Anyone who’s planned a vacation of any kind understands how travel experiences can be so dependent upon the weather. Outdoor activities can be affected by rain, snow, and wind, and events and festivals you’re looking forward to could be canceled altogether.
But wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to worry so much about what the weather will be when you take your vacation days? There are quite a few travel destinations around the world where the weather is almost always ideal, and these make great places to visit to take the guesswork out of planning and reduce disappointment once you arrive.
If pleasant warmth, low humidity, and lots of sunshine are what you seek, then plan your next trip to one of these vacation spots with the best year-round weather!
Honolulu, Hawaii
The temperatures in much of Hawaii rarely go below 70 degrees, and anything above 90 is very rare. The tradeoff here is that cities like Honolulu do get a fair amount of rain, although there will usually be plenty of days to explore its top picture-perfect attractions. The period between November and March tends to be the least rainy season, and temperatures here are still very pleasant. Honolulu has really nice weather, although most people like to visit between September and November when hotel and flight prices drop a bit. Another great Hawaiian city with wonderful weather is Kailua-Kona, which is famous for being where the Ironman World Championship is held.
Malaga, Spain
Home to charming coastal villages, the southern coast of Spain is an ideal place to be to enjoy beautiful weather all year long. In the summer, the temperatures are usually between 80 and 90 degrees, but the humidity is consistently low. Malaga is a city in the province of Andalusia. Malaga is also a great place to be out and about in the sunshine because it gets up to 11 hours of sunlight per day between June and September. If you’re going to travel anywhere in Europe in the winter, this is one of the warmest places. Even in January, you’ll enjoy highs around 60 degrees. Spend lots of time outside here at the outdoor shopping centers and markets. You can also learn a lot about local history and art scene by checking out the city’s architecture and museums.
San Diego, California
In the U.S., San Diego has pretty much the most perfect weather you can find. In the summer, the weather ranges from 70 to 80 degrees, and in the winter it’s more like 65-70. This is also a great place to soak up the sunshine because the city gets over 300 sunny days per year on average. The beach is the place to be here, and San Diego is known for its surfing culture. There are miles of beaches and waves that are suitable for both beginner and experienced surfers.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are part of Spain but located along the western coast of Africa. There’s a high elevation here, and the coastal areas have some of the best year-round weather you can find. In the summer, the days are usually around 80 degrees, and winter temperatures can reach 70. The northern parts of the island of Tenerife, for example, has very sunny days. This is in contrast to some of the other islands, like Madeira, which typically has more rain. Top outdoor destinations to add to your itinerary in the Canary Islands, aside from the beach, of course, are Siam Park, Loro Parque, Volcan El Teide, and Timanfaya National Park.
Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sao Paulo is a large city in Brazil that’s located inland and has a high elevation. It has some of the most pleasant weather in the entire country, and it doesn’t change very much from one season to the next. You’ll find lows in the 70s in July and August and highs in the 80s in January. Sao Paulo does get some rain, but it’s not typically affected by big storms, like some places along the coast. Another Brazilian city with nice weather is Rio de Janeiro. The summer months of December to February are the most popular time to visit, and the average high is about 85-90 degrees. However, the humidity levels are pretty low, which makes the heat much more tolerable. The rest of the year is incredibly comfortable too, as the “cool season” averages about 75 degrees each day. Rio’s a great place to enjoy lots of time at the beach.
Marseille, France
Marseille is an ideal place to visit in the springtime and summer; however, the weather is pleasant all year. You’ll see average highs in the mid-80s in the summer and average highs in the mid-50s in the winter. Must-see attractions to see in Marseille when you visit include the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, the Parc National des Calanques, the Old Port, and Calanque de Morgiou.
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Many travelers think of Africa as an excruciatingly hot place to visit, but some parts of South Africa are ideal for year-round travel. The city of Port Elizabeth, South Africa has warm summers that last from late December through mid-March. The average summer highs are in the mid-70’s. Then the cool season runs from late May through early October when the average daily high is nearly 70 as well. This city is known for its many beaches, coastal boat tours to see whales and seabirds, and nearby wildlife preserves. Nearby attractions include the Shamwari Game Reserve and the Kragga Kamma Game Park.
Lima, Peru
Lima enjoys a very moderate climate all throughout the year, which is surprising to many people given its close proximity to the equator. The average lows here are in the mid-50s to mid-60s, and the average highs are in the mid-70s to low-80s. Lima is the capital of Peru and its weather is due to its location along the Pacific Ocean in an arid region outside the Andes Mountains. While in Lima, make sure to see the Museo Larco, Miraflores and its boardwalk, the Parque de la Reserva, and the Plaza de Armas.
Christchurch, New Zealand
New Zealand is a favorite destination for adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts, and parts of it have amazing weather to help you enjoy all those outdoor activities. The most moderate weather can be found in the northeastern part of New Zealand, especially around Christchurch. December, January, and February are the best months to visit this area, but winters aren’t too cold either. The average winter highs are usually in the 40s.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a popular Australian travel destination that is in contrast to much of the country, which has more extreme weather patterns. Sydney is located far away from the tropical forests and deserts, which makes its year-round weather quite nice. Summers are usually in the mid-70s, and winter temperatures usually fall between the 40s and the 60s. Rainfall and the occasional heatwaves do happen; however, chances are that you’ll have good weather when you plan your trip to Sydney.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
This town has a funny name, but it also has amazing weather throughout the year. It’s usually in the mid-70s to high-80s here in the summer and between 50 and 60 degrees in the winter. Most people visit this part of North Carolina in the summertime, but the mild winters make it a pleasant retreat for people who live in colder, northern states. Unlike some other places in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, Kill Devil Hills’ beachfront location enables travelers to skip the extremely hot weather between June and September. The big attraction here is the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Loja, Ecuador
The country of Ecuador gets overlooked by many travelers to South America, but it enjoys some of the best year-round weather on the continent. Situated on the western coast, south of Colombia and north of Peru, Ecuador straddles the equator and has a rich diversity of landscapes and wildlife. The city of Loja has mid-day averages in the mid-70s pretty much every day of the year. This is an ideal temperature for most people, and the city actually goes by the nickname “The Valley of Smiles.” While you’re in town, check out the vibrant music and culture scene. And to take advantage of the perfect weather, go for a hike in nearby Podocarpus National Park.
