When you crave the feeling of winter solar in your pores and skin amid the slowly dropping temperatures in the US, a couple of apparent vacation locations might spring to thoughts.
Mexico, Florida, the Maldives and Dubai are all classics for a motive, delivering scorching temperatures all through the shivering depths of December and January. However that additionally means they’re very standard — and if you end up lusting after a sizzling trip each winter, chances are high you have already been to some of them, anyway.
When you’re on the lookout for new winter trip concepts, take into account 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 by February. Suppose highs within the mid-80s and lows within the mid-70s in December, with issues warming up a couple 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 notice the Malacca Strait isn’t the place to swim, as a result of jellyfish. The swimming pools at many inns supply fabulous locations to dip as a substitute.
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 might be Michelin-starred, and road meals stalls and markets galore, promising spicy, smoky and thrilling flavors plus scrumptious refreshments similar to nutmeg juice.
As a significant buying and selling port, Penang embraces a number of distinctive cultures and religions. 4 of probably the most well-known homes of worship are discovered on the identical highway, dubbed the Avenue of Concord. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Web site of historic George City, the place guests of all ilks mingle fortunately, posing with iconic road artwork, using trishaws and purchasing for all the pieces 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 resort that additionally provides 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 evening this winter.
La Gomera, Spain
Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Lanzarote are well-known on this 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 predominant islands, and La Gomera, the second smallest, is one to rigorously take into account. Temperatures usually swing from round 67 to 77 levels throughout winter, and the times are usually delicate, dry and nice. Anticipate black-sand seashores on which to lie (or play), epic cliffs to hike and loads of mirador viewing factors for the right vacation snap — plus the dramatic, UNESCO-listed laurel forests of Garajonay Nationwide Park for a day journey journey.
It is also value 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 grime roads are perfect for biking.
TPG tip: Small islands like La Gomera haven’t got main chain inns, 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 an enormous spa. Charges begin at $334 or 69,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening 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 significantly good occasions to go, with (usually) much less rain than in December and temperatures heating up into the 80s, reaching the low 90s.
Highlights embrace the principle island, Unguja, and its outdated buying and selling quarter, Stone City — now a UNESCO World Heritage Web site 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 residence to a uncommon, endangered primate, the Zanzibar crimson colobus. Past Unguja, snorkeling among the many coral reefs of the personal Chumbe Island, the place visitors can spend the evening in solar-powered eco-bungalows, is sort 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 seaside. Charges begin at $392 or 25,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening this winter.
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Valletta, Malta
OK, so Malta will in all probability not be roasting sizzling in winter. Anticipate the low 60s to be your common excessive; January is often its coldest month. That mentioned, it is more likely to be 30 levels toastier than U.S. cities on the Jap Seaboard, and rain is at a minimal, whereas snow is just about exceptional. 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 good place to start out — 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 similar to 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 engaging boutique resort 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 evening 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 the perfect 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 resort beginning at $1,631 or 135,250 World of Hyatt factors per evening 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 evening.
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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 resort and spend every week lounging by the pool and not using a care, you have acquired loads of choices alongside the shoreline. When you’re after world-class seashores, breathtaking views and nightlife, strive Lagos or Albufeira. Desire a metropolis break that is not Lisbon or Porto? Strive Faro as a substitute, with its historic Previous City. Does the entire above sound nice? It is pretty straightforward to discover the Algarve, its seashores and charming coastal cities by automotive.
However simply how sizzling can Portugal be in December? Properly, 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 when you is probably not in a T-shirt 24/7 or full bathing swimsuit mode, you will 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, provides 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 evening 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, but it surely’s effectively value it.
You will discover white sandy seashores, clear-as-day water and resort-style inns in Curacao, however you do not need 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 full of life cafes. February is a good time to go to, because the annual Carnival takes place that month over altering dates annually, when the island is at its most spirited.
TPG tip: Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort is likely 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 evening this winter.
Agadir, Morocco
Resort metropolis Agadir on Morocco’s south coast is a advantageous 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 seaside (Plage d’Agadir), but it surely additionally has native souks to discover, a recreation of an outdated medina to marvel at, cultural museums to soak up 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 glorious 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 smooth, sandy seaside in the midst of city — geared up with cute thatched umbrellas and plump loungers — the Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort is a gorgeous Moroccan-styled alternative. Charges begin at $223 per evening this winter. Sofitel inns are a part of the Accor Reside Limitless loyalty program, which is free to hitch.
Iguacu Falls, Brazil
Anticipate 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 a really perfect time weatherwise to go to one of many South American nation’s biggest pure wonders: Iguacu (or Iguazu or Iguassu) Falls.
The gushing falls could be seen from Brazil or Argentina of their respective Iguacu and Iguazu nationwide parks. They’re a cloudy, plunging spectacle, stretching throughout 8,858 toes and dropping 269 toes (at their tallest) into the river under, combining into the world’s largest waterfall system. OK, you will not lie on the seaside 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, in case you’re fortunate, see the native wildlife, which incorporates large anteaters and large otters.
TPG tip: With a poolside Brazilian grill and spa, the legendary Resort das Cataratas, a Belmond Resort, Iguassu Falls is probably the most epic keep within the park with unique entry to the falls. Charges begin at $883 per evening this winter, or guide by Amex Positive 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 couple of days. Take pleasure in a relaxed journey to the farmers market, a stroll across the vibrant Madeira Botanical Backyard and the beautiful cobbled streets of Zona Vieja, or journey on the Funchal cable automotive earlier than savoring an extended lunch and a spot of wine tasting. Soccer (soccer for People) followers may even go to a whole museum devoted to the town’s famous person 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. Usually touted as a year-round vacation spot as a result of its place on the northwest coast of Africa, you may anticipate to expertise first rate 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. Anticipate barely chillier evenings, although, and the odd flash of rain.
TPG tip: The renovated Goals 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 evening this winter.
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Cape City
When in search of winter solar, remember concerning the Southern Hemisphere’s gems, similar to Cape City, the colourful metropolis of fewer than 5 million people who appears to have nearly all the pieces an individual might need. There are magnificent seashores, some with pure sea swimming pools, others with browsing waves and nonetheless others with cute African penguins. You should definitely climb Lion’s Head with one thing to toast on the prime at sundown, or take the Aerial Cableway as much as iconic Desk Mountain.
There are showstopping eating places and considerable 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 anticipate 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 clever to pack a light-weight layer for when the wind inevitably picks up. And for sunbathers, the town is blessed with fabulous swimming swimming pools, particularly within the luxurious inns across the V&A Waterfront.
TPG tip: The enduring Cape Grace — A Fairmont Managed Resort has location, location, location on its facet, but additionally gorgeous interiors, artworks, and vibrant restaurant and bar scenes that spotlight the perfect of South African delicacies and concoctions. Charges begin at $1,181 per evening this winter. Fairmont inns are a part of the Accor Reside Limitless loyalty program, which is free to hitch.
Rajasthan, India
It is easy 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. (Suppose 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 in the future per 30 days), and you may comfortably journey in that open-air electrical rickshaw with out sweating by your garments.
Since most of the spectacular highlights — decadent and historic palaces, forts, temples and historic museums — in Rajasthan’s predominant locations, together with the terra-cotta pink-toned Jaipur, good blue Jodhpur and a synthetic lake-filled Udaipur, will not be air-conditioned, that is the best possible time to sightsee. It is also the perfect season for safaris in Ranthambore Nationwide Park. The solar brings the wildlife, significantly elusive tigers, out from the comb to take pleasure 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 attractive girls’s palace turned spa. Charges begin at $1,083 or 152,000 IHG One Rewards factors this winter.
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