20 Best Winter Vacation Ideas

Posted on 11/25/2024

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!

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.  

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

Feeling inspired by our best winter vacation ideas? Book your winter escape now.