9 Idyllic Winter Beach Destinations
26 June 2026Written by Jason Hayes
If taking a ski vacation isn’t quite your cup of tea, consider a winter beach retreat in one of these sunny locales.
Costa Rica
Winter is Costa Rica’s dry season, making it the perfect time to enjoy some sun. Gaze out onto the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea while lazing on the beach, or enjoy one of the season’s cultural festivals.
Florida
When it comes to the best beach getaways, one cannot possibly leave the ‘Sunshine State’ off the list. Boasting the second-longest coastline in the US, Florida offers plenty of beaches in key cities like Miami and Orlando to spend your afternoons, along with a thriving nightlife scene.
The Maldives
One of the world’s most popular island vacation spots, the Maldives offers total relaxation at several world-class beach resorts and spas or a more active vacation with watersports and speedboat tours off the island’s coast.
Rio De Janeiro
The winter period is Brazil’s summer, which means it’s prime beach season. February is the best time to head down there, as you’ll be just in time for the Carnival de Rio, one of the world’s largest festivals and the best antidote to the winter chill.
Dubai
Summer in Dubai is something of an acquired taste, but winter is perfect for everyone with temperatures in the low 20’s and cool ocean breezes.
St Martin And St Maarten
This tiny half-French and half-Dutch island in the Caribbean offers unlimited possibilities with 37 beaches to choose from. There’s Orient Bay for watersports, the surfer hangout of Mullet Bay, and several other spots where you can just relax and watch the sunset.
Oman
Oman enjoys a beautiful winter climate, much like its neighbour the UAE. While the capital city of Muscat has its share of beaches, it’s best to head away from the main urban centers to really enjoy the country’s natural beauty.
Hawaii
It’s hard to pick just one island to visit in Hawaii. Whether you go to Honolulu, Oahu, Maui or The Big Island, you’ll find gorgeous beaches, plenty of sunshine and prime surfing conditions.
St Lucia
Known for the Pitons, the two majestic mountains on its west coast, St. Lucia has an abundance of natural beauty that extends far beyond its beaches. Lush jungles and hiking trails provide a good challenge for outdoors lovers, and street festivals every Friday night are a great way to get immersed in the culture.