When you crave the feeling of winter solar in your pores and skin amid the slowly dropping temperatures in the US, a number of apparent vacation locations could spring to thoughts.
Mexico, Florida, the Maldives and Dubai are all classics for a purpose, delivering scorching temperatures all through the shivering depths of December and January. However that additionally means they’re very fashionable — and if you end up lusting after a sizzling trip each winter, chances are high you have already been to a couple of them, anyway.
When you’re in search of new winter trip concepts, contemplate these 12 surprising locales for a warm-weather getaway.
Penang, Malaysia
With a latitude of about 5 levels north, this little island simply off the western coast of Malaysia ensures warmth year-round. Following large rains in what we would name fall, the climate is most supreme from December via February. Assume highs within the mid-80s and lows within the mid-70s in December, with issues warming up a number of levels within the months following. Humidity is notoriously decrease than the remainder of the 12 months, making issues fairly nice.
Solar seekers can discover loads of it on the sandy seashores encircling the isle — although be aware the Malacca Strait isn’t the place to swim, because of jellyfish. The swimming pools at many resorts provide fabulous locations to dip as an alternative.
The vacation spot is a sizzling spot for tradition seekers and foodies. There are dozens of Bib Gourmand eateries, to not point out a pair which can be Michelin-starred, and road meals stalls and markets galore, promising spicy, smoky and thrilling flavors plus scrumptious refreshments reminiscent of nutmeg juice.
As a significant buying and selling port, Penang embraces a number of distinctive cultures and religions. 4 of essentially the most well-known homes of worship are discovered on the identical street, dubbed the Road of Concord. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Website of historic George City, the place guests of all ilks mingle fortunately, posing with iconic road artwork, using trishaws and searching for every part from Chinese language medicinal herbs to handicrafts to clothes.
TPG tip: Opened in February 2025 on George City’s Millionaire’s Row, The Millen Penang, Autograph Assortment, is an uber-glamorous metropolis lodge that additionally gives island resort panoramas, particularly from its clear-sided ninth-floor lap pool. Rooms and suites include free-standing bathtubs overlooking the turquoise water. Charges begin at $198 or 39,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time this winter.
La Gomera, Spain
Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Lanzarote are well-known on the planet of winter sun-seeking, because of their prime place off the coast of northwest Africa. (Common highs vary from 70 to 79 levels in October, dropping to the mid-60s to mid-70s from December to March.)
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All of those larger Canary Islands are often secure bets, weatherwise. However there are eight most important islands, and La Gomera, the second smallest, is one to fastidiously contemplate. Temperatures sometimes swing from round 67 to 77 levels throughout winter, and the times are sometimes gentle, dry and nice. Count on black-sand seashores on which to lie (or play), epic cliffs to hike and loads of mirador viewing factors for the proper vacation snap — plus the dramatic, UNESCO-listed laurel forests of Garajonay Nationwide Park for a day journey journey.
It is also price boating to the even smaller El Hierro or the peaceable La Graciosa, which claims to be one of many world’s solely locations to have eschewed asphalted roads. Its filth roads are perfect for biking.
TPG tip: Small islands like La Gomera haven’t got main chain resorts, so for a factors reserving, go for “the island of everlasting spring,” Tenerife, and its heat pink The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama, which has plentiful swimming swimming pools plus a large spa. Charges begin at $334 or 69,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time this winter.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Off the coast of Tanzania is Zanzibar, an archipelago the place guests can embrace a double dose of fascinating tradition and glowing, untouched seashores. January and February are notably good occasions to go, with (sometimes) much less rain than in December and temperatures heating up into the 80s, reaching the low 90s.
Highlights embrace the primary island, Unguja, and its previous buying and selling quarter, Stone City — now a UNESCO World Heritage Website for its “cultural fusion” of African, Arab, European and Indian influences, seen within the structure, in addition to its historic function within the ending of the slave commerce. Jozani Chwaka Bay Nationwide Park can be house to a uncommon, endangered primate, the Zanzibar pink colobus. Past Unguja, snorkeling among the many coral reefs of the non-public Chumbe Island, the place company can spend the night time in solar-powered eco-bungalows, is kind of the expertise.
TPG tip: Be in the midst of all of the motion in Stone City on the 67-room Park Hyatt Zanzibar, with a zero-edge pool hovering over the seashore. Charges begin at $392 or 25,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time this winter.
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Valletta, Malta
OK, so Malta will most likely not be roasting sizzling in winter. Count on the low 60s to be your common excessive; January is usually its coldest month. That mentioned, it is prone to be a great 30 levels toastier than U.S. cities on the Japanese Seaboard, and rain is at a minimal, whereas snow is nearly unprecedented. That is all because of the archipelago’s location within the Mediterranean Sea, set off the coast of Italy, Tunisia and Libya.
You possibly can safe a contact of winter solar nearly wherever in Malta, from the historic city of Mdina to the cool, lagoon-skirted islands of Gozo and tiny Comino. Nonetheless, the yellow-hued capital Valletta is a superb place to begin — with the scenic waterfront to mosey alongside, a Sixteenth-century cathedral, the Fort St. Angelo web site and the picturesque Higher Barrakka Gardens, to not point out close by cities reminiscent of Sliema to discover. TV and movie followers will like it right here, too, for Valletta has starred as a filming location in “Sport of Thrones,” “Troy” and “Gladiator,” amongst others.
TPG tip: The enticing boutique lodge Rosselli, a part of Mr & Mrs Smith, will get main factors for atmosphere. It options luscious furnishings, customized floral wallpapers and personal two-person saunas in a Seventeenth-century property. Charges begin at $255 or 18,125 World of Hyatt factors per night time this winter.
Dominica
Because the wet hurricane season ends in November, winter is a superb time to go to the Caribbean nation of Dominica. Common temperatures at the moment of 12 months can hover round 87 or 88 levels, and the water is equally heat at 78-80 levels, excellent for snorkeling and diving.
As a tropical island nation, it (clearly) has seashores. But when all you need is someplace to lie on the sand, Dominica is not one of the best match for you as there’s a lot to see and do. Exploits embrace recognizing the island’s colourful birds and sperm whale watching — it boasts the world’s first protected Sperm Whale Reserve — to uncovering seemingly infinite pure magnificence, together with lush forests, 9 reside volcanoes, and quite a few waterfalls and sizzling springs. In Morne Trois Pitons Nationwide Park, take an extended hike to the pure, steam-spraying 183-degree Boiling Lake. Lengthy-distance walkers will thrive right here by embarking on the 112-mile-long Waitukubuli Nationwide Path.
TPG tip: Splurge on the sustainable and unique 10-villa boutique resort Secret Bay, with charges for the Mr & Mrs Smith lodge beginning at $1,631 or 135,250 World of Hyatt factors per night time this winter. Or select InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, inside Cabrits Nationwide Park, for charges beginning at $385 or 84,000 IHG One Rewards factors per night time.
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The Algarve, Portugal
Continental Portugal’s southernmost area, the Algarve, has one thing for each traveler. If you wish to keep in a lodge and spend every week lounging by the pool with no care, you have received loads of choices alongside the shoreline. When you’re after world-class seashores, breathtaking views and nightlife, strive Lagos or Albufeira. Need a metropolis break that is not Lisbon or Porto? Attempt Faro as an alternative, with its historic Previous City. Does the entire above sound nice? It is pretty simple to discover the Algarve, its seashores and charming coastal cities by automotive.
However simply how sizzling can Portugal be in December? Effectively, it is much like Malta, with a median excessive of 63 levels in December, with issues getting considerably chillier within the evenings at round 47 levels. It is about the identical in January and February. Nonetheless, it is one of many hotter locations in Europe at the moment of 12 months, so whilst you might not be in a T-shirt 24/7 or full bathing go well with mode, you may have an opportunity of escaping the U.S.’s colder daytime temperatures, and Portugal is understood for having in extra of 300 annual days of solar. You will additionally get to keep away from the summer season crowds.
TPG tip: Conrad Algarve, close to Ria Formosa Nature Park and within the golf mecca of Quinta do Lago, gives considerate facilities, a stunning spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Gusto by Heinz Beck. Charges begin at $236 or 68,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time this winter.
Curacao
Curacao is the “C” within the Caribbean’s ABC islands — with the “A” being Aruba and “B” being Bonaire. All three are supreme winter solar locations, having fun with common excessive temperatures within the mid-80s all through December, January and February. Certainly, that is the height season for journey, nevertheless it’s effectively price it.
You will discover white sandy seashores, clear-as-day water and resort-style resorts in Curacao, however you do not wish to miss the prospect to go diving or discover the island, which is a part of the Netherlands. The affect is seen within the Dutch-inspired structure of the UNESCO-listed capital, Willemstad, painted in cheerful sweet colours and lined with energetic cafes. February is a superb time to go to, because the annual Carnival takes place that month over altering dates every year, when the island is at its most spirited.
TPG tip: Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort is without doubt one of the best-rated resorts in historic Willemstad and has its personal infinity pool. Charges begin at $290 or 46,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time this winter.
Agadir, Morocco
Resort metropolis Agadir on Morocco’s south coast is a wonderful choice for winter solar. The temperature hovers round a median excessive of 70 levels — although the lows are excessive 40s and low 50s — with the ocean staying simply heat sufficient to dip your toes in with out yelping (someplace round 65-ish).
Agadir is understood for its lengthy stretch of golden seashore (Plage d’Agadir), nevertheless it additionally has native souks to discover, a recreation of an previous medina to marvel at, cultural museums to absorb and half a dozen golf programs (if that is your factor). You will even be inside shut journey distance (half-hour) to the fishing village of Taghazout, identified for its wonderful browsing (finest for knowledgeable surfers within the winter) and scenic seashores, in addition to road-tripping distance (roughly three hours) from the historic port metropolis of Essaouira.
TPG tip: On a mushy, sandy seashore in the midst of city — geared up with cute thatched umbrellas and plump loungers — the Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort is a pretty Moroccan-styled alternative. Charges begin at $223 per night time this winter. Sofitel resorts are a part of the Accor Stay Limitless loyalty program, which is free to hitch.
Iguacu Falls, Brazil
Count on excessive temperatures within the area to common 91 levels (and maybe the odd rainfall) in Brazil all through November (the top of spring) and December to February (summer season). This makes it an excellent time weatherwise to go to one of many South American nation’s biggest pure wonders: Iguacu (or Iguazu or Iguassu) Falls.
The gushing falls will be seen from Brazil or Argentina of their respective Iguacu and Iguazu nationwide parks. They’re a cloudy, plunging spectacle, stretching throughout 8,858 ft and dropping 269 ft (at their tallest) into the river beneath, combining into the world’s largest waterfall system. OK, you will not lie on the seashore getting a tan, however you will notice one of many world’s most spectacular pure sights. In Brazil’s park, which spans greater than 457,000 acres, there are alternatives to discover the jungle and, if you happen to’re fortunate, see the native wildlife, which incorporates big anteaters and big otters.
TPG tip: With a poolside Brazilian grill and spa, the legendary Lodge das Cataratas, a Belmond Lodge, Iguassu Falls is essentially the most epic keep within the park with unique entry to the falls. Charges begin at $883 per night time this winter, or e book via Amex Tremendous Resorts + Resorts for late checkout and a $100 on-site eating credit score, amongst different perks.
Funchal, Portugal
Funchal, the capital of the autonomous Madeira archipelago, is a simple place to whereas away a number of days. Get pleasure from a relaxed journey to the farmers market, a stroll across the vibrant Madeira Botanical Backyard and the gorgeous cobbled streets of Zona Vieja, or experience on the Funchal cable automotive earlier than savoring an extended lunch and a spot of wine tasting. Soccer (soccer for Individuals) followers may even go to a complete museum devoted to town’s celebrity son, Cristiano Ronaldo, showcasing a few of his many trophies.
Suppose you will have various days to spare. In that case, this Portuguese island has lots extra to discover, from its distinctive walks alongside miles of levadas (water channels constructed for irrigation) to Porto Moniz’s pure swimming pools and Santana’s conventional thatched homes. Typically touted as a year-round vacation spot because of its place on the northwest coast of Africa, you may count on to expertise respectable temperatures from autumn into early winter in Funchal — i.e., a median excessive of 75 levels in October, 73 levels in November and 68 levels in December. Count on barely chillier evenings, although, and the odd flash of rain.
TPG tip: The renovated Desires Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina is half an hour from Funchal and has all of the makings of a soothing sunny vacation. Charges begin at $191 or 23,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time this winter.
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Cape City
When in search of winter solar, remember concerning the Southern Hemisphere’s gems, reminiscent of Cape City, the colourful metropolis of fewer than 5 million folks that appears to have nearly every part an individual may need. There are magnificent seashores, some with pure sea swimming pools, others with browsing waves and nonetheless others with cute African penguins. You’ll want to climb Lion’s Head with one thing to toast on the high at sundown, or take the Aerial Cableway as much as iconic Desk Mountain.
There are showstopping eating places and plentiful wineries, epic scenic drives and extra somber historic websites (Robben Island), locations to see wildlife (Cape Level Nature Reserve) and locations to geek out over crops (Kirstenbosch Nationwide Botanical Backyard).
You possibly can count on a median excessive temperature of 77 levels in December and about 81 levels in January and February, and simply a few days of rain, although it is at all times smart to pack a light-weight layer for when the wind inevitably picks up. And for sunbathers, town is blessed with fabulous swimming swimming pools, particularly within the luxurious resorts across the V&A Waterfront.
TPG tip: The enduring Cape Grace — A Fairmont Managed Lodge has location, location, location on its aspect, but additionally gorgeous interiors, artworks, and vibrant restaurant and bar scenes that spotlight one of the best of South African delicacies and concoctions. Charges begin at $1,181 per night time this winter. Fairmont resorts are a part of the Accor Stay Limitless loyalty program, which is free to hitch.
Rajasthan, India
It is simple to imagine a lot of India is swelteringly sizzling all 12 months, however guests can anticipate extremely nice climate within the wintertime. It is nonetheless sunny, in fact, however cooler. (Assume a January common excessive of 72 levels in Rajasthan, with nights dropping to a refreshing 50-ish levels on common.) The humidity is down, the rain is nearly nonexistent (assume someday per thirty days), and you may comfortably experience in that open-air electrical rickshaw with out sweating via your garments.
Since most of the spectacular highlights — decadent and historical palaces, forts, temples and historic museums — in Rajasthan’s most important locations, together with the terra-cotta pink-toned Jaipur, sensible blue Jodhpur and a man-made lake-filled Udaipur, are usually not air-conditioned, that is the very best time to sightsee. It is also the best season for safaris in Ranthambore Nationwide Park. The solar brings the wildlife, notably elusive tigers, out from the comb to delight in it.
TPG tip: Keep within the fairy-tale environs of Six Senses Fort Barwara to immerse in Rajasthani magic — landscapes, design, meals, temples, tea — and find time for Ayurvedic therapies within the beautiful ladies’s palace turned spa. Charges begin at $1,083 or 152,000 IHG One Rewards factors this winter.
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