Escape the cold: the best destinations for winter sun

While the winter months bring joy with holidays, skiing, and indulging in festive feasts, the weather often leaves something to be desired. So why not leave the cold, dreary days behind this year and bask in the warmth of the sun instead? 

Whether you’re dipping your toes in Thailand’s turquoise waters, sampling wines in the vineyards of Melbourne, or adventuring through Sri Lankan safari parks, your seasonal sadness will quickly melt away in these tropical destinations. Read on for our picks of the best winter sun destinations. 

Australia – a paradise for outdoor-lovers

There’s nothing quite like winter (or do we mean summer?) in Australia: the hot, sunny weather of the southern hemisphere at this time of year is perfect for embracing the outdoor lifestyle, with pristine oceans, remote landscapes and inviting cities.

Sydney is a great tourist destination year-round, but the city really comes into its own in December, with parks, beaches and al fresco beer gardens beckoning sunseekers to fill them up. Enjoy classic sights like the Sydney Opera house, climb the Sydney Bridge, stroll around Darling Harbour under clear blue skies or catch some rays at Bondi Beach.

For a slower-paced winter sun holiday, choose Melbourne. Spend your days sipping on specialty brews (of both the caffeinated and hoppy variety), browsing local art galleries, and exploring the beautiful wine country – from the warm coastlines of the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas to the misty mountains of the Macedon Ranges and Yarra Valley.

December through February are also the best months to visit Tasmania, when you can spend your days hiking in one of the island’s 19 stunning national parks, canoeing around historic, rocky islands, or exploring gorgeous wineries and apple orchards.

The Philippines – a beach getaway

If your dream holiday involves soft white sand beaches and warm, turquoise waters, the Philippines is the place for you. Comprising 7,641 islands (2,000 of which are inhabited), you’re spoilt for choice in this tropical archipelago – though of course, we have a few favourites. 

Located in the Visayas (one of the country’s three main groups of islands) Cebu is a popular destination – and for good reason. The island is filled with luxurious resorts, boasts breathtaking beaches, and its waters are rich with marine life. Boat tours to nearby islands are also available, letting you soak in the stunning sweeping views from the water.

For those seeking tranquillity, board a domestic flight to Palawan, where your toughest decision will be choosing between two of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world: El Nido and Coron. The latter offers crystal clear freshwater lakes and some of the world’s best shipwreck diving spots, while the former is a haven for water activities and bangka boat trips. 

Sri Lanka – surfing and safari adventures

We aren’t exaggerating when we say this idyllic island has it all. It’s blessed with spectacular beaches, safari parks, mesmerising countryside and a year-round tropical climate. What makes Sri Lanka stand out as a winter sun destination, however, is its surfing season, which takes place from November to April.

Whether you’re a pro surfer or haven’t yet mastered how to stand on the board, Sri Lanka has breaks suitable for all levels on its southwestern shores. There are a variety of beach and reef breaks for surfers to choose from, such as The Rock, Mirissa and Weligama.

Looking for a wildlife adventure? Safari parks in Sri Lanka (including Yala and Udawalawe) offer visitors the chance to see elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo – and the nation’s beloved leopard. If you’re hunting for cooler, shadier climes and breathtaking landscapes, head up to the hills of Sri Lankan tea country and escape to the picturesque towns of Ella and Nuwara Eliya.

Singapore – cool city delights

If a city break is more your thing, head to Singapore this winter. The Lion City is known for year-round sunshine – but the slightly cooler winter months are the perfect time to explore the outdoors, which encompass everything from centuries-old temples and heritage architecture to extraordinary gardens and parks.

Gardens by the Bay is filled with a huge variety of plants, displayed in beautiful and unique ways, but it’s the majestic “Supertrees” that truly draw the eyes. These giant tree-like structures rise 50 metres above ground, illuminated as part of a spectacular musical light show at night.

Survive steamy afternoons in the cool, air-conditioned shops along Orchard Road and the Marina Bay Sands, or laze by the pool at one of Singapore’s most exclusive hotels, followed by an evening of feasting at hawker centres. These hubs of delicious, affordable food feature everything from Malay satay and Indian biryani to Chinese oyster omelettes, reflecting the country’s multiculturalism – united by a powerful appetite.

Thailand – a taste of island life

The gulf of Thailand has beautiful islands and postcard-perfect beaches, making it the ideal spot to find that much-needed dose of vitamin sea. Choose the island that suits you, whether you want a secluded paradise with untouched coral reefs or somewhere to party till dawn.

Boasting some of the best luxury beach resorts in the world, Koh Samui is a great option for a relaxing romantic getaway. Stay in a beautiful beach bungalow overlooking the island’s white-sand beaches and azure waters and spend your days lounging in the sun. Meanwhile, lively bars and nightclubs in Chaweng are perfect for late-night fun-seekers.

Koh Tao, known as “Turtle Island”, is a great option for scuba diving. Its streets are lined with small sandy coves, charming restaurants and lots and lots of dive shops, which make it easy to explore the ocean’s vibrant coral reef and marine life. On the other side of the country, Koh Lanta lies in the Andaman Sea, and is also studded with gorgeous beaches, nature reserves and tropical waves.

This article was originally published in January 2022 and updated in October 2024.