The 14 Best Places To Visit In Winter

Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two young children, and their dog, Indiana Bones (Indy).

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Winter is upon us, and typically, there are two types of travelers, those who want warmer weather and those who want to ski. No matter what your preference is, we’ve rounded up the best spots to visit during the winter months.

Best Warm Weather Winter Destinations

Hawaii
Sydney
St. Lucia
Costa Rica
US Virgin Islands
Maldives
Azores
Hanoi, Vietnam

Best Cold Weather Winter Destinations

Copenhagen
Paris
Switzerland
British Columbia, Canada
Yellowstone
Dolomites, Italy

Warm Weather Winter Destinations

Hawaii

Hawaii is great any time of year, but the winter is perfect because it isn’t too hot. Temperatures range from the high 70s-low 80s, meaning you’ll still get plenty of beach time while you are there. And while this is their rainiest season, it shouldn’t ruin your vacation.

Recommended Hotel: Montage Kapalua Bay

Sydney

It’s summer in Sydney during the winter in the U.S., so if you really hate the winter, heading down under is a great option. Of course, that means places may be busier than if you head to the northern hemisphere, but it shouldn’t stop you. It doesn’t get too hot, and you’ll have attractions like the Sydney Opera House, the Taronga Zoo, and water sports.

Recommended Hotel: Little National Hotel Sydney

St. Lucia

The rainy season ends at the end of December, and the temperature is in the 80s in the winter months, so you can pack your sunglasses, sunscreen, bathing suit, and enjoy a luxurious beach vacation in St. Lucia.

Recommended Hotel: Zoetry Marigot Bay

Costa Rica

Costa Rica can get busy during the winter months, and for good reason: the weather is glorious. So if you don’t mind crowds along with warm weather, it’s the perfect time to visit. Imagine zip-lining, hiking, or soaking in natural hot springs all while your friends and family at home are shoveling snow.

Recommended Hotel: The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal

US Virgin Islands

To get away to warm weather without your passport, try the US Virgin Islands. You can laze on the beach, try your hand at water sports, and explore the island’s rich history.

Recommended Hotel: The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef

Maldives

Winter is the Maldives driest season, perfect for a getaway when things get bleak at home. You will keep yourself busy with scuba diving, laying on the beach, exploring a shipwreck and more.

Recommended Hotel: Joy Island

Azores

While the Azores aren’t technically a warm-weather destination (the high for winter is in the sixties), it doesn’t snow there, so this makes the warm-weather list. It’s off-peak, so the crowds are smaller. You’ll find hot springs, quaint villages, waterfalls, and dolphin-watching trips to keep you busy.

Recommended Hotel: Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico

Hanoi, Vietnam

While January is the coldest month in Hanoi, it is still likely going to be warmer than if you live in the Northern US—the highs are about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. There is loads of hiking to be found, you can walk around Hoan Kiem Lake or West Lake, participate in Vietnamese Tet holiday, which typically takes place at the end of January or in February. You, or course will hae to try out an egg coffee, which was first served in Hanoi in 1946 at Cafe Giang.

Recommended Hotel: May De Ville Premier Hotel & S pa

Cold Weather Winter Destinations

Copenhagen

For a real winter european experience, Copenhagen is a perfect choice. Quaint, with snow and chilly weather, you will get an idyllic winter wonderland when you visit Copenhagen. You can visit museums, go ice skating, wander Tivoli Gardens

Recommended Hotel: Fiftyseven Hotel Copenhagen

Paris

There is something magical about Europe in the winter, and Paris might just be the epicenter of that thought. So pack your warmest clothes, and get ready for shopping, museums, and delicious food.

Recommended Hotel: Castille Paris – Starhotels Collezione

Switzerland

A skier’s paradise, an instagrammers dream, an apres-ski loving wine drinker- whoever you are, Switzerland is for you during winter months. Don’t miss the Glacier Express, Zermatt for skiing, or Interlaken for every winter sport you can imagine: skiing, paragliding, and even winter kayaking.

Recommended Hotel: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia has something for everyone during the winter months: skiing, city life, hot springs, shopping – no matter what kind of cold weather vacation you are looking for, British Columbia can assist. Whistler is the spot for skiers, while Vancouver has hiking, city shopping, and even a gondola ride for spectacular views. You can warm your muscles at the hot springs found throughout the province, like Harrison Lake & Hot Springs, Hot Springs Cove and Fairmont Hot Springs.

Recommended Hotel: Fairmont Hot Springs

Yellowstone

Yellowstone gets busy during warmer months, so why not explore the national park in the winter, when it’s quieter, yet just as beautiful. You’ll be able to see the park via skiing, snowshoeing, a snowmobile tour, or a snow coach. And don’t worry, Old Faithful still erupts during winter months, so you won’t miss that during your winter visit.

Recommended Hotel: Old Faithful Inn

Dolomites, Italy

Another ski-lovers paradise, Dolomites, located on the Alps, has some of the best skiing in the world. At the resorts you’ll find black runs, family slopes, floodlit slopes and snow parks- everything you need for the perfect winter getaway.

Recommended Hotel: Mirabell Dolomites Hotel

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• The 10 Best Warm Weather Winter Destinations in the US
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• 10 Best Romantic Getaway Destinations

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The 14 Best Places to Visit in Winter