Top 5 Beach Destinations to Escape the Winter Chill

There’s nothing like walking on the beach with sand between your toes, gazing out into the vast sea. 

The winter season is officially upon us, but for those of you that aren’t yet ready to give up warm days of basking in the sun, these escapes are for you. Get ready to ditch your coats and boots, here are the top five beach destinations to work on your tan in the winter.

1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

With an average high of 88 degrees in December, people flock to Ipanema Beach to enjoy the sun and ocean breeze.  December through March is Brazil’s peak season, so you’ll need to be particular in what time you book during the winter months. If you go in December, it’s best to book earlier in the month. The prices begin to rise as it gets closer to Christmas. In January, Copacabana Beach brings everyone together with live music and fireworks, and nearly two million people visit Rio to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Plan for February to experience Carnival, the four-five day festival leading up to Fat Tuesday that brings thousands of tourists and locals to the streets for parades, parties, and balls. Finding reasonably priced hotels during this time will be difficult, but it will be worth the fun! You can also expect a handful of tropical rain showers and storms during this time of year, so be sure to pack your umbrella.

2. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Jamaica averages 80-degree weather year-round, so the climate is pretty much always perfect for travel. With plenty to do from a variety of water activities to sightseeing, shopping, golfing, or just relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone. There are also annual events that happen during the winter every year.  In January, there’s the Rebel Salute celebration, and just east of Montego Bay, the Jamaica Jazz and  Blues Festival. Winter is also peak season for Jamaica with peak prices around Christmas.

3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Similar to Jamaica, the average high in Punta Canta is 80 degrees year-round. In contrast with most of the Caribbean, this collection of beach towns has a variety of massive beach hotels with up to a thousand rooms, allowing the resorts to offer the best rates. Best known for its 20-mile stretch of beaches and clear waters, visitors come in droves during the winter to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather and ocean breeze. It’s best to book at least six months in advance to reserve your stay and get the best rates. The largest crowds arrive during Christmas, New Year’s and Carnival in February.

4. Hawaii

Warm year-round, Hawaii temperatures in the winter months average in the low 80s in most beach resort areas. Visiting in the winter ensures it’s warm, sans blazing temperatures.  During the winter season you can enjoy the beach along with other activities across the Hawaiian Islands like hiking, horseback riding, star-gazing and more. Each island has its own special activities and attractions to offer, so there’s always plenty to explore. In January, there’s the Pacific Islands Arts Festival in Kapiolani Park and the Bike Festival on Sand Island. In February, you can enjoy the Honolulu Chocolate Festival, and every year during whale season (December through April) the Maui Whale Festival, hosted by the Pacific Whale Foundation, has several events including whale watching at Papawai Point. The rates during the winter can be on the high end, but you’ll be dealing with less crowds. If you’re traveling during the last two weeks of December or the first week of January, expect longer minimum stay requirements, larger deposits and higher cancellation fees.

5. Florida Keys

Made up of 1,700 islands, the climate stays between 75-89 degrees during the winter months with passing rain showers that never stay long enough to ruin your day. A haven for water sports enthusiasts, Key West is ideal for deep sea fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving as well as jet skiing, sailing, and of course swimming. Its laid back vibe makes it the perfect destination for a relaxing escape during cold, winter months. Be sure to visit Key Largo with the only living coral reef off the mainland in the country. December through April is high season for the Florida Keys, and rates may mirror that as less people tend to visit the island during the hot summer months when the temps are in the 90s.