Grab the thermals and slippers, because (and I don’t want to be the one to break this to you), winter is coming. It’s been a better summer than most here in the UK, but it’s no surprise that every year families, solo travellers and groups of friends head off in search of some vitamin D as winter closes in. And whilst the southern hemisphere basks in glorious sunshine collectively thinking about whether to wear the polka dot bikini or the pin stripe swimsuit, we’re left wondering where can we catch just a glimmer of warmth or sunshine. Here are five places to top up the tan this winter.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is just a couple of hours away from southern-most Europe, so if you plan on heading to the Canary islands and don’t mind enduring compromised legroom for a while longer in exchange for a dramatic temperature increase, keep heading onwards to Sal, Cape Verde. This is the ultimate winter destination to simply kick back under a parasol with a cocktail for a full-on roasting session in the sun. Even the nights are warm, with lows of 20 degrees in December. If sitting on the beach becomes too much for you, take a boat to Fogo island to experience Mount Fogo, an active volcano that can be climbed with the help of a local guide. As the bulk of visitors stick to the beaches, the majority of the Cape islands remain largely unspoilt. This is one for those with kids or those who want winter sunshine at a low cost.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica presents a plethora of opportunities to experience a new adventure daily and a whole new way of life. ‘Pura Vida, meaning ‘pure life’, has been adopted and embraced as a mantra by the relaxed and friendly people of Costa Rica for the past 50 years. With opportunities to glamp deep in the rainforest existing side by side with luxury hotels perched on the some of the world’s finest beaches- Costa Rica has something for everyone. Eco-tourism is massive here, meaning you can feel less guilty about any extra time spent in the sky to get here. The opportunity to surf, jungle trek, relax on stunning beaches and wake up to the sounds of wildlife all in one place will ensure the adventurers out there get their fix. Visit between December and April, as this is the driest season where temperatures still average 21-26 degrees.
Greece
For those of you who are looking to fly as little as possible in order to get your dose of sunshine, Greece is the one. Visiting Greece during the winter is a very different experience to that of summer. It’s when Greece is at its quietest, so there’s far less shoulder barging at tourist attractions and archaeological sites across this historical group of 6,000 islands. It’s a wonderful time to experience island hopping, as although the ferries are less frequent, they are still running and will be substantially less crowded. With temperatures at a slightly cooler 14 degrees, winter is the perfect time to enjoy those hill walks in search of ocean vistas and hidden tavernas in which to sample fine wines and fresh olives. In fact, the all-year-round sunshine is one of the main reasons why people up sticks, leave home behind and invest in luxury properties in Greece.
Florida
The average temperature for December clocks in at 16 degrees, and whilst that’s not the dream scenario for beach bathing, it presents the ultimate opportunity to explore the world-famous theme parks during low season. With shorter queues, less people and a more agreeable climate in which to explore the parks, you’ll get more done and the whole experience will be far more enjoyable. Many of the theme parks also offer memorable Christmas and New Year celebrations with parades and fireworks- just take your pick! Track down a local grove and sample Floridian oranges straight from the sunshine state’s trees and top it off by cruising through the Florida Keys on a swanky yacht.
Lanzarote
Situated just 100km from the relentless heat of the Sahara Dessert, the most northern Canary island, Lanzarote, is our pick of the close-to-home destinations when it comes to value for money. Situated on the same latitude as Florida, this beautiful island enjoys sunshine all year round. Despite its position off of the west coast of Africa, Lanzarote boasts an authentic Spanish culture, which means there’s ample opportunities to indulge in fine Mediterranean foods and wine. You’d be brave to swim in the sea during this time and the evenings will be slightly cooler, but the sheer volume of strikingly diverse landscape to be explored far outweighs the cons. Known as the ‘Island of 1,000 Volcanoes’, the country is dominated by lava fields and mountains in the north. Flights from the UK during the winter are low cost and frequent.
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Krysti
October 12, 2016 at 3:09 amLove this inspiration! So far on this list I’ve been to Greece- but I would love to visit the others one day, especially Costa Rica!
Ian Garstang
October 13, 2016 at 12:17 pmGlad the post could inspire your travel bucketlist! Thanks for the comment Kyrsti.
Magda
October 12, 2016 at 11:40 amLove it! I intend on avoiding cold weather for as long as I can!
Ian Garstang
October 13, 2016 at 12:19 pmGood plan! There are plenty of places where the sun’s still shining. Thanks for reading.
Aisha
October 12, 2016 at 1:57 pmGreat recommendations! Pinning this for future reference 🙂
Ian Garstang
October 13, 2016 at 12:19 pmThanks for pinning Aisha. Hopefully one day you can put my suggestions to good use!
Liz
October 12, 2016 at 5:37 pmI’ll be (hopefully!) heading to Florida for a bit this winter! It’s the best time to do some outdoors exploring in the state.
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 11:30 amCouldn’t agree more! Thanks for the comment Liz.
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 11:55 amWhere are you planning on visiting when in Florida? The Wreck Bar has mermaids 😉
EG III
October 14, 2016 at 12:28 pmLike others have already said, you’ve mentioned a lot of bucket list worthy places. The places that intrigue me the most, however, are Cape Verde and Lanzarote
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 4:28 amTwo excellent choices, so I guess it’s down to flight time and where you are in the world.. From the UK, Lanzarote is around 4 hours, whereas from NY, Cape Verde can be a painfully long journey.
Jessica
October 15, 2016 at 10:18 amI had a winter escape to Lanzarote a few years ago when I lived in Belgium, what a beautiful island! Hope to return to the Canary Islands soon!
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 11:32 amLanzarote is beautiful, but I have to say you’re lucky to live n Belgium as Bruges was one of my favourite places I visited last year.
Shelia
October 15, 2016 at 10:59 amGreat list. I am trying to decide where to go this winter (I know, I am late!). We went to Lanzarote two winters ago and I concur, it is a great place to see. I would definitely return. You’ve given me something to thing about because Costa Rica is not on my short list and perhaps it should be. Thanks for the info!!
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 4:48 amooohhh… Costa Rica is amazing! Definitly add it to the shortlist 😉
Charles McCool
October 15, 2016 at 11:26 amFlorida and Costa Rica are givens for me but thinking about Cape Verde and Canary Islands is wonderful. Perhaps I will give them a go this winter!
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 11:35 amThe Canary islands is obviously a quite a big journey for a one off trek from the states, but if you’re heading to Europe for a while, it would be well worth the stop over!
Kenny
October 15, 2016 at 12:50 pmGreat ideas! Traveling from New Zealand to Korea, Taiwan and China this month – cold and so I think the next time I spend time to soak up the sun would be in Singapore in 3 weeks before heading to California and the South America in December! @knycx.journeying
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 4:41 amSounds like an amazing journey, i’m very jealous 🙂
Indrani
October 15, 2016 at 10:20 pmAll the 5 places seem good by your description. I have been to Greece, but I would love to go there again.
Learned about a new place “Lanzarote” in Sahara Desert… makes me curious.
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 4:46 amLanzarote is fantastic, but you need to avoid some of the more ‘affordable’ resorts, as you may find yourself surrounded by people over 65 🙂
Danik The Explorer
October 16, 2016 at 6:17 amGreece in the winter is pretty cold despite the sunshine 😀 But great pointers on the other places. Shame I am heading to China in -20 this winter 😀 😀 😀
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 4:35 amI know what you mean, I was there is late November and it was still very pleasant (nearly 70°F). I think in January, it drops to around 50°F, but far from uncomfortable .
Fiona Maclean
October 16, 2016 at 11:01 amI love the idea of Cape Verde! Must go check that out
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 4:29 amIt’s well worth a look 😉
Beth | Adventuring the Great Wide Somewhere
October 16, 2016 at 1:49 pmThis is a great list! I’d most love to visit Costa Rica and do some hiking and exploring, since it’s close to my home base in Florida. If I lived on the other side of the pond, however, Greece would top my list! I didn’t realize the weather was so nice year-round!
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 4:19 amHi Beth, Thanks for the comment… Costa Rica is amazing and if you want to do it a little differently then try http://www.chorotegaCostaRica.com – It’s three luxury safari tents, off the grid with 2 secluded beaches… it is paradise. I hope to write about it soon.
Veronika Tomanova
October 16, 2016 at 1:57 pmSo many sunny pla es to do! I would love to visit Costa rica. It has all the jungle and animals, so I think it would be a great adventure to do.
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 4:31 amThanks Veronika, Check out my reply above about Chorotega in Cost Rica… Jungles, beaches and the most amazing sunsets…
Wandering Carol
October 16, 2016 at 7:55 pmI’d love to visit Costa Rica, though Greece has a lot of appeal, too. That said, I’ve been cold in Greece in late October, so I’ll probably give it a miss until warmer weather. All of these sound like great destinations though.
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 4:43 amThank you so much for the comment. I know what you mean about Greece, it can be hit and miss. Thankfully, I have been lucky so far.
Sue Reddel
October 16, 2016 at 10:44 pmI’ve only been to one of the spots on your list, Florida. You gave me lots of ideas for warm weather trips. Thanks!
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 4:21 amNo problem at all… I find a January break is great to escape the post Christmas lull and start the year off as you mean to go on.
Erika Bisbocci
October 17, 2016 at 12:43 amAs a North American, I’ve heard very little mention of some of these places. Costa Rica and Florida are certainly the more popular options among Americans. I’ve been curious about Cape Verde since I started to learn Portuguese though and I’d love to visit. And Lanzarote looks beautiful and intriguing too!
Ian Garstang
October 17, 2016 at 4:40 amSadly, flights to Cape Verde from North America can be difficult, which is probably why it is rarely discussed as a destination. I am a huge fan of both Costa Rica and Florida but they both offer very different experiences.
Elena
October 18, 2016 at 4:52 amSome interesting choices here. Honestly, I wouldn’t think of Greece as a winter destination. On second thought, why not? I heard a lot good things about Cape Verde from my Portuguese friends (Cabo Verde as they call it). I am curious why you haven’t mention South America or Asia? Speaking of those, one of my favorite lesser-known winter destination is Uruguay. Their capital, Montevideo, and surrounding beach towns are unbelievably beautiful.
Ian Garstang
October 19, 2016 at 4:02 amI’ve not had the pleasure of visiting South America, but I would love to go someday. Asia is always a great year-round choice for some sunshine, but I thought I’d pinpoint some slightly different locations this time round. Uruguay looks beautiful! Thanks for commenting.
Sagar Kole
October 21, 2016 at 7:55 amCool places to visit this winter. I loved Florida. Last year I was been there in Costa Rica. Great place it is! Thanks for sharing.
Ian Garstang
October 24, 2016 at 4:36 amNo problem Sagar! Florida and Costa Rica down, just Greece, Lanzarote and Cape Verde to go!
Ankita Sharma
October 20, 2023 at 2:25 amGreat recommendation of beautiful places. I like your idea of these places. I definitely try to visit these places.
Carmen Edelson
October 21, 2023 at 1:17 pmGlad to hear it!