Ready for a few rays of sunshine to brighten a grey winter? Look no further.

Winter is a wonderful time of year, full of crisp mornings, roaring fires and festive cheer. But sometimes the cold weather and dark nights need breaking up with a spot of sunshine, sea and holiday excitement, which is why we’ve compiled our guide to the best place for winter holiday sun. 

These literal hotspots don’t just boast glorious sunshine but are destinations that offer something a little extra too, such as world-class art galleries, incredible wildlife and photo-worthy beaches. Princess Cruises makes it easy to have a stress-free escape to any of these warm paradises, with unique excursions on land and welcoming amenities onboard. Dust off that sun lotion and prepare for a welcome dose of vitamin D…

1. Tahiti
2. Australia
3. St. Lucia
4. Mexico
5. Hawaii
6. Caribbean Islands
7. Southeast Asia
8. The Canary Islands
9. California Coast

1. Tahiti

Average winter temperature: 75-85°F

Added extra: tropical landscapes

Being sunny is one thing but basking in the heat in a tropical paradise is another – and that’s exactly what Tahiti can offer. This gorgeous island is part of French Polynesia and boasts some of the world’s most luscious scenery: rich, green palm trees, towering mountains, a crystal-clear ocean and cascading waterfalls. 

It’s easy to see these incredible sights on Princess’ Papenoo Valley & Waterfall by 4WD excursion, where you’ll be taken along the coast and through the largest valley on the island. Oh, and that aforementioned heat is a wonderful 24 to 27°C from December to January.

2. Australia

Average winter temperature: 70-80°F

Added extra: an array of art

When it comes to places that are warm in December, they don’t get much warmer than Australia. When down under, heading to a coastal city allows for sunbathing with a side of culture and gallery-hopping. In Melbourne, visit the all-encompassing NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) showcasing a mixture of both classical and modern art. In Sydney, there’s the much-loved Australian Museum, featuring dinosaur bones, indigenous art and taxidermy, as well as Queensland’s jewel, the acclaimed Gallery of Modern Art. You can visit while on the Hop On Hop Off Sydney excursion, which will show you both the top city landmarks and the coast. If Oz’s summer heat gets a bit much, you can guarantee that all of the above venues will be mercifully air-conditioned.

3. St. Lucia

Average winter temperature: 75-85°F

Added extra: exotic wildlife

St. Lucia shares the same winter months as us but unlike the UK, this dry season boasts average temperatures of around 30°C. And it’s not only humans that flock to St. Lucia for warm climes at the end of the year – this beautiful Caribbean island is teeming with amazing wildlife: look out for green and leatherback turtles, iguanas, mongooses, whales and dolphins (which you can spot on a Princess whale-watching cruise), plus all kinds of fantastic species of bird, including hummingbirds and the verdant green St. Lucia parrot.

4. Mexico

Average winter temperature: 65-85°F

Added extra: historical sights

A great spot if you’re looking for winter sun with less of a sizzle, Mexico offers warm temperatures throughout winter (averaging around the low 20°Cs), plenty of sunlight each day and very little rain. Take advantage of the manageable temperatures at this time of year and plan a holiday of sightseeing. Mexico is full of fascinating architectural sites, churches and monuments, all of which help tell the colorful story of the country and its people throughout history. 

Some of our must-see highlights include the Cathedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz, which dates back to 1835; the Pyramids of La Campana ruins near the city of Colima; and the ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. Of course, we still suggest you make time to rest your feet on the beautiful beaches of Cabo San Lucas as well.

5. Hawaii

Average winter temperature: 65-80°F

Added extra: glorious beaches

For lots of people, the only place to truly enjoy days of wall-to-wall sunshine is on a good beach. If that’s the case for you then Hawaii is the answer to all of your winter holiday wishes. You never have to go too far to find a jaw-dropping beach in Hawaii, but two of our favorites are Maui’s glamorous Wailea Beach, with golden sands and an air of luxury, and the gorgeous, verdant arc at Hanalei Bay in Kauai, which is a perfect spot both bathers and water sports fanatics. If you don’t want to miss a thing while you’re in this sunny utopia, sign up for the Kauai Scenic Tour excursion with Princess to see the natural wonders for yourself.

6. Caribbean Islands

Average winter temperature: 75-85°F

Added extra: colorful local festivals

Swap your winter blues for the Caribbean’s vibrant hues, where sun, sea and culture create an irresistible escape. St. Maarten's blend of Dutch and French charm brings lively markets with delicacies like Johnny cakes (cornmeal pancakes) and guava berry liqueur. On Princess’ Scenic Drive of Dutch & French St. Maarten, you can see all of this for yourself, along with golden beaches perfect for snorkeling or basking in the sun. In Barbados, Crane Beach dazzles with pink-hued sands, while the annual Crop Over festival brings carnival parades, soca music and foods like fried fish cakes and cassava pone. 

In the beloved Bahamas, sip on classic Bahama Mama cocktails while celebrating island culture with Junkanoo parades showcasing art, dance and local spirit. Whether exploring the vibrant streets or lounging on serene sands, the Caribbean turns winter into a celebration of color.

7. Southeast Asia

Average winter temperature: 75-90°F

Added extra: unique street food experiences

Spice up your winter with the warmth and wonder of Southeast Asia. In Thailand, visit Patong Beach in Phuket or Ao Nang Beach in Krabi, where soft sands and turquoise waters are as inviting as the bustling food stalls nearby. Savor regional delights like green papaya salad, spicy Tom Yum soup and Thai iced tea. In Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, boat tours drift past towering limestone islands, and the floating villages offer dishes like banh xeo (crispy savory pancakes) and fresh squid caught from the bay. Singapore’s famous hawker centers serve up chili crab, laksa and kaya toast paired with kopi, a thick, aromatic coffee. 

Beyond the cuisine, explore ornate temples and landscapes filled with rice terraces, palm trees and ancient pagodas. From food to scenery, Southeast Asia is a feast for all senses. When you’re cruising with Princess, you can also relax back onboard with a visit to the Lotus Spa®, where you can indulge in a deep-tissue massage or unwind in a thermal suite as you sail to your next destination.

8. The Canary Islands

Average winter temperature: 60-70°F

Added extra: dramatic volcanic scenery

Sick of the winter chill? Canary Islands’ sunny skies and volcanic allure will warm you right to the core. Tenerife’s golden Playa de las Teresitas lies in the shadow of Mount Teide, a dormant volcano and Spain’s highest peak, where visitors can hike trails across ancient lava fields and rocky cliffs. Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas Dunes stretch like a desert, meeting the Atlantic’s blue waves and dotted with Canary Island date palms. You can explore this stretch of sand in a dune buggy when you sign up for the Princess excursion: Las Palmas Buggy Adventure. We make adventure easy. 

Then there is Las Palmas, which invites exploration with traditional tapas like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) served with spicy mojo sauce and gofio, a toasted grain flour used in stews. If you’re into hiking, you’ll find trails through Anaga Rural Park that reveal misty laurel forests and dramatic ocean vistas. Meanwhile, water sports enthusiasts can explore dive sites with volcanic rock formations and marine life like angel sharks and parrotfish.

9. California Coast

Average winter temperature: 55-70°F

Added extra: scenic wine country

The California Coast offers a winter escape filled with iconic landscapes and renowned wines. In Santa Barbara, stroll State Street’s Spanish-style architecture before tasting local Pinot Noir or Chardonnay at oceanfront wineries. San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter combines Victorian charm with trendy dining, where you can sample Baja fish tacos, carne asada fries and craft beers from local breweries. You won’t miss any of the highlights on the cuisine tour from Princess, Local Connections: Explore San Diego's Culinary Roots. 

Then cruise over to La Jolla Cove’s seaside cliffs that are perfect for spotting sea lions basking on the rocks and for kayaking into hidden caves. Monterey’s 17-Mile Drive offers views of the Lone Cypress and nearby coastal landmarks, ideal for winter whale watching during gray whale migration. Finish with a tour through Paso Robles or Santa Ynez Valley’s vineyards, tasting bold Zinfandels and Rhone varietals. Not only is California’s climate extra inviting during the colder months of the year, but the variety of activities and subcultures makes for an incredible winter break.

Ready to book your winter holiday?

If a mild climate is calling your name, book a winter holiday sun trip with Princess Cruise. You’ll experience diverse cultures, from the vibrant festivals of the Caribbean to the historic charm of California’s coastal towns. Snorkel among the colorful coral reefs of the Bahamas, marvel at the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay or spot gray whales off the California Coast. 

Don’t want to miss out on that classic holiday atmosphere? With Princess, you don’t have to choose between a sunny winter paradise and festive traditions. Onboard Holidays at Sea cruises feature everything from pajama-clad breakfasts with Stanley the Bear and gingerbread house-making contests to menorah lightings, Christmas caroling and even snowfall in the ship’s Atrium. Princess brings seasonal magic to every sailing — no snow boots required.

Start planning your ideal winter holiday sun escape and let us make this season truly spectacular.