Many people nearing retirement and craving warmth think of Florida. Yet some destinations offer even more idyllic weather — if you’re willing to look beyond the U.S.
A new report by International Living, a guide to retirement abroad, ranks destinations where you might think about spending your later decades by their weather. Of course, not everyone loves the heat.
“The sort of weather you prefer is a very personal thing,” said Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living. “And one of the strengths of our highest-scoring countries in the climate category is that they all offer a variety of climates, so retirees can find the spot that best suits their tastes — from steamy beaches to cooler highlands.”
Here are the top five places on the list.
1. Ecuador
Jim Santos, a correspondent for International Living, said Ecuador has “some of the best weather on the planet.”
The beaches are warm year-round and there are places in the hills where you don’t even need a heater or air conditioner, according to International Living.
2. Costa Rica
Appreciate both the heat and a breeze?
In Costa Rica’s Central Valley, you’ll find “eternal spring,” according to International Living.
“It’s warmer on the beaches and cooler on the higher mountains, but you can easily find several degrees of variation even in the same town just by going up, down or even around a hillside,” said John Michael Arthur, correspondent at International Living.
3. Colombia
No need to check the temperature in the morning here. The weather in Colombia — warm and tropical, or with spring-like temperatures, depending on the region — is consistent all year, according to International Living.
“January looks and feels the same as June or October,” said International Living correspondent Nancy A. Kiernan.
4. Mexico
Mexico’s weather varies greatly by region. In the north, it’s cooler in the winter; in the south, temperatures stay about the same throughout the year.
Still, there are no extremes to worry about.
“The entire country is warm and mild, with small amounts of snow falling only on the highest peaks,” said Don Murray, International Living contributor. “Just a light sweater will add some comfort on the few chilly evenings.”
5. Peru or Portugal — tied
Peru also offers spots for people who like all different types of weather. “Almost every climate zone in the world can be found somewhere in Peru,” said Steve LePoidevin, at International Living.
In the northern coastal city of Trujillo, it rarely rains and the temperature averages around 70 degrees. In the popular southern city of Arequipa, nights are cool.
The average temperature in Portugal is around 70 degrees, according to International Living.
If you’re a fan of the rain, check out winters in the north.
