7 Warm-Weather Destinations to Escape the Winter Cold

7 Warm Winter Destinations

When winter sets in and the cold starts to bite, a lot of us begin daydreaming about somewhere warm. As the seasons grow harsher and that short, mild autumn gives way almost overnight to a deep chill, the appeal of a sun-soaked getaway only grows stronger. More and more travelers now plan their trips around the weather—chasing cool escapes in summer and warm ones in winter. So where should you head to right now to trade the cold for some sunshine? Let’s take a closer look before winter digs in any deeper!

USA — Guam

Guam, USA

First up on our list of warm winter escapes is Guam, a U.S. territory. The United States is so vast that its climate varies dramatically from region to region—and Guam, a sizable island spanning about 210 square miles (544 km²), sits firmly in the tropics. Being an island, it’s ringed with crystal-clear beaches and water, while its lush forests and jungle scenery are a sight to behold. Resorts line the coast, so you can mix relaxation with water sports and a bit of adventure all in one trip. Just keep in mind that Guam isn’t big on shopping or cultural attractions, so it’s worth planning your itinerary with that in mind.

Guam’s average temperature hovers between 75–86°F (24–30°C), making it comfortably warm year-round. That said, it lies in a typhoon-prone zone and can see sudden tropical squalls, so be sure to check the forecast before you finalize any plans.

French Polynesia — Bora Bora

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Plenty of people assume Bora Bora is somewhere in the Philippines, but it actually belongs to French Polynesia. Often called the “Pearl of the Pacific,” it offers secluded beaches, verdant hills, and luxurious overwater bungalows—everything a warm winter escape should be. With all the makings of a perfect resort destination, it has become a rising star for honeymoons and family trips in the West. Visit in late October or early November and you can catch one of Bora Bora’s major festivals. December, however, is best avoided: it’s the rainy season, the air turns unpleasantly humid, and outdoor activities become difficult.

Republic of Seychelles

Republic of Seychelles

Off the east coast of Africa, the Republic of Seychelles is widely known as a slice of paradise you have to see before you die, thanks to its stunning beaches and otherworldly natural scenery. It has long been a beloved retreat among Europeans—Britain’s royals have even honeymooned here—and remains one of the world’s most sought-after getaways.

Seychelles enjoys a tropical climate of 72–90°F (22–32°C) year-round, making it ideal for water sports. The catch is getting there: from the U.S. it’s a serious haul—typically 20-plus hours of travel with at least one connection—so this isn’t a warm-winter destination you can jet off to on a whim. You’ll want plenty of time and budget to spare.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a warm-winter destination in Central America. Unlike the resort-style spots on this list, Costa Rica is more about rainforests, jungles, rare wildlife, and exotic creatures than beaches. A little smaller than the U.S. state of West Virginia, it’s a small country—yet most of that land is pristine rainforest, making it a great pick for anyone drawn to adventure and exploration. Its national parks are said to host far more bird species than all of North America combined. Surfing is big here too, along with kayaking and rafting.

Costa Rica stays tropical all year, but the dry season runs from December through April—the best window to visit.

Vietnam — Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang, on Vietnam’s southern coast, is another great warm-winter pick. It boasts mild temperatures of 68–86°F (20–30°C) year-round, though the rainy season runs from October to December, so it’s best to plan around that. Nha Trang is famous for its beautiful beaches and scuba diving, along with a wide range of other water sports. It even hosted the Asian Beach Games in 2016—though there’s been little news of it since, so it doesn’t appear to be a yearly event.

Thailand — Phuket

Phuket, Thailand

Thailand, one of the most visited countries in the world, is also a warm-winter destination. Phuket, in the country’s south, enjoys mild weather averaging 77–90°F (25–32°C). Just note that December through March—peak winter in the Northern Hemisphere—is also when temperatures here run their highest, so plan accordingly.

Phuket is an island made up largely of mountains and beaches, so beyond water sports you can also hike and trek, and enjoy affordable boat cruises, spas, and massages. It’s also well served by international flights, making it a convenient escape—so if you get the chance, be sure to pay it a visit.

Philippines — Cebu

Cebu, Philippines

Last on the list is Cebu in the Philippines, which stays warm all year round. Cebu’s rainy season runs from June through November, with frequent typhoons from October to December—so the best time to visit is January through May, when there’s neither rain nor storms. As a popular resort destination, Cebu offers all kinds of water sports and leisure activities, including swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and scuba diving, and because local prices are low, you can enjoy a luxurious trip on a modest budget. It’s Southeast Asia at its very best!

After getting thoroughly beaten down by Southeast Asia’s rainy seasons and humidity, I once swore I’d never plan another trip there. Malaysia had no real dry or wet season—it just rained all year—and in Taiwan I managed to show up right in the middle of the rainy season. So I’d practically wave the idea away. Yet when I looked into warm winter destinations, most of them turned out to be in Southeast Asia. And since this season is the dry one rather than the wet one, maybe it’s worth giving the region another shot after all.