15 Unique, Warm Places to Escape the Freezing Cold and Rain This Winter

As if the beloved, five-day annual celebration known as Carnival isn't enough of a reason to visit this Brazilian metropolis in the wintertime, Rio de Janeiro has golden beaches, lush mountains, and a vibrant city center, too. And thanks to its consistent warm and sunny forecast taking place between December and March, you'll be able to embrace the rhythms of Rio without even thinking about that powdery white stuff piling up at home.

Average January weather: high of 86 degrees with very few inches of rain