5 Places Where Summer Never Ends

If you’re tired of being able to see your breath and having to bundle up in tons of layers in order to keep warm, why not escape the freezing cold for a week or two?

When you’re in the thick of it, winter can feel like it’s neverending — but there are some places where it’s always summer. That’s right: Summer. All. Year. Long.

If you’re looking for a great place to soak up the sun, work on your tan, and soak up some much-needed Vitamin Sea, head to one of these incredible destinations where summer never ends. Here are our top five faves.

1. Cancún, Mexico

You’ll be livin’ la vida loca on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. It’s got everything you want out of a winter getaway — great weather, plenty to do, incredible nightlife, and countless resort options to fit any traveler’s needs.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?
In Cancún, it truly is summer all year long. The weather basically never drops below 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius), even during the winter months. Even the ocean water is pleasantly warm all year round.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
Looking for a bougie resort with great nightlife? Book a luxury all-inclusive resort experience in the heart of Cancún. Want a proper resort experience that allows you to experience Mexico’s rich culture a little more? Stay on the coast of Playa del Carmen. Looking for pristine beaches, fewer tourists, and fascinating ruins? Head over to Tulum.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You’ll want to fit plenty of beach and pool time into your schedule. And if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, you’d better make sure you have your fill of delicious Mexican food and free drinks.

But Cancún is also optimally located to visit Chichen Itza, an ancient Aztec ruins site that was recently named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It’s also located near countless magical cenotes, or sinkholes, that are totally Instagram-worthy.

You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to go snorkeling, see sea turtles, or even swim with dolphins.

2. Oahu, Hawaii

Say “aloha” to warm temperatures, sandy beaches, gorgeous landscapes, delicious food, and some of the friendliest people in the world.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is warm, tropical, and sunny all year long. It does tend to be a bit rainy during the wintertime, but the weather still stays warm with highs in the low 80s.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
Waikiki is home to the most popular hotspots, resorts, and shopping. It also has an incredible surf beach. Diamond Head boasts more relaxed vibes and is also home to the Diamond Head Crater, an easy hike with great views. The North Shore is a chill, laid-back surf town for travelers who want to take it easy.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?
There’s so much to do on Oahu. The island is small enough that it’s easy to get around, yet large enough that you’ll never run out of new things to see and experience.

Of course, one of the very best ways to take advantage of Hawaii’s incredible weather is by relaxing at the beach and by the pool. But if you’re looking to venture outside of your resort, you’ll find plenty of options. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn more about the culture of Hawaii and other Polynesian islands. Go on a hike for some incredible views of Oahu’s lush landscape and pristine blue waters. Go to an authentic Hawaiian luau for some delectable food and entertainment. (And speaking of food, make sure you eat some shaved ice, fresh pineapple, and poke while you’re there!)

Love to surf? You’re in the perfect place: many of Oahu’s beaches (especially on the North Shore) have absolutely legendary waves.

3. Cairns, Australia

G’day, mate! Cairns, Australia is home to breathtaking natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It’s also sunny year-round, with great resorts.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?
Cairns experiences hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. (And remember, their seasons are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere!) The average annual high temperature is 84 degrees Fahrenheit. It experiences the most rain during the summer (December-February), but it’s pleasantly warm year-round.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
Looking for city vibes with the best access to tours? Stay in central Cairns, Searching for more of a luxury resort feel? Drive 20 minutes north to Palm Cove Village. Fine with sacrificing nightlife for pristine beaches and beautiful nature? Stay in Port Douglas.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?
This thriving tourist hotspot is popular among travelers all over the world. You’ll definitely want to venture outside your resort to explore the land down under. If you’re staying in the city of Cairns, spend some time in Palm Cove or Port Douglas to get some beach time in.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world. Its colorful coral and abundant marine life make it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. If you’d prefer to take the reef in without getting wet, book a cruise or see the reef from above on a helicopter ride!

The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most picturesque destinations in all of Australia and the oldest rainforest in the world. It’s a must-visit for any nature lover.

Make sure you take advantage of Cairns’s great nightlife and shopping scene as well!

4. Phuket, Thailand

They call Thailand the Land of Smiles — and you’ll soon see why. With stunning beaches, friendly people, surprisingly affordable prices, and perfect weather, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear all vacation long.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?
Phuket has a tropical monsoonal climate. It tends to get a lot of rainfall during the spring and fall, but it’s warm year-round. And the weather is absolutely superb from December to March, with nearly no rain, low humidity, and average temperatures of 75-89 degrees Fahrenheit.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
Phuket has dozens of beautiful beaches all around the island, but each of the main resort areas has a very different feel. Patong Beach is a centrally-located, busy, lively beach location that’s great for people who want to party. Kata Beach is a great surfer beach with decent nightlife and lots of activities nearby. Mai Khao Beach is ideal for honeymooners and luxury travelers who are looking for a beautiful, quiet getaway.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Beaches are everything in Phuket. Make sure you spend plenty of time lounging, relaxing by the waves, and watching the sunset over the water. But if you’re looking for a little more adventure, Phuket has many other attractions to offer as well.

Go island hopping and visit the breathtaking Phi Phi Islands for truly beautiful views. Take a boat tour to Phang Nga Bay to see distinctive limestone cliffs that’ll make your jaw drop. Check out the iconic big Buddha in the south of Phuket. Interact with elephants in an ethical, animal-friendly way at one of Phuket’s many elephant sanctuaries. And of course, don’t forget to check out the vibrant nightlife and shopping scene.

5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a stunning bucket-list destination with dreamy beaches, unparalleled nightlife, and so much more.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?
Rio de Janeiro gets tons of sunshine, with average temperatures of 74 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. The weather is warmest from December to March, with average highs of mid- to high 80s, though the weather is very pleasant year-round.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
If you’re looking for a great location with stunning views that’s near the beach, the lake, and all of Rio’s best restaurants and bars, stay near Ipanema beach. For luxury accommodations and seriously legendary New Year’s celebrations, stay near Copacabana beach.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?
No matter where you stay in Rio de Janeiro, you’ll be close to incredible beaches and surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery. Make sure you soak up plenty of sun and take some time to relax. But if you’re looking for adventure, Rio de Janeiro’s got that, too.

Take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for incredible panoramic views of beaches, hills, and skyscrapers beneath you. (It’s especially incredible at sunset!)

Go up Mount Corcovado to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, another of the New 7 Wonders of the World. (You’ll be able to see it all around Rio, but it’s incredible to see it up close!)

And of course, Rio’s incredible food is not to be missed. Eat plenty of acai and pastels while you’re there!

Each of these destinations is so different, but they all have one thing in common: they’re warm, sunny, and summery all year long. So what are you waiting for? Book that plane ticket, pack your swimsuit, and get ready to soak up some rays!