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While winter promises cozy evenings sat by the fire, pajama days and Christmas cheer, it’s often most people’s least favorite time of year, mine included. In winter, the weather takes a turn for the worst, offering up gloomy skies, wet weather, and freezing temperatures. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t escape.
Many destinations worldwide offer sunny skies and warm/hot temperatures in winter. Therefore, winter is usually the perfect time for a vacation. However, deciding where to go isn’t easy. Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of 12 winter sun destinations in the world. We selected these entries based on temperatures of 70°F (21°C) or above.
Maldives
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Let’s start our list with one of the world’s most luxurious vacation destinations. The Maldives, officially the Republic of the Maldives, is a breathtaking archipelago of islands famed for its soft white sand beaches, 5-star overwater bungalows, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. In winter, you can expect average temperatures of 82°F (28°C).
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In the Maldives, you’ll spend your time swimming in the sea, snorkeling, wining and dining, and drinking co*cktails at the beachfront. For unparalleled luxury, stay in an overwater villa at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives. If you stay here, you’ll have a private pool, sun terrace, and a world-class dinner. Stay somewhere like Stone Hotels Dhiffushi for less than $150 nightly for a budget-friendly vacation.
Read also:Cheap Beach Destinations in Europe
St. Lucia
Over the other side of the world, in the Caribbean, you can also enjoy plenty of winter sunshine, sun-kissed beaches, hot temperatures, and extraordinary accommodation. St. Lucia is one of the most impressive places you can visit in the Caribbean. This stunning tropical island is home to verdant mountains, white sand beaches, and breathtaking vacation villas.
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When not sunbathing on Jalousie Beach or hiking the Pitons Mountains, relax in your private pool at a 5-star resort. The 5-star Landings Resort and Spa – All Suites offers luxurious suites with private pools and exceptional sea views in a beachfront location. Alternatively, Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences offers a more affordable 5-star experience. The average winter temperature in St. Lucia is 82°F (28°C).
Read also:Stunning Beaches in the World
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Less than 100 years ago, Dubai was little more than an Arabian desert with a small city. However, the discovery of oil changed the city’s fortunes, turning it into one of the world’s wealthiest and most luxurious cities. Today, this ultramodern city is a playground for the rich and famous.
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Luckily for us, Dubai’s location in the Middle East also makes it an excellent winter sun destination. In winter, you can expect average highs of 77°F (25°C). In Dubai, you can shop until you drop at high-end retailers, admire the tallest building in the world (Burj Khalifa), and soak up the sun on Le Mer Beach. The 5-star Raffles Dubai and Paramount Hotel Midtown are excellent places to stay in Dubai.
Read also:Must-Visit Beaches in the Caribbean
Langkawi, Malaysia
If you’re looking for a more affordable winter sun vacation, look no further than Langkawi, a stunning tropical island off northwestern Malaysia. You can book a world-class 5-star hotel here for less than $200. For example, you can stay in a seafront rainforest chalet at Berjaya Langkawi Resort for under $200 a night.
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Meanwhile, budget hotels and resorts like Ombak Villa Langkawi offer on-site swimming pools, private beach access, and luxurious accommodations for less than $100. I’ve been to Langkawi in winter, and it’s a great time to visit. You can expect daily highs of 86°F (30°C) and many things to do. Noteworthy attractions include Langkawi Sky Bridge, Pantai Cenang, and Seven Wells Waterfall.
Read also:White-Sand Beaches in the Caribbean
Sri Lanka
Another fantastic winter sun destination in Asia is Sri Lanka, a relatively small island nation famed for its diverse wildlife, lush forests, tropical beaches, and delicious cuisine. Sri Lanka is a great place to visit in winter if you want more than the sun, sea, and sand. Better yet, the average daily high in winter is a toasty 84°F (29°C).
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When you’re not sunbathing on the beaches in Mirissa or Unawatuna, swim with sea turtles in Hikkaduwa, hike up Sigiriya Rock, and spot elephants and leopards on a safari in Udawalawe National Park. At Cinnamon Wild Yala, you can stay overnight in Yala National Park, where you can spot leopards and elephants. Alternatively, kick back in the infinity pool at the seafront Agnus Unawatuna.
Read more:Incredible Mediterranean Beaches
Morocco
Morocco is a fascinating North African nation best known for its picturesque coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture. In winter, you can enjoy a pleasant vacation in the country with average temperatures around 70°F (21°C). This is warm but cool enough to make exploring the country more comfortable.
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Notable places to visit in Morocco include Agadir, Marrakech, Fes, and Essaouira. In Marrakech, the capital city, you’ll find famous attractions, such as Bahia Palace, Koutoubia, Badi Palace, and Souk Semmarine. One of the best 5-star hotels in the city is Les Jardins De La Koutoubia, which features a private pool, luxurious rooms, and a Moroccan restaurant. Meanwhile, Riad Louhou offers a more affordable 5-star experience.
Read also:Incredible White-Sand Beaches in Europe
Seychelles
Another beautiful African winter sun destination is the Seychelles. Situated in Eastern Africa, this island nation consists of an island archipelago of more than 100 islands. Like the Maldives, it’s best known for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and luxury resorts. However, the Seychelles is also famed for its enormous boulders and lush rainforest.
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On vacation in the Seychelles, you’ll spend most of your time sunbathing on the beaches, snorkeling with reef sharks and hawksbill turtles, and relaxing at your 5-star resort. Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is one of the most luxurious 5-star resorts in the Seychelles. Budget-friendly beachfront properties like Villa Chez Batista also have much to offer.
Read also:Cheap Beach Destinations Around the World
Florida, United States
Florida could be perfect if you’re looking for an adventure-packed winter sun vacation. This southeastern American state is home to vibrant cities, world-famous theme parks, white sand beaches, and some of the United States’ most fascinating national parks. Whether you stay in Miami, Orlando, or Key West, you’ll never be short of things to do.
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However, some of the most popular things in the Sunshine State include walking along the Miami Beach Boardwalk, exploring Everglades National Park by boat, riding theme park rides at Disney World Orlando, and visiting Universal Studios Florida. Average winter temperatures in Florida peak at 79°F (26°C). During your stay, consider staying at Cheeca Lodge & Spa or DoubleTree by Hilton Sunrise – Sawgrass Mills.
Read also:Top Tropical Beaches
Hawaii, United States
Holidaymakers who prefer sun-kissed beaches and hot temperatures as opposed to snowy streets and freezing temperatures are better suited to a winter spent in Hawaii. Even in winter, Hawaii experiences average temperatures of 77°F (25°C). In Hawaii, you’ll find breathtaking scenery, beautiful resorts and hotels, and many things to do.
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You’ll likely spend most of your time walking along the beaches, shopping, and hiking in the rainforest-covered mountains. Honolulu, a popular vacation city, has famous attractions like Waikiki Beach, Iolani Palace, and Bishop Museum. At the 5-star Halekulani, you can enjoy unbeatable views, a private swimming pool, luxurious bedrooms, and three restaurants. To save money, stay in the beautiful Wayfinder Waikiki 4-star hotel instead.
Read also:Top Exotic Beach Destinations
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Honeymooning couples or travelers with an enormous budget could spend the freezing winter months on vacation in Bora Bora, French Polynesia. This iconic tropical island is renowned as one of the world’s most luxurious getaway destinations. A 5-star resort like InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel, will cost well over $2,000 nightly.
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Even more affordable accommodation options like Conrad Bora Bora Nui cost over $1,400 nightly. However, if you have it, your money will be well spent. You’ll spend your vacation sipping co*cktails, relaxing by the pool, swimming in the sea, and tucking into world-class cuisine. To top things off, the average temperature on the island in winter is 79°F (26°C).
Read also:Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
Tenerife, Canary Islands
In winter, Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, experiences average highs of 70°F (21°C). While this isn’t as hot as other destinations on our list, it’s perfect for enjoying the sunshine without being too hot when you explore, which you’ll be doing a lot of. This volcanic island is best known for its picturesque scenery.
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When you’re not walking along a sandy beach framed by turquoise waters, you’ll find yourself hiking in the mountains or admiring the views of Mt. Tiede, an active volcano. Other notable attractions include Siam Park, Parque Rural de Anaga, and Playa de las Américas. Regarding accommodation, the 5-star Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abam, and Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey are excellent options.
Read also:Best Hidden Beaches in the World
Cancun, Mexico
The final winter sun destination on our list is Cancun, one of Mexico’s most famous beach vacation destinations. In Cancun, travelers can experience Mexico’s authentic charm and the Caribbean Sea. You’ll explore El Centro (downtown) and Mayan ruins one day. Next, you’ll be sipping co*cktails by the sea and partying the night away.
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Points of interest in Cancun include El Rey Archaeological Zone, Playa Delfines, and Punta Sur. In winter, temperatures in Cancun reach 82°F (28°C), so don’t forget to pack your sunscreen. Hyatt Ziva Cancun is a 5-star luxury accommodation option in Cancun. It features multiple swimming pools, sun terraces, luxury rooms with sea views, and three restaurants. Alternatively, stay at the gorgeous, budget-friendly, 5-star Pachamaya – Suites, Wellness & Spa, Retreats for $100 or less a night.
Read also:Underrated Tropical Destinations
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Jack Bolton
Jack is a freelance content writer from the U.K. He writes about travel, health & lifestyle, and food amongst other things. As a passionate traveler, he’s always in search of his next big adventure, and ways to save his readers money on their next trip.
