15 Best Warm Places to Travel to This Winter

Sure, the winter months have their perks—skiing, sledding, snowman building, and the holidays, of course. But the cold! Oh, the cold. It digs deep under your skin, straight to your bones, chilling everything from your toes to your chattering teeth. Fortunately, several warm destinations can offer a much-needed respite from the frigid air.

From island getaways to sizzling cities, here are the 15 best warm-weather places to visit in December, January, or February.

• Best tourist destination: The Bahamas
• Underrated hidden gem: Panama Highlands
• Best for families: San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Best for couples: Rangiroa, French Polynesia
• Best for solo travelers: Bangkok

Read on for our full list of places to travel to this winter.

The Bahamas

The flight to The Bahamas from the East Coast is only about a few hours. The island chain boasts several beautiful destinations—New Providence Island, Grand Bahama Island, and the Exumas (with its famous swimming pigs) come to mind. Many of the archipelago’s inhabited islands are home to the country’s best all-inclusive resorts, making it an ideal winter getaway for families, couples, or solo travelers.

Panama Highlands

While Panama has its share of splendid coastlines, the country’s vast interior should not be overlooked, especially for a winter vacation. Temperatures in the highlands can rise into the 90s, creating ideal conditions for adventuring outdoors. Bird-watching is a popular activity; more adventurous types love crisscrossing the verdant mountains via Boquete Tree Trek Adventure Park‘s famous hanging bridges. The region is also home to a stellar coffee scene worth exploring. Book a stay at The Haven, an adults-only wellness resort that makes a great base if you’re looking to do a local coffee tour.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you want to combine some time under the sun with cultural enrichment, look no further than the capital city of Puerto Rico, which has both long stretches of white-sand beaches and historic attractions like the famous Castillo San Felipe del Morro fort. Visitors will also find lots of places to sample delicious Puerto Rican food—make a reservation at Cocina Abierta, which has a seasonal tasting menu. In San Juan, check into O:LV Fifty Five, a boutique hotel featuring a rooftop pool and bar with some of the best views in town.

Rangiroa, French Polynesia

Though French Polynesia comprises more than 100 islands, a few (like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea) get most of the attention. If you prefer to visit somewhere a little less crowded, try the quiet, sparsely developed atoll of Rangiroa. Located about an hour from Tahiti by air, the island has plenty of pristine beaches and a massive lagoon brimming with sea life. Stay at the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa, which boasts stunning overwater bungalows and villas with private plunge pools.

Bangkok

Winter happens to be the best time to visit Thailand, especially its capital city, Bangkok. The weather is balmy year-round thanks to the country’s tropical location, but the winter months are slightly cooler, with temperatures rarely exceeding the low 90s. To get the most out of this massive city, it’s best to book a lengthy visit or hire a local guide—there are tons of tour options available through Airbnb Experiences, for instance, that focus on food, culture, and photography. Don’t miss out on the city’s khlongs (canals), which you can tour on a longtail boat. Make your home base the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, a long-running honoree in Travel + Leisure‘s World’s Best Awards.

Ambergris Caye, Belize 

With nonstop flights available from several U.S. cities—including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Miami—getting to the Central American nation of Belize is easier than you might think. And while the country’s lush, verdant interior is home to Mayan ruins, monkeys, and even jaguars, many visitors are drawn to the coast.

To experience the white-sand beaches at their best, make your way to Ambergris Caye. Belize’s largest island is known for its water sports, including diving and snorkeling around the nearby Belize Barrier Reef and its famous Great Blue Hole. For a luxe visit, book a few nights at Alaia Belize, which provides easy access to the beach. It also features a suspended rooftop swimming pool with portholes at the bottom, offering surreal aerial views of the property.

Mexico City 

Though winter in Mexico City won’t have the tropical heat you might expect from the rest of the country—temperatures tend to top out in the low 70s this time of year—it still provides a balmy alternative to snowy U.S. locales. The capital is flush with cultural attractions, including first-rate museums like the stunning Museo Frida Kahlo, incredible shopping at both high-end stores and local markets, and some of the best restaurants in the world (we’re looking at you, Pujol). Make your home base Las Alcobas, a luxury hotel offering lavish guest rooms and a tranquil spa—the perfect place to relax after a day of exploration.

Key West, Florida

Key West is a true delight during the winter months, when the temperature peaks in the high 70s. It’s the perfect place for fruity cocktails on the sand, sunset strolls down lively shopping streets, and slice after slice of tangy Key lime pie. Make the most of your time here by booking a stay at the historic Casa Marina Key West, a Curio Collection by Hilton property. Through the hotel, you can book local food tours, golf outings, and sailboat cruises, or simply sit by the pool and soak in the Florida Keys sun.

Namibia

If you’re seeking an African safari this winter without the crowds of a classic destination like Kenya, try the less-traveled terrain of Namibia. Located on Africa’s southwest coast, the country offers otherworldly landscapes and guaranteed warm weather. It’s also a perfect place to see animals like lions, elephants, leopards, and rhinos in their natural environment. There are several safari companies to choose from, but Natural Selection is top-notch, offering numerous camp options, including the famed Shipwreck Lodge on the Skeleton Coast.

Dubai 

When the first cold snap hits, book a flight to Dubai. The desert oasis offers not just warm weather but a mind-boggling array of things to do, from swimming in the Persian Gulf to shopping at some of the world’s most luxurious stores to dining at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants. Visit Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at over 160 stories, via an elevator that travels at an ear-popping 33 feet per second. Try Atlantis Dubai’s The Palm or The Royal for your overnight stays, each property a veritable playground for those looking to indulge in the finer things in life.

Hawaii

Pick an island, any island—or make it a multi-island trip to Hawaii. Start on Oahu, home of the vibrant capital city, Honolulu, and Waikiki Beach. Head to Kauai for a relaxed vibe and scenic hiking and kayaking adventures. Hawaii Island offers the chance to view active volcanoes up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, while Maui is where you’ll find some of the poshest resorts on the islands, complete with luxury spas and fancy restaurants. On each island, the Malama Hawaii program connects visitors with volunteer opportunities so you can give back to the local community. Some resorts will even offer special rates and discounts to those who participate, like free extra nights or packages with food and beverage credits.

Queenstown

Queenstown is the most popular ski town in New Zealand, but it’s also worth visiting when the weather is warmer. In December to February, the weather will likely be between the high 60s and low 80s. It’s a great time to take on one of the area’s popular hikes, check out the local wineries, or spend some time strolling lakeside in Queenstown Gardens. A scenic trip up the Skyline Queenstown Gondola is definitely in order, as is a bungee jump or two if you’re feeling brave. Indulge in a luxurious stay at one of Queenstown’s top resorts—Eichardt’s, Rosewood Matakauri, and The Carlin are among the best.

Sydney

Lest we forget, it’s also summer down under between December and February, with Sydney temperatures averaging between 65 and 80 degrees. Translation: It’s beach time! Pack your swimsuit and head to Bondi Beach to see the surfers do their thing or go for a swim at the famous ocean pool Bondi Icebergs (pictured above). If it’s too crowded, try the Bronte Baths or Wylie’s Baths, a few suburbs south near Bronte Beach and Coogee Beach, respectively. Treat yourself to a luxury stay downtown at The Langham, Sydney, or the Park Hyatt Sydney, both located in the historic “The Rocks” neighborhood and within walking distance of Sydney Harbour.

Buenos Aires

If you’ve been wanting to learn to tango in Buenos Aires, winter is a wonderful time to head south, with temperatures between the high 60s and low 80s. There’s no shortage of dance clubs if you’d like to try out your moves—or tango shows if you’d prefer to leave it to the professionals. Besides dancing, the city is known for its food and wine scene, with shops and tasting rooms selling bottles from Argentina’s best vineyards. Stay in the super-luxe Faena Hotel Buenos Aires, home of the popular Rojo Tango dinner show, or Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, just a 10-minute walk from Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón (Evita) was laid to rest.

Cape Town

Another Southern Hemisphere spot known for its wine regions is Cape Town, where winter (well, summer for the locals) tends to be sunny and warm, bringing along a refreshing seasonal breeze that locals call the “Cape Doctor.” Drive about 30 miles out of the city to the Stellenbosch wine region, home of Babylonstoren, a hidden gem beloved by locals for its vineyards, garden cafe, and other agritourism efforts. Then, retreat to a luxury stay at The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Camps Bay, where you can indulge in a relaxing treatment or two and enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean.