15 Countries with Surprising Winter Warmth

Chasing sunshine in the middle of winter can feel like a luxury, but there are plenty of places that stay warm when much of the world bundles up. The countries below deliver reliable blue skies, comfortable sea breezes, and inviting beaches when temperatures drop elsewhere. You will find calm islands with clear water, historic port cities with outdoor cafes, and coastal roads made for slow drives with the windows down. Each destination includes practical details so you can plan with confidence. Pack breathable fabrics, light layers for evenings, and a swimsuit that dries quickly. Winter does not have to mean cold when you know where to look.

Portugal

Portugal offers more winter warmth than many travelers expect, especially on Madeira and along the southern Algarve. Madeira’s capital of Funchal enjoys winter highs around 66 to 68 degrees and sunny walks through botanical gardens in bloom. The Algarve stays mild with highs in the low 60s, ideal for beach strolls at Praia da Marinha and coastal hikes near Lagos. Cafes spill onto the pavement even in January, and seafood markets run at full speed. Trains and highways make it easy to hop between towns like Tavira, Faro, and Portimão. Book a cliffside guesthouse and plan slow mornings, long lunches, and golden hour by the water.

Spain

Winter belongs to the Canary Islands where it often feels like a gentle spring while the rest of Europe shivers. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote regularly sit in the low 70s with bright skies and swimmable coves. Teide National Park adds a volcanic backdrop and clear night skies for stargazing. On Gran Canaria, the dunes at Maspalomas warm quickly by midday and the promenade stays lively through dinner. Evenings are cooler, so carry a light jacket for seaside walks. With frequent interisland ferries and short flights, you can try two islands on one trip without stress.

Morocco

Morocco’s Atlantic and southern coasts are a gift in winter, especially around Agadir, Taghazout, and Essaouira. Daytime temperatures commonly hit the low 70s, perfect for surf lessons or a relaxed lunch of grilled sardines. Essaouira’s medina is easy to navigate and the sea breeze keeps the air fresh. Agadir offers a long beachfront promenade where cafes serve mint tea and fresh orange juice all day. Inland day trips to Taroudant or Paradise Valley give you mountain views without heavy crowds. As sunset drops, swap to a light sweater and pick a rooftop for slow tagine and live music.

Cyprus

Cyprus blends island ease with Mediterranean sunshine that lingers through winter. Paphos and Limassol often see highs in the low to mid 60s with plenty of dry days for seaside walks. Archaeological parks stay open and quiet, which makes the mosaics and tombs feel even more memorable. Coastal trails around the Akamas Peninsula deliver blue water and low cliffs without summer heat. Cafes serve meze long after dark, and local wineries in the Troodos foothills pour crisp whites. Rent a car for a loop that combines beaches, ruins, and small village taverns.

Greece

Crete and Rhodes keep a softer climate than the mainland, with winter highs often in the low 60s and a surprising number of sunny stretches. Heraklion’s museums and the ruins at Knossos are comfortable to explore without the crush of summer tours. On the west side of Crete, Chania’s harbor stays lively with seafood tavernas and waterfront strolls. Rhodes Old Town offers sheltered lanes for easy walking and a calm pace suited to long coffee breaks. Bring a light rain layer and expect quick clear ups after showers. When the sun breaks through, souvlaki and a harbor view feel like summer in slow motion.

Turkey

Antalya and the surrounding Turkish Riviera stay welcoming when the rest of the region cools down. Expect winter highs around the low 60s, bright afternoons on pebble beaches, and mountain silhouettes that frame the coast. Side and Aspendos add Roman theaters and ruins you can wander without heat or crowds. Boutique hotels offer generous breakfasts and terraces that trap the afternoon sun. Local buses are frequent and inexpensive, which makes day trips simple. Evenings call for a sweater and a seaside table with grilled fish and a salad of lemon and herbs.

Oman

Oman’s best season overlaps with northern winter, and that is when Muscat, Sur, and the desert shine. Daytime temperatures regularly run from the upper 70s to mid 80s with clear skies and easy swimming in calm bays. The Corniche in Muttrah fills with families at sunset and the fish market starts early with tuna and kingfish on ice. Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid offer emerald pools and short hikes that reward you with a swim. A night in the Wahiba Sands brings warm days and starry nights that feel endless. Roads are excellent, signage is clear, and hospitality is sincere.

Jordan

The Red Sea town of Aqaba is a winter bright spot with daytime highs often in the upper 60s to low 70s. Snorkel over coral gardens at South Beach or arrange a boat trip with glass panels to watch fish drift past. The waterfront promenade fills with locals and travelers in the evening, and the seafood is fresh off the boats. Pair a day in Aqaba with a warm sunny hike in Wadi Rum where sandstone towers glow in late light. Petra is cooler but comfortable during daylight and quieter than peak season. Pack a fleece for early mornings and enjoy the sunshine by midday.

Senegal

Senegal’s dry season lines up neatly with winter travel plans. Dakar and the Petite Côte hover in the low to mid 80s with steady breezes off the Atlantic. Beach towns like Saly and Somone make easy bases with long stretches of sand and relaxed cafes. In Dakar, the corniche offers ocean views that run for miles and the markets are alive from morning to night. Island day trips to Ngor or Gorée add history and calm turquoise water. Evenings cool enough for a light layer make rooftop dinners especially pleasant.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde sits in a sweet spot for winter warmth with consistent sunshine and trade winds. Sal and Boa Vista deliver long beaches, clear water, and winter highs around the mid 70s to low 80s. Santa Maria has a relaxed boardwalk scene and plenty of simple beach bars for fresh catch lunch. Boa Vista feels even quieter with sandy tracks that lead to empty curves of coast. Interisland flights link you to São Vicente and Santo Antão if you want dramatic hikes in green valleys. Plan a slow week of morning swims, afternoon naps, and sunset walks.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s southwest and south coasts light up in winter with calm seas and reliable sunshine. Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Tangalle often sit in the mid 80s with clear mornings for beach time and boat trips. Mirissa is known for whale watching in season, while Weligama offers gentle waves for beginners on soft sand. Trains run along the coast with open windows and views that make the miles pass easily. Inland, the tea country is cooler but reachable for a day trip if you want misty views. Evenings by the water call for grilled fish, tropical fruit, and the sound of waves.

Thailand

Thailand’s Andaman coast is at its best in winter with blue water and calm days. Phuket, Krabi, and Khao Lak see highs in the upper 80s with dry conditions that suit island hopping. Longtail boats carry you to limestone stacks and small beaches where the shade of palm trees is enough to keep you out all afternoon. Inland national parks offer short trails to waterfalls that are comfortable in winter light. Street food markets run late into the night and keep travel budgets flexible. Aim for early boat departures for the softest light and the quietest beaches.

Vietnam

Southern Vietnam turns on the charm during winter, especially across the Mekong Delta and on Phu Quoc Island. Daytime highs commonly settle in the low to mid 80s with dry breezes and plenty of sunshine. Phu Quoc’s west coast has a chain of beaches that are easy to explore with a scooter and a list of food stalls. The Mekong region stays green and active with floating markets and boat rides through narrow channels lined with palms. Ho Chi Minh City is warm and buzzing, which makes rooftop sunsets a daily ritual. Plan a mix of island days and city energy for a balanced trip.

Colombia

Colombia’s Caribbean coast hits a sweet spot in winter with warm water and a lively street scene that never slows down. Cartagena’s walled city is at its most comfortable for walking tours and evening plazas. Day trips to the Rosario Islands bring snorkel time and beach clubs that feel unhurried. Farther east, Santa Marta and Tayrona National Natural Park offer sandy coves ringed by jungle. Inland air connections make it easy to add Medellín for spring like air and hillside views. Expect highs in the mid to upper 80s and bring a hat for midday sun.

Japan

Japan may surprise you with winter warmth in Okinawa, where the climate feels subtropical even as Tokyo cools down. Naha often sits near 68 to 70 degrees with clear days for castle ruins, seaside parks, and quiet beaches. Outer islands like Ishigaki and Miyako are even more laid back and invite long bike rides and snorkeling when the water is calm. Food is fresh and light, with markets that encourage sampling everything in sight. Public buses and rental cars make island exploring simple, and signage is easy to follow. Evenings can be breezy, so carry a light layer for waterfront dinners.

This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance