By Bridget Castner ✔ Reviewed by travel expert Ben Braude
If you're tired of chasing the sun only to have it slip through your fingers, it's time to stop checking the seasonal forecast and start looking toward the equator.
In this article we've curated a list of sun-drenched escapes, from the rainforests of Brazil to the turquoise waters of the Maldives. Whether you're looking to escape the cold or just want to soak up the warmth abroad, these are the top warm places to visit for an "endless summer" getaway.
Hawaii
Hawaii, with stunning places like Honolulu and Maui, is an absolute dream. It's the place where emerald-green volcanic spires meet hidden turquoise coves, and the transition from a sun-drenched beach to a misty rainforest is often a short drive away. The island provides an effortless, warm energy that creates an inviting place all year round.
Hawaii doesn't experience drastic seasonal changes, instead, they have a summer and winter. Even during the coldest months, you can usually lounge on the beach in a swimsuit. May-October are considered winter months with a daytime high of 85°F and nighttime lows don't tend to drop below 75°F, while the summer months November-April have daytime highs of 78°F and nighttime lows don't tend to drop below 68°F – making it one of the best warm places in USA in December if you're looking for a domestic vacation.
View our vacation packages to Hawaii.
Costa Rica
Nestled in the tropics, Costa Rica is often referred to as a land of “eternal summer”. Its close proximity to the equator keeps temperatures consistently warm, making it a destination that can feel like summer all year long. December through April are officially labeled “summer” months, and you can expect nothing but sunshine and dry breezes, perfect for beach hopping and taking hikes.
If you visit during May through June, those are known as the shoulder months, where you'll see occasional afternoon rain showers, with thinner crowds and lower prices. Temperatures range from 60°F to 95°F year round, and even during the rainier months (mid-May through November) the air remains warm, and the lush landscape transforms into a bright-green paradise.
View our vacation packages to Costa Rica.
Thailand
Thailand generally follows a three-season cycle: The “cool” season which goes from November-February, the “hot” season is from March-May, and “rainy” season is from June-October. During the “hot” season, temperatures can climb past 100°F, while during the “cool season” the temperature can usually hover between 82°F and 90°F.
November to February is considered the best time to travel to Thailand - with stunning blue skies and comfortable temperatures, it's great weather for beach lounging and city exploring. If you don't mind the really hot weather, visiting mid-April allows you to witness the Thai New Year, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
View our vacation packages to Thailand.
Colombia
Like many other destinations on this list, Colombia transitions between “dry” and “wet” periods throughout the year. April-May and October-November make up the “rainy” months, but don't let that discourage you! The rain often comes in a brief afternoon burst, and the rest of the day will be warm and bright. If you're really going for the classic eternal sunshine summer heat, the Caribbean Coast is where you want to be.
Cities like Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Barranquilla, along with San Andrés and Providencia have beautiful tropical temperatures that range between 82 and 89°F. If you want warm temperatures but nothing too overbearing, Medellin maintains a temperature range of 71-77°F which makes for perfect outdoor explorations.
As one of the best warm places to visit, you can explore Colombia year round and have a great experience. However, the ideal times to avoid heavy rain and have maximum beach days are December-March and July-August where you'll find clear skies, vibrant festivals, and warm sand.
View our vacation packages to Colombia.
Maldives
Enter perpetual summer when visiting the breathtaking archipelago that is the Maldives. The Maldives are made up of over 1,000 coral islands where overwater bungalows perch above the pristine lagoons, and powdery white sands offer visitors a dose of tropical paradise all year long. The waters keep a temperature of around 82°F to 88 °F, giving off the essence of a relaxing warm bath.
Unlike places that have distinct seasonal cycles, the Maldives has two monsoonal seasons that dictate rainfall rather than temperature. Expect clear blue skies, tranquil turquoise waters, and very little rain - perfect for sunbathing during December through April, or “dry season.” It's no surprise then that the Maldives is one of the best warm places to visit in January, the perfect start to a new year.
“Wet” season (May through November) brings more humidity with periodic tropical rain showers that come in short, heavy bursts of the warm golden sun. Don't let a few rain showers deter you from visiting during this time though – the rain is warm and doesn't last long enough to put a damper on the day. Make sure you bring polarized sunglasses and SPF 50+, since the sun is much stronger near the equator.
View our vacation packages to Maldives.
Brazil
If you're looking for that endless summer vibe, Brazil is the place to be. Instead of having four seasons, Brazil fluctuates between a “rainy season” and a “dry season”. From the Northeast to the Amazon, temperatures range between 73°F and 91°F. Brazil's climate is dominated by tropical and equatorial zones, with roughly 90% of the country lying in the tropics.
The sun stays high in the sky year-round, keeping the air warm and the water inviting, even when the Northern Hemisphere is bundled up in winter gear! If you want the summer weather without massive crowds and peak-season prices, aim to visit in September or October. The weather is still warm and beautiful, but you'll have much more room to spread out in the sand.
View our vacation packages to Brazil.
Mexico
Divided into tropical and temperate zones, Mexico is kept feeling like summer all year long by the warm waters of the Pacific and Caribbean, which create the effect of a giant natural thermostat. The sand is composed of crushed white coral, so it stays cool to the touch, even in the midday sun.
An ultimate warm sanctuary for those looking to escape the cold winter months, Mexico goes through a “dry” and a “wet” season, instead of four individual ones. From mid-November to April, you'll see clear blue skies, very little rain, and low humidity. While the South stays warm, the Highlands like Mexico City and Oaxaca do get a little chilly at night, but nothing a light jacket won't cure!
View our vacation packages to Mexico.
South Africa
South Africa is often described as a destination with “eternal sunshine”, largely because it averages over 2,500 hours of sunlight annually and maintains a climate that avoids four seasonal shifts. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year but vary by region.
December-February is peak “summer”, and coastal gems like Cape Town have average highs of 82°F while northern safari regions can reach above 90°F. “Winter” season is June-August with daytime highs that range from 63°F to 75°F . While nighttime temperatures do drop down toward 40°F the sun's strength during the day often lingers and you can stroll along the beach comfortably with a light jacket.
View our vacation packages to South Africa.
Dubai
In Dubai, winter is merely a myth. Instead of chilly days and gray skies, Dubai is filled with a perpetual summer vibe. When visiting, you're guaranteed near-constant sunshine and outdoor temperatures that usually require no more than a light linen shirt. As much of the world tends to hibernate indoors during the colder months, Dubai comes alive.
Whether you want to travel in January or July, the Persian Gulf remains warm, the sky stays a clear blue, and you'll be washing away those winter blues in no time. From November-March, daytime temperatures can reach a high of 85°F and drop to a comfortable 60°F at night.
When peak summer season arrives (June-September), temperatures can reach an extreme high of 118°F. While the summer months are a little more intense, it's a great time for travelers on a budget to enjoy discounts and steer clear of massive crowds.
