Best Places for Winter Sun: Warm Destinations to Escape the Cold
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Popular winter sun destinations can offer desert landscapes, coastal scenery and cultural experiences, with conditions that vary by place and year.
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Palm Springs, the Canary Islands, Miami, the Algarve and Scottsdale each offer a different mix of history, nature, architecture and local culture.
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Compare seasonal weather, activity level, travel distance and your interests before choosing. Road Scholar learning adventures can add context through expert-led exploration, local insight and lifelong learning.
The best places for winter sun include desert, coastal and mild-weather destinations in the U.S. and abroad. Your ideal choice depends on whether you prefer culture, nature, beaches or outdoor exploration. Browse through our suggestions for winter sun destinations to escape the cold.
Canary Islands, Spain
5 of the Best Winter Sun Destinations
The best locations for winter sun offer a range of scenery, cultures and experiences for travelers to explore.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs draws winter travelers with its sunny, arid climate, desert scenery, midcentury architecture and thriving arts scene. Its location also makes it a gateway to Joshua Tree National Park and the wider landscapes of California.
Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands offer volcanic landscapes, Atlantic coastlines, botanical gardens and a rich cultural history. On Tenerife, sites such as Iglesia de la Concepción and Plaza de España add opportunities for historical exploration, while the islands’ location makes them a popular European winter sun destination. Explore more learning adventures in Spain.
Miami, Florida
Miami combines winter sunshine and coastal scenery with opportunities to explore local history and culture. Spend time in neighborhoods like Little Havana or explore the Art Deco Historic District to learn more about the city through its architecture, art, music and cuisine.
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve in Portugal pairs coastal landscapes with historic communities and Portuguese culture. Seaside towns like Albufeira and Lagos offer opportunities to explore the region’s scenery and history. Winter is generally milder here than in many northern European destinations, making the Algarve one of several appealing winter sun places to consider.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is a compelling choice for travelers drawn to Sonoran Desert landscapes and Southwestern history. Botanical environments, museums and cultural sites offer ways to learn about the region’s ecology, heritage and Indigenous cultures while experiencing a different side of Arizona.
How to Choose the Right Winter Sun Destination
When choosing a winter sun destination, consider typical seasonal weather, preferred activity level, travel distance and whether you’re drawn to culture, nature, coastlines or desert landscapes. If you’re comparing the best places to go in December for sun, remember conditions vary by location and year, so check the forecast before you go.
Miami, Florida
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Sun Travel
What are the best places for winter sun?
Some of the best locations for winter sun include Palm Springs, the Canary Islands, Miami, the Algarve and Scottsdale, with options ranging from desert landscapes to coastal scenery and cultural exploration.
Where can I find winter sun in December?
Consider destinations in the southern U.S., along with the Canary Islands and southern Portugal. December conditions vary, so check typical temperatures, rainfall and sunshine when comparing destinations.
Where is it warm and sunny in Europe during winter?
The Canary Islands and southern Portugal are popular European winter sun destinations, though temperatures, rainfall and sunshine vary throughout the season.
Is Portugal a good winter sun destination?
The Algarve combines milder winters with coastal scenery and history.
Is Arizona a good place to visit in winter?
Arizona offers desert landscapes, outdoor exploration and Southwestern culture.
What should I look for in a winter sun destination?
Look at typical seasonal weather, activity requirements, travel distance and the experiences that interest you most, from cultural and historical exploration to coastal or desert landscapes.
Do winter sun destinations stay warm all winter?
No. Temperatures, rainfall and sunshine vary throughout the season.
Find Your Winter Escape With Road Scholar
Explore Road Scholar winter getaways that bring culture, history and lifelong learning into your winter journey.
