Winter Escapes: Top 10 Warmest Vacation Spots to Beat the Cold in 2025
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A recent study ranked the top ten warmest winter vacation destinations, and The Maldives comes first with the most consistent average winter temperature, which offers a perfect tropical escape during colder months.
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Cape Town offers the highest winter sunshine hours among the destinations, which is ideal for travelers seeking long, bright days for outdoor adventures.
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Bali dominates the social media scene with the most Instagram hashtags, being a visually captivating destination for travelers looking to share their experiences online.
A recent study by Arka ranked the top ten warmest destinations for winter vacations based on a range of key metrics. These included average winter temperatures, average sunshine hours, and average sea temperatures, which highlight the climate appeal of each destination. To assess popularity and affordability, the study incorporated the number of annual international visitors, average hotel costs for 4–5-star accommodations, and the number of Instagram hashtags associated with each location. A composite score was calculated by standardizing and weighting these metrics, providing an overall ranking of the most attractive warm winter destinations.
| Destination | Country | Average temperature (winter months) C | Average temperature (winter months) F | Average sunshine hours (winter) | Average sea temperature (F) | Annual international visitors (country or state) | Hotel costs, 4-5 stars, in $ | Instagram hashtags | Score |
| The Maldives | The Maldives | 27 | 81 | 7 | 70 | 1.87M | 726.3 | 11.8M | 91 |
| Phuket | Thailand | 27 | 81 | 8 | 82 | 36M | 343.8 | 12.4M | 90.6 |
| Bali | Indonesia | 27 | 81 | 8 | 82 | 11.68M | 130.1 | 74.3M | 90.4 |
| Goa | India | 26 | 81 | 7 | 82 | 403K | 162.4 | 16.7M | 90 |
| The Seychelles | The Seychelles | 27 | 81 | 7 | 80 | 321.2K | 210.2 | 2M | 89 |
| Boracay | The Philippines | 26 | 79 | 6 | 81 | 5.45M | 140.3 | 3.4M | 87 |
| The Bahamas | The Bahamas | 26 | 81 | 7 | 75 | 9.65M | 431 | 6.6M | 85 |
| Cape Town | South Africa | 28 | 82 | 10 | 56 | 3.8M | 244.2 | 14.6M | 84 |
| San Pedro | Belize | 28 | 82 | 6 | 78 | 1.24M | 303.5 | 2.2M | 83 |
| Maputo | Mozambique | 26 | 79 | 8 | 81 | 1.1M | 100.3 | 1.5M | 83 |
The Maldives claims the top spot with a score of 91, thanks to its consistently warm average winter temperature of 27°C (81°F) and luxury offerings. With comparatively high hotel costs at $726.3 per night, it remains a haven for high-end travelers. Additionally, with 11.8 million Instagram hashtags, it remains a favorite for capturing beautiful landscapes.
Coming in second with a score of 90.6, Phuket draws the largest number of annual international visitors at 36 million. Its warm sea temperatures of 82°F and relatively affordable luxury accommodations ($343.8 per night) make it a top choice. With 12.4 million Instagram hashtags, Phuket is widely shared by visitors online.
Ranked third with a score of 90.4, Bali sets itself apart as the most Instagrammed destination on the list, with 74.3 million hashtags. Its affordable 4–5-star hotels, averaging $130.1 per night, make it a practical option for those seeking both serenity and shareable experiences.
Ranked fourth with a score of 90, Goa is well-known for its warm sea temperatures of 82°F and its budget-friendly luxury, with 4–5-star hotel costs averaging just $162.4 per night. It also attracts a significant social media following, with 16.7 million Instagram hashtags highlighting its popularity among travelers.
With a score of 89, the Seychelles offers travelers consistent warmth at 27°C (81°F) and a sea temperature of 80°F. This island nation draws attention for its relatively low hotel costs ($210.2) compared to other luxury destinations on the list. Its natural beauty is also a draw, reflected in its 2 million Instagram hashtags.
Boracay ranks sixth with a score of 87, standing out for its warm sea temperatures of 81°F and its strong social media presence, with 3.4 million Instagram hashtags. It also offers an affordable luxury experience, with average hotel costs at $140.3 per night, making it a great choice for travelers looking for value in a tropical setting.
The Bahamas lands in seventh place with a score of 85, offering mild winter temperatures of 26°C (81°F) and a sea temperature of 75°F. It draws 9.65 million annual visitors and has 6.6 million Instagram hashtags, which proves that it is a well-loved winter destination.
Cape Town takes eighth place with a score of 84 and stands out for having the highest average winter sunshine hours at 10 per day. It is also quite an affordable and beautiful place, with hotel costs averaging $244.2 and Instagram hashtags reaching up to 14.6 million.
Ranked ninth with a score of 83, San Pedro is particularly attractive for its warm average temperatures of 28°C (82°F) and sea temperatures of 78°F. Its relatively small visitor numbers (1.24 million) give it a quieter, more relaxed vibe.
Maputo rounds out the list in tenth place with a score of 83. It offers affordable hotel stays ($100.3 per night) and warm sea temperatures of 81°F. Although it has a smaller online presence with 1.5 million Instagram hashtags, its affordability and weather make it an attractive option for those looking for a less crowded getaway.
A spokesperson from Arka commented on the study: “Winter travelers tend to prioritize destinations with warm weather, affordability, and unique experiences. Sometimes, all you need is to get away from the cold and soak up some sunshine. A winter escape doesn’t have to be complicated—just finding a warm, relaxing spot can do wonders for your mood and energy during the darker months.”
story credit: https://www.arka.com/
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
