Unearth The Voyage
When winter rolls around and you’re craving sunshine, Florida isn’t your only option. Plenty of other warm-weather spots across the United States, Caribbean, and nearby countries offer bright skies, beautiful beaches, and outdoor adventures without the usual Florida crowds. Whether you want desert heat, island breezes, or coastal charm, these destinations deliver sunshine when you need it most.
1. San Diego, California – Beach walks and tacos in a light jacket
Mild temperatures make San Diego feel like springtime even in January. You can stroll along Mission Beach or explore the tide pools at La Jolla Cove without breaking a sweat. Pack a light jacket for evening walks, but daytime sunshine keeps things comfortable.
Tacos here are legendary. From fish tacos in Pacific Beach to carne asada in Old Town, the food scene alone makes the trip worthwhile. Balboa Park offers museums and gardens when you want a break from the sand.
January averages 66°F during the day and 50°F at night, with minimal rain. The Pacific Ocean stays cool, but the beaches are perfect for long walks and sunset watching. San Diego blends laid-back beach culture with urban energy beautifully.
2. Palm Springs, California – Desert sun + pool culture (when you want it hot, not humid)
Desert sunshine hits differently here. Palm Springs delivers dry heat perfect for lounging poolside without the sticky humidity you’d find elsewhere. Mid-century modern architecture and mountain views create an Instagram-worthy backdrop everywhere you turn.
January brings ideal hiking weather. The Indian Canyons offer palm oases and canyon trails that feel magical in cooler temperatures. Downtown shops, art galleries, and restaurants keep you entertained when you’re not soaking up rays by the pool.
Expect daytime highs around 70°F and chilly nights dipping to 46°F. Rain is rare, with only about 31.5 mm falling all month. The Aerial Tramway takes you from desert floor to snowy peaks in minutes, offering two climates in one day.
3. Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona – Patio season, golf season, hike season
Golf courses stay green and busy all winter long. Scottsdale transforms into a golfer’s paradise when snow blankets northern states, with dozens of championship courses open for play. Patio dining becomes the preferred way to enjoy every meal under sunny skies.
Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak offer hiking trails with stunning valley views. The desert landscape looks especially vibrant after winter rains bring wildflowers to life. Old Town Scottsdale mixes Western heritage with upscale galleries and boutiques.
January temperatures hover around 68°F during the day and 46°F at night. Rainfall barely registers at 22.4 mm for the month. Pack layers for temperature swings between sunny afternoons and cool evenings. Phoenix offers big-city amenities with desert beauty just minutes away.
4. Tucson, Arizona – Saguaro views and big-sky sunsets
Saguaro cacti stand like ancient sentinels across the desert landscape. These iconic giants only grow in the Sonoran Desert, making Tucson feel truly unique. Saguaro National Park surrounds the city on both sides, offering endless trails through cactus forests.
Sunsets here paint the entire sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple. The wide-open desert horizon lets you watch the whole show unfold without obstruction. January brings comfortable hiking weather before summer heat makes trails challenging.
Daytime temperatures reach about 66°F while nights cool to 41°F. Expect around 25.5 mm of precipitation throughout the month. Downtown Tucson blends Mexican and American cultures with amazing food and historic architecture. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum combines zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum in one fascinating stop.
5. Santa Barbara, California – Coastal charm with wine-country day trips
Spanish colonial architecture gives Santa Barbara a European feel. White stucco buildings with red tile roofs line streets filled with palm trees and boutique shops. The beach stretches for miles, perfect for morning walks before exploring downtown.
Wine country sits just minutes inland. The Santa Ynez Valley offers world-class wineries producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Tasting rooms welcome visitors year-round, and January brings fewer crowds than summer months.
Temperatures average 64°F during the day and 41°F at night. January is wetter than other destinations on this list, with about 91.4 mm of rain, so pack a waterproof jacket. State Street provides shopping and dining with mountain views rising behind the city. The combination of beach, wine country, and Mediterranean climate creates irresistible appeal.
6. Las Vegas, Nevada – Winter deals + sunny day trips
Hotel rates drop significantly in winter. You can stay at luxury resorts for a fraction of summer prices while enjoying pool areas warmed for year-round use. Shows, restaurants, and casinos operate normally without the intense desert heat.
Red Rock Canyon sits just 20 minutes west of the Strip. The scenic loop drive and hiking trails showcase stunning desert geology and wildlife. Valley of Fire State Park offers even more dramatic rock formations about an hour away.
January days reach around 59°F with nights at 39°F. Rain is extremely rare, with only 14.6 mm falling all month. Beyond gambling, Las Vegas offers world-class dining, entertainment, and shopping. The surrounding desert provides outdoor adventure when you want a break from the neon lights and slot machines.
7. South Padre Island, Texas – Gulf breezes and wide, walkable beaches
Twenty-six miles of barrier island stretch along the Texas Gulf Coast. South Padre offers the warmth of the tropics without leaving the continental United States. The beach stays wide and walkable, perfect for long morning runs or sunset strolls.
Birdwatchers flock here during winter migration season. The area serves as a crucial stop on the Central Flyway, bringing hundreds of species through the region. Dolphin-watching boat tours operate year-round in the calm Gulf waters.
Expect temperatures around 72°F during the day and 52°F at night. January brings minimal rain at about 29 mm for the month. The island maintains a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere far different from spring break energy. Fresh Gulf seafood, especially shrimp and redfish, tastes amazing at local restaurants. South Padre delivers beach vacation vibes with Texas hospitality.
8. Honolulu (Oʻahu), Hawaiʻi – Warm ocean air and easy island hopping
Ocean temperatures stay warm enough for swimming all winter. Waikiki Beach offers gentle waves perfect for beginner surfers, with Diamond Head crater providing a stunning backdrop. The water feels refreshing rather than cold, even in January.
Island hopping becomes simple from Honolulu. Quick flights connect you to Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island if you want to explore beyond Oʻahu. Each island offers unique landscapes and experiences, from volcanic craters to lush rainforests.
January temperatures reach 81°F during the day and 66°F at night. Expect about 49.5 mm of rain, mostly in brief showers that pass quickly. Pearl Harbor, hiking trails, and local food trucks keep you busy between beach sessions. Hawaiian culture, stunning natural beauty, and consistent warmth make Honolulu a winter paradise worth the longer flight.
9. San Juan, Puerto Rico – No passport (for U.S. travelers), lots of sun, big culture
U.S. citizens need only a driver’s license to visit. Puerto Rico eliminates passport hassles while delivering full Caribbean vibes. Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets wind past 500-year-old forts painted in vibrant blues, yellows, and pinks.
El Yunque National Forest offers the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Waterfalls, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife sit just 45 minutes from San Juan’s beaches. The bioluminescent bay at nearby Fajardo glows with natural light at night.
Temperatures average 84°F during the day and 72°F at night. January brings about 102.9 mm of rain, typically in short afternoon bursts. Puerto Rican food blends Spanish, African, and Taíno influences into delicious mofongo, tostones, and fresh seafood. The combination of history, nature, and beach culture creates unforgettable experiences.
10. St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie), U.S. Virgin Islands – Classic Caribbean water, easy beach days
Magens Bay consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful beaches. The horseshoe-shaped bay features calm, crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. White sand stretches for nearly a mile, backed by lush green hills.
No passport is required for U.S. citizens visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can use American dollars and your regular cell phone plan works without international charges. Duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie attracts bargain hunters looking for jewelry, liquor, and electronics.
January temperatures reach 84°F during the day and 73°F at night. Rainfall averages about 70 mm for the month. Multiple beaches offer different vibes, from party atmosphere to secluded coves. Coral World Ocean Park provides underwater observatory views without getting wet. St. Thomas combines convenience with authentic Caribbean beauty and warm hospitality.
11. Aruba (Oranjestad) – Trade-wind warmth and reliably beachy vibes
Consistent trade winds keep temperatures comfortable despite tropical heat. These reliable breezes prevent Aruba from feeling oppressively hot while creating perfect conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding. The island sits outside the hurricane belt, making weather predictable year-round.
Eagle Beach and Palm Beach offer postcard-perfect Caribbean scenery. Divi-divi trees bent permanently sideways by constant winds create iconic photo opportunities. The water glows in shades of turquoise and blue that seem almost unreal.
Expect temperatures around 86°F during the day and 77°F at night. January brings only about 43 mm of rain, mostly quick showers. Aruba’s desert landscape differs from typical tropical islands, with cacti growing alongside beaches. Oranjestad’s Dutch colonial architecture adds European charm to Caribbean warmth. The friendly local culture and reliable sunshine make return visits common.
12. Barbados (Bridgetown) – Laid-back beaches with a lively local scene
Barbadian culture feels authentic and welcoming. Unlike some tourist-heavy islands, Barbados maintains strong local traditions while embracing visitors. Rum shops dot every neighborhood, serving as community gathering spots where travelers mix easily with residents.
The island offers both calm Caribbean and dramatic Atlantic coastlines. West coast beaches provide gentle swimming while east coast waves attract surfers. Crane Beach features unique pink-tinted sand created by crushed coral and shells.
January temperatures average 84°F during the day and 73°F at night. Rainfall totals about 65.2 mm for the month. Flying fish and cou-cou (the national dish) taste amazing at beachside restaurants. Historic plantation houses and rum distilleries offer glimpses into island history. Barbados blends British colonial heritage with Caribbean soul, creating a distinctive island personality that keeps visitors coming back.
13. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – Dry desert-meets-ocean escape
Where the desert tumbles into the sea, Cabo creates dramatic scenery. El Arco (The Arch) rises from the water where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a natural landmark visible from beaches and boats. The surrounding desert landscape feels completely different from typical tropical beach destinations.
January is exceptionally dry with only 2.5 mm of rain expected. Sunshine is virtually guaranteed, making this ideal for travelers who want zero weather worries. Water sports, golf courses, and luxury resorts line the coast between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
Daytime temperatures reach about 79°F while nights cool to 57°F. Fresh seafood tacos and margaritas taste perfect after a day on the water. Whale watching season peaks in January as gray whales migrate through local waters. The combination of reliable sunshine, desert beauty, and ocean activities creates unforgettable winter escapes.
14. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Beach + charming neighborhoods + day trips
Cobblestone streets wind through the Zona Romántica neighborhood. Puerto Vallarta maintains authentic Mexican character while welcoming international visitors warmly. Local markets, family-owned restaurants, and art galleries create a genuine sense of place often missing in resort-heavy destinations.
The Malecón boardwalk stretches along Banderas Bay for over a mile. Sculptures, street performers, and ocean views make evening walks memorable. Mountains rise dramatically behind the city, offering jungle hikes and zip-line adventures just minutes from the beach.
January brings temperatures around 81°F during the day and 61°F at night. Rainfall averages only 16.9 mm for the month. Day trips to nearby towns like Sayulita or the Marietas Islands add variety to beach time. The food scene ranges from street tacos to fine dining, all showcasing fresh seafood and traditional Mexican flavors with Pacific Coast influences.
15. Guanacaste (Liberia area), Costa Rica – Warm, dry-season energy and outdoor days
Dry season transforms Guanacaste into an outdoor paradise. January brings virtually no rain and hot sunshine perfect for beach days and adventure activities. The region feels less developed than many Caribbean destinations, offering a more natural, wild atmosphere.
National parks surround the area. Rincon de la Vieja offers volcanic hot springs and mud baths. Manuel Antonio combines pristine beaches with rainforest trails where monkeys and sloths hang from branches overhead. Surfing, zip-lining, and snorkeling keep adrenaline seekers busy.
Temperatures soar to about 91°F during the day with nights around 70°F. Only 9.6 mm of rain falls all month. The heat feels intense but bearable with ocean breezes and plenty of swimming opportunities. Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation means stunning natural beauty remains protected. Guanacaste delivers authentic Central American culture with Pacific beaches and incredible biodiversity.
