Cool Winter Destinations

Not a fan of extreme cold but still want to experience that refreshing winter air? Some places strike the perfect balance—cool enough for hot coffee on a terrace, but not so freezing that you need layers of thermal gear. With temperatures between 5 and 15 °C, these destinations let you enjoy the charm of winter without battling snowstorms. Plus, with Swaphouse, a free home swapping platform, you can stay in these fantastic cities at no cost by exchanging homes with a fellow traveler. Below, we highlight a few cool-weather gems, but don’t forget to scroll down for even more places where winter feels just right.

Barcelona in winter offers a unique twist on the city’s usual Mediterranean buzz. With average temperatures hovering around 10–11 °C, it’s the perfect time to explore Gothic alleyways, stunning modernist architecture, and lively tapas bars—all without the summer crowds. A light jacket is all you need to enjoy scenic walks along the beach or up Montjuïc Hill. With a home swap, you can stay in a charming local apartment and spend your savings on a feast of patatas bravas, fresh seafood, and Spanish wine.

If you prefer a capital city with grand boulevards and café culture, Paris in winter is pure magic. With crisp air at 5–6 °C, the city’s elegant streets, warm bakeries, and twinkling winter lights create an enchanting atmosphere. Wander through the Louvre with fewer tourists, sip vin chaud (hot wine) along the Seine, and cozy up in a bookshop café. Swapping homes lets you live like a Parisian—perhaps in a stylish flat overlooking the rooftops or a hidden gem near the Marais.

For a slightly warmer winter escape, Lisbon stays at a comfortable 11–12 °C, making it ideal for exploring pastel-colored streets, historic tram rides, and breathtaking viewpoints. Mornings are fresh but mild, allowing you to sip a bica (Portuguese espresso) in a sunlit plaza, while afternoons invite a scenic walk along the Tagus River. A home swap in Lisbon gives you the freedom to experience the city like a local, stocking up on fresh market pastries and discovering hidden Fado bars.

Over in the United States, Los Angeles and San Diego both offer mild winters, averaging 14–15 °C—perfect for beach walks, mountain hikes, and patio dining. While the rest of the country bundles up, here you can enjoy the outdoors without a jacket. Staying in a swapped home near the coast means easy access to farmer’s markets, surf-friendly beaches, and stunning sunset hikes.

These are just a handful of cool-but-comfortable winter spots—there are plenty more waiting below! Whether you’re craving European city charm, California sunshine, or a quiet coastal retreat, a home swap makes it easy to experience winter your way. Keep scrolling to find even more places where you can enjoy crisp air, cozy evenings, and a slower, more relaxed pace of travel.