15 Destinations To Escape the Cold this Winter

1. Paros & Santorini, Greece

Average winter temperatures (from December through March): High of 58 degrees, low of 50 degrees

While not as popular as Santorini or Mykonos, Paros is one of my personal favorite warm winter vacations in Greece. The island has no shortage of beaches, whitewashed hillside towns, and hidden swimming caves to discover and explore.

This island is perfect for those that want to get a taste of Greek culture without having to deal with the tourists that typically flock to the other more well-known Greek islands.

2. The Bahamas

Average winter temperatures: High of 77 degrees, low of 62 degrees

The best islands of The Bahamas offer an abundance of sugary white sands, crystal clear waters, and unique biodiversity. This archipelago has over 700 cays and islets scattered across the Atlantic Ocean’s turquoise waters. While the major islands offer modern conveniences for visitors, you can still find pockets of seclusion for a true escape.

With so many quick direct flights from the US, the Bahamas is one of the region’s most accessible tropical destinations.

3. Saint Lucia

Average winter temperatures: High of 81 degrees, low of 63 degrees

Welcome to St. Lucia, where volcanos, rainforests, and black-sand beaches are the norm.

The winter woes simply don’t exist in Saint Lucia – where sunny skies, blue waters, volcanic beaches, and stiff rum cocktails are offered year-round. St. Lucia offers travelers seeking a relaxing beach vacation with active pursuits and charming island culture. For hikers, there’s the lush rainforest, Pidgeon Island National Park, and Tet Paul Nature Trail. La Soufrière, set against the majestic volcanic Pitons, is known for its Sulphur Springs and mud baths, beautiful Diamond Botanical Gardens, and the romantic, private black-sand beach of Anse Mamin. Get a taste of local cuisine at a bevy of restaurants serving up everything from green figs and salt fish to cassava bread. Alternatively, Saint Lucia is pretty darn romantic. Looking to turn up the heat? Reserve a room at Marigot Bay or Jade Mountain Resort.

4. Marrakech

Average winter temperatures: High of 84 degrees, low of 70 degrees

There’s something so captivating about Marrakech. This jewel in the African desert is one of the world’s most underrated destinations. Africa’s first official Capital of Culture is a whirlwind of excitement and energy, packed with delectable dishes and a very tangible sense of importance that cannot be manufactured. The moment you step inside the medina walls of Marrakech you’ll experience a sensory rush. The best things to do in Marrakech need to be seen, heard, smelt, touched, and tasted.

5. Seychelles

Average winter temperatures: High of 87 degrees, low of 76 degrees

Seychelles is the ultimate destination to recharge your batteries and soak up the sun with your feet in the sand. A little Eden of Islands located east of Africa and caressed by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. 

Giant tortoises, coconut crabs, and black parrots claim this idyllic archipelago as home. The dramatic rock formations along Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue Island compete with the nearly 3,000-foot-high Morne Seychellois peak on Mahé and dense tropical forests of Praslin Island.

Truly a destination for unparalleled relaxation, multiple 5-star resorts call Seychelles home – making the island on this list the ultimate destination for those that don’t mind spending a little more on their winter holiday vacation.

6. Fiji

Average winter temperatures (measured on Viti Levu): High of 86 degrees, low of 73 degrees

Consider one of the most exciting warm places to visit in December: Fiji’s borders have reopened to fully vaccinated Americans in November 2022, just in time for a tropical winter vacation.

One of Australians’ most-loved holiday destinations, the tropical archipelago of Fiji boasts white sand beaches fringed by coral reefs, rainforested mountains with cascading waterfalls, and incredibly warm, welcoming locals who’ll greet you with a resounding ‘Bula!’ (Hello!) and introduce you to the famous concept of Fiji Time – an ultra-relaxed approach to life that renders clocks largely meaningless (Type A personalities be warned).

7. Oahu, Hawaii

Average winter temperatures: High of 81 degrees, low of 67 degrees

Honolulu is a hugely underrated cultural hub, representing the perfect base for exploring everything Oahu offers. Anyone with a cursory interest in Hawaii owes themselves a trip here for heritage, hiking, and more. The hotels and resorts are also stunning, making for fun-filled days and restful nights.

For adventure seekers, I’ve recently published my guide on Haiku stairs, a hike not for the faint of heart. 360 views of the island of Honolulu and a rush of adrenaline so good that it’ll leave you high for days. Read more.

8. Jamaica

Average winter temperatures: 82-84 degrees

Jamaica is a popular destination for families, honeymooners, and college students. That’s because the third-largest Caribbean island really has something for everyone. A playground of adventure, it’s blessed with spectacular scenery – lush rainforests, banana groves, volcanic cliffs, gorgeous beaches, and the Blue Mountains. Famous for being the birthplace of reggae and Bob Marley, native rhythms echo in the balmy breeze. Couple that with a carefree attitude and bold, Caribbean flavors. You must try jerk chicken! To wash it down? Red Stripe beer.

9. Bora Bora

Average winter temperatures: High of 86 degrees, low of 75 degrees

The small island of Bora Bora (just about 6 miles long and a little more than 2 miles wide) overflows with beauty. A dormant volcano rises up at its center and fans out into a lush jungle before spilling into an aquamarine lagoon. 

The very definition of a tropical getaway, year-round warm temperatures make it an especially lovely place to escape the snow and sleet. Famous for its turquoise waters and verdant mountains, the island is pretty close to heaven on earth.

10. Phuket, Thailand

Average winter temperatures: High of 91 degrees, low of 73 degrees

Thailand’s largest island dazzles with hidden beaches, ancient sites, peaceful spiritual practices, friendly people, and tastebud-tingling cuisine, Thailand (or, “The Land of Smiles”) has long attracted visitors to its corner of Southeast Asia.

There are still parts of Phuket that are pretty touristy, but you can have the quiet winter retreat of your dreams if you know where to look. The relatively undiscovered southeastern coastline is a safe bet, where small islands and long-tail boats are like postcards come to life.

11. Madeira, Portugal

Average winter temperatures: High of 69 degrees, low of 56 degrees.

Until you’ve experienced Madeira (that hair-raising landing, the cliff-hugging drives, its potent poncha cocktail), it might be difficult to understand its appeal. What Madeira lacks in size (it’s only 35 miles long and 14 miles wide) it makes up for in the sheer variety of things to see and do – from its Hawaii-Esque waterfalls and thick forests to its ocean adventures, incredible hikes, and exhilarating toboggan rides. Couple all of that with contemporary hotels, stylish restaurants, and consistently warm temperatures, and you’ve got yourself a solid year-round holiday destination.

12. Mauritius

Average winter temperatures: High of 84 degrees, low of 73 degrees

The American author Mark Twain once said “heaven was copied after Mauritius” — and he wasn’t the only one captivated.  The stunning white, sandy beaches lapped by aquamarine seas earn every super­lative, and thousands of modern visitors to Mauritius agree that this tiny dot in the Indian­ Ocean is the stuff of desert-island­ dreams. With temperatures rarely falling below 20°C (68°F) and some of the world’s finest hotels, Mauritius is a perfect year-round holiday destination.

13. San Diego, California

Average winter temperatures: High of 65 degrees, low of 50 degrees

As you watch the sunset, perched on the cliffs in La Jolla not too far away from the ever-present flock of seals, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t visited sooner.

With 70 miles of coastline, San Diego has tons of beaches with crowds and surf conditions for every type of traveler. The beach city is home to many world-famous family theme parks, and attractions, museums, golf courses, craft breweries, and restaurants. Come for the sunshine, but stay for the tasty lunchtime tacos. San Diego is known for its mild, dry climate, with a year-round temperature average of around 68 degrees F (20 degrees C) and low rainfall.

14. Maldives

Average winter temperatures: High of 88 degrees, low of 77 degrees

Who said that heaven on earth doesn’t exist?

You’ve seen photos of the Maldives before: picture-perfect private villas suspended over striking blue waters, alabaster white sand beaches, and spectacular sunsets dipping into the horizon. 

The island nation of the Maldives is popular with honeymooners looking for seclusion and hosts a plentitude of luxurious resorts for some much-needed rest and relaxation.

For activities, there’s a dive for all skill levels at Ari Atoll, where you can swim with rays and, deeper down, reef sharks.

15. Costa Rica

Average winter temperatures (measured along the Pacific Coast): High of 95 degrees, low of 72 degrees

To many, Costa Rica’s charm lies in its lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches and abundance of wildlife. With breathtaking landscapes and a myriad of creatures – from toucans to monkeys to jaguars – it’s perfect for anyone that loves adventures.

Where else can you hike active volcanoes, zip line through cloud-covered rainforests, and surf warm turquoise waters within the span of just a few days? In this compact but diverse tropical paradise, exhilarating outdoor activities are abundant. Nature-seekers will roam thick jungles while beachgoers will sprawl across the powdery sands. It’s hard not to admire all the splendors this “Rich Coast” has to offer.