12 Winter Sun Destinations Near the US

While the southern states typically experience relatively mild winter temperatures, the United States’ northern, northeastern, and midwestern states experience much cooler temperatures and snowy skies. Therefore, millions of Americans must travel elsewhere in America or leave the country for some winter sun. Luckily, there are many sunny winter destinations not too far away.

World-famous winter sun destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America are all relatively close to the United States, and they all offer sunny skies, warm temperatures, and many things to do. To show you what’s on offer, we’ve compiled a list of 12 winter sun destinations near the US. These places experience temperatures above 70°F (21°C).

Table of Contents

Cancun, Mexico

Let’s start this list with Cancun, one of Mexico’s most famous summer vacation destinations. In winter, Cancun experiences average daily highs of 82°F (28°C), which is ideal for sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the sea, and sitting at a beach bar with a refreshing cocktail. Better yet, Cancun has many exciting things to see and do.

When you’re not soaking up the sun on Playa Delfines, explore El Centro (Downtown), discover ancient Mayan ruins, and party the night away in the lively Zona Hotelera district. Regarding accommodation, there are many options. The beachfront and adult-only Atelier Playa Mujeres is among the area’s best 5-star hotels. Meanwhile, the 4-star La Villa du Golf à Cancun Hotel Boutique offers more affordable luxury.

St. Lucia

If you want somewhere to spend a luxury winter vacation with your partner, look no further than St. Lucia. Famed for its lush rainforest, pristine white sand beaches, and towering mountains, this tropical island in the Caribbean offers everything you need to escape the daily grind, starting with breathtaking accommodation.

The 5-star Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, offers loved-up couples an adult-only vacation in untold luxury. It provides stunning beachfront accommodation with a private pool, enormous suites, sea views, and mountain views. Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences also offers 5-star accommodation but at a friendlier price. With average temperatures of 82°F (28°C), spend your days lounging by the pool, strolling along the beach, and tucking into delicious food.

Jamaica

Jamaica is a fantastic winter vacation destination for Americans because it offers quick, easy, and reliable transport from many major cities. As such, you can leave the cold behind and land in paradise in just a few hours. With average temperatures of 81°F (27°C), you can thoroughly enjoy Jamaica’s sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

If you stay in Negril or Kingston, you’ll also find many things to see and do. Some of the island’s most notable attractions include Kool Runnings Water Park, Negril Cliffs, Seven Mile Beach, and Negril Hills Golf Club. For somewhere luxurious to stay, check out the 5-star Moon Palace Jamaica. Alternatively, the Westender Inn offers more budget-friendly beachfront accommodation.

Hawaii, United States

Warm Destinations in the World in September_Honolulu, Hawaii — © Okimo / Adobe Stock

Hawaii might seem strange on this list because it’s technically part of the United States. However, its location, which is 2,400 miles (3,862 kilometers) away from the mainland in a tropical climate, makes it an excellent place to visit in winter. This proves you don’t have to leave America to enjoy the winter sun.

You’ll find lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, white sand beaches, and vibrant resorts in Hawaii. In winter, you can expect average temperatures of 77°F (25°C). Many tourists stay in Honolulu, where popular things to do include hiking, shopping, sunbathing, and surfing. The 5-star Kahala Hotel and Resort offers sea views, beachfront bedrooms, swimming pools, and multiple restaurants. Meanwhile, Wayfinder Waikiki offers slightly more affordable rooms.

San Andres, Colombia

If you want to travel somewhere new this winter, consider visiting San Andres, one of Colombia’s best but lesser-known tourist destinations. Situated off the coast of Nicaragua, this small island in the Caribbean is recognized for its beautiful white sand beaches, towering palm trees, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and all-inclusive resorts.

You’ll spend your time on the island swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and salsa dancing. In winter, the island experiences lows of 77°F (25°C) and highs of 84°F (29°C). The gorgeous Nattivo Collection Hotel is the highest-rated 5-star hotel on the island. On the other hand, Hotels 111 is one of the island’s best-rated budget-friendly hotels, offering rooms for less than $100 nightly. What’s not to like?

Havana, Cuba

The following winter sun destination on our list is Havana, Cuba’s vibrant capital city and main seaport. Cuba is a fascinating country with a rich history, diverse culture, and unique traditions. Havana, with its alluring old-worldly charm, is the best place to experience the authentic nature of Cuba.

Untouched by the outside world, Havana’s lively Old Town, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to vintage American cars, breathtaking Cuban architecture, bustling plazas, and excellent street performers. Furthermore, the 12-mile (19-kilometer) Malecón seaside promenade offers sweeping coastal views. In winter, Havana experiences daily highs of 81°F (27°C). The 5-star El Candil Boutique Hotel and VOYA Boutique Hotel are fantastic accommodation options.

Costa Rica

Save this

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers seeking a more adventurous winter break should consider planning a trip to Costa Rica. Offering something for every kind of traveler, this picturesque Central American country is famed for its dense rainforests, white sand beaches, diverse wildlife, and clear waters. As a result, it’s a popular place for wildlife watching and hiking.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

In Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Manuel Antonio National Park, travelers can explore the rich rainforest on foot. You can spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, macaws, and more. Meanwhile, San Jose, the capital city, has attractions like the National Museum of Costa Rica and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. You can expect highs of 86°F (30°C). Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific and Hotel Cerro Lodge are excellent places to stay.

Barbados

12 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Caribbean Assume All Island’s Same — © Simon Dannhauer / Adobe Stock

Barbados is a fantastic winter destination near the United States if you want to spend your vacation soaking up the sun on picture-perfect beaches, sipping cocktails by the sea, exploring the Caribbean’s natural scenery, and partying into the early morning hours. This Caribbean island offers travelers incredible luxury, winter high temperatures of 84°F (29°C), and delicious cuisine.

The 5-star Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort and Residences sums up the island nicely. This luxurious beachfront hotel offers world-class services, multiple pools, breathtaking villa-style rooms, high-quality Caribbean cuisine, and more. Even more affordable hotels like Coconut Court Beach Hotel have much to offer. Notable points of interest in Barbados include Bridgetown, Carlisle Bay, and St. Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway.

Cozumel, Mexico

Mexico makes our list for the second time, with Cozumel, a beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea. This stunning tropical island is best known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, scuba diving, and vacation resorts. In winter, you can expect lows of 70°F (21°C) and highs of 82°F (28°C).

During your visit, you’ll likely spend most of your time swimming in the sea, snorkeling, strolling along the beaches, and eating authentic Caribbean and Mexican cuisine. Hotel B Unique is one of the island’s most spectacular 5-star hotels. It features an infinity pool with sea views, a spa, a Mexican restaurant, and impressive suites. If you’re on a tight budget, Coralia Boutique Hotel Cozumel offers rooms for less than $100 per night.

Belize

If you want to experience the Caribbean and all its delights but don’t have a big budget, plan a winter vacation to Belize. In winter, you can book a gorgeous room in a 5-star hotel in Belize for less than $200 a night. Umaya Resort & Adventures is one of the best. It offers beachfront accommodation with a private pool, restaurant, and spa.

Better yet, Hopkins Bay Belize, a Muy’Ono Resort, offers one-bedroom villas for only $139 nightly. Belize’s average daily winter temperature is 75°F (24°C), ideal for enjoying the sun and exploring the island. Points of interest include Corozal, Ambergris Caye, Belize City, and Xunantunich Mayan Ruins.

Bahamas

If you have a big enough budget, you could go a step further in the Caribbean and book a winter vacation in the Bahamas. Offering tourists unparalleled luxury in paradise, the Bahamas is home to more than 700 islands. These islands have 5-star resorts, beautiful natural scenery, and postcard-perfect beaches.

Better yet, the Bahamas is less than three hours from America by plane. Those three hours make an enormous difference regarding temperatures. In winter, the Bahamas experiences average lows of 73°F (23°C) and highs of 81°F (27°C). Noteworthy attractions include Pig Beach, Queen’s Staircase, Pink Sands Beach, and Clifton Heritage National Park. SLS at Baha Mar and Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau are excellent 5-star hotels.

Trinidad and Tobago

The final winter sun destination near the United States on our list is Trinidad and Tobago. This is another affordable winter sun destination in the Caribbean. Despite being a cheaper place to stay, this tropical island still has many luxury hotels. The Hyatt Regency Trinidad offers luxurious rooms by the sea for approximately $250 a night.

Meanwhile, Carolina Point Resort offers beautiful rooms with sea views for less than $150 a night. Regarding temperatures, Trinidad and Tobago experiences toasty highs of 86°F (30°C). In fact, temperatures rarely drop below 83°F (28°C). During your stay, you’ll relax on white sand beaches, swim in emerald waters, and visit many exciting attractions like Fort King George.