Most Brits tend to take their holidays in the summer. In some ways this makes a lot of sense; the kids are off school, the British sun is leaving you aching for more and sun cream is usually on special offer. But if we only go on holiday once a year, why do we tend to make it overlap with the only sun we get at home?
A lot of people have been having the same idea lately, which has lead to an increase in winter holidays to sunny locations in recent years. The benefits of this are fairly obvious; you get to escape the dreary British rain to a tropical paradise, the winter is usually off season, which makes holidays cheaper and you still get to take part in the time honoured British tradition of over cooking sausages on a BBQ under a gazebo in the summer rain whilst everyone else sits in the kitchen waiting.
Here a few of our favourite winter sun destinations to escape the rain:
The word Barbados is practically synonymous with relaxing beaches and sunshine. This Caribbean paradise also happens to experience the peak of its weather during our winter, as it is less humid and slightly drier than the summer months, meaning a winter holiday to Barbados is actually the best time to visit the island!
The main draws to a winter holiday in Barbados are the beaches and the restaurants. Barbados is home to some of the best beaches in the world, full of sun and water sports to keep the whole family entertained. As for the restaurants, Barbados is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes, made from fish caught that very day!
Dubai is a great place to visit any time of the year. The average temperature of the winter months is in the mid 20°Cs, making this a great time to visit, as the desert city can hit the 40s rather easily at the height of summer.
Winter in Dubai is very similar to summer in Dubai, activity-wise. The region’s many theme parks, water parks, shopping malls, desert tours and other activities operate all year round due to the constant sunshine. If it wasn’t for the many extravagant celebrations, such as Eid, Christmas and New Year’s Eve it would be very easy for the seasons to blend into one in Dubai
Those looking for a slightly more active winter break may want to enjoy the sun in Phuket. This Thai province is known as a party town and has a great selection of beach bars. With an average winter temperature in the low 30s, the only thing better than sitting back on the beach is sitting back on the beach with a cocktail.
Winter is the dry season in Phuket, meaning that all of the usual activities and excursions are available to tourists during the season. A winter holiday to Phuket is very similar to a summer holiday to the region, with the exception of the huge full moon party to celebrate the new year.
The temperature in the Maldives is very flat throughout the year, sticking at around 30°C. The only real difference in the seasons is the amount of rain. Our winter just so happens to fall in the dry season of the Maldives, making this another destination that is not only great for winter sun, but actually more suited to winter holidays!
The Maldives is an ideal place for sun worshippers, and is so beautiful that it’s one of the most popular destinations for weddings. There’s nothing better on Maldives holidays than enjoying the sun on the picturesque beaches and feeling slightly smug about the rain back home.
Winter holidays to Kuala Lumpur are closer to those in Dubai than Barbados. The Malaysian capital is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the world, giving it an exciting energy that is unique to the city. Winter holidays to Kuala Lumpur are all about exploring the urban landscapes and taking in traditional Malaysian culture.
Kuala Lumpur is highly suited to the winter holidays. Winter falls during the Northeast Monsoon Season but the city is lucky enough to be protected by the Titiwangsa Mountains in the east and Indonesia's Sumatra Island in the west, meaning only a small proportion of the rainfall actually gets through to the city.
At first glance, Ras al Khaimah may seem similar to its neighbouring emirate of Dubai. While this is true for as far as the climate is concerned, the two cities are worlds apart when it comes to modern day culture.
Ras al Khaimah holidays are closer to what you would expect from an average winter sun break. The sun is shining, the beaches are glorious and the pools are crystal clear. Ras al Khaimah can be seen as a middle eastern alternative to the glitz and glamour of Dubai. If the UAE appeals to you but Dubai seems a bit over the top, you will love Ras al Khaimah!
Mexico is divided by the Tropic of Cancer, which gives it one of the most diverse climates on the planet. The Northern part of the country experiences drops in temperature during the winter months. The southern parts, such as Cancun have a more tropical climate, meaning the temperature is similar throughout the year, in the mid-high 20s, but with a large variation in rainfall.
Winter the dry season in Cancun, making it perfect for some relaxing fun in the sun that has a distinctly Mexican feel to it. What could be better than sitting back on the beach, enjoying some of the world famous Mexican delicacies? Winter breaks to Cancun also has the benefit of avoiding the yearly influx of American college students to the city for Spring Break.
This is by no means a full list of places to enjoy some winter sun, check out our website for even more options!
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