10 Best Winter Sun Destinations

Los Angeles is a fantastic year-round destination. In winter, the weather is clearer and cooler than during the stifling summer and the surf is great. And, of course, Hollywood is always Hollywood, with the glitz, glamor and excitement that comes with it. Sign up for some studio tours and look out for celebrities showing up for awards season starting in January.

Despite how enticing all of this sounds, winter is actually the tourism low season for LA. That means the crowds will be smaller and hotel prices are likely to be a little lower than they would be at other times of the year. If you’re hoping to get the best out of the city and also enjoy some winter sun, it’s a great time for a visit.

Miami barely gets any colder as the winter kicks in and a series of beach parties take place. If anything, the tropical climate gets a little more bearable as the humidity reduces. Of course, we’re not the only ones to notice that Miami’s winter weather is idyllic, making it a busy time for the famous beach city. In fact, with hurricane season ending as December begins, the still-rough seas attract a few more surfers.

The pleasant weather and larger crowds also bring a lot of special events to Miami. The Art Basel fair is legendary, as are the celebrity parties and the New Year’s revelries. And, of course, the reduced temperatures bring out the Miami Heat as basketball season is in full swing.

Phoenix, being in the middle of the Arizona Desert, is a very pleasant place to enjoy some winter sun. The slightly cooler temperatures are excellent for exploring the surrounding landscapes, which are in full bloom at this time of year. You can try hiking the many nearby trails or, if you want something less wild, there are about 200 golf courses to choose from. And that’s not an exaggeration!

If outdoor adventures aren’t your thing, Phoenix hosts some pretty good shopping villages, lovely alfresco dining, and the Arizona Renaissance Festival that runs from early February to the end of March.

San Francisco is a remarkable city to visit at any time of year but coming for some winter sun is especially enticing. Like most of California, the weather remains pleasant, but tourist crowds are smaller as winter is the off-season. That being the case, it’s a great time to hit the museums and major attractions, including Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

If your winter escape covers the vacation season, be sure to check out the New Year’s parties, colorful Christmas decorations and the especially vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations.

The most popular time to visit Cancun is from December through April. The tropical weather is comparatively pleasant at this time of year, being clear and warm without the summer humidity. With the coastal town’s beautiful beaches, it’s a great time and place to escape the cold, dark winter.

While you’re in the area, wintertime is a great time for discovering the ancient Mayan ruins of the Yucatán Peninsula, including Tulum and Chichen Itza. With cooler, milder weather, you can spend more time out in the sun before heading back to the beach for a cooling dip.

Honolulu, and Hawaii generally, is known for its outstanding surfing, and the waves are at their best in winter. Even if you’re not skilled enough to handle 40-ft waves, this time of year draws in the best boardriders for international surfing championships like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

Surfing’s not your thing? There are also golf tournaments, the Honolulu Marathon, and other special events on land. This is also the peak season for whale watching off Oahu’s coast. If you just want to chill out and enjoy some winter sunshine, the weather’s lovely and the beaches are always beautiful.

San Diego takes the vacation season seriously, with the decades-old Parade of Lights festival taking place in December. On 2 evenings during the month, 80 festively dressed boats sail out into the bay. You can get pretty good views from Ferry Landing, Seaport Village and the San Diego Marriot and Marina.

Of course, that’s only 2 nights in December. For the rest of winter, you’ve gotten lovely temperatures for enjoying San Diego’s beaches, surf, and popular attractions like San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, USS Midway Museum, and more. As with most of California, the very faint chance of rain makes winter the low season in San Diego, meaning cheaper hotels and smaller crowds.

Punta Cana is a delightful year-round beach destination, but winter brings the finest weather. You can expect clear skies and reduced humidity along the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, though that also brings larger crowds of people escaping the cold.

There’s more to the Dominican Republic than just nice beaches, of course. If you’re visiting during February, take a day trip to Santo Domingo on a Sunday to experience the vibrant celebrations of the Dominican Carnival. There’s also Duarte Day on January 26^th, celebrating the country’s founding father. Alternately, take a boat out to enjoy some whale watching.

Naples, like the rest of the Sunshine State, never really gets cold. Winter brings crowds of visitors south to escape the chill. It’s a great time for enjoying Florida’s tropical warmth as the weather gets clearer and less humid, meaning Naples’ many golf courses and first-class beaches will be a little busier.

If you need a break from the beach, consider heading inland to the Big Cypress National Preserve and the Everglades. The warm Floridian winter brings a bumper crop of birds and wildlife, along with the weather to enjoy it all comfortably. Alternately, head further out to sea for fishing trips or whale watching in the Gulf of Mexico.

San Antonio is a city of remarkable history and culture, and there’s no better time to enjoy it than during the winter months. With the cooler climate and reduced humidity, you can take your time looking around the famous historical missions or enjoying the lively atmosphere of the River Walk in the city centre. You can also enjoy theme parks like Six Flags Fiesta Texas for longer.

It's great to be around San Antonio for New Year’s Day celebrations as the city hosts some fun festivals. Expect live music, Latin American folk dancing and food booths lining the streets. There’s also Fiestas Navideñas – a month-long Mexican music and crafts festival held in Market Square throughout December.