Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas. It really is the most magical time of the year. But, nothing brings me more joy than switching out my winter jacket for a bikini.
This Earth is filled with stunning destinations that are home to white sand beaches, clear blue water, and best of all; all the sunshine you can dream of! Why stay home this winter when there is so much to explore?
Ready to trade in those boots for flips flops? If so, here are ten places you can jet off to and refresh your tan this winter!
The Bahamas
The weather in the Bahamas is around 23-26 degrees Celsius year round, so there really is no bad time to visit. Home to over 700 islands and picture-perfect beaches, the Bahamas is a popular tourist destination for millions of travelers every year. The Bahamas has something for everyone; whether you want to relax under the sun on a secluded beach, experience local Bahamian culture, or check out the underwater scene with some scuba diving.
TIP: If you’re just looking for a short 3-4 day getaway, keep an eye out for cruise deals. Cruise companies often have last minute sales for ships that haven’t sold out yet and the Bahamas is a massive hotspot for cruise ships.
Florida
The average temperature during the winter in Florida is about 18 degrees – while this is no scorcher, it’s certainly warmer than most places during the winter! Plus, Florida has tons to offer during the winter months. October-April provides the best times for spotting unique shark species in the water like Tiger Sharks and Hammerheads. The winter months are also a great time to visit DisneyWorld; you’ll get to experience all the Christmas cheer with none of the cold and snow!
PSSST: I’ll actually be heading to Florida this Winter over New Years to do some shark diving. Just one more reason to visit the sunshine state this winter! 😉
The Maldives
I feel like ever since I landed back in Toronto from the Maldives I have not shut up about this incredible paradise, but there is just so much these islands have to brag about! Even in their coldest month of January, the Maldives experiences average temperatures of 27 degrees. The diving and beaches in the Maldives are truly unlike anything I’ve ever seen and it’s a photographers dream, with stunning backdrops and sights everywhere you turn!
Australia
Australia has been at the top of my bucket list for many years now and it’s the perfect place to spend your winter as their seasons are the inverse of ours in North America; so winter here is actually summer down under! Australia has an endless highlight reel of sights from the Great Barrier Reef to the iconic city of Sydney and the unique culture of Melbourne. Maybe next winter I’ll finally be able to scratch Australia off of my bucket list! 😉
Bali
Temperatures in Bali range from 26 degrees to 28 degrees, so even on the island’s coldest days, you’ll be able to catch a ton of sun! I’ve been to a lot of tropical places, but Bali was by far the hottest place I’ve ever been! Tourists tend to clear our around January, so it’s the perfect time to visit Bali for a more quiet and relaxing stay. The surfing on the west coast is top notch during the winter months and it’s definitely something worth checking out!
Hawaii
Of course, I had to include my absolute favourite place in the world on this list. There is no bad time to visit the Hawaiian islands; even in the winter months, the average temperature is well above 25 degrees. In the winter, Hawaii’s north shore provides some of the best surf on the island. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch the Quicksilver Big Wave Invitational, or “the Eddie”. This big wave surf competition is held on the famous Sunset Beach and only runs when the waves reach a minimum height of 30 feet. As a result of this requirement, the competition has only been held 9 times since 1984. If you’re looking for some calmer beach weather, head over to the south shores to enjoy some more calm waters.
Cuba
Cuba has been a favourite winter getaway for Canadians for years. January is the coldest month in Cuba, with temperatures averaging around 21 degrees. Keep an eye out for all inclusive vacation package offers during this time, as traveling to Cuba can be incredibly budget friendly!
Mexico
Generally, the tourist areas in Mexico have two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season typically runs from May to October, leaving the dry season for the winter months. The average temperature for the winter months in Mexico is approximately 21 degrees. For the best winter weather, your best picks are Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and the Mexican Riveria.
Thailand
The winter months are actually the best time to visit Thailand. The summers can get crazy hot and humid, with average highs of around 40 degrees. The winter months and a bit cooler and drier with average highs of about 30 degrees. Thailand is also known to be an incredibly budget-friendly destination, being a hotspot for backpackers and providing a lot of hostel options for travelers.
French Polynesia
With one hundred islands stretched out over twelve thousand miles in the South Pacific, French Polynesia is something straight out of a dream. If you’re feeling adventurous and have a bit more to spend on a trip, head to Bora Bora to Tahiti where you can stay in a stunning over the water villa overlooking endless clear blue waters.
