Amanda PhillipsIn the depths of British winter, your summer holiday can seem like a distant memory. As the nights start to draw in, you find yourself dreaming of the day when you can dust off your suitcase and take off for some long-awaited sunshine. Fortunately, there’s no need to wait until the summer to get your much needed boost of Vitamin D!
There are an abundance of destinations worldwide that boast year round summers, with plentiful sunshine and an ample selection of flights from the UK.
1. Costa Rica
January through to February is the perfect time to visit Costa Rica, with highs of 27 degrees. This tropical climate sees very little rainfall at the beginning of the year, but always be prepared for the occasional shower within Rainforest territory!
This is also a prime time for wildlife watching! The chance of spotting baby turtles is high right at the end of nesting season, with Californian Humpback whales and their calves frequently spotted off the coast!
With direct flights now available from the UK, there’s never been a better time to embark on a Costa Rican adventure!
2. Seychelles
There’s never a bad time to visit Seychelles! This spellbindingly tropical island typically offers uninterrupted sunshine and average temperatures of between 24 & 32 degrees.
February – March time is ideal for visiting this picture-perfect paradise. Straight after the rainy season, the island is bursting with luscious foliage and breath-taking scenery.
Snorkelling, diving and sailing are on offer all year round , making this the perfect winter escape for the adventurous traveller.
3. Cuba
Cuba enjoys a fantastic climate all year round. December – February is the best time to visit for maximum sunshine, with highs of 25 degrees and very little rainfall. Perfect for an action packed getaway to beat the winter blues!
Havana is a historic hot bed, its streets bursting with history and retro motor vehicles. Or, to add a more Caribbean twist to your Cuban getaway, Cayo Largo de Sur boasts stretches of white sand and wide spread coral reefs, perfect for sun seeking and deep sea diving.
4. Tenerife
Tenerife boasts highs of 22 degrees from October through to December, with direct flights from various UK airports!
Unsurprisingly, it is extremely popular with British tourists during the winter months, with many families choosing to spend Christmas and New Year unwinding in the Canaries.
Moreover, there’s still plenty to do at this time of year. The islands legendary Siam Park remains open from 10-5 daily, and December plays host to a number of Christmas-themed markets and processions across the Island.
5. Melbourne
Many jet-setters and sun seekers head to Australia in the New Year, with temperatures in January and February averaging a sweltering 30 degrees.
One for the sporting fanatics, the city is bustling with activity at the beginning of the year! The Australian open starts on the 16th of January, along with a multitude of cycling events and cricket matches to kick start the year!
6. Orlando
Amidst Orlando’s many attractions is its fantastic weather, with highs of 22 degrees in December. The destination has steadily increased in popularity amongst UK tourists, and is now a regular choice for families spending Christmas abroad.
We can see why! in December, Orlando’s many theme parks transform into winter wonderlands, hosting enchanting festive events and activities which perfectly complements the mild climate – Christmas with a twist!
Furthermore, visiting at this time will allow you to avoid January and February peak times which make the destination busier and more expensive to visit.
7. Cancun
With highs of 25 degrees, November through to January is the perfect time to escape to Mexico. Avoiding the rainy season, visitors are free to embrace the hours upon hours of daily sunshine.
A cultural mecca meets party capital, there’s plenty to do during a winter getaway. Whether it be frequenting the island’s nightlife scene with a visit to the infamous Coco Bongo or taking a historic tour to the Cichén Itzá, it’s a destination which satisfies all tastes.
8. Dubai
The end of December through to February is the perfect time for a post-Christmas trip to the UAE, with temperatures hovering between 25 and 30 degrees.
Aside from its dazzling sunshine and alluring beaches, this destination is bursting with enough activities and events to create an action-packed winter sun escape. New Year’s Eve sees a fireworks display unlike any other, the Al Ain Zoo is a day–trip not to be missed, and the Dubai Mall is a true shopping paradise!
9. Koh Samui
With this Thai Island boasting an average of 27 degrees from November through to February, Koh Samui is becoming ever more popular as a winter sun spot.
A destination where luxury meets culture and tradition, this dazzling expanse of white sands and crystal waters is scattered with a combination of luxury retreats, natural wonders and cultural must-sees.
The islands infamous Big Buddah Temple demands a visit, whilst the cascading waterfalls and ‘Grandmother and Grandfather’ rocks are awe-inspiring works of nature.
10. Cape Verde
This desert meets tropical haven offers a plethora of activities for the winter sun seeker. With highs of 24 degrees in January and February, Cape Verde boasts 10 volcanic islets, lunar-like landscapes and out of this world white sand beaches.
In addition to the perfect wind-surfing weather this archipelago also boasts magnificent mountain ranges and natural parks, making it perfect for wizened trekkers and beach seekers alike.