For snowbirds of any kind, camping in Baja, Mexico offers the perfect combination of travel and adventure.
If you are looking to combine an escape from winter with a plethora of outdoor activities; the Baja peninsula is the perfect place! Baja is warm through winter and offers visitors a chance to enjoy camping along beautiful sandy beaches. Snorkel with whale sharks and sea lions. Paddleboard or kayak the peaceful Sea of Cortez, and even catch a wave or two on the Pacific coast.
You don’t have to travel too far to catch relief from the winter in Baja. One of the more popular cities in the northern part of the peninsula are San Felipe, on the east coast. And Ensenada, on the west coast, with lots of great places to stop in between.
The beauty, and warmth, really begin in Baja California Sur, where migrating grey whales call home between December and March. Popular towns throughout the southern state include Mulege and Loreto, which sandwich the famous beaches of Bahia Concepcion. Further south you’ll reach La Paz, a busy but incredibly beautiful city on the southeastern edge of the peninsula.
Cabo San Lucas isn’t for everyone. But if you’re looking for a quick respite from the cold, this international city boasts tons of flights and cruises. Baja will have you sitting on a beach enjoying a cold drink and a hot meal; while catching the sunset over the Pacific.
Recommended by: Chris at Called To Wander
Cancun, Mexico
Thinking of your teeth chattering in the cold, it’s always some fun to get a break from the winter. One of the best cities in Mexico to go to would be Cancun. The warm sun, the blue seas, the serenity is definitely somewhere to be, even when it’s not cold outside. In Cancun, there are many places to stay in the Hotel Zone including Hotel Emporio. Although many of these places are all-inclusive hotels, there is the option to stay without free food and drink.
There are restaurants in the Hotel Zone including Captain’s Cove and Crab House with amazing seafood dishes. Being so close to the sea, seafood is quite popular at many restaurants. However, they do have other options as well. Popular things to do in Cancun are not that close, usually at least an hour’s drive away. You can do day trips to islands such as Isla Holbox and Cozumel.
here are also cenotes to see which are underground caves with water (although not all are covered). However, if you’re not up for the adventure, it’s absolutely amazing to just sit on the beach and enjoy the beautiful view of the beach and listen to the sound of the waves crashing.
Recommended by: Venaugh at Venaugh.com
Hawaii, USA
Hawaii is famed for having perfect weather all year round, the perfect place to visit in every season and the perfect place to escape the cold winter you might be having at home. Who wouldn’t want to break out the bikini mid-winter for some fun in the sun? Waikiki is known for its sun-drenched white sand beach, bikini-clad tourists sun-baking or swimming in the year-round perfect conditions.
There are also many exciting activities you can experience while everyone else is rugged up and freezing you could be swimming with the turtles, exploring Pearl Harbour for some history, experience a traditional luau dinner, visit Kauloa Range, go on a whale-watching cruise, and if you need a bit of exercise after all the fine the Diamond Head crater is a great outdoor activity and you’ll be rewarded with a glorious view of the Waikiki strip.
Waikiki is an amazing place to visit any time of year due to the glorious weather, consider hiring a car to explore Oahu a little further. The island is small and can be explored in one day. North Shore will give you a more relaxed, laid-back experience compared to Waikiki. A stop at the Dole Plantation to taste test the island’s finest pineapple if also recommended.
Recommended by: Sally at Our 3 Kids V The World
La Jolla, California
If you want to escape harsh winter weather, visit the beachside city of La Jolla, California. Known for its beautiful ocean vistas, upscale shopping village, and perfect weather year-round, La Jolla offers something for everyone. Whether you want water sports, outdoor activities like hiking or golfing, or just prefer to enjoy the fresh ocean air and views, La Jolla is all about being outside.
Stroll the pathways starting at the Cave shop. From the viewpoint in front, you’ll see the naturally formed rock cave and tunnels. A dirt path hugs the cliffs going north, and the paved path to the south will take you past the La Jolla Cove, the Children’s Pool, and most likely, sea lions and seals.
Although the temperatures are about 10-15 degrees cooler in winter, rain is rare, and you can still partake in water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, boating, and surfing.
Staying at one of the boutique hotels in La Jolla village like the Grande Colonial or La Valencia is the way to go. You will be able to walk to the beaches, shops, and local eateries. They both also have terrific restaurants. Or for a splurge and a view, try Georges at the Cove. And for a little more casual, there’s Cody’s and the Cottage. Wherever you wind up eating, you should ask for outdoors if possible!
Recommended by: Denise at Chef Denise
Los Angeles, California
Blessed with a year-round pleasant climate, California’s most populated city makes a great choice for a winter escape. Even in the coldest months, it’s warm enough for a shirt and shorts!
The sprawling city offers plenty of options to fill a Los Angeles itinerary. Fans of Hollywood will get a kick out of the glitz and glamour of movie locations, and a visit to Universal Studios is an absolute must for the blending of the movie theme with a traditional theme park that delivers great fun. Plus it’s still warm enough to enjoy the water rides without spending the rest of the day cold and uncomfortable!
For the outdoor fans, take a guided hike through Griffith Park to hear about its fascinating history, and take a photo with the Hollywood sign on the way before finishing at the Griffith Observatory to watch the sun sink over the LA horizon.
To escape the main bustle head to Santa Monica for the beach and famous pier, itself a star of numerous movies and television shows. While it’s probably not quite warm enough to swim, the pier is one end of the famous Route 66 and is filled with an old-world charm. Be sure to enjoy some shrimp at the Bubba Gump restaurant at the start of the pier. Santa Monica also offers some great accommodation options, with both 4-star hotels such as the Marriot, and hostels within a short distance of the beach, while still being less than an hour from the Hollywood center.
Recommended by: Holly at Globeblogging
Costa Rica
What could sound better during the middle of the dull, gray, cold winter than escaping to a lush, tropical rainforest? Costa Rica – and specifically the city of La Fortuna – is a great place to enjoy the winter months! First off, winter (mid-November to April) is Costa Rica’s dry season, so you’ll have days on end of sunny weather and low precipitation, perfect for days full of adventuring. And second, Costa Rica is full of fun and exciting activities to do!
And what amazing things you’ll do! You can zipline through the rainforest canopy and then white water raft through a rainforest river. You can visit gorgeous waterfalls – like the La Fortuna waterfall, or the stunningly milky blue Rio Celeste waterfall. Spend the afternoon walking the hanging bridges at Mistico, or admiring the striking Arenal volcano. La Fortuna also has an abundance of hot springs to soak and recover in (stay at Los Lagos Hot Springs resort for the most beautiful, relaxing hot springs). And of course, keep your eyes peeled for monkeys and sloths – they are everywhere!
After you’ve worked up an appetite, head into town for a refreshing fruit smoothie at Hnas y Verduras Hnos Lazo. The smoothies are crazy cheap and crazy delicious! Then stop for dinner at La Parada. The food is fantastic (get the patacones and the casado) and the location – just across the street from the city park – is perfect for people watching.
Between the relaxation and the adventure, Costa Rica is a perfect mid-winter destination!
Recommended by: Stephanie at The Unknown Enthusiast
Cuba
Cuba is an incredible place to visit during the winter season. You can enjoy both a little sunshine and some glorious cultural experiences. Cuban winters are pleasantly warm, and even quite hot in some areas of the country. You’ll see daytime temps of around 79 °F from December to February in the capital, Havana. And 82 °F in the south. You’ll get a sub-tropical climate with occasional cooling trade winds.
Cuba’s a perfect destination for the winter sun – especially if you make your trip a two-center visit. Head to Havana for some iconic Cuban experiences – a tour in a classic car, stay in a casa particular and take a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s haunts. Explore the history of the Cuban Revolution at the Museum of the Revolution. And then visit the famous cocktail bars of the El Floridita bar and La Bodeguita del Medio. Renowned as a great place to eat. Make your stay special by taking a room at the iconic Hotel Nacional in Havana; before heading to the beaches of Varadero to chill out and relax.
There are 13 miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters here. This means you’ll always have space to relax and with the all-inclusive hotels here you won’t want fabulous places to stay. The Melia Hotels here also include a round of golf at your room rate! Finally don’t forget to visit a Cuban cigar and Cuban rum shop to ensure you get the full-on Cuban cultural experience!
Recommended by: Sarah at Cuba’s Best
Jamaica
Known as Bob Marley’s birthplace and the island of reggae, Jamaica is one bucket list destination that you may want to add to your list this winter. Montego Bay is the ideal resort for when you want to escape the cold winter weather and connect yourself with some succulent sun rays.
Even if you are on a tight budget there are places such as Mobay Kotch which operate out of a Georgian-style building that dates back to the 1760s where you can enjoy a more laid-back local experience. Whether you visit in height of November or in the middle of January, you’ll be able to spend your days relaxing on the lush white sands and swimming in the turquoise blue waters. Doctors cove beach is perfect for daytime beach activities and just a few footsteps from Margaritaville where you can get yourself a bite to eat.
If you’re looking for ideas on what to do in Montego Bay on the weekend, one popular venue to visit is Pier 1 which is open to both locals and tourists and touted as one of the liveliest parties in the area. If you want to hear loud reggae music and experience the real Jamaican spirit it is a must. All in all, a visit to Montego Bay in Jamaica offers a unique winter experience with something to do for all the family.
Recommended by: Daniel at Layer Culture
Cartagena, Colombia
If you’re looking for a great bucket list destination in the winter, why not come to Cartagena, Colombia? With year-round beach weather, it’s a great place to escape the winter weather.
You will of course want to enjoy the beautiful beaches near Cartagena, including the gorgeous Rosario Islands. But in addition to the sun and sand, you can enjoy the charm of the historic, colonial, walled city and neighboring district of Getsemaní, by far the best areas to stay. Here you can stay at lovely colonial-era hotels like the Sofitel Santa Clara, Casona del Colegio, or Hotel Capellán.
In addition to just strolling the lovely colonial streets, you can visit the Castillo San Felipe, the largest colonial-era fort on the South American mainland. Enjoying a night out on the town dancing to salsa and Cartagena’s own Champeta music is also a must. You’ll also want to enjoy sunset drinks at Hotel Movich, Café del Mar, atop the colonial era wall, or on a sunset cruise on the bay.
Be sure to try some terrific Colombian coffee and tasty brunch at Café Epoca and sample some of the terrific seafood at La Mulata, El Cevichería, or Buena Vida Marisquería. For a special treat, try Club de Pesca, located atop a colonial-era fort overlooking the bay.
All of that makes Cartagena, Colombia a great bucket list destination for escaping the cold elsewhere!
Recommended by: Adam at Cartagena Explorer
El Nido, Philippines
El Nido is located Southwest of the Philippines on the island of Palawan. It is famous for pillar rock formations matched with clear blue water. From island hopping to snorkeling, it’s a great getaway for the winter. If you are a licensed diver or looking to get one, El Nido has been on the top list of places for avid divers from all over the world.
This destination is also popular for its white-sand beaches and secluded shores. A perfect place to simply lie down, read a book while drinking a fresh coconut. You will have to fly to Coron Island and take a ferry from there to El Nido. The main town has plenty of options for accommodations, from affordable to five-star resorts. I stayed at Sea Cocoon Hotel which is a mid-range option but located right at the heart of the town with lots of restaurants and shops around.
It is also just a 3-minute walk to the beach. There are many places to eat with various cuisines but I highly recommend Happy Home Restaurant, run by a local family. For some good yet affordable drinks, visit Happiness Beach Bar which has a full-front beach view, a great spot to catch the sunset.
Recommended by: Elizabeth at Three Week Traveller
Madeira Island, Portugal
Madeira Island is a great destination for those hoping to escape the winter weather and snow, while still being able to enjoy the holiday season spirit – Christmas markets and live concerts, as well as beautiful lights and creative decorations. The highlight of the holiday season on Madeira is the impressive New Year’s Eve fireworks show that… used to hold a Guinness record. It may be one of the best fireworks shows you will see in your life.
But the Christmas season is not the only time Madeira is worth visiting. Reason two is Madeira’s mild climate, which makes it possible to explore Madeira’s must-see attractions and stunning mountain viewpoints all year round. Although during the winter it may be too cold to swim in the ocean, you should still be able to hike and explore Madeira’s vast network of trails for all levels.
When visiting Madeira in the winter, we recommend staying on the southern coast, in Funchal, Ponta do Sol, or Calheta, as these are the areas with the most pleasant weather in the winter months. If you love modern hotels with great design, you might like the Saccharum Hotel in Calheta or De Vine in Funchal. Great places to have dinner are Leme in Calheta and Design Centre Nini Andrade in Funchal.
Recommended by: Edyta at Say Yes To Madeira
Marbella, Spain
If you want to escape the winter weather, Marbella is an excellent choice – its warm temperatures all year round, range of activities, and food will not disappoint you. Marbella is well-known for beaches, night clubs and luxury venues, however, there is more to Marbella than these activities.
Visiting the Old Town is a must activity for anyone who loves wandering quaint streets with whitewashed buildings. Although the old town is small, it is full of beautiful features. One of the most popular streets is Carmen which has a decorated wall with blue pots and bright flowers.
Plaza de Los Naranjos is the main square that connects many streets in the old town. It is the perfect place to have a traditional meal or tapas while enjoying a sunny afternoon.
Not very far from the old town, Alameda Park is another must-see attraction in Marbella. When you enter the park, its abundant, and tall trees will make you feel like you are in a small forest. The park has beautiful benches made of mosaic and ceramics and a fountain located in the middle of the park.
Other great activities to do in Marbella in winter are going on hiking trails, playing golf, and visiting Costa del Sol most beautiful whitewashed villages as the weather is nice but not as warm as it is during the summer months. For a unique stay in Marbella, stay at The Pearl – a luxury bed and breakfast located in a relaxing and friendly area.
Recommended by: Cristina at My Little World of Travelling
Lanzarote, Spain
Lanzarote, a gorgeous volcanic island located in the Canary Islands, near Spain is the perfect Winter escape. That’s because the weather is still warm, the prices are cheaper and the island’s many beaches will be so much quieter. With an average temperature of 21 Celsius during the day and 14 Celsius at night – Lanzarote is the ideal getaway to escape the cold winter months.
Puerto del Carmen is the perfect area to stay in during the winter months – it is the main tourist area on the island, so you will still find lots to do in the off-season. The 6km stretch of golden sand beach that runs the length of the main town is a great place to sunbathe (yes, even in the depths of winter). Plus, it’s a blue flag beach so it is safe to swim here.
The main street here – Avenida de Las Playas has lots of restaurants (over 100!). Some of my favorite places to eat here include Restaurante Terraza Playa and Cafe La Ola.
Another great place to visit whilst in Lanzarote is Teguise town which is beautiful and historic and holds a popular market every Friday. The unique town of Caleta de Famara is a popular kite-surfing spot and has a lovely relaxed vibe! There are a few seafood restaurants in Famara as locals call it that have fantastic sea views. Thankfully, the bus system in Lanzarote is excellent with fares averaging €2 per journey.
Recommended by: Aimee at Snap Happy Travel
The Island of Gozo, Malta
If you’re looking for a European destination where you can escape the cold and dismal winter weather; then look no further than Malta – and in particular, the beautiful island of Gozo.
Malta attracts around 2 million visitors a year, which makes it a very popular destination despite its size. However, the vast majority of these tourists visit in the winter months; making the island of Gozo a perfect place for a winter retreat.
With the average temperature in Gozo rarely dipping below 20°C in the winter, you begin to understand how the island can become a winter paradise to escape the chills of the rest of Europe.
One of the best things to do in Gozo (Malta) is visiting the fascinating Cittadella in the heart of the island’s capital – Victoria.
The citadel has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and represents some of the incredible history and architecture that Gozo has to offer.
For a wonderful meal in Gozo, head to the Xerri Il Bukkett restaurant in Qala where you can sample some wonderful, Italian-inspired dishes, or perhaps the classic Gozitan Ftira – a warm flat-bread brimming with a variety of tasty fillings.
There are a number of guest-houses and AirBnbs to choose from when you’re planning where to stay on the island, but the island is only home to 10 official hotels. Undoubtedly the pick of the bunch is the Ulysses Hotel in Xlendi is connected to the Front Bar & Cafe, as well as having access to the world-class diving facilities provided by Ritual Dive.
The island of Gozo is sometimes guilty of being overlooked in favor of its larger neighbor on the main island of Malta, but it is nevertheless a brilliant destination to escape the cold and head to this winter.
Recommended by: Ben at Ticket 4 Two Please
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