The Best Warm Winter Getaways Near The U.S.

For many, winter can dampen the spirits of those craving some sunshine. So for those looking for a warm winter, and a trip to a tropical destination, like one of the islands in the Caribbean, is the perfect remedy. Islands like The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Jamaica and Barbados promote themselves as being consistently sunny, and ideal for an all-inclusive family vacation.

Whether you want to experience the soft-white sand beaches of the Turks & Caicos Islands, go swimming with the pigs in The Bahamas, dance to some Reggae tunes in Jamaica, or even explore a drive-in volcano in Saint Lucia, here’s what you should know about these amazing destinations which will help you pick the warm winter getaway that’s right for you!

The Turks & Caicos Islands

Best places for a warm winter getaway: Providenciales.

The sunny Turks & Caicos Islands offer a variety of gorgeous, powdery-white sand beaches and calm turquoise waters, perfect for a warm winter getaway! Providenciales, which has been credited as the most developed island of Turks and Caicos, is home to Grace Bay beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Take a boat trip down to Half Moon Bay and meet the Rock Iguanas. Explore the beautiful turquoise waters and go on a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure. Visitors can even sign up for Humpback whale watching during the winter months, as the best time to see whales in Turks & Caicos is between December and April.

Insider tip: Beaches all-inclusive resort in Turks & Caicos is an amazing option for families and couples alike. The resort is located on the beautiful Grace Bay Beach and features 21 restaurants on-property! The best part is, all food and (alcoholic) drinks are included and always unlimited. Kids love the Pirates Island Water Park, Kids Camp activities and the Sesame Street characters.

Weather in the Turks & Caicos Islands in December:
Max. temperature: 81˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 70˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 8 / 31
Rainfall: 3.9 inches

Flight duration to the Turk & Caicos Islands from:
New York City: 3 hours, 8 minutes.
Washington DC: 2 hours, 57 minutes.
Chicago: 3 hours, 50 minutes.
Boston: 3 hours, 20 minutes.
Seattle: 7 hours, 7 minutes.

Jamaica

Best places for a winter getaway: Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay.

Musical artists such as Bob Marley, Chronix, Sean Paul and Koffee, all hail from the island of Jamaica, which is commonly referred to as “the birthplace of reggae.” This country lives up to its reputation and hosts many Reggae concerts every year, particularly during Bob Marley week in February and the three-day long Rastafari Rootzfest in December.

Sip on a Red Stripe beer on the famous Seven Mile Beach in Negril, climb the Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, or have a rum infused cocktail at the Over-The-Water Bar at Sandals all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay. Warm winter getaways don’t get more relaxing than this!

Insider tip: Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios both come with a water park, and are a great choice if you’re looking for a family friendly all-inclusive resort!

Weather in Jamaica in December:
Max. temperature: 88˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 72˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 6 / 31
Rainfall: 1.8 inches

Flight duration to Jamaica from:
New York City: 3 hours, 37 minutes.
Washington DC: 3 hours, 30 minutes.
Chicago: 3 hours, 55 minutes.
Boston: 4 hours, 20 minutes.
Seattle: 8 hours, 56 minutes.

Barbados

Best places for a winter getaway: St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church, St. Michael.

Although Barbados may be only 166.4 square miles, it is known for its modern developments and a range of activities for all to enjoy. This small island is home to several picturesque beaches with great surf such as Dover Beach (great for beginners!), Bottom Bay Bathsheba Beach and Crane Beach. Take some time to explore the Animal Flower Cave and Harrison’s Cave, which are both magical underground adventures!

Insider tip: Stay at either Sandals Barbados or Sandals Royal Barbados and enjoy two all-inclusive resorts in Barbados for the price of one! Sandals Royal Barbados even offers guests a free-to-use bowling alley, craft beer hall and rooftop swimming pool.

Weather in Barbados in December:
Max. temperature: 84˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 72˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 13 / 31
Rainfall: 3.7 inches

Flight duration to Barbados from:
New York City: 4 hours, 41 minutes.
Washington DC: 4 hours, 38 minutes.
Chicago: 5 hours, 42 minutes.
Boston: 4 hours, 45 minutes.
Seattle: 9 hours, 5 minutes.

The Bahamas

Best places for a winter getaway: Nassau, Paradise Island, Exuma.

The Bahamas may have some of the best beaches to visit in December, but this is surely not all there is to offer. Its exotic resorts offer all-inclusive luxury at its finest, and the historic city center boasts colorful colonial buildings.

For the most beautiful beaches and best snorkeling, the laidback out island of Exuma is the place you’ll want to go for a warm winter getaway. The color of the water varies from turquoise to deep blue and the powdery-soft white sand is second to none. If you’re looking for action or spectacular scuba diving trips, Nassau is the place to be!

Insider tip: You’ll have a hard time finding a beach (and golf course!) with a more stunning view than at Sandals Emerald Bay. Guests love to take long morning walks at this resort and enjoy the large swimming pool. Try out one of the beachfront suites for an unmatched warm winter getaway with the prettiest views.

Swim with the pigs at Big Major Cay, visit islands populated with Rock Iguanas, go on dolphin adventures at Blue Lagoon Island, swim with stingrays and nurse sharks… it’s all possible in The Bahamas!

Weather in The Bahamas (Nassau) in December:
Max. temperature: 79˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 64˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 9/31
Rainfall: 1.6 inches

Flight duration to The Bahamas (Nassau) from:
New York City: 2 hours, 47 minutes.
Washington DC: 2 hours, 35 minutes.
Chicago: 4 hours, 44 minutes.
Boston: 3 hours, 15 minutes.
Seattle: 8 hours, 3 minutes.

Antigua

Best place for a winter getaway: Dickenson Bay.

You simply can’t visit Antigua without lounging on at least one of its 365 beautiful beaches. Since there’s a beach for every day of the year, why not start with Dickenson Bay in the northwest and enjoy the restaurants and resorts along its shores?

When you’re all beached out, check out the Stingrays at Stingray City and go for a sightseeing tour of the island with Island Routes – some tour options will take you to the beautiful vistas Shirley Heights and Nelson’s Dockyard National Park.

Weather in Antigua (St. John’s) in December:
Max. temperature: 84˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 73˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 12 / 31
Rainfall: 3.3 inches

Flight duration to Antigua from:
New York City: 3 hours, 57 minutes.
Washington DC: 3 hours, 54 minutes.
Chicago: 4 hours, 59 minutes.
Boston: 4 hours, 2 minutes.
Seattle: 8 hours, 23 minutes.

Grenada

Best places for a winter getaway: St. George’s, Grand Anse Beach area.

Grenada is a small Caribbean island well known as “the spice isle” due to its large production of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and bay leaf. You can find out more about the production process by taking a spice plantation tour into the Gouyave village where the nutmeg processing plant and the spice factory are located.

Next, go to the River Antoine Rum Distillery for a guided tour that ends with participants of the legal drinking age sampling some of the liquor the distillery has been producing since it opened in 1785. Fit into your schedule a hike in the Levera National Park to see some Leatherback Turtles, and then dive into the Seven Sisters Falls to cool off. For beach action, go to Pink Gin Beach (home of the all-inclusive Sandals Grenada or the Grand Anse Beach, the latter of which is about two miles long!

Weather in Grenada in December:
Max. temperature: 86˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 73˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 18
Rainfall: 6.9 inches

Flight duration to Grenada from:
New York City: 4 hours, 43 minutes.
Washington DC: 4 hours, 39 minutes.
Chicago: 5 hours, 39 minutes.
Boston: 4 hours, 49 minutes.
Seattle: 11 hours, 21 minutes.

Saint Lucia

Best places for a winter getaway: Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, Soufriere.

Saint Lucia is an incredible vacation destination because it appeals to travelers of all ages. If you’re looking for a tropical adventure with lots of beaches, and even rainforests to explore, then this is the warm winter destination for you.

Hike up the awe-inspiring Piton mountains or take a Catamaran cruise to see them from the Caribbean waters. Before you head back to the US, ensure that you visit the Soufriere volcano—after all, it’s the only drive-in volcano in the world. Take an invigorating sulfur, mud bath that every member of your family will love!

Weather in Saint Lucia (Vieux Fort) in December:
Max. temperature: 86˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 75˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 16 / 31
Rainfall: 6.3 inches

Flight duration to Saint Lucia from:
New York City: 7 hours, 25 minutes.
Washington DC: 10 hours, 50 minutes.
Chicago: 12 hours, 5 minutes.
Boston: 9 hours, 45 minutes.
Seattle: 15 hours, 25 minutes.

The ultimate warm winter getaway

Undoubtedly, you can hardly get any better than the Caribbean for a warm winter getaway infused with sun, sea, sand, and not an ounce of cold. These islands have a rich history and so many natural attractions that appeal to just about everyone. Now’s the hard part—choosing which island to visit first. Fortunately, there really is no going wrong!