{"id":879700,"date":"2024-08-13T08:50:10","date_gmt":"2024-08-13T07:50:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-winter-sun-destinations\/"},"modified":"2024-08-13T08:50:10","modified_gmt":"2024-08-13T07:50:10","slug":"best-winter-sun-destinations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-winter-sun-destinations\/","title":{"rendered":"These are the 20 best winter sun destinations to experience this year\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We don\u2019t want to think about it yet, but winter is coming \u2013 for the northern hemisphere, at least. While we\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, where are the best winter sun destinations? The good news is there are lots of places that fit the bill for warm winter sun holidays<\/a> \u2013\u00a0and 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\u2019ve rounded up the warmest destinations for you to escape the cold this winter. Let’s chase the sun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top 20 best winter sun destinations <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

South Africa <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With highs of around 25\u00b0C (77\u00b0F) 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\u2019ll have every opportunity to soak up the South African sunshine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On our Essence of South Africa<\/a> tour, you\u2019ll see the true diversity of South Africa, starting in colorful Cape Town, where you\u2019ll 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 \u2018city of gold\u2019.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spain <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u00b0C. 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 \u2013 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With Trafalgar\u2019s Best of Spain<\/a> tour, you really do see the best of this vibrant country. From the historic capital of Castile to the Cantabrian Cordillera Mountains, you\u2019ll treat your tastebuds in the gastronomic capital of San Sebasti\u00e1n and delight in the local pintxos in Pamplona. Catch sight of Gaud\u00ed\u2019s unfinished La Sagrada Fam\u00edlia in Barcelona, and taste the local delicacy horchata from a local vendor in Valencia on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER\u00ae 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bali <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bali isn\u2019t just one of the best winter sun destinations, but it\u2019s a gem all year round. December is considered low season, so you can expect quieter crowds and slightly milder temperatures around the 25\u00b0C mark. It is also rainy season, but you\u2019ll still catch some winter sun \u2013 and it means that the island\u2019s rainforests will be all the more lush. Make sure to visit the Uluwatu Temple and Ubud\u2019s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, making time to appreciate the beauty of Bali\u2019s beaches, and visit Ubud\u2019s lively markets. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\n These are the warmest countries to visit in December for winter sun <\/h2>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Thailand <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Between December and March, Thailand\u2019s rainfall is at its lowest, while temperatures average between 19\u00b0C to 31\u00b0C, 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From temples to T\u2019ai Chi, our Treasures of Thailand<\/a> tour covers Thailand at its finest. Start in the colorful streets of Bangkok where you\u2019ll 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\u2019s 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\u00ae 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australia <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our Australian Highlights<\/a> 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\u2019ll watch sunset and <\/em>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 \u2013 so much awaits on this incredible trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mauritius <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you hear the phrase \u2018dream holiday\u2019, 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 \u201cheaven was copied after Mauritius\u201d, so it\u2019s no wonder it\u2019s one of the best winter sun destinations. Aside from making the most of its beaches, there are so many things to do in Mauritius \u2013 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\u2019s friendly locals. From October through to December temperatures are hottest, averaging around 28\u00b0C. If there are rain showers (which is unlikely), they pass quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\n Wonderful places to soak in winter sun in Morocco <\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n \n