Top 12 Winter Sun Destinations You Can’t-Miss
Would you like to escape the cold winters back home and are looking for warm sunny destinations? I’ve got you covered with these top warm winter destinations.
When summer is coming to an end, we know that cold winter is just around the corner. And if you are someone like me who doesn’t like cold, you are looking for an escape.
I’d trade the freezing cold that makes me shiver, for sunny days, where the sun warms my skin and the ocean’s waves calmly sing.
So are you ready to escape the cold winter and enjoy the lovely sunny and warm days? Then choose any of these 12 winter sun destinations from my list.
1. Dubai
Dubai is a year-round travel destination for sun lovers. Wintertime is the best time to visit Dubai as the daily temperatures drop to 25-27 degrees Celsius/77-80.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures during the night are around 18 degrees Celsius/64.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dubai is not only about sun, beaches, and pools. There are plenty of places to see and things to do. You can’t miss the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, or the peaceful desert.
Admire the luxury shopping malls, taste delicious food in Michelin-starred restaurants, and for a different side of Dubai, visit the old Dubai with the Al Bastaqyia district and old souks in Deira.
To stay close to the sights in the city center, choose Palace Downtown, an Arabic-style luxury hotel next to Burj Khalifa.
For a family vacation, choose The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Waterpark where you will be close to Marina Walk and JBR Walk, great areas for evening walks, shops, restaurants, and kids’ entertainment.
For a romantic couples holiday, go to Palm Jumeirah in the newly opened Atlantis The Royal.
2. The Maldives
The Maldives is a paradise on Earth. Sunbathing, swimming, and admiring the underwater world will rejuvenate your body and soul.
Winter is the best time to visit the Maldives as it is the dry season that starts in November and lasts till April. The best months are from January to March.
The Maldives has a lovely daily temperature during the whole year, from 28-31 degrees Celsius/82-88 degrees Fahrenheit. At night it drops to 25 degrees Celsius/77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Photo Credit: Asad Photo-Pexels
The Maldives is a perfect destination for people who seek relaxation and to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Massages, yoga, delicious food, friendly people, the ocean, and a lot of sunshine will help you gain all the lost energy.
To stay in overwater bungalows, choose Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa-Deluxe All-Inclusive. Located in Raa Atoll, a beautiful blue lagoon is a perfect choice for couples and families alike, providing family rooms and a kids’ playground.
Another luxury resort to relax is Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa – Deluxe All-Inclusive also located in Raa Atoll. In Laamu Atoll, choose the only 5* luxury hotel in this Atoll, Six Senses Laamu.
3. Bahamas, Caribbean
Bahamas, paradise in the Caribbean. Relax on award-winning secluded pink beaches, swim with pigs, explore abundant marine life in turquoise clear waters, get romantic on a yacht, go fishing, and pamper yourself in luxury all-inclusive hotels.
The best time to visit is from December to April due to the dry season and slightly lower temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius/70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Travelling with children, choose the Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau with a waterpark for ultimate fun. For luxury on a private beach go for Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.
4. Kenya
Kenya is one of the amazing African destinations you can visit in winter for lovely sunny days. Not only will you enjoy the beautiful beaches, but also admire the wildlife that Kenya is so rich in.
Photo Credit: Fearscare-Pixabay
Kenya has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and Diani Beach was awarded as the most beautiful beach in Africa. When it comes to safari, Kenya offers amazing opportunities to see many wildlife, even the Big 5.
For the best beach holiday on Kenya’s coastline, the best time to visit is from November to early March. If you want to add safari, choose the months of January and February.
To stay directly on Diani Beach, you can choose Ocean Village Club (Adults Only), 4* hotel, or Searenity Beach Villa. Both of these hotels provide maximum comfort and relaxation.
5. Cape Verde
African islands of Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean are ideal winter destinations.
From November to June, you can expect temperatures between 24-27 degrees Celsius/75-80 Degrees Fahrenheit. In December and January, there can be little showers, but nothing major as it is the dry season.
There is so much to do in Cape Verde. Except for beautiful sandy beaches, nature lovers can explore routes and trails through the mountains.
Cultural lovers will get to know the amazing culture of Cape Verde through music, dance, art, and gastronomy. If you are visiting in January and February, don’t forget to attend the famous traditional carnival.
One of the best places to stay is the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort located on a white sandy beach in Santa Maria Town. For peaceful tranquility on a white sandy beach, there is Villa Cristina Alojamento, Praia de Chaves, Boa Vista.
6. Thailand
Thailand is a great place to escape the cold winter. There are several Islands to choose from to relax on white sandy beaches, drink coconut or pineapple juice, spoil your body on massages, and do a little island hopping.
Photo Credit: Sumit Chinchane-Unsplash
The temperatures are around 28-32 degrees Celsius/82-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Thailand is a paradise for foodies with its distinguished dishes and the ingredients used in them.
For some sightseeing, head to Bangkok and visit the most important temples like Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Wat Phra Kaew.
In Phuket, stay at InterContinental Phuket Resort, an IHG Hotel, which is located on Kamala Beach. Suitable for couples and families with children.
In Krabi province, you can go to Lanta Palace Beach Resort & Spa, which is an only resort located on a white sandy beach.
7. Jamaica
Jamaica, one of the largest islands in the Caribbean, provides a rich mix of beautiful beaches, music, culture, nature, and adventure.
The best weather for a beach vacation is in Jamaica from November to April when the humidity is lower than the rest of the year.
However, Jamaica is not only about beaches. It is the home of famous Reggae singer Bob Marley. You can visit his museum in Kingston. Dunn’s River Falls is the most beautiful natural place in Jamaica and you should not miss it.
You can also go rafting, hike the Blue Mountains, taste Jamaican cuisine, and attend a reggae festival among many activities in this stunning destination.
For a special romantic holiday, book Sandals South Coast All-Inclusive 5* luxury resort for couples only. For a beach vacation, opt for GoldenEye 5* resort on a private beach.
8. Barbados
Barbados, the lush tropical island, is a Caribbean gem. Even though you can visit Barbados anytime during the year, the winter is the best time as the weather is lovely and warm without rainfall.
However, it is the high season, so book it early. Even though you come to Barbados for beaches and warm weather, there are plenty of things to do.
Photo Credit: Kathryn Maingot-Unsplash
Don’t miss the snorkeling tour, take surfing lessons, go for a cruise, try traditional food, taste the rum, and visit botanical gardens or Barbados Wildlife Reserve where you can see iguanas, deer, tropical birds, or green monkeys.
When you are Rihanna’s fan, you may want to see the house where she grew up. The road was renamed to Rihanna’s Drive and you can take a picture of her house from outside.
To experience real Barbados, choose a smaller boutique hotel located on the beach, for example, Coral Reef Club, Cobblers Cove – Barbados, or Little Good Harbour.
9. Miami, Florida
The whole of Florida in the USA enjoys lovely weather during the winter. So how about choosing Miami?
The weather is cooler around the high 20th in Celsius and the high 70th in Fahrenheit. Humidity is low and very little rain. However, this is the peak season, so be ready for higher prices and more crowds.
Spending time on Miami’s beaches is the number one thing you will want to do. The sand on Florida’s beaches is soft and white like flour.
Don’t miss strolls around the city, taste delicious cuisine with seafood which has Latin and Caribbean influence, and in the evening watch a movie in the rooftop cinema, or visit one of Miami’s bars.
Choose one of these two hotels to enjoy a relaxing luxury holiday on the beach. 1 Hotel South Beach or The Palms Hotel & Spa.
10. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an amazing destination to visit during the winter, not only for beach lovers but also for adventurers and those who love nature.
Photo Credit: Fintanobrien-Pixabay
Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches make you relax, while its rainforests, volcanoes, and waterfalls make you feel inspired by nature’s wonders. You can see sloths, monkeys, and tropical bird species, or relax in natural hot springs.
To be connected with nature, stay in the middle of the jungle in these resorts, Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, or adult-only resort Amor Arenal Adults Friendly.
For a beach vacation, Hotel Aguas Claras Member of the Cayuga Collection will be a great choice.
11. Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a tropical paradise island in the Indian Ocean. The white sandy beaches and turquoise waters make it an ideal romantic gateway.
Even though the beaches are so nice and relaxing, you want to see more of Zanzibar.
Stone Town, which is under UNESCO Heritage Site, is a place where you will walk through narrow streets, admire the historical architecture, taste Zanzibar cuisine, and buy some souvenirs in markets.
A spice tour is a must-do when in Zanzibar. Seeing how all the spices and fruits are grown and getting to taste them is a special experience.
Zanzibar has two rainy and two dry seasons. During the winter time, November, and December is a short rainy season, so you can expect short showers, but they don’t last long.
However, January and February are the dry season, so it would be better to visit during these two months.
For a luxury beach vacation in Zanzibar, choose one of these two resorts Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort or Zuri Zanzibar. See more hotel recommendations here.
12. Cuba
In Cuba, in the heart of the Caribbean, you can expect warm weather all year round with average temperatures of 28 Degrees Celsius/82 Degrees Fahrenheit. However, there is a rainy and dry season.
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For lovely sunshine, you want to visit during the dry season, which is exactly during our winter from November to April.
Cuba is not just about beaches, it is a lively city, full of music, historical places, vintage cars, and cigars. For history, head to Old Havana where you will explore historical architecture, museums, fortresses, and more.
For nature lovers, there are mountains and waterfalls to hike on. Don’t forget to ride the vintage car and taste Cuban food.
To stay in the city center of Havana, choose El Candil Boutique Hotel with an excellent rating. For the ocean view book Jesus Maria 7 Casa Boutique.
