12 of the best Winter-sun destinations to escape the cold

I got to admit the winter time has its charm… for like a week or two! After a while, though, once most of us get tired of the rain and cold temperatures, it’s inevitable to start daydreaming about warmer, more idyllic places. If you can relate to this feeling and are among the people who start counting down the days until Summer right after Christmas, then booking a trip might be your best solution!

So… where should we go? To help you answer that question, we’ve put together a list of 12 warm destinations you can visit in the winter time, allowing you to escape the cold in November, December, January and February. Pack up your bags – it’s time to discover the Winter-sun!

Where to go to escape the winter cold in November, December, January and February

Cuba

The perfect destination for those looking for a healthy mix of beach time, warm weather and culture, Cuba is a fantastic way to kick off our list! While it’s true that the country has seen better days, undergoing a severe economic crisis, as a tourist you will hardly be directly affected. On the contrary, your visit will actually help contribute financially to improving local living standards and supporting small businesses.

Beyond the beaches of Varadero and the far less crowded resorts of Cayo Coco and Guardalavaca, you can enjoy the decadent colonial charm of Havana, as well as the classic, picturesque architecture of places such as Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Santiago de Cuba. It’s a friendly and largely misunderstood country, struggling amidst the consequences of a criminally stubborn political class and an international community that is either hostile or just indifferent towards Cubans.

Seychelles

There are very few destinations that offer such good weather all-year-round as the Seychelles. In fact, you’ll just want to avoid visiting during the monsoon season, which usually falls in January and February. Nonetheless, the archipelago is still a wonderful choice for a winter-sun vacation in November, December and March. Made up of over 115 islands scattered across the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles stand out as one of the top tourist destinations in Africa.

In fact, tourism is the most important economic sector in the country, and a key factor in explaining why the nation is considered one of the richest and most developed in the continent. Boasting some of the best beaches in the world, stunning mountain trails and a vast array of endemic species of flora and fauna (meaning you won’t find them anywhere else), this is – without a doubt – a must-visit destination for nature lovers!

Cape Verde

Sticking to popular African archipelagos, next up is the small island nation of Cape Verde. Located off the west coast of Africa, just a short one-hour flight from Senegal, the Cape Verdean archipelago consists of 10 volcanic islands, nine of which are inhabited by the country’s roughly 550.000 residents. Luckily for lovers of warm weather and beach tourism, few destinations are as reliable as Cape Verde, since temperatures stay between 20°C and 31°C all-year-round.

As you can see, Cape Verde is an excellent option to escape the European Winter! As you’d expect, the country’s biggest highlight are its beaches, where you can lounge on the sand, go for a swim or enjoy diving and snorkeling tours. Further inland (depending on the island), you can also hike incredible mountain trails and visit majestic volcanoes.

Brazil

Truth be told, Brazil is just such a diverse and gigantic country that one can easily find places worth visiting at any time of the year. Venture into the Northeast Region, and you’ll find a vast stretch of dreamy beaches, the stunning Chapada Diamantina National Park and cities like Salvador, João Pessoa and Fortaleza. Head to the South, and you’ll come across countless European towns where former settlers largely kept their way of life, iconic beach towns like Florianópolis and Balneário Camboriú and the famous gaucho ranches of Rio Grande do Sul.

In between both regions, there’s no shortage of beautiful colonial towns, the bustling metropolis of São Paulo and the vibrant energy and spectacular scenery of Rio de Janeiro (not to mention Manaus and the Amazon Rainforest). Beyond the warm temperatures, the Winter season in the Northern Hemisphere also brings out the Carnival – probably the single, most iconic annual event in all of Brazil! So, what better way to escape February’s cold than flying off to the “Cidade Maravilhosa”?

Saudi Arabia

A country that is slowly opening up to the world and set to become one of the most popular holiday destinations within the next decade, for now Saudi Arabia can still be experienced in its purest, rawest form. Given the scorching Summer heat, Winter is the perfect season to enjoy the country while temperatures remain reasonably pleasant (between 20°C and 30°C, depending on the region).

This means perfect conditions for swimming in the warm waters of the Red Sea in Umluj, snorkeling or diving around the Farasan Islands, visiting the historic city of Al-Ula and the ruins of Hegra, exploring the traditional villages of Rijal Alma and Thee Ain, wandering through the Old Town of Jeddah and visiting one of Islam’s holiest sites in Medinah. Up north, although the beaches aren’t as prevalent or good, you can still visit the capital of Riyadh and snap a photo at the breathtaking Edge of the World.

Mexico

A vast country of idyllic beaches, vibrant cities, charming colonial towns and an incredible collection of Mayan and Aztec ruins, it’s no surprise that Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world. Whether you prefer a relaxing holiday on the beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula, a tour through the archaeological treasures of Teotihuacan, Palenque and Chichén Itzá (among many others) or a cultural adventure through Mexico City and the country’s many colorful, traditional towns – such as Puebla, Taxco, San Miguel de Allende or Morelia – you simply can’t go wrong with a trip to Mexico!

Besides, we can’t forget about the delicious local cuisine and the many festivals and celebrations that have become famous worldwide, especially when it comes to the legendary Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca! The cherry on top? Visiting Mexico in the Winter means you’ll avoid the Atlantic hurricane season, which usually runs from May to October.

Dominican Republic

Back to the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is probably the most popular destination in the region. With wonderful weather, blissful beaches and a solid tried-and-tested infrastructure to welcome mass tourism, the industry is a well-oiled machine. Plus, it’s also very safe! Typically, most agency tourists settle in the resorts of Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and La Romana, but there’s so much more to discover beyond the traditional circuit.

In addition to the colonial charm of Santo Domingo (the first place in the Americas where Columbus landed), you can escape the crowds and relax on the beaches of Parque Nacional del Este, catch some waves in Cabarete, go on a whale-watching tour in Samaná Bay or explore the mountainous region around Jarabacoa. Other warm Caribbean destinations to visit in the Winter include Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Aruba and the Bahamas.

Uruguay

Surrounded by the tourism giants of Argentina and Brazil, it’s quite easy to overlook little Uruguay when planning a trip through South America. A big mistake – as the country is famous for its extraordinary Atlantic coastline. In fact, every summer (in the Southern Hemisphere), thousands of Argentinians and Brazilians cross the border to spend their holidays on the beaches of Punta del Este and Punta del Diablo, in Uruguay.

Naturally, that makes this the perfect time to visit the country, with the added bonus that in February the country comes alive for Candombe, the longest Carnival celebrations in the world! Beyond the beaches and this massive event, it’s also worth enjoying cosmopolitan Montevideo and the colonial beauty of Colonia del Sacramento. Well, that and eating some of the best beef in the world – especially in the gaucho ranches of the vast inland plains!

Maldives

Probably the most coveted beach destination on the planet, the Maldives are an excellent option to escape the European cold during the Winter season! After all, the country is formed by thousands of islands made up of powdery white sand, bathed by warm seawaters that sit at a constant and pleasant 25ºC. Besides, visiting in the Winter will allow you to avoid the monsoon season, so chances are you’ll find nothing but sunny days and clear skies.

As you know, most visitors seek out the viral resorts located on private islands, so expect eye-watering prices if you want to stay on those typical wooden bungalows above the waters. Conversely, you can visit Gulhi Island instead for something a bit more affordable and local, as this atoll is located just a two-hour ferry ride away from the capital Malé. Alternatively, the best-known low-cost option is Maafushi Island. In addition to restaurants and decent infrastructure, the islands also feature a few “bikini beaches”, designated areas where visitors can wear Western-style swimwear (the Maldives is a Muslim country).

Thailand

As we finally make it to Southeast Asia, there’s no better standard-bearer for the region than the world-famous “Land of Smiles”. A nation of exotic landscapes, flavors and aromas, Thailand is well accustomed to mass tourism, so you can expect to find all the comforts and conveniences you’re used to in back in Europe. Beyond that, however, any resemblance to the Old Continent is pure coincidence.

In fact, the culture shock starts as soon as you land in Bangkok, the capital and overwhelming metropolis of over 10 million people. Luckily, the pace slows down whether you head north – to Chiang Mai, for example – or south, towards the country’s most popular beach areas. In the latter, you can find the quintessential Southeast Asian coastal experience, from the uber popular and super-touristy Phuket to the increasingly popular Krabi, as well as Koh Samui and the Phi Phi Islands. Factor in a range of unique markets, ancient archaeological ruins and a delicious cuisine, and you’ve got yourself one of the best destinations to find the Winter-sun!

Philippines

Staying in Southeast Asia, it’s now time to highlight the Philippines. A blend of native, American and Hispanic influences that was shaped by generations of colonization, the Philippines has a very unique character. Moreover, few countries in the world can match it when it comes to beaches, natural scenery and diving/snorkeling opportunities, all of which you can fully enjoy during the Winter, as the monsoon season usually runs from June to October.

After all, and since the country is composed of no less than 7000 islands, you’re never too far away from an idyllic beach, a hidden cave or a breathtaking landscape of rice paddies. This is especially true for the islands of Palawan, Cebu, Boracay and Bohol, which are all famous for their beaches, turquoise waters and endless catalogue of activities, like swimming with whale sharks or joining a sardine run!

Egypt

Finally, we cap off our list of Winter-sun destinations with the mythical nation of Egypt. Considered the cradle of a civilization almost as old as time itself, Egypt is one of the most fascinating places on Earth. A country of ancient temples, archaeological museums and – of course – the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the “Land of the Pharaohs” is also home to the iconic Nile and a stunning coastline along the Red Sea. In fact, the latter is consistently ranked among the best places in the world for snorkeling and diving due to its vibrant, colorful corals.

Truth be told, visiting Egypt during the Winter months is actually highly recommended, as the interior and south of the country are far too hot to explore comfortably in the Summer, when temperatures can easily surpass the 40°C threshold. While you could spend your entire stay on the beach – especially in Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh – do yourself a favor and set out to experience the country’s rich culture and history, especially in Luxor, Aswan and Cairo.

Follow us

Sign Up for deal alerts

E-mail address