Winter Beach Vacation - 14 Exotic Destinations to Enjoy the Sun

In the past years, around this time, we were making lists of warm destinations for a winter beach vacation. What was different (and annoying) was that I had to filter them based on input conditions.

I missed the time when I could start looking again and select those places based on what we want to see and do, weather, flight prices, etc. So after two years of spending a lot of time documenting travel restrictions and conditions, it's time to make a list of destinations selected solely on the basis of "winter beach weather".

Anticipating some comments, I start by telling you that there are places that I would choose for a beach holiday where I can also swim in the sea/ocean. They are not all, they are not for all tastes or all pockets. Personally, I prefer places where statistically the chances of rain are reduced and the temperatures are above 25 degrees both in the water and in the air.

1. Maldives

Season: transitional – dry, Average highs: 32ºC, Water temperature: 30ºC

Another destination where December marks the end of the rainy season, the Maldives still offers visitors perfect beach weather. Obviously, it could not be missing from a list of exotic destinations.

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2. Thailand

Season: dry, Average highs: 28-32ºC, Water temperature: 28-30ºC

It's a great time to island hop and the beach options are endless. Thailand is one of our favorite destinations that have many other experiences to offer beyond the white sands and turquoise waters for which it is popular.

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3. Oman

Average highs: 30ºC (Salalah), Water temperature: 25-27ºC

A not-very-distant destination, but very little known by Romanians, Oman will surprise you with the diversity of attractions and activities it offers.

The winter months are only good for exploring the area around Muscat, then relaxing on the beach in Salalah where the weather is perfect. Whether you prefer an all-inclusive resort or a rental apartment in the city, there are options for quite a wide range of tastes and budgets.

4. Panama

Season: dry, Average highs: 30-32ºC, Water temperature: 28-28ºC

January, February, March, April, and May (plus September and October) are statistically the driest and sunniest months of the year in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. And the period from December to March is considered to be ideal for visiting the islands of the San Blas archipelago.

5. Costa Rica

Season: dry, Average highs: 27ºC, Water temperature: 26-28ºC

The winter vacation period coincides with the dry season in Costa Rica. A destination that, in addition to the beach, offers many other outdoor experiences, it is an ideal place for those who prefer to spend their time in nature.

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6. The Dominican Republic

Season: dry, Average highs: 29ºC, Water temperature: 26ºC

Another popular beach destination where rainfall is low, so chances of sunshine are high. No wonder it is a favorite place for many to spend their winter beach vacation. If you get there, the trip to Saona Island is not to be missed.

7. Vietnam

Average highs: 30ºC (in Phú Quốc), Water temperature: 28-29ºC (in Phú Quốc)

December – March is the best time to visit this country to avoid the rains. Beach areas with good weather are Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, and, from the end of December, Nha Trang. However, the destination has many more experiences to offer, I for one see it as a destination "with a beach" and not a place to go just to relax in the sun.

8. Ecuador - Galapagos

Season: rainy, Average highs: 29ºC, Water temperature: 24-25ºC

December to May is the hot season in the Galapagos, also known as the rainy season. At this time of year, temperatures rise, reaching up to 30ºC, and the days are warm and sunny, but with occasional rain. Rain usually arrives in the afternoon and often clears by evening.

Even though it is the rainy season, the period is recommended because the ocean is calmer and the underwater visibility is excellent. December – still offers the best conditions for snorkeling and diving. Consider the warm season and if you are worried about seasickness.

9. Antigua And Barbuda

Season: dry, Average highs: 29ºC, Water temperature: 26ºC

Antigua's high season runs from December to April and is the "coldest" and driest time of the year. I've used quotation marks as, with an average daily maximum temperature of about 28.5°C, it doesn't even qualify as "cool" in my view. It does, however, qualify for my list of winter break destinations for a few days at the beach.

10. Mauritius

Season: hot and rainy, Average highs: 30ºC, Water temperature: 25-28ºC

November and December are months when the rainy season has not come into its own. If you choose the west coast and stay further north, you are even more protected from the vagaries of the weather. Personally, I consider the ideal month of November to go, for December and the first part of January it's like I'm taking the risk.

Mauritius is a destination both for those who want the peace and comfort of a resort, but also for those who choose to rent villas/apartments and explore the island.

11. Sri Lanka

Average highs: 27ºC, Water temperature: 28ºC

From my point of view, a few days of laziness at the beach would only complement a trip rich in many other experiences.

But beware of the economic and political situation – do your research before planning a trip there.

12. Belize

Season: dry, Average highs: 27-28ºC (The Cayes), Water temperature: 26-27ºC

The best time to visit Belize is the dry season between January and May. Clear skies will allow you to fully enjoy the beaches and warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. If you want to unwind, you can explore tropical rainforests, cruise jungle rivers for bird watching, or snorkel at the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere.

13. Barbados

Season: dry, Average highs: 29ºC, Water temperature: 27-28ºC

The best time to visit Barbados is between mid-December and mid-April during the dry season. The risk of precipitation is low and highs are around 29 degrees. Fortunately, Barbados is one of those destinations that you can visit at any time of the year, being one of the places where you can escape the cold and spend the winter at the beach.

14. Jamaica

Season: dry, Average highs: 28-30ºC, Water temperature: 28ºC

The best time to visit Jamaica is between December and March when the sun and temperatures are pleasant and the rainfall is the lowest. The "coldest" month of the year is February, with a maximum daily average of 28C.