Have you ever dreamed of relocating during retirement? Maybe you’ve always romanticized the idea of living abroad. Or, perhaps you’re filled with wanderlust and excited by the possibility of exploring endless new vistas.
Whatever the case may be, there are a handful of international destinations with temperate weather that beckons to retirees. Not everyone wants to retire to upstate Maine, after all. Some of us crave a more consistent and mild climate. And, there are more places filled with warmth than the US’s Florida.
Take a look at these top six temperate places to retire. Not all are characterized by year-long heat – some are in locales that offer cooler highland areas, too. Even if you’re not looking to pull up roots and make an international move (yet), these places can be perfect for adding to your vacation list.
1. Portugal
Portugal is home to a temperate maritime climate. The weather is generally characterized by hot summers and wet winters, thanks to its Atlantic, Continental and Mediterranean influences. But, the weather varies according to the altitude and proximity to the ocean. Coastally, the average temperature is around 70 degrees. If you’re a fan of the rain, you can spend your winters in the northern part of the country.
2. Costa Rica
In the land of “pura vida,” or simple living, retirees can expect just that, and warm temperatures accompanied by cool breezes. Costa Rica is truly a place of eternal spring. Like Portugal, though, the temps can vary based on where you are – it’s hotter on the beaches and cooler in the interior’s hill country. The average temperature ranges from 70 to 81 degrees, and, because of its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica doesn’t have a real summer or winter. The rainy season is from May to November when the average rainfall is around 100 inches, so be sure to pack your bathing suit and your raincoat!
3. Ecuador
Many folks believe Ecuador is home to some of the most pleasant weather on the planet. In this South American country, the coastal lowlands to the west are typically warm, with average temperatures around a perfect 77 degrees. Ocean currents affect the more coastal areas, particularly between January and April, causing hotter temps and some rain. In hill country, you can find places to live where you’ll never need an air conditioner or heater. Now that’s what I call perfection.
4. Mexico
The weather in our neighbor to the south can vary significantly by region. Northern Mexico is cooler in the winter, while the south is home to more consistent weather year-round. But, no matter your particular geography, when you’re in Mexico, there are no climate extremes. Overall, the country is mild, with warm weather and just the slightest amount of snow falling on the highest peaks. You’ll find the hottest temperatures along the coasts, while inland (think high elevations communities like Guadalajara and Lake Chapala) the temps are cooler.
5. Colombia
In Colombia is an array of landscapes: tropical rainforests, savannas, steppes, deserts, and mountains. But, with all that variation, the climate is surprisingly consistent in most areas due to Colombia’s proximity to the equator. All of Colombia is isothermal, meaning it has no real difference in seasons. Still, depending on the region, you can enjoy a warm and tropical feel (particularly on the coast), or more spring-like weather (such as in the northern part of the country). The rainy season here is from May to November, with an annual rainfall of between 40 to 70 inches.
6. Peru
Like all different types of weather? Nearly every climate in the world is represented in Peru – 28 of the 32 world climates, to be exact. Retirees to this beautiful land can find whatever weather suits them best. The coast is arid and semi-arid with high temperatures and very little rainfall, while high in the Andes mountains there’s a cool-to-cold climate with rainy summers and dry winters. And, the eastern lowlands are home to an equatorial environment, with hot weather and rain distributed all year long.
The world is full of places to call home. And, there’s weather out there to suit any constitution. So, if you have an adventurous spirit and a longing for an international retirement, consider one of the six countries we listed here. Whether you set up house on a tropical beach or a cooler hillside, you may just find your own little slice of paradise.
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