11 unexpected winter vacation ideas for a warm getaway

Are you craving the sensation of winter sun on your skin amid the slowly dropping temperatures in the United States?

A few obvious holiday destinations may spring to mind. Mexico, Florida, the Maldives and Dubai are all classics for a reason, delivering scorching temperatures throughout the shivering depths of December and January. But that also means they’re very popular — and if you find yourself lusting after a hot vacation every winter, chances are you’ve already been to a few of them, anyway.

If you’re looking for new winter vacation ideas, try these 11 unexpected locales for a warm-weather getaway instead.

La Gomera, Spain

Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Lanzarote are well known in the world of winter sun-seeking, thanks to their prime position off the coast of northwest Africa. (Average highs range from 70 to 78 degrees in October, dropping to the mid-60s to low 70s from December to March.)

All of these bigger Canary Islands are usually safe bets, weather-wise. But there are eight main islands, and La Gomera, the second smallest, is one to carefully consider. Temperatures may be in the low 60s to low 70s during winter, and the days are typically mild, dry and pleasant. Expect black-sand beaches to lie on (or play on), epic cliffs to hike and plenty of mirador viewing points for the perfect holiday snap — plus the dramatic, UNESCO-listed laurel forests of Garajonay National Park for a day trip adventure.

It’s also worth boating to the smaller-still El Hierro or the peaceful La Graciosa, which claims to be one of the world’s only places to have eschewed asphalted roads. Its dirt roads are perfect for cycling. Truly blissful.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Off the coast of Tanzania is Zanzibar, an archipelago where visitors can embrace a double dose of fascinating culture and sparkling, untouched beaches. January and February are particularly good times to go, with (typically) less rain than in December and temperatures heating up into the 80s, reaching 95 degrees.

Highlights include the main island, Unguja, and its old trading quarter Stone Town — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its “cultural fusion” of African, Arab, European and Indian influences, seen in the architecture, as well as its historic role in the ending of the slave trade. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is also home to a rare endangered primate, the Zanzibar red colobus. Beyond Unguja, snorkeling among the coral reefs of the private Chumbe Island, where guests can spend the night in solar-powered eco-bungalows, is quite the experience.

Related: Plan the ultimate African safari with these 12 bush-to-beach destinations

Valletta, Malta

OK, so Malta will probably not be roasting hot in winter. Expect the low 60s to be your average high; January is typically its coldest month. That said, it’s likely to be a good 30 degrees toastier than U.S. cities on the Eastern Seaboard, and rain is at a minimum while snow is virtually unheard of. This is all thanks to the archipelago’s location in the Mediterranean Sea, set off the coast of Italy, Tunisia and Libya.

You can secure a touch of winter sun just about anywhere in Malta, from the historic town of Mdina to the cool, lagoon-skirted islands of Gozo and tiny Comino. Still, the yellow-hued capital Valletta is a great place to start — with the scenic waterfront to mosey along, a 16th-century cathedral, the Fort St. Angelo site and the picturesque Upper Barrakka Gardens, not to mention nearby towns such as Sliema to explore. TV and film fans will love it here, too, for Valletta has starred as a filming location in “Game of Thrones,” “Troy” and “Gladiator,” among others.

Dominica

As the rainy hurricane season ends in late October, winter is an excellent time to visit the Caribbean nation of Dominica. Average temperatures at this time of year can hover around 88 degrees, and the water is similarly warm at around 80 degrees, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

As a tropical island country, it (obviously) has beaches. But if all you want is somewhere to lie on the sand, Dominica isn’t the best fit for you as there’s much to see and do. Exploits include spotting the island’s colorful birds and sperm whale watching to uncovering seemingly endless natural beauty, including lush forests, nine live volcanoes, and numerous waterfalls and hot springs. In Morne Trois Pitons National Park, take a long hike to the natural, steam-spraying 183-degree Boiling Lake. Long-distance walkers will thrive here by embarking on the 112-mile-long Waitukubuli National Trail.

Related: How Dominica and other destinations are doing sustainability right

The Algarve, Portugal

Continental Portugal‘s southernmost region, the Algarve, has something for every traveler. If you want to stay in a hotel and spend a week lounging by the pool without a care, you’ve got plenty of options along the coastline. If you’re after world-class beaches, breathtaking views and nightlife, try Lagos or Albufeira. Want a city break that isn’t Lisbon or Porto? Try Faro instead, with its historic Old Town. Does all of the above sound great? It’s fairly easy to explore the Algarve, its beaches and charming coastal towns by car.

But just how hot can Portugal be in December? Well, it’s similar to Malta, with an average high of 63 degrees in December, with things getting significantly chillier in the evenings at around 47 degrees. It’s about the same in January and February. Still, it’s one of the warmer places in Europe at this time of year, so while you may not be in a T-shirt 24/7 or full bathing suit mode, you’ll have a chance of escaping the U.S.’s colder daytime temperatures, and Portugal is known for having 300 annual days of sun. You’ll also get to avoid the summer crowds.

Related: 8 reasons Portugal is the perfect place to visit

Curacao

Curacao is the “C” in the Caribbean’s ABC islands — with the “A” being Aruba and “B” being Bonaire. All three are ideal winter sun destinations, enjoying average temperatures in the mid-80s throughout December, January and February. Indeed, this is the peak season for travel, but it’s well worth it.

You’ll find white sandy beaches, clear-as-day water and resort-style hotels in Curacao, but you don’t want to miss the chance to go diving or explore the island, which is part of the Netherlands. The influence is visible in the Dutch-inspired architecture of the UNESCO-listed capital, Willemstad, painted in cheerful candy colors and lined with lively cafes. February is a great time to visit, as the annual Carnival takes place that month over changing dates each year when the island is at its most spirited.

Agadir, Morocco

Resort city Agadir on Morocco’s south coast is a fine option for winter sun. The temperature hovers around an average high of 70 degrees — though the lows are high 40s and low 50s — with the sea staying just warm enough to dip your toes in without yelping (somewhere around 65-ish).

Agadir is known for its long stretch of golden beach (Plage d’Agadir), but it also has local souks to explore, a recreation of an old medina to marvel at, cultural museums to take in, and half a dozen golf courses (if that’s your thing). You’ll also be within close travel distance (30 minutes) to the fishing village of Taghazout, known for its excellent surfing (best for experienced surfers in the winter) and scenic beaches, as well as road-tripping distance (approximately three hours) from the historic port city of Essaouira.

Related: United becomes only US airline with service to Morocco: On board the inaugural flight

Iguacu Falls, Brazil

Expect high temperatures in the region to average 91 degrees (and perhaps the odd rainfall) in Brazil throughout November (the end of spring) and December to February (summer). This makes it an ideal time weatherwise to visit one of the South American country’s greatest natural wonders: Iguacu (or Iguazu) Falls.

The gushing falls can be seen from Brazil or Argentina in their respective Iguacu and Iguazu national parks. They are a cloudy, plunging spectacle, stretching across 8,858 feet and dropping 269 feet (at their tallest) into the river below, combining into the world’s largest waterfall system. OK, you won’t lie on the beach getting a tan, but you will see one of the world’s most impressive natural sights. In Brazil’s park, which spans more than 457,000 acres, there are opportunities to explore the jungle and, if you’re lucky, see the local wildlife, which includes giant anteaters and giant otters.

Funchal, Portugal

Funchal, the capital of the autonomous Madeira archipelago, is an easy place to while away a few days. Enjoy a relaxed trip to the farmers market, a stroll around the vibrant Madeira Botanical Garden and the pretty cobbled streets of Zona Vieja, or ride on the Funchal cable car before savoring a long lunch and a spot of wine tasting. Football (soccer for Americans) fans can even visit an entire museum dedicated to the city’s superstar son, Cristiano Ronaldo, showcasing some of his many trophies.

Suppose you have more than a few days to spare. In that case, this Portuguese island has plenty more to explore, from its unique walks along miles of levadas (water channels built for irrigation) to Porto Moniz’s natural pools and Santana’s traditional thatched houses. Often touted as a year-round destination due to its position on the northwest coast of Africa, you can expect to experience decent temperatures from autumn into early winter in Funchal — i.e., an average high of 78 degrees in October, 73 degrees in November and 70 degrees in December. Expect slightly chillier evenings, though, and the odd flash of rain.

Related: Dear TikTok, stop calling Madeira a dupe for Hawaii

Cape Town

When seeking winter sun, don’t forget about the Southern Hemisphere’s gems, such as Cape Town, the vibrant city of fewer than 5 million people that seems to have just about everything a person could desire. There are magnificent beaches, some with natural sea pools, others with surfing waves and others with cute African penguins. Be sure to climb Lion’s Head with something to toast at the top at sunset, or take the Aerial Cableway up to iconic Table Mountain.

There are showstopping restaurants and abundant wineries, epic scenic drives and more somber historical sites (Robben Island), places to see wildlife (Cape Point Nature Reserve) and places to geek out over plants (Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden).

You can expect an average high temperature of 80 degrees in December and 84 degrees in January and February, and just a couple of days of rain, though it’s always wise to pack a light layer for when the wind picks up. And for sunbathers, the city is blessed with fabulous swimming pools, especially in the luxury hotels around the V&A Waterfront.

Rajasthan, India

It’s easy to assume much of India is swelteringly hot all year, but visitors can anticipate incredibly pleasant weather in the wintertime. It’s still sunny, of course, but cooler. (Think a January average high of 72 degrees in Rajasthan, with nights dropping to a refreshing 48 degrees on average.) The humidity is down, the rain is almost nonexistent (think one day per month) and you can comfortably ride in that open-air electric rickshaw without sweating through your clothes.

Since many of the spectacular highlights — decadent and ancient palaces, forts, temples and historical museums — in Rajasthan’s main destinations, including the terra-cotta pink-toned Jaipur, brilliant blue Jodhpur and an artificial lake-filled Udaipur, are not air-conditioned, this is the absolute best time to sightsee. It’s also the ideal season for safaris in Ranthambore National Park. The sun literally brings the wildlife, particularly elusive tigers, out from the brush to bask in it.

Make sure to dedicate a day or two to catching some rays at the rooftop pool at the Raffles Jaipur or the turquoise stunner at Six Senses Fort Barwara, inside a 14th-century fort. Winter is also the ideal season to visit Mumbai, where many travelers would likely fly first.

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