Today we discover the best hot destinations where to go to the beach in winter. When the days get shorter and temperatures drop, the desire to escape to warm and exotic countries increases. And here we start dreaming of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and spectacular sunsets.
So, what are the best countries to spend your vacations by the sea in winter? There are so many destinations to escape to in the heat, from the closest destinations to tropical paradises accessible by intercontinental flights. The choice depends on several factors, such as your budget and the amount of days you have available.
In this article we look at what are, from a climatic point of view, the perfect destinations to go to the sea in winter. Let's start our selection with the closest countries accessible with a few hours of flight. Then we will look at more distant islands and exotic countries that are perfect for enjoying a beach vacation during our coldest months, especially from December to mid-March.
I'm sure you'll find the perfect destination for your needs, so forget the scarf and gloves and get ready to embrace summer again!
15 WARM WINTER WALKS
1. Canary Islands
TheCanary Islands are perhaps the best destination, for climate, distance and value for money, an archipelago of 7 main islands located just off the coast of Morocco.
The climate of the Canary Islands is perfect, spring all year round with temperatures rarely dropping below 20 °.
The 7 main islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomena, La Palma and El Hierro) have different characteristics and are an excellent choice for those looking for a close and cheap place to spend their winter vacations in the heat.
READ ALSO: Canary Islands Which island to choose
Madeira
Madeira is the main island of the Madeira archipelago of the same name, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in southwestern Portugal, opposite Morocco, 500 km from the African coast.
Madeira can be reached in about 6 hours by flight. The island enjoys a mild climate all year round and, like the Canary Islands, is defined as the island of eternal spring.
Although the best time to visit is summer, as it is the hottest and sunniest, Madeira is recommended all year round, even during winter. It will be more difficult to swim, but you can spend pleasant days in the sun and appreciate the wonderful nature for which the island is famous.
If you are looking for a place not too far away to go to the sea in winter, Madeira can be a valid option.
3. Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an archipelago of islands of volcanic origin located 600 km off the west coast of Africa and accessible by flights ranging from 6 to 8 hours depending on the airline.
The climate is tropical, temperatures vary little during the seasons, maximums range between 25 ° C and 30 ° C, rainfall is scarce and water temperatures are generally pleasant with an average of 24 ° C.
Characteristic of Cape Verde is the strong wind, which increases in the winter months, it is better to prefer the island of Boavista where there are more sheltered areas and where the wind is less strong than in Sal.
Our winter, which coincides with the dry season, is a good time for a vacation in Cape Verde, perfect for those who want a respite from the cold European winter, an excellent solution for a bit of sea and relaxation without having to face too many. hours of flight.
ALSO READ: Cape Verde Islands
4. Kenya
Kenya is one of the most popular destinations for those who decide to leave the cold winter and land in the eternal summer. It enjoys a particularly pleasant climate, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees throughout the year.
There are two rainy seasons: in spring, more abundant, between March and June, and in autumn, from October to December; but they are almost always of short duration.
For the sea I recommend the area between Watamu and Malindi, I personally have been in Ora Resort Watamu Bay, near "Sardegna 2" and I found it very good.
For those seeking only sea, relaxation and dream beaches, Kenya is the perfect place, you can also take advantage of the various all-inclusive packages at very advantageous prices.
5. Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a wonderful island in Tanzania with warm temperatures all year round that never drop below 20 ° C. Our winter is perfect for a warm vacation and to enjoy the beautiful crystal clear waters of the island.
In fact, from December to mid-March the days are particularly hot, water temperatures are high, averaging 29°C, and rainfall is almost nil.
A constant feature of Zanzibar are the tides, a phenomenon, in my opinion very fascinating, but that can disturb those who want to enjoy swimming in the sea. That is why it is essential to choose the right area for your stay on the island, I will explain everything in detail in the article: where to stay in Zanzibar .
6. Egypt
For lovers of the sea and relaxation, Egypt is one of the most popular destinations for tourists, the climate is dry and temperate, the rains are practically absent and temperatures are almost always high. It is also a low-cost destination with exceptional value for money, making it ideal for those who do not have a high budget but want to spend a warm winter vacation. Another advantage is the short hours.
Important: before leaving for Egypt, however, it is necessary to consider the country's conditions, which in recent years have not been the best.
7. United Arab Emirates - Dubai
If you are looking for heat in months like December and January, another destination to consider is, without a doubt,Dubai. A city that really offers everything from historical sites to large shopping centers, from beautiful beaches to luxury hotels.
Dubai is not one of the cheapest destinations so it is preferable to organize your vacation well in advance.
READ ALSO: Where to go to the sea in November
8. Malaysia
Malaysia is a destination that can be visited all year round. An unforgettable trip that combines the charm of modern metropolises like Kuala Lumpur with unspoiled nature and crystal clear sea.
During the winter, if you want to spend a few days of complete relaxation and enjoy the warmth and sunshine, you should choose the west coast, in particular the islands of Langkawi and Pangkor, perfect for a getaway for sea lovers. And if you do not want to miss a cultural visit, I recommend not to miss the island of Penang, with the famous George Townheritage del'UNESCO.
ALSO READ: Where to go to the beach in Malaysia
9. Thailand
My beloved Thailand could not be missing in this list of coastal destinations in winter. A wonderful country with beautiful islands and a spectacular sea. I often travel to Thailand during the winter and I can assure you that this is the best time to appreciate the beauty of its islands.
In particular, I recommend the south of the country and the coast lapped by the Andaman Sea. In the months of December to March during the dry season you will find a perfect climate, warm but not too humid, the waters are calm and crystal clear, ideal for admiring the spectacular bottoms.
Some of the islands I suggest are Koh Lanta, Phi Phi island, Koh Kradan and the beautiful Koh Lipe.
READ ALSO: Where to go to the beach in Thailand
10. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country to discover, in addition to its pristine beaches, the island is full of temples, ancient cities and many natural attractions, such as large parks and lush jungles.
A relaxing but also itinerant trip, a perfect destination for both sea lovers and those who want to admire its immense historical and cultural heritage.
Our winter is perfect for the beaches of the southwest coast. During this period, temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is rare, in short, the perfect place for a beach vacation in the middle of winter.
11. Vietnam
Winter is a good time to travel to Vietnam. Just keep in mind that we are talking about a very large country, so it is good to choose the right area.
The north in this period has a rather cold weather with temperatures on average below 20 ° C. For a vacation dedicated to the sea and beaches South Vietnam should be chosen, temperatures are high but not excessively high and rainfall is scarce, since we are in the dry season.
The recommended maritime areas are: the beautiful island of Phu Quoc and the archipelago of Con Dao.
ALSO READ: Where to go to the sea in December
12. Philippines
The best time for a trip to the beautiful islands of the Philippines is our winter. Especially from mid-February to April you will find sunny days, calm and crystal clear waters and dry weather.
For lovers of the sea and tropical beaches, the Philippines is a true paradise. We are talking about more than 7000 islands among the most beautiful in the world.
A country still little hit by mass tourism but well worth a visit. The hardest thing is to choose which islands to visit, because there are so many and all of them enchanting: Palawan, Bohol, Boracay, Malapascua, Coron are just some of the wonders of this archipelago.
I recommend you to read my article "Where to go in the Philippines" where I describe the different islands and their characteristics.
13. Maldives
I think every one of us, at least once in our lives, has dreamed of taking a trip to the Maldives. An archipelago that needs no introduction, the destination par excellence for a winter beach vacation.
Splendid atolls in the middle of the Indian Ocean, crystal clear sea, white sandy beaches and incredible seabed populated by a rich marine fauna including sharks, manta rays and turtles.
The period from mid-December to April coincides with the dry season, so it is excellent for a vacation dedicated to the sea and relaxation. Even better if you opt for February or March, when rains are even rarer.
14. Caribbean
Another destination we all dream of, perhaps even for a permanent move, is the Caribbean. When we think of the Caribbean we imagine white sandy beaches, palm trees, clear waters and of course a good cocktail!
And that is exactly what you will find in the many islands of the huge archipelago of the Caribbean Sea. The destinations are many: Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, etc..
The period from December to mid-April is perfect for visiting the Caribbean islands, corresponding to the dry season characterized by pleasant temperatures and little rain.
However, consider that, as anticipated, the Caribbean area is very large, so it is also important to evaluate the destination and its position.
ALSO READ: Where to go in the Caribbean
15. Costa Rica
We complete this list of warm places in winter with a country that I particularly love: Costa Rica, a mix of nature and beautiful beaches, bathed by two seas, on one side the Caribbean Sea and on the other the Pacific Ocean.
A perfect destination for those who want to admire the many natural parks, for those who surf or for those who want to relax on a tropical beach.
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during our winter season. The dry season, especially from January to March, when temperatures are pleasant, sunny days and little rain, especially on the Pacific coast. The east coast, on the other hand, has a warm and humid climate all year round.
Conclusions
We have seen some of the best warm countries in winter, these are my favorites but there are also others as good as the weather conditions such as Brazil, Hawaii, Miami or Goa. I hope you find the perfect destination to escape the heat!
