Winter sun destinations: Get out of the cold weather and warm up

Fortunately, there is no shortage of incredible places in the world where you can enjoy the winter sun without the chill. Needless to say, winter is an excellent opportunity to pamper yourself with some time off and choose the most incredible destination. Here are the top winter sun holidays for anyone wanting to make a breakaway.

1. Dubai, UAE

Average Winter Temperature: 24-26°C (75-79°F)

Why visit: Dubai has a science fiction look with polished cityscapes, continued shopping, five-star hotels, and sandy shores. Winter is the best for the desert city due to its favorable cool weather for outdoor activities such as dune bashing and, rooftop swimming pool.

Top Experiences: Take a brief tour of Burj Khalifa, visit Jumeirah Beach, and do some shopping at the Dubai Mall. Don't forget the desert safari in the evening period.

Best time to visit: November to March (cooler weather, perfect for outdoor activities)

2. Tenerife, Canary Islands

Average Winter Temperature: 20-22°C (68-72°F)

Why visit: Tenerife off the northwest of Africa and the climate is always warm throughout the year. This beautiful Canary Island offers the scenic beauty of both the peak of the volcano and the golden sands of some of the finest beaches which could be ideal for wintering for adventurers or beach lovers.

Top Experiences: Go trekking in Teide National Park, enjoy the beach at Playa de las Américas, and discover the picturesque village of La Orotava.

Best time to visit: December to February (consistently warm, sunny, fewer crowds)

3. Marrakech, Morocco

Average Winter Temperature: 18-20°C (64-68°F)

Why visit: If you want to experience the exotic and have a bit warmer temperatures at certain times of the year, Marrakech is perfect for winter holidays. Visit the city markets and shopping arts and crafts, see beautiful palaces, and even have a cup of tea on the rooftop terrace. From October to April, temperatures are mild allowing for sightseeing of history in this city and the desert that surrounds it.

Top Experiences: Go to YSL’s Jardin Majorelle, walk through the colorful Medina souks, and take another day and visit the unsurpassed Atlas Mountains or the Sahara desert.

Best time to visit: October to April (mild temperatures, ideal for exploring markets and deserts)

4. Phuket, Thailand

Average Winter Temperature: 28-32°C (82-89°F)

Why visit: Phuket Island of Thailand, which is the largest one, is just the place I need to avoid cold weather. It has beautiful sandy beaches lined with white sand, clear green seawater, and tropical rainforests through which you can relax, or have as much fun as you desire. Winter is a high season in Phuket because of the good weather and sunshine for those who prefer to swim at the beach.

Top Experiences: Sunbath at Patong Beach, go for a water safari to Phi Phi island, and party all night.

Best time to visit: November to March (dry season, sunny beaches, and calm seas)

5. Male, Maldives

Average Winter Temperature: 27-30°C (80-86°F)

Why visit: Choosing a luxurious and warm winter sun destination is easy; one of the most breathtaking destinations offers overwater villas, pristine waters, and colorful reefs for the Maldives. It’s one of the best vacation spots for lovers and people on honeymoon since the Maldives is a place where time is less of important.

Top Experiences: Swim around coral reefs, scuba dive, sunbathe on a lonely beach, and treat yourself to a massage with a view of the sea.

Best time to visit: December to April (dry season, best water clarity for diving/snorkeling)

6. Cape Town, South Africa

Average Winter Temperature: 25-28°C (77-82°F)

Why visit: Cape Town boasts of great table mountain and tourist attraction features ranging from beautiful beaches to and vibrant city during the northern hemisphere winter times. The best climate-wise is December to February, which is summer in South Africa, so you’ll have sunshine, wineries, and safaris to yourself outside the cold season.

Top Experiences: Hike or catch a cable car up Table Mountain, go to the famous Cape Winelands, and also Robben Island.

Best time to visit: December to February (summer in South Africa, beach weather, and wineries)

7. Sydney, Australia

Average Winter Temperature: 25-30°C (77-86°F)

Why visit: That’s why Australia is a summer wonderland during the northern winter. Sydney is a city with an astonishing level of energy but also with lovely golden sandy beaches. Such Ariadne features as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge along with outdoor activities in the sunshine, it is a great place to visit for art lovers as well as for sea vacation.

Top Experiences: Organize a day at the sun-kissed Bondi beach, explore Taronga Zoo, and enjoy a coastal Bondi to Coogee walk.

Best time to visit: December to February (full summer, beach outings, festivals)

8. Cancun, Mexico

Average Winter Temperature: 27-30°C (80-86°F)

Why visit: Cancún has everything from great beaches to archeological sites, intriguing architecture, and hot nightlife. In the winter, many come to this area because it fits the bill all at once for cultural sightseeing, outdoor adventurism, and relaxation. After that, the Caribbean is the nest that comes to the waters where people can stroll, snorkel, scuba-diving, and sunbathe.

Top Experiences: A visit to neighboring Tulum or Chichen Itza, fun at the beaches of Isla Mujeres, and enjoying the submerged caverns – cenotes are the options available.

Best time to visit: December to April (dry season, perfect for beaches and Mayan ruins)

9. Barbados, Caribbean

Average Winter Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F)

Why visit: Barbados is a beautiful island with coconut palms, water of a brittle blue hue, and friendly people. That is why winter is ideally suitable for rest on the coast, sea activities, and increasing the understanding of Caribbean traditions and customs. It is also famous for sporting facilities and leisure, water-loving resorts, and lovely sunsets.

Top Experiences: Take a rest on Crane Beach, visit Harrison’s Cave, and enjoy the history of Bridgetown.

Best time to visit: December to April (dry season, vibrant festivals, and best beach weather)

10. Miami, Florida, USA

Average Winter Temperature: 20-25°C (68-77°F)

Why visit: For those who are willing to travel within the US but do not want to immerse themselves in winter chill, Miami is just the perfect tropical city break. As a city popular for its art deco districts, luxurious beaches, and happening nightlife, Miami does not slow down even in winter.

Top Experiences: Walking around the art-decorated area of the city, sun tanning at the sun-kissed beach of South Beach, and balancing the culturally diverse landmarks in Little Havana.

Best time to visit: December to March (warm, sunny, less humidity compared to summer)

Winter Sun holiday planning guide

Book Early: Flights and accommodation to winter sun destinations usually are high in demand, so make sure that book well in advance.

Check Travel Requirements: Always confirm to look for visa standards as well as the restriction on traveler arrivals, and the health protocols in the country.

Pack Smart: It is also possible to feel a chill in the evening even if the country does not have cool summers, so pack light clothing and lighter clothing.

It may not be over blue skies and warmth when winter knocks on the door. Such vacations are great during winter, whether it is the desire to have a tropical vacation or a sunny vacation for several weeks. Don’t forget your sunblock, take your sunglasses and chins with you to get tanned under the winter sunshine.

What are the cheapest winter sun destinations in December?

Some of the cheapest winter sun destinations in December include Tenerife (Canary Islands), Marrakech (Morocco), Cancun (Mexico), and Phuket (Thailand). These spots offer warm weather, affordable accommodation, and budget-friendly activities perfect for escaping the cold without breaking the bank!