25 Warm-Weather Destinations for a Winter Escape

There's a reason A-list celebrities keep coming back to Los Cabos decade after decade. Abundant sunshine and pleasant temperatures floating around the mid- to high-70s this time of year make this convenient destination the ideal spot to wait out winter.

The Caribbean island of Saint Lucia boasts an average daytime temperature of 84 degrees, and dry season here runs from December through May.

Experience the island in true luxury with a stay at the Marigot Bay Resort & Marina by Capella.

Jamaica's Montego Bay is located on the country's north coast and can be accessed by plane or cruise ship as its home to a major port.

In addition to gorgeous beaches and stellar resorts, Montego Bay also offers up some excellent golf courses.

You don't have to wait until spring break to experience the best of Cancun. The thriving beach destination features stunning white sand shores and turquoise waters year-round, along with authentic Mexican attractions for visitors to downtown Cancun.

Honolulu's Waikiki Beach neighborhood is the perfect place to warm up this winter, and visitors looking to explore the Pacific in luxury can do so at the newly-renovatedAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach (fresh off of a $115 million redevelopment).

The average January and February temperature in Nassau Paradise Island is a welcoming 70 degrees, and the region sees fewer than 10 rainy days per month on average during the winter months of January, February and March. Book a stay at the ever-evolvingAtlantis, Paradise Island to ensure a memorable winter getaway.

Located northwest of the Chilean capital of Santiago, Vina del Mar is nicknamed The Garden City and is home to a slew of eye-pleasing parks and beaches as well as popular museums, including Fonck Museum and the Museum of Naval Cannons.

Belize may appear small by comparison to neighboring Mexico. However, this Caribbean destination certainly isn't lacking beauty and variety as lush inland jungles eventually give way to stunning beaches along the coast.

Offshore, visitors can view the 186-mile-long Belize Barrier Reef.

Americans looking to venture as far south as possible without leaving the mainland U.S. are likely to settle on Key West, Florida as their winter destination of choice.

Beyond its unmatched weather, laidback atmosphere and unique culture, Key West boasts tremendous bars and restaurants that could spell doom for any New Year's resolutions.

Hop on a cruise to Grand Cayman and you'll be swapping your long johns and snow boots for a pair of shorts and flip-flops in no time. This winter, the Margaritaville Beach Resort Grand Cayman is offering savings of up to 40 percent for travel through March 31, 2018.

Similar to Mexico, Costa Rica features Caribbean and Pacific beaches. Plus, the biodiverse destination is also home to rainforests and volcanoes. At the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa in Arenal, guests can warm themselves up and unwind in naturally-hot mineral springs.

Australia's Gold Coast is a phenomenal spot to be a beach bum this winter. However, it's also great for families as it's home to multiple theme parks, including Sea World and Dreamworld.

What's more, the Gold Coast is an underrated foodie destination and a surfer's paradise.

Winter is a great time to see New Orleans. The Big Easy celebrates Mardi Gras like no other, and there'll be even more for visitors to see and do in 2018 as the city celebrates its Tricentennial with special events all year long.

Trade in your snow-covered pine tree for a palm tree on Florida's West Coast this winter.

Fort Myers and Sanibel feature some of the most pristine white sand beaches on the Gulf Coast, many of which are the perfect setting to take in a picturesque sunset.

Auckland is incredibly unique in that its almost completely surrounded by water and booming with culture. There are countless beautiful beaches and other seaside attractions to explore while you stare down superyachts.

The sunny climate is just another plus.

Book a stay at any one of Punta Cana's all-inclusive resorts-perhaps the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana for families-and kiss your worries goodbye.

This Caribbean tourist haven boasts an average high temperature of around 82 degrees in the winter months, so you likely won't be getting homesick anytime soon.

El Salvador's capital is surrounded by volcanoes that are sure to be a hit with hiking enthusiasts. San Salvador is also home to a plethora of monuments and museums that showcase the destination's proud history and culture.

This South African port city features adventure at every turn. The highlights include the hard-to-miss Table Mountain, which visitors can hike or experience via cable bar. Cape Town also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and safari opportunities for animal lovers and photographers.

The Thai island of Phuket has a little bit of something for everyone, whether you're seeking a relaxing time on the beach, a lively nightlife scene or premium experiences like a chartered speed boat cruise on the Andaman Sea.

This tiny island in the South Pacific puts most postcards to shame and is home to the one-of-a-kind overwater bungalow along with some of the world's best scuba diving. The average low temperature in Bora Bora never drops below 74 degrees so visitors will be eager to start planning a winter trip.

San Diego is a loaded destination for having fun outdoors. The city, which is renowned for its year-round mild temperatures and sunshine, can't be topped when it comes to parks and nature.

Travelers won't want to skip out on a trip to Balboa Park or La Jolla Cove and also shouldn't sleep on San Diego's mouthwatering food scene or pulse-pounding nightlife.

Another destination ideal for cruisers, the Galapagos Islands' warm season runs from December to May, when average sea and air temperatures reach the upper 70s.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site off the coast of South America is also very tourist-friendly with dozens of ships available to help you navigate the top sights and activities.

Bermuda is slightly cooler during the winter months but still warm enough to thaw you out before spring.

The island's pink sand beaches and striking coral reefs are super popular with tourists, as is Historic St. George's, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

If you covet dry, sunny weather, then Aruba is where you'll want to be this winter.

Make your first stop at Palm Beach, where you can check into the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. The resort houses a 24-hour casino and the exclusive Tradewinds Club.

Avoid the scorching temperatures by visiting Dubai in the winter. A sightseer's dream, this Middle East destination is popular for its world-class luxury shopping, skyscrapers, museums and theme parks.

You can tour Dubai by way of hot air balloon or head straight to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa for a mind-blowing view of the city.