Snow-covered promenade along the Thames with a view of Big Ben and houses in the background in winter

Where to go in winter: These holiday destinations are our favourites during the cold season

In Germany, we tend to find winter rather cold and dark. We miss the warmth, the sun and the light. That’s why we’re only too happy to pack our bags and set off. This raises the question: where should we travel to in winter?

When planning our trips, we let our hearts guide us. We dream of the seaside, the mountains and charming cafés in European cities. We’ve put together six sunny destinations, two snow-covered regions and a few city breaks for you – complete with the information that really helps when making a decision: temperature, flight time, time difference and the best time to visit.

Contents

01Where is it warm in winter?
02A comparison of sunny destinations
03Off to the snow
04City breaks in winter
05What to look out for when making your choice
06The right luggage
07Frequently Asked Questions

Where is it warm even in winter? Our top sunny destinations

We learnt once in geography lessons that it’s always summer somewhere. This is because our Earth is slightly ‘tilted’ and one part of the planet is more inclined towards the Sun. During our summer months, this is the Northern Hemisphere; during our winter months, it is the Southern Hemisphere.

That’s why summer in Australia runs from December to February and reaches up to 37 degrees in some regions, whilst we’re freezing at 5 degrees in Germany. So let’s start right there.

Destination 01

Australia

If you have a bit more time to spare, you should consider Australia. The flight often takes over 24 hours, but the trip is well worth it. Whether the Sydney Opera House or the Great Barrier Reef off the north-east coast – Australia captivates with its blend of modern cities and unique natural landscapes.

Good to know: An environmental fee is charged for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, which is already included in the price with most tour operators. When booking, ask whether it is charged separately.

For those who prefer to stay in shallower waters: Bondi Beach near Sydney is one of the world’s most famous city beaches – with a coastal walking trail to Coogee and one of Australia’s most beautiful seawater swimming pools.

Destination 02

Canary Islands

Whether it’s Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura or Tenerife: on the islands off the north-west coast of Africa, temperatures stay at least 20 degrees all year round. The sea breeze ensures a pleasant climate on hot days.

What’s more, it rarely rains, so you’re virtually guaranteed good weather. If you don’t want to spend all your time on the beach, you can explore the islands on a hike through the varied landscapes.

Practical information: The flight time is only four to five hours and there is no significant time difference. This makes the Canary Islands a viable option even for a shorter winter holiday.

Destination 03

Thailand

If you’re looking for really warm weather, head to Thailand. Temperatures are usually between 20 and 30 degrees, though it’s cooler in the north of the country.

Thailand captivates visitors with its stunning beaches and turquoise waters. The country’s varied landscape and culture promise a holiday that will be remembered for a long time to come, even away from the beaches.

Visiting local markets is doubly worthwhile: you’ll discover the country’s cuisine and buy directly from local vendors. When it comes to elephants, make sure you choose reputable sanctuaries that do not offer riding or swimming experiences.

Destination 04

Egypt

Who hasn’t dreamt of marvelling at the famous pyramids or crossing the Nile? From November to February, you can do just that in pleasant daytime temperatures of around 20 degrees. It cools down significantly at night, so be sure to pack a jacket.

What makes this North African country so special is that you can really unwind and enjoy idyllic landscapes. A highlight is a camel ride through the desert followed by dinner in a traditional Bedouin village.

Destination 05

South Africa

One fact that never ceases to surprise us: even though the flight takes around ten hours, there’s no time difference. Germany and South Africa are in the same time zone during winter. So no jet lag.

If you’re planning to travel to South Africa, Cape Town is the best place to start. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, the city combines nature with a multicultural atmosphere. From the summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the city and the ocean.

There’s plenty to discover outside Cape Town too, not least the Drakensberg Mountains. When going on safaris, make sure you find out in advance how the animals are treated. You should avoid programmes where you can stroke lions or feed cubs – this causes the animals a great deal of stress.

Destination 06

Mexico

When asked “Where to travel in winter?”, Mexico isn’t the first place that springs to mind for many people. Yet there are plenty of reasons to visit: Caribbean beaches, colourful cities and a wealth of cultural diversity. The temple complexes, in particular, delight visitors from all over the world.

The climate varies significantly depending on the region. The best time to travel is between December and May, with temperatures around 30 degrees.

Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. In the sea you’ll encounter turtles, dolphins, rays and whales; in the jungle, monkeys, sloths and toucans; and in the desert, coyotes, black bears and lynx.

A direct comparison of sunny holiday destinations

Which destination suits you best depends mainly on three things: how much time you have, how long you’re willing to spend on a plane, and how much jet lag bothers you.

Destination	Temperatures in winter	Flight time from Germany	Time difference
Canary Islands	20 to 24 degrees	4 to 5 hours	1 hour ago
Egypt	20 to 25 degrees	4 to 5 hours	1 hour ago
South Africa	25 to 30 degrees	around 10 hours	none
Thailand	25 to 32 degrees	around 11 hours	6 hours ago
Mexico	25 to 30 degrees	around 12 hours	7 hours ago
Australia	25 to 37 degrees	over 24 hours	8 to 10 hours before

Information current as of

All information is for guidance only and is correct as of August 2026. Temperatures vary depending on the region and the year; flight times depend on the departure airport and any stopovers. The time difference changes with daylight saving time. Check entry requirements and connections before booking.

A rule of thumb for trip duration: the longer the flight, the longer the stay should be. For Australia, it’s worth spending at least three weeks; for the Canary Islands, one week is enough.

Ski slope in a snow-covered mountain landscape

Off to the snow

You don’t have to travel far to escape the grey winter. The most beautiful snowy regions are right on your doorstep and can be reached by car or train.

Austria and Tyrol

As an alternative to the often rainy weather in Germany, a winter holiday in Austria is well worth it. Whilst particularly popular for skiing holidays, hikes through the snow-covered landscapes are also a real experience here.

Switzerland

Another winter classic, with picturesque snow-covered landscapes and a very well-developed rail network extending right up to the mountain resorts.

Bavaria and Saxon Switzerland

If you’d like to stay in Germany, you’ll find suitable destinations here. The region around the Zugspitze is ideal for both skiing and snow hiking.

A planning tip: Snow conditions at lower altitudes now vary considerably. If you’re relying on snow, it’s worth checking the altitude of the ski resort and the latest snow reports before you book. Many regions also offer a ski bus from the station to the valley station – handy if you’re travelling without a car.

City breaks in winter

Our favourite to finish with: train journeys to European cities. City breaks are particularly recommended in the run-up to Christmas. Decorated shop windows here, small Christmas markets there and twinkling lights everywhere – cities such as Paris, Antwerp, Brussels, Amsterdam and Nuremberg enchant visitors in December with their special atmosphere.

Travelling by train is often not only more comfortable but also cheaper than flying – and an experience in its own right.

A seasonal night train runs between Hamburgand Stockholm: you board your compartment in the evening and arrive in the Swedish capital the next morning, well-rested. Your first stop should ideally be at a bakery, where you can order a kanelbulle, Sweden’s favourite cinnamon bun. Afterwards, you can explore the city by bus and underground.

You can find more ideas for the colder months in our articles on warm destinations in December, city breaks to Christmas markets and city breaks in Europe.

What to look out for when making your choice

These six points will help you find the right winter destination:

Flight time and time difference: For holidays of less than a week, it’s not worth travelling to a destination with a flight time of over ten hours. Otherwise, jet lag will eat up half your holiday.
Check the rainy season: warm doesn’t automatically mean dry. In parts of Thailand and Mexico, there are distinct rainy seasons that vary from region to region.
Entry requirements: Clarify visa requirements, passport validity and vaccination recommendations well in advance, as some procedures can take weeks.
Travelling without a car: Check whether your destination can be reached by train or shuttle bus. This saves you from having to hire a car and often a lot of stress.
Guaranteed snow: When planning a skiing holiday, pay attention to the altitude and current snow reports rather than the pictures in the brochures.
Interaction with animals: Find out in advance about safaris, elephant camps and dolphin programmes. Reputable operators avoid direct contact.

The right luggage for a winter holiday

Winter holidays place two very different demands on your luggage. For a long-haul trip to a sunny destination, you’ll need few and lightweight items; for a skiing holiday, you’ll need considerably more space.

Long-haul holidays to sunny destinations

Lightweight clothing takes up little space. A medium-sized suitcase is usually enough for two weeks; for shorter trips, a carry-on suitcase will suffice. Remember to pack a jacket for cool evenings, particularly in Egypt and the desert.

Ski holidays and snow

Down jackets, boots and thermal clothing take up a lot of space. A large suitcase is well worth it here. You can find out exactly what to pack in our packing list for winter holidays.

If you’re travelling as a family or alternating between short and long trips, a set of suitcases is handy because you can mix and match the sizes depending on your trip. Our article on suitcase sizes shows which size is best for what.

For long-haul flights, make sure to pack a power bank, any medication and a change of clothes in your hand luggage. You can find the dimensions permitted by Airlines in the hand luggage guide, and we’ve put together some tips for long-haul flights.

Frequently asked questions about winter holidays

Where is it warmest in December and January?

It is the height of summer in the Southern Hemisphere at this time of year. In Australia, temperatures can reach up to 37 degrees in some regions, whilst in South Africa and Mexico they range from 25 to 30 degrees. Closer to home, yet still warm, are the Canary Islands and Egypt, with temperatures of around 20 to 25 degrees.

Which winter destination is suitable for a week’s holiday?

The Canary Islands and Egypt. Both can be reached in four to five hours and have virtually no time difference, you won’t lose a day of your holiday to jet lag. For Thailand, Mexico or Australia, you should allow considerably more time.

Is there a long-haul destination without jet lag?

South Africa. Although the flight takes around ten hours, there is no time difference during the German winter. You arrive and settle straight into the rhythm – a real advantage on shorter trips.

What size suitcase do I need for a skiing holiday?

For a week’s skiing holiday, a large suitcase is the right choice. Winter clothing takes up noticeably more space than summer clothes: a down jacket alone takes up a third of a medium-sized suitcase. It’s best to pack your ski boots and helmet in a separate bag.

Is a city break in winter worth it?

Especially in December. The towns are decked out in festive decorations, there are Christmas markets, and hotel prices are often lower than in summer outside the Advent weekends. You can reach many European destinations easily by train.

What do I need to bear in mind on safaris and during animal encounters?

Avoid activities involving direct physical contact, such as stroking lions, feeding cubs or riding elephants. Reputable operators maintain a safe distance from the animals, limit group sizes and do not advertise guaranteed sightings.

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