Winter does not have to be always dark and cold and with expensive heating bills. There are plenty of warm winter destinations in Europe and Latin America.
And you also don’t need to travel to the other side of the world for a warm getaway; the perfect spot might be just a few hours by plane.
Not long ago, I was bundled up in three layers, shoveling snow from my car, but then…
I decided it was better to sip coffee on a sunny balcony.
The best part was that it was cheap – the amount I saved on heating bills paid for the airline tickets!
You can do that too, and it is easier than you think.
Today you will discover 10 cities that are just perfect for that.
And by the end of this article, you might even realize that this will not only help you to avoid the cold, but also to pay LOWER TAXES!
Ready?
So the first city I want you to think about is located in the southern hemisphere. If it sounds too far for you, don’t worry, just a few places I will mention are in the southern hemisphere,
Others are actually very close to the US and even inside Europe!
10 Warm Winter Destinations in Europe and Latin America
So we start with…
Florianópolis, Brazil (Average January temp: ~27°C / 81°F)
Often called “Floripa,” it is the capital of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil.
It spreads across parts of the mainland and Santa Catarina Island, famous for more than 40 beaches that range from calm bays to surf-ready shorelines. And by the way, this is the place where I spent part of my honeymoon – really, really awesome island.
In January, expect an average of about 27°C (81°F), which is warm without being too scorching thanks to ocean breezes. It is warm in good part because, well, it is summer there.
These months from December to March light up the coastline with beachgoers, surfing competitions, and plenty of local festivals that celebrate regional seafood and Azorean heritage.
The mix of city services and laid-back beach vibes draws a crowd that goes from college students to retirees.
One clear advantage is the variety of beach styles – you have places like Praia da Joaquina attracting surfers, or the calm waters at Canasvieiras that are very attractive to families, – and it is also one of my favorite beaches there.
But no matter the place you choose, you are never far from the ocean.
Another plus, and this is very important since we are talking about Brazil, is the relative safety of Floripa. It is the second safest Brazilian state capital, and one of the two that have homicide rates below 10 per 100,000 inhabitants.
The city is also quite clean – you ask most Brazilians, Floripa is often considered one of Brazil’s more comfortable and orderly destinations, maybe only Brasilia, the national capital, has a similar standard.
There you will find some English speakers in tourism-related businesses, and also in the thriving tech industry scene that is growing in the city.
Still, speaking Portuguese might be very helpful there, but here is an unexpected advantage of Floripa – if you don’t speak good Portuguese, but instead you can speak some Spanish, you might be just ok, since a lot of people in Florianopolis speak Spanish. Even the menu in some restaurants is in Spanish!
Now let’s talk about what is probably the most important thing:
The cost of living in Florianópolis, Brazil
Living expenses in Florianópolis are 65% cheaper than Miami, so there you can live an entire year with what you would spend in Miami during just 4 months.
You can rent a modern apartment in the Agrônomica neighborhood – a safe area, the same where the state governor lives – with 115 square meters and 3 bedrooms for only 4000 reais – this is just US$650!
Bottom line, Florianópolis has a blend of modern conveniences, natural beauty, and a manageable cost structure that appeals to anyone escaping harsh winters elsewhere.
I made an entire article about Floripa, you can check it here.
Remember that in peak summer, traffic in Florianópolis can increase on the main roads, and the island can look a bit crowded.
Differently from our next place, which is not a city but an entire country.
El Salvador (Average January temp: ~24°C / 75°F)
Until a few years ago El Salvador was a VERY dangerous place. In fact, the most dangerous in the world. In the last few years, it went through a dramatic transformation that turned it into the SAFEST country in the entire continent.
You heard it right.
El Salvador today has a homicide rate of only 1.9 in 2024. This is less than the homicide rate in Europe. To put it into perspective, the Canadian homicide rate is 2.3, so El Salvador is safer than Canada!
So, it is a safe place, but why would you move there to escape winter?
Here is why:
El Salvador is renowned for its warm tropical climate, but what’s fascinating is how much the weather can change from one region to another, despite the country’s small size.
It is a beautiful ecosystem that can change in as little as 30 minutes depending on where you’re located. The coastal areas, such as La Libertad and La Costa del Sol, have very pleasant and warm temperatures (if you don’t mind the humidity). These regions have average temperatures between 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C) year-round.
However, if you venture into the highlands, you’ll see a much cooler climate. Cities like San Salvador and Santa Ana, located in the central region, have milder temperatures, often ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C) – there you have a refreshing escape from the heat.
Some people who already live in El Salvador might say that the low cost of living is not that low anymore.
They are right – In fact, prices in El Salvador, especially housing prices, increased since the country improved so much.
When it was the most dangerous place in the world, houses, and apartments there were VERY cheap, and the reason is obvious: nobody wanted to live there. Now that it is extremely safe and it is becoming prosperous, of course, prices have risen – however, they are still far below US prices.
For example, the capital, San Salvador, is almost 40% cheaper than Detroit – and Detroit is 21 times more violent than El Salvador!
Why would you pay more to live in a place 21 times more dangerous? It makes no sense to me…
I asked locals about prices in El Salvador and here is what they told me.
“I had a nice traditional breakfast with coffee for $3. 2 boneless/skinless lovely chicken breasts for $5. Bus fare is 25 cents. ”
Another one said,
“Well-established restaurant prices are 25-30% cheaper than those in the US.”
And these are prices for the capital, San Salvador, which is relatively expensive.
A curious thing is that El Salvador is one of the few countries in the world where you can buy land or a house using BitCoin. It is legal tender there. Alongside the warm weather and the low cost of living, another big advantage is the country’s fast-growing tourism infrastructure. Road improvements and upgraded hotels are popping up in popular towns, making life easier for longer-term visitors.
And lastly, but equally important, El Salvador is very close to the US and there are many direct flights from major American cities like Atlanta, New York or Houston to San Salvador.
A direct flight from Houston to San Salvador, for example, takes less than 3 hours!
One downside of this country is that internet connectivity in smaller towns is still behind modern expectations. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a warm winter haven with a low cost of living and distant just a few hours flight from the US, El Salvador deserves a closer look.
The next name on our list is a place that is even closer to the US.
The Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico (Average January temp: ~24°C / 75°F)
The Yucatán Peninsula includes areas like Quintana Roo, Yucatán State, and Campeche.
The region is known for its mix of Caribbean beaches, cenotes (natural sinkholes), and Mayan ruins. During January, the thermometer typically reads around 24°C (75°F), giving you perfect weather for outdoor adventures. From December to March, the sky is often bright and the humidity lower compared to later months, so it is a great time to visit places such as Chichén Itzá or the beaches near Tulum. In fact, many travelers refer to this as the good season, though you can still find pockets of calm if you venture away from the most popular spots.
Living here can be kinder to your wallet than you might think.
One of the best – and safest – cities for expats in entire Mexico is Mérida, which is the capital of the Yucatán state. And the cost of living there is 58% lower than Miami!
Merida is not as touristy as Playa del Carmen or Cancun because it is not a beach city – It is 35 kilometers from the coast. Despite having more than one million people, some parts of the city have a small-town vibe.
And it is VERY safe. I mean, European levels of safety – The city is consistently ranked as one of the safest major cities in Mexico. The homicide rate in Mérida is only 1.5 per 100.000 residents per year, a number similar to countries like Finland.
Around 10,000 foreigners live in Mérida. Its modern suburbs and historic downtown are full of excellent restaurants, cafes, shops, and parks. As the lively capital of the Yucatan state, it is a very historical city. The city’s center, Plaza de la Independencia, is bordered by the fortress-like Mérida Cathedral and the white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden are some of the main landmarks. There are also some Mayan ruins not far from there.
If you want to go to the beach, you are just a 3-hour drive from the incredibly beautiful beaches of Tulum.
However, if you want to be even closer to beaches, the next name on our list might even be better!
Lima Region, Peru (Average January temp: ~23°C / 73°F)
In the Peruvian capital, January brings average temperatures around 23°C (73°F), with daily temperatures going often close to 30°C.
Lima offers a captivating blend of historic charm, modern skyscrapers, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Between December and March, surfers flock to beaches near Miraflores, while seafood enthusiasts savor Peru’s renowned culinary delights – here, if you allow me a personal comment, ceviche is one of my favorite dishes ever, so just try it.
For expats, affordability is a major advantage of Lima – the cost of living there is 56% cheaper than Chicago in the US.
You can find modern apartments with ocean views at prices much lower than equivalent housing in the US.
Part of Lima’s charm is its coastal promenade, known locally as the Malecón, which spans neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco, offering panoramic Pacific views. Another aspect that appeals to foreign residents is the city’s wide range of dining options at different price points, so you can feast on upscale Nikkei cuisine or grab a budget-friendly menu ejecutivo. The region’s proximity to other parts of Peru, such as the mountains of the Andes or many Peruvian beaches that are somehow very underrated, is a third reason people like to stay there longer.
On the downside, Lima is a huge city, with more than 10 million residents, so traffic congestion remains a real challenge, especially during weekday commutes.
Air quality can also dip in the densest parts of the city, so those with respiratory sensitivities should keep that in mind.
Even so, Lima Region’s sunny summer climate, gastronomic highlights, and quite low cost of living make it an appealing refuge from icy winters elsewhere.
But let’s say that living in such a huge city is not for you, if that is your case, pay attention to the next name I will tell you:
Chiriquí Province, Panama (Average January temp: ~21°C / 70°F in the highlands)
This province in western Panama, bordering Costa Rica, includes mountain towns like Boquete as well as coastal areas on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides. Due to the variety between mountains and beaches, it also has a diverse range of climates.
In January,temperatures in the highlands around Boquete hover near 21°C (70°F), while in David, on the coast, daily temperatures easily go above 30 degrees celsius.
A great news about Chiriqui is that it usually has a lot of rainfall, but NOT during the winter! Between December and March, this province experiences a drier season, so the weather is really great for outdoor activities.
Visitors and residents alike can explore coffee farms in the misty highlands, hike to scenic waterfalls, or take advantage of deep-sea fishing near coastal spots.Many fruits and vegetables are grown in the region, keeping produce prices low. Restaurants often serve hefty portions of local dishes such as sancocho (chicken soup) and fried plantains, so you might spend less on dining out than you would imagine.
Part of the allure here is the presence of an active international community, particularly in mountain towns where retirees from around the world gather to enjoy cooler temperatures and scenic views.
Another appealing feature is the province’s array of microclimates—within an hour or two, you can move from cloud forests to sandy beaches.
Now, about the cost of living…
Chiriqui, as entire Panamá, got more expensive lately due to the tourism influx, but still is generally affordable. David, the largest city in the province, is 61% cheaper than Miami.
A downside is that the Chiriquí is quite far from the capital and largest city of Panamá – Ciudad de Panamá. By car, it is a 7-hour trip, so it might look a bit isolated from the rest of the country, and by consequence, from the rest of the world.
This is not valid for the name next in our list, a province in the Caribbean with a city famous all over the world.
Dominican Republic (Average January temp: ~25°C / 77°F)
La Altagracia is the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic, and maybe you never heard about it…
But….
I bet you heard about its capital – Punta Cana!
Yes, this province is the place of the famous powdery white beaches and turquoise waters that enchant millions of visitors every year. And they don’t really have a winter there – at least not in the sense we understand winter in Europe, or in the US, or Canada.
In January, you can expect average temperatures around 25°C (77°F), but it is not uncommon to have days above 30°C, ideal for beach strolls, water sports, or sipping a cold drink under a palm tree.
Between December and March, the weather is typically pleasant, with minimal rainfall.
Another perk is how tourism infrastructure has led to improved roads and airports, making it simple to hop over to other Caribbean destinations. A third positive lies in the warm and outgoing nature of many Dominicans, who often treat newcomers with friendliness.
Now, probably you think that such a famous tourist hotspot probably is insanely expensive, right?
Not really!
Because here is the thing: Punta Cana has all the beauty and all the resorts, but you don’t need to live there. Instead, you can live in the Dominican capital during the winter – Santo Domingo.
Here is what a local told us:
“Santo Domingo is beautiful, lot of historic places and I loved the food. It’s 4 hours driving from Punta Cana. And consider that is really hot. So you will need a place with A/C and not a fan.”
The good thing is that Santo Domingo, despite being the capital, is not an expensive city.
You can rent a fully furnished 2-bedroom apartment, with air conditioning, close to shopping malls and pharmacies – for just US$800.
Another good aspect is that it is VERY easy to travel from the US to the Dominican Republic and vice versa. They are separated by a 3-and-a-half-hour flight that might cost less than US$250!
Differently from the next place in the list, which is a bit farther from the US, since it is in Europe, but this place has some great advantages, like LOWER TAXES.
The Canary Islands, Spain (Average January temp: ~17°C / 63°F)
This Spanish archipelago is very close to the northwest coast of Africa. Known for its subtropical climate, it is one of those places where even in the middle of the winter you can sunbathe at the beach.
Winter here feels like a gentle spring. During January, the temperature stays around 17°C (63°F), and that is often warm enough for an afternoon at the beach or a light hike in nature. The year-round climate is stable, so there is no cold season to worry about. Another plus is the friendly local culture, which tends to welcome newcomers with open arms. A further positive is the variety between the islands themselves—some are busier and more developed, while others feel more rustic.
At the same time, a few downsides may affect daily life. Certain hotspots can get crowded when tourist season peaks, making it trickier to find peaceful corners.
Also, English is not as widely spoken once you venture beyond the main tourist zones, so speaking Spanish goes a long way in handling daily errands.
However, differently than other parts of Spain like Catalunya and the Basque Country, the Canary Island does not have a local language, so learning only Spanish should be enough.
The two best cities for retirees are also the two biggest in this archipelago: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is bigger, with almost 380 thousand residents, and the infrastructure there is more robust.
As the largest city in the Canary Islands, Las Palmas offers all the amenities you might need, from healthcare to co-working spaces.
Las Palmas has a sizable expat community, particularly from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia. Language schools and community centers offer Spanish classes specifically designed for foreigners, helping expats to integrate.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a bit smaller, with 200,000 residents, but it is located on an island famous for its various charms, like the Teide National Park. The cool thing is that Tenerife island has a considerable difference between the southern portion of the island, full of resort beaches, and the northern part, which is tipically Spanish and has more natural and traditional landscapes – so you will not get bored.
Both Gran Canaria and Tenerife have large airports that connect you to nearly anywhere in Europe and even to other continents.
This is what a resident told us about Las Palmas:
“Amazing place! Very laid-back lifestyle, good Internet, relatively cheap (because of the island’s lower taxes), lots to see and do, only a ferry ride away from the other islands, and a cheap plane ticket to Europe. Can get a bit windy and cold sometimes in the winter but not horrible. LOTS of tourists in the south, more local in the north.”
One curious aspect of these islands is that they are an economic special zone, with multiple tax benefits.
For example, the Value Added Tax (or VAT) there is only 7%, in comparison to the 21% VAT in the rest of Spain.
The lower VAT taxes make industrialized items like electronics relatively cheaper!
The next name in our list is also in Europe, but it is not an island.
And it is VERY, VERY, VERY popular among British people – can you guess?
It is The Algarve, in Portugal (Average January temp: ~12°C / 54°F)
This is a region that is basically Portugal’s southern coastline. It is very popular for its sunny beaches, cliffside views, and huge amount of expats.
Most of them come from colder countries, like England, or Germany – and the weather in Algarve is a good reason why they move there, since it is pleasant year-round.
Even at the peak of the winter, the daytime temperatures are around 15 degrees celsius, and around 10°C during the night. That might not be sunbathing weather but is still mild enough to let you stroll along the waterfront or dine outside at midday.
The best positive aspect of Algarve, however, is the amount of SUNSHINE!
Even in January, when the rest of Europe is dark and gloomy, in Algave you can have 180 hours of sunshine – this is 3 times the amount of sunshine London has in the same period.
One of the best parts about visiting between December and March is the reduced tourist foot traffic, giving you a chance to wander coastal towns like Albufeira or Lagos in a more relaxed setting.
If you want more action, you can check out local festivals celebrating wine and regional produce.
Now, talking about costs, if you ask any Portuguese about the cost of living in Algarve, they will say that it got way more expensive than in the past.
And that is true – the increasing influx of visitors, digital nomads and expats from richer countries made prices higher there….
HOWEVER, it is still a good option.
Let’s take the example of one of the best cities in the Algarve for foreigners: Lagos
I made an article about the best and most underrated cities to move to and retire to in Europe and Lagos was right among the best.
It is a coastal town with about 31,000 residents that offers a lifestyle that combines natural beauty with modern conveniences.
The weather in Lagos is one of its most attractive features for retirees – summers are warm, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C and winters are mild, with temperatures averaging between 10°C and 16°C (50°F to 61°F) – snow is virtually nonexistent.
Portuguese people are lovely and very social—although during summer, you might not see many Portuguese around.
Lagos still has a good price for what it offers, and you can find well-located apartments for 750 euros or less
Like this flat with a swimming pool access, available for just 670 euros per month.
One major appeal is how laid-back the atmosphere remains once you settle in, giving day-to-day life a leisurely feel that suits retirees. Another positive aspect is the easy access to other parts of Portugal via modern highways and low-budget flights. A third advantage is that English is relatively widespread in tourist areas, so you may face fewer language hurdles. Yet, there are some potential drawbacks. Some places become very quiet after the peak tourist season ends, leaving fewer entertainment options in the immediate vicinity.
Another downside of Lagos is that the ocean water there is a bit colder during spring and summer since the waters are from the Atlantic ocean.
This is not a problem in the next name on our list, a stunning island located right in the Mediterranean sea.
And by the way, if you’re reading this article, you’re probably planning to travel abroad for a longer time or even move somewhere else, and you want to save money and pay less taxes.
I’ve written three top-rated Amazon books on living abroad, based on my experiences and insights from hundreds who’ve done the same – You can purchase them through this link.
So let’s talk about this beautiful Mediterranean island called…
Sicily, Italy (Average January temp: ~12°C / 54°F)
This is the largest island in the Mediterranean and feels worlds apart from mainland Italy.
Average January temperatures settle around 12°C (54°F), a relief for anyone escaping snowy regions. This quieter season lets you visit historical gems without large crowds, whether you are exploring the Greek theater in Taormina or the ancient ruins in the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento.
Between December and March, Sicily’s citrus groves thrive, filling markets with fresh oranges and lemons that local chefs use in everything from pastries to seafood dishes.
Even in the larger, most expensive Sicilian cities, like Catania, you will pay HALF or less of the cost of living in a large American city.
You can rent an apartment with a sea view for far less than you might expect, and daily groceries—especially if you shop at outdoor markets—are quite budget-friendly. For many foreigners, sampling street foods like arancini, panelle, and cannoli becomes a highlight of their stay.
(I am not sure I said any of these names correct, since Italian is not my first language – so if I pronounced them wrongly, please correct me in the comment section!)
Other than the weather, another factor that draws people is the scenic variety: you can hike around Mount Etna, lounge on “lidos” at their many beaches, or wander through baroque towns like Ragusa.
A third benefit comes from the warmth and friendliness of local communities, and during winter probably they are in a better mood since there are no issues with the water supply like in the summer…
Still, there are a couple of issues to consider if you plan an extended stay. Public transportation outside major hubs can be sparse, so having a car might be necessary for exploring remote areas. Heating in older homes is sometimes inadequate, and winters, while mild, can still feel chilly indoors if the building lacks modern insulation.
The next name in our list is also a Mediterranean island, but a bit more compact, and with some surprising advantages…
Crete, Greece (Average January temp: ~11°C / 52°F)
Greece’s largest island has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, allowing for year-round outdoor activities and a generally active lifestyle.
Together with the splendid Greek cuisine (the best in the world in my opinion!), This climate probably explains why Cretans live healthy and long lives – they are among the world’s longevity champions.
Between December and March, local villages maintain a calm vibe, while bigger towns such as Heraklion or Chania still host many cultural events, and all their infrastructure works normally.
Regarding infrastructure, transportation there is straightforward, with a dependable bus network in larger Cretan cities like Chania and Heraklion, as well as ferry connections to other Greek islands and the mainland.
The cost of living in Crete is relatively low compared to continental Europe. Housing, groceries, and dining out are affordable, and even in tourist cities like Chania, the cost of living is less than half of Miami!
During the peak tourist season, prices may rise, and windy days along the coast can sometimes disrupt outdoor activities. However, the climate remains pleasant year-round, with summer temperatures around 27°C (81°F) and winters averaging 12°C (54°F).
Taverna culture remains strong, meaning you can eat dishes like dakos salad, grilled fish, and lamb for lower prices, especially outside the peak tourist season. Many homeowners rent out apartments or villas for months at a time, which benefits those who want to settle down and avoid tourist markups.
Of course, a couple of drawbacks can crop up. In smaller coastal towns, businesses shut down after late autumn, leaving fewer restaurant or shopping choices. Ferry schedules might also get reduced in winter, making it trickier to hop to other islands. In spite of those minor setbacks, Crete remains a versatile option for folks wanting mild winter days, a budget-friendly lifestyle, and an immersion in one of the Mediterranean’s most storied lands.
And one of the best cities in Crete is Rethymno, which I covered in detail in this article here about the Best Small Cities in Europe, where I compiled 15 absolute gems that you should know about – your future winter escape of choice might be one of them!
Levi Borba is the founder of expatriateconsultancy.com, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. You can find him on X here. Some of the links above might be affiliated links, meaning the author earns a small commission if you make a purchase.