As temperatures drop below freezing in much of the northern hemisphere, most of us are dreaming about lying on a warm sand beach, tropical drink in-hand while listening to the waves lap at the shore.

We found the 15 best beaches in the world to visit right now. We looked at tropical climates and only included beach destinations that are hot right now — no diss to the Hamptons or the French Riviera.

From South America to the South Pacific and everywhere in between, here are the world's best beaches for a winter getaway.