The holidays are right around the corner, which means that cold weather is coming just as quickly! Although there aren’t many things in the world more magical than a white Christmas, sometimes an escape to warm weather is needed during the dark and dreary months of winter! Beaches and coastal cities are usually warm year-round and are just waiting for travelers who are looking to escape the cold weather. There is a multitude of destinations that are perfect for winter vacations. Keep reading to discover some of the world’s most popular warm winter destinations!

Hawaii

Hawaii is arguably one of the most popular getaways for people all over the world! The islands of Hawaii received close to 100,000 visitors in December 2019! The Big Island or Maui are both good options for islands to visit during the winter because they experience the least amount of rainfall during these months. The daily temperature averages between 70-80°F in the winter months and the ocean water is warm enough to swim in all year long. Hawaii’s wet season is between November - March, so make sure to pack and plan accordingly! The beautiful islands of Hawaii make it the perfect destination to relax and unwind this winter. 

Mexico

Mexico is another extremely popular winter getaway. Temperatures range anywhere from 70-90°F during the winter months in Mexico, depending on location. Popular destinations in this country include Cabo San Lucas, Chichén Itzá, Cancún, and Tulum. Chichén Itzá and Tulum are both popular destinations that feature ancient Mayan ruins. Don’t miss the large Mayan stone pyramid found at Chichén Itzá! There are plenty of resorts, sightseeing activities, and archaeological sites found all over the country of Mexico, making it an ideal destination for all types of explorers. 

California

California is well known for its popular beaches, the crowded cities of LA and San Francisco, Disneyland, and much more. California is a popular vacation destination, especially for travelers who live within the United States. California has fairly mild weather all year long, with winters that aren’t too hot or too cold. The average temperature in Southern California in December ranges from 60-70°F. December is a great time to visit LA and other popular cities because the crowds will be much smaller than usual. 

Jamaica

Jamaica is a great destination for those looking to relax on the beach and soak up the sun. Average daily temperatures range from 75-85°F, making it the perfect getaway to escape the winter snow. Many of the island’s all-inclusive resorts are found in Montego Bay. There are plenty of beaches, lush island hikes, and relaxing activities found in Jamaica. 

Florida

The winter months are great times to visit Florida because it is during the state’s dry season, which guarantees tons of sunshine and warmth for all visitors. The ocean water is typically warm enough to swim in all year long and gets warmer as you travel south. The Florida Keys are a popular and relaxing vacation destination, as well as the vibrant city of Miami. 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a slightly overlooked but beautiful destination for a warm winter getaway. There are a variety of diverse activities to do and a rich culture to immerse yourself in. Relax on the beautiful beaches, go on a breathtaking hike, or muster up enough courage to go on one of Costa Rica’s world-famous ziplines! With daily temperatures reaching the mid-80s, Costa Rica is the best destination to get some much-needed sun during the cold months of winter!

Thailand 

Thailand is one of the best winter destinations because the weather gets nearly perfect during the winter months. The temperature averages between 75-88 degrees each day. Explore the city of Bangkok, backpack through the various cities and cultures, go island hopping through each of Thailand’s unique and secluded islands, and explore the expansive history that Thailand has to offer.

Australia

In Australia, December is the first month of the summer season. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience great weather in all of Australia’s coastal cities. Relax on some of Australia’s heavenly beaches, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, visit the Sydney Opera House, and much more. If there’s time, take a short plane ride over to New Zealand as well!

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands is a great destination for those wanting to visit sandy beaches, diverse landscapes, and see a large variety of wildlife. Daily temperatures in the Galapagos range from 70-80°F during the winter months. These islands are ideal for snorkeling and diving. The Galapagos Islands are also full of stunning volcanic landscapes and hidden coves with rare wildlife found inside. Book a trip to the Galapagos Islands with Acanela today and save up to 50% off!

Brazil

December through March is a great time to visit Brazil. The rainy weather can be a little unpredictable, but the average daily temperature ranges from 72-83°F which makes it the perfect warm-weather vacation destination. Some popular places to visit in Brazil are the lively cities of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador. Definitely book a trip to see Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall in the world! Don’t miss out on the wide variety of activities and sights Brazil has to offer!

Cuba 

Cuba is another great destination for escaping the cold weather of the winter. Temperatures range from 70-80°F during winter months. There are plenty of activities to participate in as well as great food to try! Explore the historic streets of Havana, go on a hike through the Sierra Maesta, visit the remarkable museums, or just relax on one of Cuba’s beautiful beaches! 

These incredible destinations all deserve a spot on the warm weather winter destination bucket list! Nothing can beat relaxing on beaches while basking in the sun, especially during the cold winter months. Acanela Expeditions offers tours to many of the destinations listed in this post, as well as many more! Book your winter getaway today!

Post written by Abby Kimball