Miami is a good idea any time of year, but December through February is considered the dry season, promising temperatures in the mid-70s. Two important events pop up this time of year: Art Basel Miami, in December (exact dates to be announced), and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, in February (19–22, this year). But there’s always something to do in the Magic City, whether that’s taking a peek into the Pérez Art Museum, spending money in the Design District, or having a stroll through the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
Where to stay: To embrace the happy-go-lucky spirit of the locals, check in to the Goodtime Hotel and sip on a Purple Reign cocktail (co-owner Pharrell’s favorite drink) at the rooftop pool club. If you’d like to tap into the city’s Art Deco architectural history, stay at The Moore, where you’ll be close to Wynwood and Downtown Miami.
Punta Gorda, Belize
When to go: December–April
Average winter temperature: 75 degrees
While Ambergris Caye and Placencia are popular seaside towns on Belize’s tourism map, the lesser-appreciated Punta Gorda is where you’ll find rugged adventures and a strong sense of Mayan culture. Belize’s southernmost town is a gateway to several offshore cayes—such as Snake Cayes, best for snorkeling amongst waters teeming with coral, and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, a sportfishing destination that’s also home to dolphins, manta rays, and whale sharks. If you prefer jungle, take a skiff tour through the Monkey River, or hike to the waterfall at Rio Blanco National Park. Explore the surrounding Toledo District for Mayan ruins, like the Lubaantun, which dates back to 700-900 AD and is also an excellent site for birdwatching.
Where to stay: Nestled within the Belizean rainforest, Copal Tree Lodge’s jungle suites will make you feel as though you’re suspended among the trees. Wake up to the sounds of monkeys every morning, then take a farm tour around the surrounding property, where you’ll discover how cacao, vanilla, and sugar cane grow. These ingredients are incorporated at the lodge’s on-site distillery, which produces premium organic rum.
Canary Islands, Spain
When to go: December–February
Average winter temperature: 70 degrees
Between December and February, you can expect spring-like temperatures in Spain’s Canary Islands—with an average high of 70 in the daytime and 60 at night—plus little to no rain. With ample sunshine, the waters will still be warm enough to swim in, whether you’re at the black sand Playa El Bollullo on Tenerife or dune-lined Maspalomas on Gran Canaria. The mild weather this time of year makes for perfect hiking conditions, too, if you’re interested in trekking to the famous Mount Teide in Tenerife, the highest point in the Canary Islands, or through the ancient laurel forests of Garajonay National Park in La Gomera. If you stick around until February, you can catch the famous Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, often said to rival Rio’s.
