12 Winter Sun Destinations in the Caribbean That Will Make You Question Why You Ever Liked Snow
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If you’re fed up with the gloomy winter weather and want somewhere sunny to escape this winter, you’ve come to the right place. The Caribbean is a tropical region famed for its picturesque beaches, lush rainforests, 5-star resorts, and vibrant cultures. Lucky for us, it’s also renowned for its tropical climate year-round.
As a result, the Caribbean is one of the world’s best places for a winter sun vacation. However, choosing where to stay is challenging. That’s where we come in. In this article, we’ve listed 12 winter sun destinations in the Caribbean. We selected these places based on temperatures above 21°C (70°F) and the absence of a rainy season.
Jamaica
Let’s start with Jamaica, a beautiful island nation best known for its pristine beaches, stunning landscapes, unique culture, and summer resorts. Even in winter, the average temperature in Jamaica sits around 81°F (27°C). In fact, at its coldest, temperatures only drop to 75°F (24°C). Therefore, you can spend your winter sunbathing on Seven Miles Beach.
There are many exciting things to do in Jamaica, with most of the action centered around Negril and Kingston. Notable attractions on the island include Negril Cliffs, Negril Hills Golf Club, and Kool Runnings Water Park. For somewhere to stay, Moon Palace Jamaica offers a luxury 5-star experience with a private beach. Meanwhile, Travellers Beach Resort offers beachfront accommodation at an affordable price.
Read also: Best Caribbean Destinations for First-Timers
St. Lucia
When we imagine a picture-perfect Caribbean destination, we almost always imagine St. Lucia and its breathtaking landscapes. Famed for the Piton Mountains, Rodney Bay, Reduit Beach, and luxury 5-star villas, this beautiful island is perfect for a winter getaway. You can expect average temperatures of 82°F (28°C), sun-kissed beaches, and lazy days by the pool.
When you’re not relaxing on Jalousie Beach, tuck into local cuisine in an upscale restaurant and hike the Pitons Mountains. Regarding accommodation, you can’t go wrong with the Landings Resort and Spa – All Suites. This 5-star beachfront hotel offers luxurious rooms, world-class cuisine, and spectacular views. For a more budget-friendly stay, consider somewhere like Harbor Club St Lucia, Curio Collection by Hilton instead.
Read also: Awesome Adventures for Solo Travelers in the Caribbean
Belize
Belize is one of the best places in the Caribbean to visit if you’re traveling on a tight budget. In winter, you can find beautiful 5-star hotels and resorts for less than $300 nightly. Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge is one of our favorites. It offers sweeping landscape vistas, beautiful bedrooms with private pools, and delicious Caribbean cuisine.
For a more affordable stay, Colinda Cabanas provides beachfront rooms for less than $100 nightly. In winter, Belize experiences average temperatures of 75°F (24°C), perfect for exploring the country’s magnificent offshore cays, white sand beaches, and lush rainforests. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the nation’s Mayan ruins. Popular places in Belize include Corozal, Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, and Belize City.
Read also: Things Tourists Should Never Do When Visiting the Caribbean
Dominican Republic
Like Belize, the Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean’s more affordable vacation winter destinations. You can find gorgeous 5-star hotels with rooftop pools, like Hacienda Samana Bay Hotel, for less than $200 nightly. Better yet, charming accommodations like LUTIX HOTELS, which features a swimming pool and restaurant, offer rooms for well under $100 nightly.
The Dominican Republic is recognized for its natural beauty, sun-kissed beaches, and diverse wildlife. In Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, you’ll find many things to do and glorious soft sand beaches for sunbathing. Points of interest include Juanillo Beach, Bavaro Beach, Columbus Park, and the Museum of the Royal Houses. Regarding temperatures, you can expect daily highs of 86°F (30°C).
Read also: Caribbean Trip Planning Tips
St. Barts
The following Caribbean winter sun destination on our list is St. Barts, a tiny French-speaking island loved most for its glistening white sand beaches, impressive beachfront resorts, and designer shopping. This island is the perfect vacation destination for romantic and honeymooning couples. In winter, you can expect daily highs of 84°F (29°C).
In St. Barts, you’ll spend most of your time relaxing on St. Jean Beach, indulging in local cuisine at a beachfront restaurant, exploring historical landmarks like the 17th-century Fort Karl, and shopping in Montaigne Market. For a romantic getaway, the 5-star Hotel Christopher Saint Barth provides unparalleled luxury, featuring a swimming pool, sea views, and Michelin-starred cuisine. Meanwhile, the beachfront Pearl Beach Hotel offers a slightly more affordable stay.
Read also: Inexpensive Beach Destinations in the Caribbean
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis is another beautiful place to spend a romantic winter break in the Caribbean. In winter, this dual-island nation experiences highs of 82°F (28°C) and lows of 72°F (22°C), perfect temperatures for enjoying the nation’s tropical beaches, vibrant towns, and scenic mountain landscapes.
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Noteworthy places to visit on Saint Kitts and Nevis include Cockleshell Bay Beach, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Timothy Hill Overlook, and Romney Manor. Of course, you’ll also want to frequent many of the islands’ beach bars and restaurants. Regarding accommodation, Park Hyatt St. Kitts is one of the best 5-star hotels in the country. Conversely, the Royal St. Kitts Hotel is one of the best budget-friendly hotels.
Read also: Fascinating Facts about the Caribbean
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Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda are some of the most expensive destinations in the Caribbean. Still, it makes up for the high price tag with the promise of luxury resorts, tropical beaches, impressive landscapes, and year-round good weather. In winter, travelers can expect average daily highs of 82°F (28°C). You don’t need an excuse to relax and unwind in Antigua and Barbuda.
You’ll spend your days wandering around 18th-century ruins, relaxing in your hotel’s beachfront swimming pool, and sunbathing in Half Moon Bay. What’s not to like? If you stay at Sandals Grande Antigua, a magnificent adult-only 5-star hotel, you can experience the celebrity lifestyle while you’re at it. Even more budget-friendly hotels like Hodges Bay Resort & Spa have much to offer in the way of luxury.
Read also: Popular Landmarks in the Caribbean
Barbados
Barbados is an appealing winter destination for explorers, partygoers, beachgoers, and surfers. In other words, anyone who wants to escape the daily grind and have plenty of fun will quickly fall in love with Barbados. This Eastern Caribbean island is famous worldwide for offering travelers untold luxury, spectacular beaches, and world-class cuisine.
The 5-star Cobblers Cove is a fine example of the celebrity treatment you can expect on the island. Even affordable accommodation options like the 3-star Blue Haven Holiday Apartments are impressive. As for temperatures, you can expect toasty lows of 73°F (23°C) and hot highs of 84°F (29°C). Some of the most popular places to visit in Barbados include Carlisle Bay, Bridgetown, St. Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway, and Barbados Museum & Historical Society.
Read also: Surreal Places in the Caribbean
Aruba
If you’re searching for serious heat this winter, visit Aruba, a small island in the Caribbean Sea. In winter, this picturesque island experiences daily highs of 86°F (30°C). Breathtaking white sand beaches, turquoise waters, vibrant cultures, and world-class cuisine await you in Aruba, as do many beautiful beachfront resorts with pools, restaurants, and sea-view bedrooms.
The 5-star Ritz-Carlton is one of the best. Eagle Aruba Resort, a budget-friendly hotel with an on-site swimming pool, spacious bedrooms, and multiple restaurants, is also a fantastic option. In Aruba, you’ll likely spend your time relaxing on one of many beaches, exploring the quaint towns, walking along the coast searching for hidden coves, and tucking into Caribbean cuisine.
Read also: Affordable Caribbean Beach Destinations To Live
Grenada
Grenada is one of the best winter sun destinations in the Caribbean for many reasons. Firstly, the island’s average temperature in winter ranges between 73°F (23°C) and 86°F (30°C). Secondly, the island has many luxury and budget-friendly accommodation options. Finally, there are many exciting and relaxing things to do. Grenada is home to charming towns, lush rainforests, gorgeous white-sand beaches, and fascinating historical landmarks.
When not sunbathing on Grand Anse Beach or exploring St. George, discover famous attractions like the 18th-century Fort George and stroll along Carenage Harbor. For a 5-star experience, stay in the Royalton Grenada, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, a beachfront resort featuring large bedrooms, sea views, and four restaurants. Alternatively, save money by staying somewhere like the Siesta Hotel, where rooms are available for under $100.
Read also: Unforgettable Caribbean Adventures for Your Bucket List
Bahamas
If you’re looking for the ultimate winter vacation in paradise, look no further than the Bahamas, a mesmerizing island nation with more than 700 islands. Home to Paradise Island, which is precisely what the country is, the Bahamas offers tourists sun, sea, sand, and luxury resorts in abundance.
Better yet, the island experiences lows of 73°F (23°C) and highs of 81°F (27°C) throughout winter. In the Bahamas, you can expect a luxury experience jam-packed with crystal-clear emerald waters, unique experiences, and delicious food. Don’t miss feeding the pigs on Pig Beach during your visit. SLS at Baha Mar is one of the best 5-star hotels in the Bahamas. Alternatively, Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Resort offers affordable luxury.
Read also: Stunning Caribbean Locations to Live for Under $1,000
Trinidad and Tobago
Let’s end this list with a more affordable winter-sun Caribbean destination. Trinidad and Tobago is an excellent place to visit if you seek luxury accommodation at a fair price, white sand beaches, clear waters, and wall-to-wall sunshine. In winter, you can expect daily highs of 86°F (30°C), with temperatures rarely dropping below 83°F (28°C).
If you want to enjoy Trinidad and Tobago’s best beaches, hotels, and resorts, we recommend visiting Store Bay. You’ll find soft sand beaches, emerald waters, essential amenities, and many things to do, including boat trips. Carolina Point Resort is an incredible budget-friendly hotel in the bay. It offers basic but beautiful rooms, sea views, and a rooftop terrace. If you’d prefer more luxury in Trinidad and Tobago, stay in Blue Waters Inn instead.
Read also: Amazing Caribbean Adventures for Couples
Tips for extreme sports in grenada?
You mentioned St. Barts, but is it really accessible for the average traveler considering the cost?
i think barbados is overrated, there are cheaper places in the caribbean that are just as beautiful.
Been to Belize last year, the scuba diving is top-notch. Highly recommend it.
Has anyone been to both Jamaica and St. Lucia? Which do you think is better for families?