Where to catch those rays? Check our top five places for winter sun
When summer feels very far away, and vitamin D reserves are decidedly empty, it’s time to plan your next holiday. Luckily there are some great spots out there to get your dose of winter sun, warm days, and laid-back holiday vibes. Take your pick and pack your bag.
Canary Islands
Canary Islands are a classic – but a classic going through a bit of a renaissance. Over the past few years, the islands have been tempting a younger crowd as well and their coolness factor has been growing. This has brought with it an influx of new restaurants, surf spots and trendy shops.
The climate on the islands is known to be mild all year round and there is even a good chance of the sea temperatures being high enough for a swim. There are, however, lots of other things too to get involved in besides beach life.
Gran Canaria is great for hiking, horse-back riding and windsurfing. Fuerteventura is all about water sports as well as sailing and dolphin watching. Lanzarote, on the other hand, is a good choice for all nature lovers with its epic volcanic scenery including the Timanfaya national park.
Malaga, Spain
Malaga has an average of 320 days of sun each year and it is also one of the warmest spots in Europe, making it a reliable choice for your winter holiday. With temperatures often around 20–25 degrees Celsius, even beach days are an option.
If you have the bad luck of catching the occasional cloudy or cool day, don't worry. Malaga has good shopping, several museums to visit and a plethora of fantastic restaurants. Check out some fresh ideas on how to spend your days here.
Malaga in the winter is also a great choice if you want to do some road tripping. You could head out to Gibraltar to marvel at the amazing views all the way to Africa, visit the famous monkeys or try the cable car. If you are the sporty type, go to Tarifa instead. It is one of the breeziest spots in Europe and the capital of wind surfing.
Phuket, Thailand
Around mid-February, the rainy season is fizzling out and the best time to travel to Phuket starts. The best time to travel to Phuket is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather tends to be lovely and dry, with low humidity and about ten hours of sunshine every day. You can't escape beach life in these conditions!
If you are willing to head out a bit from your hotel there are some great beaches with a chilled-out vibe to explore. The somewhat isolated Banana Beach is one of the area's absolute gems with amazingly clear water. If swimming is what you are after you will be pushed to find a better spot. See also our other Phuket tips.
After the sun has set you should try out the fantastic night markets dotted across the city. They offer anything and everything from street food treats to clothes. If this feels a bit too hectic, take your pick of one of the rooftop bars in Phuket and enjoy the sunset in style.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
In Dubai you can get it all: sun, beach, shopping, luxurious dinners, buzzing nightlife and accommodation in the fanciest hotels. Best time to travel to this Arabian destination is from November to March when the weather is cooler compared to the ultimate heat of the summer months.
Make the most of the warm, sunny weather at one of the popular beaches or pool clubs. With a day-pass you can usually enjoy a full day from morning to sunset, lounging with drinks and snacks in the comfort of a cabana and cosy pools.
If you need a break from the metropolitan way of life, hop on to one of the adventurous day trips from Dubai. You can choose anything from a desert safari to a camel ride or a yacht tour. Or how about discovering the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi with marble mosaics & Swarovski chandeliers?
Los Angeles, Unites States
Winter might just be the perfect time to visit Los Angeles. Countless cultural experiences and shopping opportunities provide year-round entertainment in the “City of Angels” – no matter the weather. With a bit of good luck, you might even get to enjoy a sunny day at the beach and a dip in the sea.
During winter months crowds are typically gone, and lines are much shorter at sights and amusement parks. Explore the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, hike up to the Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views of the city skyline or relax on the golden sands of Santa Monica Beach.
A bike ride along the city’s famous beaches is a perfect way to spend the day. Or head up into the hills for a hike before those sweaty summer days and crowds return. But don’t forget to wear your sunscreen! The weather might feel fresh, but the Californian sun is still burning.