When we picture winter getaways, it’s easy to default to snow-dusted chalets, alpine slopes, and frozen lakes. But beauty in the colder months isn’t always wrapped in white.
Across Africa and beyond, winter reveals itself in rich colours, moody mists, softer light, and serene landscapes—no snowfall required. These destinations prove that winter’s charm comes in many forms.
Sun-seekers’ winter escapes
Gardens by the Bay/Shawn/Unsplash
Singapore
While it’s technically winter elsewhere, Singapore doesn’t follow seasonal rules. This equatorial city-state is warm year-round, but the winter period (November to January) often sees heavier rainfall, with frequent tropical showers and dramatic thunderstorms, often in the late afternoon. Still, it’s a lush time to explore verdant gardens, futuristic skylines, and vibrant hawker centres, where the rain adds to the cinematic atmosphere.
The Maldives
Serey Kim/Unsplash
The Maldives offers warm, sunny weather during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter (November to April), making it an ideal tropical escape from colder climates. This is the country’s dry season, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C and low humidity — perfect for lazy beach days, snorkelling in clear lagoons, and sunset dhoni cruises. December is especially appealing, with calm seas and blue skies making the islands feel like a postcard come to life.
Fiji
Taveuni Island, Fiji/Johnny Africa/Unsplash
Winter in Fiji (May to October) coincides with the dry season, bringing lower humidity, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures ranging between 16°C and 28°C. You might need a light jumper in the evenings when the breeze picks up, but this is hardly a winter that chills the bones. There are clearer ocean waters, thanks to less runoff from rain, which means exceptional visibility for divers and snorkellers exploring the vibrant coral reefs. With calm seas, balmy days, and a relaxed island rhythm, it’s a perfect escape from snow and cold alike.
The Bahamas
Chub Cay, The Bahamas/Alix Greenman/Unsplash
Winter is peak season in the Caribbean for good reason. Hurricanes have passed, waters are calm, and temperatures are just right. Explore hidden coves, paddle in turquoise shallows, or island-hop between colonial towns with pastel façades and rum-fuelled charm.
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Moody, misty, and magical
Cape Winelands/nairnbairn/Wikimedia Commons
Cape Winelands – South Africa
In winter, the Cape Winelands take on a romantic edge. Fog rolls over vineyard valleys, fireplaces crackle in heritage estates, and cellar tastings lean toward bold reds and hearty pairings. It’s quieter, slower, and arguably more beautiful than summer.
Chefchaouen – Morocco
Bouzaafer, Chefchaouen/Milad Alizadeh/Unsplash
Chefchaouen in winter offers a serene and atmospheric escape. Crisp, cool days and the occasional snow-capped peaks in the surrounding Rif Mountains create a striking contrast to the city’s signature blue walls. While nights can be chilly, the lower prices and smaller crowds make this a dreamy time to visit. Wander quiet alleyways, sip mint tea with mountain views, and enjoy a side of Morocco that feels both intimate and photogenic — even if you need a warm layer.
Udaipur – India
Pranav Panchal/Unsplash
Known as the “City of Lakes,” Udaipur is luminous in winter. Marble palaces shimmer on the water, camel-drawn carts trundle through quiet lanes, and the daytime warmth is perfect for wandering courtyards and sipping masala chai on a balcony. No snow, just serenity.
Yunnan Province – China
A F/Unsplash
Winter in Yunnan offers a diverse and rewarding mix of climates. Thanks to its varied topography, the southern regions—like Xishuangbanna—remain pleasantly warm and tropical, while the northern highlands, including places like Shangri-La, can be quite cold and occasionally snowy. This seasonal spread makes Yunnan especially appealing to travellers seeking variety: think misty rice terraces, crisp mountain air, sunlit villages, and ancient towns like Dali and Lijiang bathed in golden winter light. It’s a poetic and layered destination, with snow possible, but never essential.
Desert, wildflower, and dramatic landscapes
Cederberg/Katrin Baier/Unsplash
Cederberg – South Africa
Winter in the Cederberg Mountains brings cold, crisp days, clear skies, and frosty nights that reveal brilliant starry skies. While the highest peaks occasionally get a dusting of snow, daytime temperatures often hover around a mild 21°C to 23°C — with inland areas warming up even more. From mid-May to early August, the dry, cool conditions are ideal for hiking, bouldering, and rock climbing. The region’s burnt-orange sandstone cliffs glow under the soft winter light, and ancient San rock art hides in caves waiting to be discovered without the summer heat.
Namaqualand – South Africa
Namaqualand/Matthys Pienaar/Unsplash
Namaqualand in winter is a landscape reborn. The region’s winter rainfall — rare and precious — triggers one of the world’s most spectacular natural events: a vivid explosion of wildflowers that carpets the arid plains in purples, oranges, yellows, and pinks. From late July into September, the once-dusty earth becomes a living tapestry. Winter temperatures are mild, ranging from 8°C to 17°C during the day, with frosty mornings and the occasional snowfall dusting the Kamiesberg mountains. Frequent mists and early morning fog give the terrain an ethereal glow, making it an unforgettable time to explore this normally harsh environment.
Kakadu National Park – Australia
In Australia’s Northern Territory, winter marks the dry season — and the perfect time to visit Kakadu. Waterfalls are still flowing, wetlands attract birds by the thousand, and Aboriginal rock art is accessible via dusty trails. The contrast between ochre cliffs and blue skies is at its most vivid.
Death Valley – USA
Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park/Tanya Nevidom/Unsplash
Famed for being the hottest place on Earth, Death Valley becomes strikingly accessible in winter. Golden canyons, salt flats, and layered hills like Artist’s Palette appear dreamlike in the low sun. With temperatures ranging from 15–20°C, it’s the ideal time to roam this surreal desert landscape.
Salta – Argentina
Hector Ramon Perez/Unsplash
Tucked in the northwest, Salta offers dramatic red-rock canyons and Andean villages, without the freezing bite of Patagonia. However, evenings and higher altitudes can be quite chilly. Winter light bathes the landscape in soft amber, and wine country here rivals Mendoza with fewer crowds and warmer days.
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