We don’t want to think about it yet, but winter is coming – for the northern hemisphere, at least. While we’re not quite done with summer yet, now is the perfect time to think about booking a holiday to make sure you can catch that winter sun.
So, where are the best winter sun destinations? The good news is there are lots of places that fit the bill for winter sun holidays – and in even better news, you can also visit them with Trafalgar, giving you the keys to unlock a different side to your winter vacation. We’ve rounded up the warmest destinations for you to escape the cold this winter. Let’s chase the sun!
Top 20 best winter sun destinations
South Africa
With highs of around 25°C (77°F) in Cape Town between November and February, the South African summertime brings hot days, warm evenings, and long daylight hours to make the most of all that this vibrant country has to offer. Not only is it prime time to catching vineyards in peak harvest season, but December is also the South African green season, with newborn animals and fresh grass growth in its national parks. Topped off with a truly stunning coastline, you’ll have every opportunity to soak up the South African sunshine.
On our Essence of South Africa tour, you’ll see the true diversity of South Africa, starting in colorful Cape Town, where you’ll catch sight of the shy penguins of Boulders Beach. A Be My Guest experience will introduce you to Stefan as you dine at his winery in Franschhoek, as he shares stories with you over a glass of his homemade wine. A visit to South Africa’s great Kruger National Park will show you the customs of the Shangaan people, before you scour the bush as you try to spot the Big 5. End your trip in historical Johannesburg as you deep dive into the culture of the ‘city of gold’.
Spain
If you want winter sun without the heat, head to Spain, one of the best winter sun destinations from the UK. Winters here are mild, rarely reaching freezing point with highs of up to 16°C. There are fewer crowds here than in the peak summer months, and the mild conditions mean you can explore all Spain has to offer without sweltering in the heat – but with far less rain than in places like the UK. The winter months also see the peak harvest for olive oil, which begins in December but continues into January.
With Trafalgar’s Best of Spain tour, you really do see the best of this vibrant country. From the historic capital of Castile to the Cantabrian Cordillera Mountains, you’ll treat your tastebuds in the gastronomic capital of San Sebastián and delight in the local pintxos in Pamplona. Catch sight of Gaudí’s unfinished La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, and taste the local delicacy horchata from a local vendor in Valencia on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Enjoy a traditional Andalusian Be My Guest dinner as you learn how the charming Morillo family produce olive oil before seeing the sights of Seville, immersing yourself in a walking tour of Toledo, and diving into all that stylish Madrid has to offer across this 15-day tour.
Bali
Bali isn’t just one of the best winter sun destinations, but it’s a gem all year round. December is considered low season, so you can expect quieter crowds and slightly milder temperatures around the 25°C mark. It is also rainy season, but you’ll still catch some winter sun – and it means that the island’s rainforests will be all the more lush. Make sure to visit the Uluwatu Temple and Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, making time to appreciate the beauty of Bali’s beaches, and visit Ubud’s lively markets.
Thailand
Between December and March, Thailand’s rainfall is at its lowest, while temperatures average between 19°C to 31°C, becoming cooler in the north around Chiang Mai, and warmer in the south in places like Phuket. This makes it ideal for more active vacations, for those who want to hit the beach, get stuck into water sports, and explore its cities and national parks.
From temples to T’ai Chi, our Treasures of Thailand tour covers Thailand at its finest. Start in the colorful streets of Bangkok where you’ll visit the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, and join a Local Specialist for a traditional cooking class. Meet locals at the famous floating market at Damnoen Saduak, swing by a coconut palm sugar plantation, and learn about Thailand’s WWII history at the Hellfire Pass. Onwards to Ayutthaya, the largest city in the world, and the stunning Sukhothai Historical Park. Support eco-tourism on your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience at the village of Natonchan, and join a local family for a Be My Guest dinner in their wooden Thai stilt house just outside of Chiang Mai.
Australia
Head Down Under for the Australian summer and make the most of good weather and outdoor living. Zip along the east coast and buzz around the Australian Open in Melbourne, explore the vibrant city of Sydney, or dive head first into the unique ecology of the Great Barrier Reef. As well as friendly hospitality and incredible natural beauty, you’ll be guaranteed plenty of sunshine.
Our Australian Highlights tour gives you two weeks to soak up this incredible country, meeting friendly locals, traversing land and sea, from Melbourne to Sydney. Take in a walking tour of Melbourne and a drive along its stunning coastline, before heading to the Outback for a Be My Guest dinner with the Falzon family, learning about ecology, culture, and the sustainable lifestyle they have created. You’ll watch sunset and sunrise at the sacred, ancient site of Uluru, and embrace your creative side with a Local Specialist Aboriginal artist. Witness the Great Barrier Reef, spot the Sydney Opera House, and head to the Blue Mountains – so much awaits on this incredible trip.
Mauritius
When you hear the phrase ‘dream holiday’, you’ll probably conjure up images of somewhere like Mauritius. The East African island is a medley of picture-perfect white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, lush landscapes and sunny days every day. Mark Twain even once said “heaven was copied after Mauritius”, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the best winter sun destinations. Aside from making the most of its beaches, there are so many things to do in Mauritius – go out to snorkel among the reefs, take a boat trip to its surrounding secluded islands, try the street food and get to know the island’s friendly locals. From October through to December temperatures are hottest, averaging around 28°C. If there are rain showers (which is unlikely), they pass quickly.
Morocco
For a mix of culture, natural wonders, and hustle and bustle, Morocco has it all. In the winter, the weather in Morocco is pretty mild. It’s still t-shirt weather during the day, with average temperatures of around 18°C (64°F), but temperatures do drop once the evening draws in, so be sure to pack a few jumpers. The cooler weather makes it much more comfortable to explore the souks, climb the Atlas Mountains, or take an other-worldly trip out into the desert.
Our Best of Morocco tour is an in-depth trip featuring all the exciting sights, sounds and flavors befitting of its status as the gateway to Africa. Explore the ancient alleyways of Fes, spend the evening like a local in a riad and learn about the healing touch of Moroccan ingredients like argan oil. You’ll see Morocco’s beautiful coastline, explore the Fes medina on a Be My Guest dinner of delicious Moroccan cuisine, and visit the oasis town of Erfoud, the ‘Gateway to the Sahara’. Spend a night surrounded by panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains, explore Marrakesh with your Local Specialist, and try some of the finest seafood in Essaouira.
Singapore
If you’re okay with a few rain showers but would prefer to miss the busy season, then head to Singapore from December to February. Though this is the coldest time of year, temperature don’t dip below 24ºC (75ºF). Not only can you catch the city’s iconic attractions like the Gardens by the Bay without fighting the crowds, but you won’t have to fight the summer heat either.
A melting pot of religion and cultures, from Buddhism to Catholicism, the Dutch to the Chinese and the British, delve into the vibrant heritage of the region. Explore the bustling streets of Chinatown and Little India in Singapore and Malacca’s Dutch Square in Malaysia. Spend a few days in Singapore on our Highlights of Singapore and Malaysia tour, where you’ll take in the skyscrapers of this glistening city. Explore its contrasts, from the red and gold façades of Chinatown to the intoxicating spice and vibrant flower garland vendors in Little India – not forgetting the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens. Sample local delights on a Singapore Culinary Walking Tour, and after visiting the Night Market you’ll end your evening with a cruise along the Singapore River.
Argentina
December is the end of springtime in Argentina, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) in places like Buenos Aires, and much cooler weather in the south in areas like Patagonia, ideal if you’re looking for a more active holiday. The warm weather brings out the true vibrancy of the country, with festive celebrations throughout the cities.
Unlock a different side to Argentina on the final leg of our Impressions of South America tour. On day 5 of this 9-day tour, you’ll head across to the Argentinian side of the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, joining a local specialist for a walk along the catwalk suspended above before boarding an open-air ecological jungle train for a different perspective. Meet the Guarani community on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as you learn the secrets of the jungle, their natural medicine, culture, songs, dances, crafts, philosophy and beliefs before you’re guided by aboriginal experts through the jungle. Leave the jungle for the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires, where you’ll witness the fiery tango, and have the choice to go on a wine tasting. Your Be My Guest experience sees you visit a family-run gaucho ranch for an energizing event of local food, drink, music, dance and horseback riding demonstrations – you’ll leave with the knowledge of how to cook asado, and so much more.
Belize
Escaping to Belize at any time of year will guarantee you a summer holiday, but the dry season coincides with the coldest times in Europe and the UK, from January to March, making it one of the best winter sun destinations. Belize offers an incredible diversity from its natural wonders to its unique culture. Yes, there are gorgeous beaches lined with white sand and azure waters, but there’s also the option to explore Mayan ruins, rainforests and nature reserves, and even the Belize Barrier Reef, part of the world’s second largest reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Its natural beauty is just one of the reasons to go, and January is a prime time to see rainforest wildlife like monkeys, as well as migratory birds like hummingbirds, tanagers, warblers, and terns.
New Zealand
Lush greenery, friendly locals and incredible views make New Zealand one of the best winter sun locations. Average high temperatures in the upper North Island are around 25° C (77° F), and a few degrees cooler in much of the South Island. The longer daylight hours allow for extended exploration and outdoor activities, making it a perfect time to experience the diverse landscapes and attractions New Zealand has to offer.
Our Southern Spectacular tour takes you all across South Island, starting with the sights of Christchurch, and straight into a Be My Guest experience with former farmers Angie and Stan Taylor, for afternoon tea in their home on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Step back in time in the quirky town of Oamaru before you take a jet boat ride down the Waiau River to Lake Manapouri on a scenic MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that supports conservation efforts in the area. Travel through Fiordland National Park, watch the cascades of Bowen and Stirling Falls and arrive in Queenstown, where you’re treated to a gourmet barbecue dinner on a working farm – say hello to the working sheep dogs. Stay in the eco-friendly, waterfront Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, where you’ll dine on seafood and local specialties. To round off your travels across the South Island, take the scenic TranzAlpine train to Christchurch.
Dubai
Dubai offers one of the best winter sun destinations because there’s absolutely no risk of rainy season here, however you’ll avoid the scorching summer temperatures, with averages in December clocking in at around 23°C. Go shopping in Downtown Dubai, haggle at the Old Souk, and marvel at the Jumeirah Mosque before you relax by the beach or the pool.
Kerala, India
Avoid the typical wet weather with a winter trip to Kerala, one of the more serene parts of India. The dry season begins in December and temperature stay around the 30°C mark (86ºF), so your sightseeing won’t get interrupted by the showers that come with monsoon season earlier in the year.
Our Captivating Kerala tour allows you to take in the calmness of Kerala. Embrace its lush landscapes with an immersive nature walk through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park with a Local Specialist, and get to know the local culture as you watch an Indian martial arts performance. Awaken your senses with a visit to Kumily Spice Garden, where you’ll learn how the locals grow and share an astounding variety of flavorful spices. Board a traditional houseboat for a cruise surrounded by Kerala’s iconic backwaters as you embrace a slower pace of life, and even enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local family at your Be My Guest dinner.
Kenya
Embark on a journey to the home of the African safari as you catch Kenya’s summertime. In coastal areas, temperatures average between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 90°F) in December, with very little rainfall lending itself to snorkeling and scuba diving. If you’re planning to venture into the savannah (and why wouldn’t you be?), December is one of the best months for birdwatching in the Masai Mara, where you can spot the migratory species.
On our Wonders of Kenya tour, kick off your journey with a Be My Guest experience at the Kiburi Plantation, where you’ll learn about coffee and tea production (with a taste, of course) before savoring local cuisine. Stay in the incredible Ark Lodge in Aberdare National Park where you can observe wildlife in its natural habitat, and continue your safari adventure in the Samburu National Reserve. Learn about the Ol Pejeta Conservancy on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, and their efforts to fight rhino poaching. world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve as you try to spot the Big 5, and visit a local Maasai tribe to learn about their traditions and ways of life.
St. Lucia, Caribbean
If you’re visiting St. Lucia in December, then you’ll be waving goodbye to the Caribbean’s rainy season. Enjoy temperatures of around 25°C (77°F) as you take in the island’s natural beauty, whether that’s on a hike through the rainforest or digging your feet into the sand on one of its many beaches. Make sure to witness its colorful coral reefs, and take in the full rainbow as you watch the spectacular sunsets. Don’t forget the food – farms and cocoa plantations offer exceptional produce, while the Castries Central Market is a feast for all the senses.
Hawaii
Though famous for its picturesque beaches, Hawaii is a paradise for nature lovers, brimming with sea turtles, manta rays, and bubbling volcanoes. Hawaii is warm all year round, but heading over in the northern hemisphere’s winter makes the hot weather that much sweeter. Catch a wave from Oahu, walk through Big Island’s rainforests, and definitely take a hike up to Kīlauea volcano. December is Hawaii’s rainiest month of the year, but the good news is showers are usually short and you won’t be chilly – temperatures average around 22°C (71°F).
Unlock the volcanic energy of Hawaii on our Hawaiian Explorer tour, taking you from Waikiki’s Pearl Harbor National Memorial to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visiting one of the only places in the world where you can view giant manta rays feeding. Learn about Hawaiian produce like coffee and salt from the locals who harvest it, before you watch the lively tradition of the Hawaiian Luau, and connect with nature in Maui.
Vietnam
From December through to February, Vietnam offers some sunny respite from the northern hemisphere’s winter. Temperatures vary across the country, averaging around 32ºC (90ºF). If there is rain, is much more likely to be in the north, around Hanoi or Halong Bay, though this may be just the occasional drizzle giving this area the lush greenness it’s known for. Central and southern Vietnam, from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh, are warm and dry, perfect for exploring markets and temples.
On our Highlights of Vietnam tour, over 12 days you’ll cycle through Hanoi’s colorful Old Quarter, sail through the crystal waters of the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay and exploring its caves, and even doing T’ai Chi with a Local Specialist. Learn to make lanterns in historic Hoi An, take a Vietnamese cooking class, and step on board a local dragon boat as you cruise along the Perfume River. After the iconic sights of Ho Chi Minh, dine at KOTO Restaurant during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, supporting those affected by poverty to provide opportunities and a vocational education in the hospitality sector. Take a traditional boat down the Mekong Delta, join a Vet Cong veteran for a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels for a powerful history lesson.
Costa Rica
December is the start of the dry season in Costa Rica, so it’s the perfect time to plan your trip to this lush side of the world. With the average temperature around 27ºC (80ºF), you’ll have ample sunny days to explore its wild jungle, with the dry season the best time for spotting the 900 bird species that call Costa Rica home, as many birds are actively nesting and mating during this time. Outside of the rainforest you can marvel at its volcanoes, or take up surfing at its idyllic beaches, trying all sorts of exotic foods that are grown in this fertile land.
On our Costa Rica Eco Adventure, you’ll meet Tortuguero Village pioneers, visit the wildlife of Tortuguero National Park with a Local Specialist spotting howler monkeys, toucans, and even crocodiles. Meet incredible locals, including the Tico family for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience at their palm plantation, and your a Be My Guest experience lunch at an eco-friendly hacienda. Touch the sky in Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you’ll join a Local Specialist for an excursion through the treetops of the lush rainforests, making your way along the Sky Walk suspension bridges.
Egypt
December is the coldest month in Egypt, but that only sees temperatures drop down to a balmy 20°C (68°F). This milder weather makes it an ideal time to catch the sunshine while staying cool enough to explore its ancient ruins, cruise along the Nile, and relax on its sandy beaches.
Across our 9-day Best of Egypt tour you’ll be led by your experienced Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist. Between the pyramids and temples, your Be My Guest encounter takes place on the banks of the Nile as you learn about family life in a typical Luxor village over warm mint tea and freshly baked local bread with honey. Spend four nights sleeping on the Nile before you head to colorful Cairo, laying eyes on the ‘Mask of Tutankhamun’ and seeing the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx up close.
Sicily, Italy
While much of Italy is ideal for catching some winter sun, southern Italy is generally the warmest region – Sicily in particular, which is also one of the sunniest regions during the winter. Sicily’s average temperature is around 14°C (57ºF) in December, with highs of up to 17°C (62ºF). Not only is it prime time to explore its historic buildings and taste traditional arancini, but a winter trip to Sicily also means you’ll catch the island’s citrus season.
Come on our Colours of Sicily tour and explore this incredible island, beginning in the capital Palermo, where a Local Specialist will guide you through the Cattedrale di Monreale, one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture. Discover Sicily’s ‘Culture of Salt’ at the Salina della Laguna, explore the Ancient Town of Erice, and stop by Agrigento where you’ll join a Local Specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Modica, go to a Modica chocolate tasting, and catch a view of Mount Etna at Taormina’s ancient Greek Ampitheatre with your Local Specialist. End your trip with a Be My Guest dinner on a family-owned lemon farm overlooking Mount Etna.