12 Exceptional Warm Winter Getaways from the US

Winter in the United States typically lasts from late December through February, with the Northern States feeling the chill the most. This makes it the perfect time to swap icy sidewalks for sun-kissed shores. Instead of trudging through snow, picture yourself lounging on a tropical beach, cocktail in hand, as gentle waves roll in.

The Caribbean is a top choice for a winter escape, offering warm temperatures, radiant beaches, breathtaking natural wonders, and rich cultural heritage. If you're dreaming of sunshine but unsure where to go, no worries—we’ve put together a list of the best warm-weather getaways near the U.S. to help you plan your unforgettable escape!

1. Negril, Jamaica

Picture: Warm up on the sprawling Seven Mile Beach during your all-inclusive vacation at Sandals Negril in Jamaica!

Jamaica is known and loved by travellers for its relaxed atmosphere and exotic beaches like Seven Mile Beach in Negril. Beyond the beaches that draw you in and the sunsets that stop you in your tracks, there are plenty more reasons to plan a getaway to Jamaica.

On this island, you can experience a unique and vibrant Caribbean culture saturated with music, dance, and great food. In the town of Negril, you’ll find lots of opportunities to try unique excursions like the Black River Boat Safari (see the crocodiles!) and the One Love Bus Bar Crawl.

Seeing the cliff divers at Rick’s Café in Negril is also a vacation-must. That is... if you even feel the need to step out of your resort at all! If you don't, simply enjoy some island indulgence at the all-inclusive Sandals Negril. Meals, drinks and anytime snacks, entertainment, land and water sports, state-of-the-art fitness centers and more are all included! Whatever you decide to do in Negril, it’s sure to be sunny with a side of bliss!

Weather in Negril in December:

Max. temperature: 89˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 75˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 9
Rainfall: 2.5 inches

Flight duration to Jamaica from:

New York City: 3 hours, 38 minutes
Washington DC: 3 hours, 21 minutes
Chicago: 3 hours, 56 minutes
Boston: 3 hours, 56 minutes
Seattle: 6 hours, 58 minutes

Insider tip: Don’t want to worry about a thing? Stay at one of the all-inclusive Sandals Resorts in Jamaica where all your vacation essentials are included! One Sandals resort can have up to 16 world-class restaurants on-property.

2. Saint Vincent & The Grenadines

Picture: One of the newest Sandals Resorts around, your all-inclusive vacation can unfold at the warm and whimsical Sandals Saint Vincent.

The tropical nation of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines is made up of 32 islands and cays, each one offering something unique. You can snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Tobago Cays, then step back onto land to explore the lush green trails or relax on the quiet beaches of the main island, Saint Vincent.

Set your sights on Saint Vincent, the largest island in the chain, to set the wheels in motion for a laid-back Caribbean escape. Here, you’ll experience what it truly means to disconnect and unwind, surrounded by secluded black and white sand beaches, lush landscapes, and waters that shimmer in every shade of blue. Get into the flow of island life as you slow down, soak it all in, and discover why escapes like this stay with you long after you leave*.

Weather in Saint Vincent in December:

Max. temperature: 85˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 73˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 13
Rainfall: 4.5 inches

Flight duration to Saint Vincent from:

New York City: 4 hours, 45 minutes
Washington DC: 4 hours, 35 minutes
Chicago: 5 hours, 50 minutes
Boston: 5 hours, 10 minutes
Seattle: 9 hours, 30 minutes

3. South Coast, Jamaica

Have a rowdy time, or an experience that’s low key if you desire, but keep the south coast (Jamaica) on your list of possibilities for a warm weather getaway. A rich culture and vibrant people are part of the reason Jamaica’s south coast is loved by all who venture to this music-centric Caribbean island.

While in the south coast, take advantage of the opportunity to see the historic Accompong Town which is an authentic Maroon village in Cockpit Country. You can also take it easy and sink into the peace and relaxation places like YS Falls, Bluefield’s Beach or Treasure Bay Beach. Near Treasure Beach you can watch the sunset at Lover’s Leap, which has an interesting history. Whatever you do, stop at least once at Floyd’s Pelican Bar, a floating bar where you can get an authentic taste of Jamaica!

Picture: Sunset vibes at Sandals South Coast—sip and soak up the views from the overwater bar.

Insider tip: Sip tropical cocktails at one of the swim-up bars, enjoy the water sports and relax at one of the largest swimming pools of Jamaica. After at, all your vacation essentials are included with a Sandals South Coast getaway!

Weather in South Coast in December:

Max. temperature: 86˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 72˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 9
Rainfall: 2.4 inches

Flight duration to Jamaica from:

New York City: 3 hours, 38 minutes
Washington DC: 3 hours, 21 minutes
Chicago: 3 hours, 56 minutes
Boston: 3 hours, 56 minutes
Seattle: 6 hours, 58 minutes

Know when to go: Read our Best Time To Visit Jamaica post for more insight on when to book your trip to Jamaica.

4. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay is more than just a party hotspot—it’s a vibrant blend of history, culture, and island charm. This lively Jamaican destination is known for its fascinating attractions, international cuisine, relaxing spas, great shopping, breathtaking beaches, and endless watersports. Art, history, and music pulse through the city, making it a top pick for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Picture: Bayside Restaurant at Sandals Montego Bay.

For those looking for a touch of luxury, Montego Bay offers incredible all-inclusive stays, with resorts like Sandals Montego Bay leading the way. And if you’re in the mood to dance the night away, you won’t be disappointed—Montego Bay’s bars and nightclubs keep the energy high with infectious Jamaican dancehall beats well into the night!

Want to experience this area for yourself? Here are some more Reasons to Visit Montego Bay!

Weather in Montego Bay in December:

Max. temperature: 86˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 70˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 9
Rainfall: 3.4 inches

Flight duration to Jamaica from:

New York City: 3 hours, 38 minutes
Washington DC: 3 hours, 21 minutes
Chicago: 3 hours, 56 minutes
Boston: 3 hours, 56 minutes
Seattle: 6 hours, 58 minutes

5. “The Gap”, Barbados

Picture: St. Lawrence Gap is among the livliest areas in Barbados. Take off from the all-inclusive Sandals Barbados and see for yourself!

Barbados is famous for its gorgeous white sand beaches, so you’ll have plenty of time during your winter escape to unwind with a rum-infused cocktail in hand. St. Lawrence Gap, or simply “The Gap,” on the southern coast, is a top spot to stay with its upbeat restaurants, beach bars, and high-energy entertainment. If you’re looking to swap chilly temps for sunshine, Barbados should be high on your winter getaway list!

Picture: The all-inclusive Sandals Royal Barbados.

Good to know: Lounge by the rooftop infinity pool, bowl a few rounds at the bowling alley, or unwind at the craft beer hall—all included! Enjoy access to the amenities and restaurants at two all-inclusive resorts. It's all possible at Sandals Resorts in Barbados!

Weather in Barbados in December:

Max. temperature: 84˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 72˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 12
Rainfall: 3.5 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.

6. St. George's, Grenada

This small island is one of the biggest producers of spices in the world and has thus been dubbed “Spice Isle.” Nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, mace and turmeric are some of the spices produced on these shores, and the Nutmeg Spice Festival is a representation of the island’s heritage.

Picture: Set off from the all-inclusive Sandals Grenada (located near St. George’s) to explore all the island has to offer.

Aside from its spicy history, the island’s capital of St. George’s is located nearby waterfalls like St. Margaret’s Falls, which can be found in the Grand Etangs Rainforest. Fort Frederick in Richmond Hill and Laura’s Spice & Herb Garden in St. David’s are also great for exploring. Perhaps one of the most impressive sites in Grenada is the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, the world’s first underwater sculpture park.

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.

7. Castries, Saint Lucia

Picture: The all-inclusive Sandals Halcyon is located minutes from Castries, Saint Lucia.

There’s so much to love about Saint Lucia, making it a top choice for a winter escape. This island’s distinctive Creole heritage is shaped by both English and French influences, and many locals are bilingual, speaking both English and Creole (or ‘patois’).

Picture: Beachfront at the all-inclusive Sandals Regency La Toc, just about five minutes from Castries, Saint Lucia.

The Creole culture shines through in the island’s music, food, and way of life, especially in and around Castries, the capital. If you stay in this area, you’ll find some of the best accommodations, including Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia. While in Saint Lucia, expand your explorations to the south where you can see interesting sites like the World Heritage Pitons and the world's only drive-in volcano in Soufriere. Other interesting things to do in Saint Lucia include ziplining, waterfall tours, ATV excursions, snorkeling trips, sunset cruises, and the list goes on.

Weather in Castries in December:

Max. temperature: 84˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 75˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 16
Rainfall: 6.3 inches

Flight duration to Saint Lucia from:

New York City: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Washington DC: 4 hours, 28 minutes
Chicago: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Boston: 4 hours, 36 minutes
Seattle: 8 hours, 52 minutes

8. Dickenson Bay, Antigua

Picture: The beachfront Sandals Grande Antigua.

A trip to Antigua is just the change of pace you need to close out the year. Kick back on the white sands of Dickenson Bay, set sail on a catamaran cruise, or charter your own boat for the day. If scuba diving is on your list, Antigua’s reefs won’t disappoint. Cades Reef is a top spot, teeming with lobsters, eels, rays, and even the ruins of the Andes ship—an unforgettable underwater adventure!

Other fun places to visit in Antigua include Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, Shirley Heights Lookout (hiking), the Donkey Sanctuary and Stingray City, where you can snorkel with stingrays.

Weather in Antigua (St. John’s) in December:

Max. temperature: 84˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 73˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 12
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.

9. Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia

Maybe it’s the beaches. Maybe it’s the cascading waterfalls that refresh the soul. Perhaps it’s the awe-inspiring sight of the towering Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage site. One thing’s for sure—Saint Lucia is pure magic.

If you’ve yet to experience the allure of this island, consider staying in the Rodney Bay area for your introductory visit. Rodney Bay is in northwestern coast of Saint Lucia. This area has some of the island’s best restaurants, shopping malls, bars, a few small nightclubs, and one of Saint Lucia's most popular beaches, The Ramp (also known as Reduit beach).

Picture: The all-inclusive Sandals Grande Saint Lucian in the north of Saint Lucia, just about 10 minutes from Rodney Bay.

From Rodney Bay, you can easily get into some of the top things to do in Saint Lucia, including the Pigeon Island National Park. Don’t forget to take a catamaran cruise around the majestic Pitons! And once you're done exploring, you can return to the comfort of the all-inclusive Sandals Grande St. Lucian, located just minutes from Rodney Bay.

Insider tip: Stay at one resort and play at three Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia (includes transfers in between)! With this, you'll have access to 27 restaurants and you can enjoy the entertainment, watersports, cocktails and more at nearby Sandals Resorts!

Weather in Saint Lucia in December:

Max. temperature: 82˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 68˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 18
Rainfall: 11.8 inches

Flight duration to Saint Lucia from:

New York City: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Washington DC: 4 hours, 28 minutes
Chicago: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Boston: 4 hours, 36 minutes
Seattle: 8 hours, 52 minutes

10. Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos

Vacations are just better in the Caribbean, and the Turks & Caicos is on top of the list of places you want to be when temperatures drop at the end of the year. Much like many of the islands of the Caribbean, there are lots of beaches waiting to be explored in this territory, and remote islands and cays too.

When exploring this destination, you can start off with Grace Bay Beach in northern Providenciales – in 2018, it was voted the Best Beach in the World! No need to worry about where to stay as Beaches Turks & Caicos has stellar ratings and is loved for its family-friendly suites, if that's the type of trip you'll be taking. This all-inclusive resort has one of the largest water parks in the Caribbean. And it's not just thrills for kids: picture yourself sipping on your favorite island-inspired cocktail while floating down the lazy river. Just the type of warm, winter getaway you deserve!

Weather in the Turks & Caicos Islands in December:

Max. temperature: 81˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 70˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 8
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.

11. Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Picture: Beach views at the all-inclusive Sandals Ochi in Jamaica.

Jamaica has something for everyone, especially if you're looking to escape the winter chill. Kick off your adventure in Ocho Rios, a hotspot for visitors seeking sun and fun. Relax on Turtle Beach, a favorite for swimming and soaking up the island vibes. For a little more thrill, head to Dunn’s River Falls, where you can hike, cool off in natural pools, and take in the breathtaking cascades up close.

Picture: The Rabbit Hole Bar at Sandals Ochi.

If you’re planning on visiting this attraction, our Dunn's River Falls: The Complete Guide will fill you in on what to expect. Overall, Ocho Rios is perfect for a vacation that’ll be unforgettable; filled with fun, beauty, history, and adventure.

Insider tip: You won’t have to look hard for the perfect all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios as this area aims to please, with many options available.

Weather in Ocho Rios in December:

Max. temperature: 81˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 65˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 8
Rainfall: 8.1 inches

Flight duration to Jamaica from:

New York City: 3 hours, 38 minutes
Washington DC: 3 hours, 21 minutes
Chicago: 3 hours, 56 minutes
Boston: 3 hours, 56 minutes
Seattle: 6 hours, 58 minutes

12. Nassau, The Bahamas

Picture: Some of the best all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas are located in Nassau, on New Providence Island.

Dreaming of a Caribbean vacay? Chase the sunshine to Nassau in The Bahamas during the chilly winter months. Beaches like Cable Beach, Love Beach, and Cabbage Beach invite travelers to this Bahamian capital, where adventure-seekers can dive into watersports and beach lovers can simply lounge on scenic shores.

Picture: Swim-up suite at the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian.

Beyond the enticing beaches, Nassau has plenty to offer. Explore historic forts, step back in time at the Pirates of Nassau Museum, climb the Queen’s Staircase, or try your luck at a local casino. And for the ultimate getaway, stay at an all-inclusive resort like Sandals Royal Bahamian, where you can indulge in 11 restaurants, sip drinks at 8 bars (including swim-up bars), and even escape to a private offshore island!

Insider tip: Check out the 12 Best Beaches in Nassau to include them into your vacation itinerary for The Bahamas. You can also see a list of the Top 50 Fun Things To Do In The Bahamas.

Weather in Nassau in December:

Max. temperature: 80˚F (day)
Min. temperature: 65˚F (night)
Days with rainfall: 8
Rainfall: 2 inches

Flight duration to Nassau from:

New York City: 2 hours, 41 minutes
Washington DC: 2 hours, 31 minutes
Chicago: 3 hours, 7 minutes
Boston: 2 hours, 48 minutes
Seattle: 6 hours, 17 minutes

Countdown to Your Warm Winter Getaway!

And there you have it—some of the best destinations to trade in the winter chill for sun, sand, and adventure! Whether you're planning a getaway with your partner, friends, or family, we hope this guide makes choosing your ideal winter escape a breeze.

Wherever you go, may your days be warm and your travels unforgettable.

Happy travels!

Picture: Vacations at the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian in The Bahamas are made to be savored!