The World’s Best Beach Destinations for Every Season

Spring, summer, winter, fall … every season can be beach season if you know where to go. From ever-tropical locales that are nice no matter the time of year to places with finicky weather whose natural splendors make them well worth the wait, these destinations near and far are home to some of the world’s best beaches, and these are some of the best times of year to experience them for yourself.  

In the Spring

Mexico Forever

Whether they’re in the mood to party or simply want to relax with their toes in the sand, with something for every type of traveler, Mexico is one of the world’s most popular spring break beach destinations for a reason. From its wide variety of oceanfront all-inclusive resorts to curated stays and luxury experiences, Mexico’s pleasant temperatures and dry, humid days make March through May a fantastic time to visit this North American escape.

The country’s east coast is home to some of its most beloved tourist hotspots including Cancun and the Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula. Here, beach towns like Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Akumal and Isla Mujeres reign supreme, making for fabulous day trips to tack onto an all-inclusive stay or as a homebase for travelers who dream of a more authentic Mexican experience. On Mexico’s Pacific side, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán are traveler favorites with easy beach access, incredible all-inclusive options and a noticeably laid-back, coastal vibe.

Southeast Asian Sands

Dry and humid this time of year, spring is a fabulous season to visit the beautiful beaches of Southeast Asia. Among one of the region’s most crowd-pleasing destinations is Thailand, a place known for its ornate temples, delicious street food and welcoming people. Thailand also happens to have great beaches, with one of the best being North Point Beach Koh Lipe where sun seekers can marvel at swoon-worthy coastlines while sipping on a refreshing cocktail or rushing into the surf.

Alternatively, those who are still after that spring break party vibe might consider setting their sights on Malaysia where Pantai Cenang is known for its electric atmosphere and abundant activities and attractions including watersports like jet skiing and boating and shopping and dining just footsteps from the sand. Finally, The Philippines are another Southeast Asian gem for beachy itineraries and the country’s White Beach in Boracay has a reputation for warm, shallow waters and beautiful sunsets.

In the Summer

Classically Cold Destinations

The hot summer months bring a much-needed thaw to classically cold-weather destinations like Iceland and Northeastern Canada making June through August a preferred time to explore the black sand and rocky beaches of these Atlantic and Arctic-adjacent locales.

In Iceland, the country’s South Coast is home to many visitor’s most-coveted natural attractions including Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the neighboring coastal town of Vík í Mýrdal. Further down the road awaits the majestic Diamond Beach where glacial ice chunks shine like crystals, while Stokksnes on the east coast is the ultimate picture-perfect pitstop. Those who want that same remote beachy feeling without leaving North America will find Newfoundland, Canada, checks all the boxes for an unlikely seaside adventure - especially during the toasty days of summer. With a mix of sandy and rocky beachfront terrain, places like Newfoundland’s Eastport Peninsula, Musgrave Harbour and Middle Cove Beach please all types with sun lounger-ready sands, great fishing and dramatic cliffsides, respectively.

Close To Home US Favorites

Barbeques, sunscreen and long sizzling days, nothing quite beats summer in the good ole US of A. Whether they’re eyeing a trip to the country’s East, West or Fresh Coast, summer is arguably one of the best seasons in America, and there are plenty of sandy shores across the 50 states for travelers to choose from.

Down south, Miami and Key West are two Florida cities with a distinct sense of self — and great beaches. In Miami, art deco architecture meets nightlife galore while Key West caters to a slower speed with brightly painted houses and a charming downtown. Across the country in California, sand meets surf with beaches that boast cool ocean waters and quirky boardwalks. Venice Beach in the Los Angeles area is a place to see and be seen with next-level people watching while San Diego, Malibu and Santa Cruz are unmatched for their surfing and scenery.

Perhaps an unexpected addition to this list, don’t count the Midwest out when it comes to fantastic US beach destinations. As home to the world’s largest supply of fresh water, states like Wisconsin, Michigan and even Minnesota have curated an entire brand around the concept of “Lake Life” thanks to their access to The Great Lakes and their accompanying shorelines.

In the Fall

Mediterranean Moments

With temperatures that can still soar into the 80s well into the autumn months of September and October, the Mediterranean promises a relaxed pace paired with pleasant temperatures for a fall beach vacation. Destinations in the Balkan Peninsula, namely Croatia and Montenegro, are especially beautiful this time of year boasting fewer crowds than peak travel months and consistently sunny weather. Famed for their red-roofed buildings, while swimming might prove a bit brisk, sandy shores in Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar and Zadar still make good on dreamy beach days. Similarly, Budva, a beach town in Montenegro, offers an attractive mix of sandy and pebbled shorelines for vacationers to choose from, and as an added bonus, admission is typically cheaper or even free this time of year.

European Escapes

Next door in Europe, places like Spain and Portugal remain pleasant throughout the fall and, with their selection of beach and all-inclusive resorts, it’s easy for beach lovers to score incredible accommodations that check all the boxes. Swimmers will find ample opportunity to do so at places like Praia de Rocha in Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region, while Praia da Nazaré and São Martinho do Porto are notable swimming beaches near Nazaré, one of the country’s vibrant neighborhoods in the Oeste region.

Comprising eight islands, the Canary Islands enjoy a “perpetual spring,” according to Tourism Spain’s website, and with an average temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, it’s hard to disagree. Whether they dream of traditional white sand like that found in Fuerteventura’s Corralejo National Park or are seeking dark volcanic shores like those on La Palma’s Charco Verde, the Canary Islands have a beach for every occasion. For families, Las Canteras on Gran Canaria and Las Teresitas on Tenerife are hard to beat while Fuerteventura’s Cofete and Lanzarote’s Famara offer seclusion and peace no matter the season.

In the Winter

Oceanside Fun in Oceania

While the northern hemisphere endures the chill of winter, bucket list vacation spots like Australia and New Zealand are in the thick of their summer months from December through February, making winter a fabulous time to visit Oceania and its prospective beaches. In Australia, cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland and Brisbane are among the most popular for tourists, and each boasts worthwhile sandy spots to match. In Sydney it’s all about coastal living and big city vibes at Bondi Beach; A day trip from Melbourne lies Bells Beach, an attraction known as one of Victoria’s best surf beaches; Whitehaven Beach is the crown jewel of Queensland, famed for its soft white sands and bright, turquoise waters; while Brisbane is only an hour from Australia’s “Gold Coast” where Burleigh Heads beach offers bohemian vibes and laidback fun.

Pretty as a picture, New Zealand’s Cathedral Cove looks even better in real life than it does as a Microsoft Windows 10 and 11 screensaver — if you know, you know — making it totally worthy of a winter escape. Similarly, New Zealand Tourism recommends spots like Northland’s Maitai Bay, Auckland’s Piha Beach, Maunganui Beach in Bay of Plenty and Abel Tasman National Park in Nelson Tasman for the ultimate beach day.

Caribbean Charm

With so many tropical destinations to choose from, it’s hard to beat the Caribbean when it comes to planning the ultimate winter beach break. Whether they embark on a cruise or stay at an all-inclusive resort, the charms of the Caribbean are unmatched — especially when you visit during the chilliest months of the year. While there are many incredible Caribbean islands with swoon-worthy beaches to choose from, some of the most popular among vacationers include St. Lucia, Jamaica, Aruba, the Bahamas, Grenada, Curacao and Barbados.

Another beloved, and easy to get to spot as it can be visited by US citizens without a passport, is Puerto Rico, an island in the Caribbean Sea known for its colorful cities, mouthwatering food and spirited people. You guessed it, Puerto Rico is abundant in crystal-clear waters and world-class beaches too, and Flamenco Beach, La Chiva Beach, La Playuela and El Escambrón are considered some of its best.