Best US and global travel destinations for some winter sun

Best US and global travel destinations for some winter sun
Best US and global travel destinations for some winter sun
Avatar of Harry Johnson
Written by Harry Johnson

Many sunny US destinations, from San Diego to Miami have been analyzed along with international seasonal holiday favorites.

As the winter is starting to settle in, people are starting to dream of a sunny escape. Whether they are longing for a January holiday in Bali or a sun-kissed New Year vacation in Seychelles, there are many winter sun destinations to choose from.

A new study has revealed the best destinations for a winter sun getaway this holiday season. 

Many sunny US destinations, from San Diego to Miami have also been analyzed along with international seasonal holiday favorites, on their winter temperatures, precipitation rates, sunshine hours, and average hotel prices to reveal the best US and global locations for a winter sun vacation.

This study also identifies the best winter sun locations in terms of hotel affordability, so that you can top up your vitamin D without breaking the bank!

Top Ten Winter Sun Holiday Destinations in the USA

CityAverage winter hotel costAverage Winter Temp (°F)Average Winter Precipitation (in)Average Daily Winter Sunshine Hours
Phoenix$10653.841.338.66
Miami$52370.341.817.00
Orlando$8761.702.116.68
Honolulu$19771.661.807.79
Los Angeles$17053.422.977.37
Tampa$13762.302.207.43
San Diego$22955.402.157.47
Palm Springs$24352.581.677.88
Tucson$15352.761.228.56
Austin$11752.462.665.97

Phoenix, AZ – Winter Holiday Score – 7.88/10

Ranking as the best destination in the US for a winter sun vacation is Phoenix, Arizona. On average, vacationers in Phoenix can lounge in 8.66 hours of daily sunshine through the winter months. Phoenix is known for its stunning year-round sun and warm average temperatures, owing to its nickname the Valley of the Sun.

Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is well known for being home to high-end spa resorts, golf courses, and nightclubs. Phoenix also shows off some truly incredible landscapes surrounding the city with beautiful hiking trails to explore.

Miami, FL – Winter Holiday Score – 7.54/10

Miami is the second-best winter destination for sun worshippers in the US. Enjoy a pleasant 7 hours of sun per day in Miami during the winter months, and a tropical average temperature of 70.34 °F. Miami likewise ranks as the most popular US winter destination on Instagram, having seen over 84 million hashtags on the social media platform.

On top of this, Miami is home to many high-end hotels and a truly mind-blowing skyline. Partygoers and sun worshippers flock to Miami year-round to enjoy its pristine beaches and non-stop nightlife under the sun.

Orlando, FL – Winter Holiday Score – 6.95/10

Ranking as the third best US destination for winter sun is Orlando, Florida. Orlando offers mild weather conditions during the winter months, with average temperatures hitting 61.70°F and an average of 6.68 hours of sunlight each day. Furthermore, Orlando offers some of the cheapest hotels on this list at just $87 per night!

Orlando is a great winter sun vacation for thrill-seekers and movie-buffs alike. Home to over a dozen theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Top Three Global Winter Sun Holiday Destinations

Dubai, UAE – Winter Holiday Score – 8.38/10

Dubai ranks as the best destination in the world for a winter sun vacation. Visitors to Dubai can expect to bask in 8.82 hours of sunlight each day during the winter months, with average temperatures reaching a comfortable 68.84 °F. Dubai is by far the most popular winter sun destination of those studied, seeing over 111 million Instagram hashtags and the most winter-related Google searches for things to do, reaching over 55,000.

Dubai is probably best known for its ultramodern architecture, including The Burj Khalifa. Dubai’s most iconic building stands at 830m tall, making it the tallest building in the world.

Bangkok, Thailand – Winter Holiday Score – 8.11/10

The runner-up for the best winter sun vacation city in the world is Bangkok. Bangkok offers an average of 9.06 hours of sunlight each day in winter. With average temperatures reaching a friendly 63.80 °F Bangkok is ideal for warm and sunny winter escapes. Bangkok is also ideal for those on a budget, with average hotel stays costing around $68 per night.

Bangkok is unique in the way its impressive Buddhist temples contrast with its vibrant nightlife scenes. Bangkok is a hub of cultural and exciting activity from the Grand Palace to Khaosan Road. Sweltering hot all year round, Bangkok is a great city to visit during the winter months when the weather is cooler but still pleasant.

Cape Town, South Africa – Winter Holiday Score – 7.72/10

Ranking in third place is Cape Town. For those looking to vacation in Cape Town, sunlight hours average 10.22 each day, from December through to February. Despite these extended sunny days, average temperatures reach 67.46 °F and Cape Town sees a low average of 0.70” of rainfall over winter. Lying beneath the impressive Table Mountain, Cape Town is most known for its bustling harbor and warm weather.

About the author

Avatar of Harry Johnson

Harry Johnson

Harry Johnson has been the assignment editor for eTurboNews for mroe than 20 years. He lives in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is originally from Europe. He enjoys writing and covering the news.

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