If you’re looking to escape the winter blues then you’re in the right place. Here are the best winter vacation ideas to keep your wanderlust alive throughout the winter season, from snowy escapes to tropical getaways.
Where is the best place to vacation in winter? That depends on what you’re after – whether that’s chasing the sun, getting cozy, discovering new experiences, or ticking destinations off your bucket lists while avoiding the crowds. Discover our 20 best winter vacation ideas below.
Best winter vacation ideas for warm weather
Singapore
While Singapore never gets cold like other parts of the world, winter is one of the best times to visit in terms of the heat, which sees it at its coolest with average temperatures around 77°F (25°C) (compared to highs of 32°C in June). However, between December and January the city’s humidity and rainfall is at its highest – but showers generally pass quickly. Just make sure to pack your umbrella! January sees the rainfall decrease substantially, and February is in fact its driest month of the year. The city is full of celebrations in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year, so if you’re going to experience Singapore in full vibrancy then that’s your best bet – but if you’re not a fan of rain, it might be best to wait until after Christmas.
Thailand
Winter weather in Thailand is decidedly balmy, with central Thailand (Bangkok) seeing temperatures range from 79°F to 90°F (26°C to 32°C). Temperatures vary between north (which is cooler) and south (which is warmer), though even in the north daytime temperatures don’t dip below around 26°C (79°F). Winter temperatures in Thailand make it perfect for exploring, and the pass of monsoon season, which runs from May to October, means a beach holiday is definitely on the cards – though, as always, be prepared for the odd rain shower!
See it on: Treasures of Thailand
New Zealand
December marks the start of summer in New Zealand, and in parts of the country the sun doesn’t set until 10pm – so head to the southern hemisphere to catch some sunshine. While daytime temperatures can sit at highs of between 20°C-22°C (68°F-72°F) in Auckland and Christchurch, it can drop to around 10°C (50°F) once night falls. The pōhutukawa tree, commonly found in coastal regions on the North Island, blooms its large red flower in December, making it a must-see.
See it on: New Zealand Uncovered
South Africa
January is South Africa’s summer season, with average high temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 °C (77-86 °F) and average low temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 °C (59-68 °F). It’s the best time of year to visit the Kruger National Park, as during the dry season the vegetation is low and sparse, making it even easier to spot the Big 5. If you’re planning on visiting South Africa’s wine country, you can see grapes on the vines from October to early January, catching harvest season from January to March.
See it on: Best of South Africa
Costa Rica
The weather in Costa Rica starts getting drier and brighter from December with the beginning of the dry season, with average daily temperatures of around 27ºC. As with any tropical country, always be prepared for unpredictable rain showers – though that’s what makes Costa Rica so lush. Escape cold weather elsewhere in the world with a trip to thermal pools, rainforest explorations, and national parks.
See it on: Costa Rica Nature Adventure
Vietnam
The weather in Vietnam varies between north and south; the north experiences four seasons with cold winters and hot summers, while the south remains relatively warm all year round with two distinct seasons, namely the dry season and the rainy season. There can be snowfall in more mountainous areas during the winter, but if you stay away from those areas then you can get stuck into exploring Vietnam’s cultural sites at slightly cooler temperatures, from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi. If you’re headed to the beach, stick to the southern half of Vietnam and areas like the Mekong Delta or Ho Chi Minh city to avoid the chance of a rain drizzle.
See it on: Highlights of Vietnam
Hawaii
Winter in Hawaii is great if you want a more active vacation. December sees higher rainfall compared to the rest of the year, but it means the rest of the winter is full of lush rainforests to explore, while the Trade winds pick up making it ideal for surfing. Hurricane season ends in November, so you’re generally safe from big storms.
See it on: Best of Hawaii
Australia
Head Down Under to spend the winter months out and about in the sun. The Australian summer begins in December, and travelers flock to the coastal regions – the north of Australia, in places like Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Great Barrier Reef, offers temperatures between 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F). Travel to South Australia for cultural hotspots, with Adelaide’s foodie scene, cosmopolitan Bondi, and, of course, wine country. The excellent weather gives you every opportunity to wander round the cities, surf, swim and get the barbie going – and of course, spending Christmas on Bondi Beach isn’t so bad.
See it on: Australian Highlights
Best winter vacation ideas for cold weather
Japan
Though cherry blossom season is often a focus when traveling to Japan, winter is a magical time of year. Festivities leading up to Christmas and New Year (called Shōgatsu) see light shows and displays across cities like Tokyo, while ski resorts in Hokkaido see snow as early as November if you’re after a more active vacation, or escape the cold in an onsen bath. Make sure you pack appropriately for cold weather – winter is generally cool and dry, with highs of 12°C and overnight lows of 4°C.
UK
From the bustling streets of London to rural Scotland, a trip to the UK will have something for every traveler. Though the UK doesn’t have the best reputation for weather, particularly in the winter months, don’t let it put you of exploring this diverse country – just make sure you have your raincoat packed. Watch the Christmas lights sparkle down London’s famous Oxford Street, go ice skating outside the Natural History Museum, or get cosy by the fireplace in one of the country’s many pubs.
See it on: Amazing Britain
Germany
German Christmas markets are world class for a reason. Winter, and particularly Christmas, is a magical time to explore its cities like Cologne, Munich and Berlin, with charming stalls set against a backdrop of grand architecture, while there are also markets in the rural Black Forest. Wherever you choose to explore, warm up with a glass of glühwein in hand, Germany’s answer to mulled wine.
See it on: German Christmas Markets
Spain
If you want to see Spain without the crowds, head there in the winter. In the lead-up to Christmas, you’ll see nativity scenes pop up across the country in churches, with a market in Seville even dedicated solely to nativity-themed figurines. Meanwhile, the almond blossom in Mallorca is a big draw for visitors to Spain, starting in January when the island is covered in pink and white flowers – the bloom is locally known as the ‘snow’ of Mallorca. The weather is generally more temperate in coastal cities, whereas landlocked cities like Madrid will see highs of a chilly 10ºC – but winter is a great time to visit hotspots like Barcelona, Madrid and Seville with fewer crowds. Just make sure to note that many museums and attractions in Spain close earlier during winter.
See it on: Best of Spain
Norway
For a snow-covered Arctic winter, Norway will deliver the white Christmas of your dreams. Though the days are shorter, you can pack a lot into them – whether that’s dog sledding, strolling round Oslo, or going on a tranquil fjord cruise. In Norway, winter is called the ‘Viking season’; those who venture during this chilly period are rewarded with the beauty of the fjords without the summer crowds. One thing the longer nights do offer is more chances to see the Northern Lights; though they’re more common further north, on rare occasions they can be spotted throughout Norway.
See it on: Best of Norway
Finland
As with most Nordic regions, daylight is scarce in the winter months; in Helsinki and southern Finland, you get only about six hours of daylight, while the sun does not even rise in the northern parts of Lapland. The average temperature is -4°C, but this winter vacation destination delivers on stunning scenery, snow-filled adventures, and the promise of the Northern Lights if you’re lucky – just make sure you’re packed for the weather.
See it on: Capitals of Scandinavia
Denmark
Cozy season takes on a new meaning in Denmark, when locals and travelers embrace hygge – the Danish feeling of contentment and coziness. With average winter temperatures around 0°C (32°F) you’ll need all the coziness you can get, so pack warm and dig out your finest knitwear. But the cold temperatures bring beautiful landscapes of frost and snow, creating a winter wonderland. When you’re not curled up next to the fireplace with a glass of gløgg or mug of coffee, you can explore Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens in all its festive glory, with snow-covered trees, twinkling lights, and traditional stalls, not forgetting its famous rides. Copenhagen’s annual February light festival lights up the darker days, spotlighting both Danish and international artists.
Best winter vacation ideas for activities:
California
Where is the best winter in USA? We’d have to say California – its mild climate makes it a great destination all year round, but we think it’s one of the best winter vacation ideas because you can go from highs of 20°C in December in Los Angeles, meaning you can still head to the beach, to snow-covered redwoods in Yosemite National Park, where December brings fewer crowds and some of the most magical winter scenes.
See it on: Northern California
Italy
For a more active vacation, head to the Italian Alps to ski or snowboard where you can usually ski from October. If walking the streets of Rome in the heat of summer doesn’t appeal, where temperatures can reach 32°C (89°F), then winter in Italy is the perfect antidote. Though temperatures in December average around 4ºC (39°F), you’re unlikely to see any frost or snow while you’ll also avoid peak summer crowds. Meanwhile, in more southern areas like Sicily temperatures rarely dip below 10ºC (50ºF), and it’s safe to swim in the sea until November.
See it on: Best of Italy
Jordan
Though Jordan is often associated with extreme desert heat, you can still explore it during the winter from December to February. The polar opposite of the scorching summer temperatures, in the winter it can drop below 0°C (32 °F) with the elevated Petra even seeing snowfall at times – though in the midday sun, it can reach a toasty 15°C (59°F). Be prepared for cold winds, but going during this off-peak season will allow you to witness sites like Petra in a whole new light, dusted in snow.
See it on: Jordan Experience
Portugal
Whether you want to have an outdoorsy winter vacation or keep it cozy, Portugal has something for everyone. In southern Portugal and the Algarve region, daytime temperatures can reach up to 20°C (68°F), while the evenings rarely drop below 6°C (43°F). Here you can play golf, go surfing, hiking, or cycling, taking in the beauty of the area while missing the summer rush. If you don’t want to brave the elements then head to Lisbon or Porto; you can take yourself on a port wine tasting tour, or café-hop in the country’s capital as you feast on pastel de nata.
See it on: Best of Portugal
Switzerland
Switzerland’s verdant landscape transforms into a snow-covered sight in the winter – what better time to travel this spectacular country by train? On the Glacier Express you’ll whizz past mountains, lakes and glaciers, crossing hundreds of bridges and the Oberalp Pass at 6,700 feet (2,044m) above sea level.
See it on: Contrasts of Switzerland
Feeling inspired by our best winter vacation ideas? Book your winter escape now.