Seasonal travel planner
Where to travel in winter
There’s no better time for a vacation than when winter sets in - whether you’re dreaming of a snowy winter wonderland to really get you into the festive spirit, or a sunny winter escape that pulls you out of the bleak drizzle of the Northern Hemisphere and into brighter, warmer climates.
Canada
If you try to picture winter in Canada, you’ll likely conjure up images of frozen lakes, ice hockey games, and moose grazing across snow-covered fields – and if you visit during the months of December to March, this isn’t far from the reality. Canada really embraces its winters; places like Quebec City and Montreal transform into festive wonderlands with Christmas lights, cozy cafes, snowy streets and ice-skating.
Beyond the cities, you can enjoy skiing and hiking, catch the northern lights in places like Whitehorse in Yukon, or admire stunning Lake Banff in Alberta. Whistler is legendary for winter sports; the skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing are top-notch, plus the town itself makes a wonderful pit stop with great restaurants and après-ski vibes. If you’re one for staying active in crisp air among stunning wintry scenes, Canada is the destination for you.
Czech Republic
If you’re a fan of Christmas markets, the Czech Republic holds some of the most magical festive setups you’ll ever see. The Czech winter is cold and often snowy, making a trip there marvelously atmospheric.
Prague wins the crown for aesthetics – its Gothic and Baroque architecture looks like a Christmas card when adorned with soft snow. You can wander across Charles Bridge in the early morning mist, explore the historic Old Town, and enjoy mulled wine and hand-made pastries as you wander the traditional, twinkling stalls. The most famous and iconic market here is Prague Old Town Square Market – overlooked by the Astronomical Clock and a huge Christmas tree, meaning live performances in the square feel truly magical.
Beyond Prague, towns and cities like Český Krumlov and Brno have their own charm, often with smaller crowds and picturesque streets, so you can get more of a local taste of the Czech Christmas spirit.
Norway
As one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, of course Norway would score highly on a list of top winter destinations. The awe-inspiring scenery of Norway comes to life in the cold seasons; with snow-blanketed mountain trails, glistening fjords, reflective lakes, and traditional towns glowing with all the joys of winter.
From the months of November to February, Norway’s magical winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and snowmobiling are the order of the day – especially in locations like Lillehammer, Trysil and Tromsø. Even just wandering the streets of cities like Oslo or Bergen feels atmospheric, as you make your way from cozy cafes to street stalls selling cinnamon buns and hot chocolate.
Meanwhile, the Lofoten Islands in winter look like an artistic postcard, where snow-capped peaks rise straight from the fjords, and the light from the wooden houses on the seafront quietly glow.
Nepal
The winter months of November to January bring clear sunny skies, crisp air and breathtaking Himalayan views to Nepal; perfect for the iconic trail-trekking this nation is known for. The cooler temperatures make setting out on the trails a comfortable exertion, without the monsoon humidity or peak-time crowds.
The higher elevations are often snowed in, so off-limits to trekkers – but classic routes like the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp are peaceful and pleasant with spectacular views throughout. For something gentler but no less scenic, the Langtang Valley trek provides a similarly rewarding mix of alpine meadows, traditional Tamang villages, and glacier views, all within easy reach of capital Kathmandu.
Even away from the trails, exploring Kathmandu Valley, with its intricate stupas and medieval squares, is a joy in this mild weather – or you could venture to Pokhara, where the striking Annapurna peaks are reflected in the calm waters of Phewa Lake.
The Alps, Switzerland
More snow-capped peaks are in store with a winter trip to the Swiss Alps. Switzerland is glorious at all times of year – bringing lush fields and wild flowers in the spring and summer; but as it dons its winter jacket, the mountainous panoramas become especially magical.
Skiers and snowboarders tend to flock to Zermatt, a traditional alpine town home to the iconic Matterhorn peak; while the glamorous resort of St. Moritz offers world-class slopes and polo on frozen lakes. For breathtaking, archetypal Swiss scenery, in the Jungfrau Region skiers can hit slopes that stretch out beneath the Eiger, and base themselves in storybook Swiss villages like Wengen and Grindelwald.
But it’s not all about snow sports, believe it or not! Non-skiers can ride the Glacier Express, go on snowshoeing hikes in Davos, or take a festive, horse-drawn sleigh ride through the sparkling trails of Gstaad. Don’t forget the classic Swiss activity of fondue by the fire, or soaking in thermal baths with panoramic mountain views – the perfect way to round off a day in the cold.
Canary Islands, Spain
The Canaries of Spain have a reputation in Europe for being an idyllic spot for year-round-sun. Whether it’s Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria or Fuerteventura, the seven islands of this balmy archipelago will be calling your name when November arrives, and are sunny right through to January.
Tenerife is the largest, known for its sandy beaches, excellent lively resorts and dramatic landscapes dominated by Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. For a scenic and amenity-led island vacation, this will hit the spot. Lanzarote is otherworldly, full of volcanic terrain in Timanfaya National Park for memorable hiking, and black and golden-sand beaches in the south.
If you’re into watersports, breezy Fuerteventura is the place for surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and all wave-based fun. For those who want to get off-the-track and feel especially remote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are small and peaceful, with some of the best stargazing there is.
France
While northern Europe is rainy and grey, the cities of southern France like Nice, Cannes and Marseille enjoy mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, perfect for wandering around without the summer crowds.
You can live the French ideal in Nice, strolling along the wave-lapped Promenade des Anglais, a 7km walkway overlooking the Med; perusing local markets for fresh produce, tasty cheeses and artisan goods; sitting in a cafe with a coffee and warm croissant. Inland, the gems of Provence like Aix-en-Provence are quiet and picturesque, with beautiful winter light over surrounding vineyards and windswept fields.
In Cannes or Antibes, head out on coastal hikes where the air smells of pine and sea, and end your day in a cozy bistro tasting creamy cheeses, truffles and locally-caught seafood, all washed down with a decadent local wine. It might be winter, but who says you can’t lap up a taste of Mediterranean luxury around Christmas?
Cambodia
If it’s a long-haul adventure you’re craving, November to March is the dry season in Cambodia, a gem of Southeast Asia that was home to the incredible ancient Kingdom of Angkor.
Without the scorching summer heat nor the heavy rains of the wet season, it’s the most comfortable time to explore magnificent World Heritage sites like Angkor Wat, as well as a route of incredible, millennia-old temples. When you’re templed out, take a tuk-tuk ride around Siem Reap, trying local foods and tropical fruits at local street stalls, or hop on a boat ride to view the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake.
In the south, you can relax on paradisical beaches; there’s buzzing Sihanoukville, or the quieter islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem for snorkeling, diving or simply existing in hammocks by the sea. Not bad for a winter break that escapes the cold and drizzle of home.
Oman
The perfect destination for first-timers to the Middle East, Oman is also a true winter escape. The temperatures hover around western summer temperatures; warm, but manageable, and you can wander Oman’s diverse landscapes without the usual scorching heat.
The capital, Muscat is dreamy and inviting, where you can stroll the corniche, marvel at the turquoise-domed Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and haggle for spices, silver and frankincense in the bustling Mutrah Souk. Active travelers can hike through the striking canyons of Wadi Shab or Wadi Bani Khalid, speckled with alluring turquoise pools that are primed for cool, refreshing dips.
Make the most of the desert with an overnight camp excursion in Wahiba Sands, where you can watch the sun set over stunning, surreal landscapes – then fall asleep under clear stars. Of course, there’s always the beach if you prefer a simpler getaway. Oman’s coastal escapes like Salalah are fringed with pristine beaches and coconut palms, complete with dolphin-spotting boat trips.
Cuba
Another cultural destination with temperatures that hover around 77 degrees Fahrenheit in November to February, Cuba is a fab winter escape. It’s the dry season here, perfect for lounging on white sandy beaches or exploring the coastline in easy, breezy comfort. Places like Varadero, Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa María are fringed with inviting, crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, or you can simply unwind on the shore with a cocktail in hand.
But Cuba isn’t just about beaches; it’s an intriguing and unique nation with a long, immersive history. There’s a reason people write songs about Havana; decked out with colorful houses, classic cars and live music spilling from every corner, it’s truly unforgettable. Other spots like Trinidad and Viñales are all about the traditional Cuban lifestyle and stunning natural landscapes.
On a winter trip to Cuba you can explore tobacco farms, wander past old colonial houses, try authentic Cuban cuisine, or just absorb the island’s relaxed, infectious energy. Listen to locals’ stories as they sit, smoking cigars on their porches. If you’re craving sun, local culture and adventure all in one, Cuba in winter is hard to beat.
Turkey
Winter isn’t the peak season in Turkey – tourists tend to flock there in the summer – but it’s still a brilliant time to go. The weather is cooler, especially inland and in cities like Istanbul and Cappadocia, which makes sightseeing a joy.
Cappadocia in winter is especially stunning as often the landscapes are snow-covered, meaning hot air balloon rides over the valleys feel momentous and otherworldly. You can also dive into the cultural wonders of Istanbul; its historic mosques, palaces and bustling bazaars, with enough space to wander, inhale the smell of spices and haggle with local sellers without the tourist crush.
Winter can be a more authentic experience in Turkey, since locals are going about their daily lives rather than catering to visitors. If you’re missing the wintry coziness, there are also amazing thermal baths, like in Pamukkale, and great skiing in places like Uludağ or Palandöken, so you can still enjoy wintry delights.
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