While others huddle around heaters, why not chase the sun? From Indian Ocean archipelagos to volcanic Spanish islands, these destinations turn the concept of “winter” on its head. Whether you’re escaping the Southern Hemisphere’s chill or fleeing a northern cold front, here’s where summer never ends.
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Zanzibar – Tanzania
Zanzibar delivers the kind of winter you’ll never want to end: barefoot beach days, warm turquoise water, and breezy palms. The dry season runs from June to October, making it perfect for a mid-year escape. Many travellers will combine time on Zanzibar’s beaches with a visit to northern Tanzania, for the Serengeti wildebeest migration. This breathtaking spectacle can be seen at any time of year. Beyond the beaches, Stone Town’s alleyways echo with history, spice markets and Swahili rhythms.
Namibia
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For sun-seekers who prefer sand to surf, Namibia’s stark beauty is unmatched. In winter, it’s hot, dry and perfect for exploring without the summer scorch. Etosha’s salt pans shimmer under a cloudless sky, while the dunes of Sossusvlei beckon early risers with fiery sunrises and dramatic light. Namibia also houses the oldest desert, the Namib. The latter is also the only desert in the world where you can find large mammals like elephants, rhinos, lions and giraffes.
Seychelles
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Seychelles doesn’t have seasons — it has moods. Warm, tropical and lush all year round, this archipelago invites slow travel and quiet luxury. Swim in clear lagoons, hike through palm forests, or laze on boulder-framed beaches. Even in July, water temperatures rarely dip below 26°C. Humidity is persistently high, but is somewhat made better in locations windward of the prevailing southeast trade winds.
Uruguay
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This South American gem flips the calendar. From November to February, Uruguay hits peak summer with January being the hottest month of the year, and the beaches of Punta del Este buzz with barefoot glam. Montevideo offers coastal calm, leafy plazas and riverside rambles, while Carmelo’s vineyards invite languid, wine-soaked afternoons.
Canary Islands – Spain
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Think Europe is cold in winter? Not here. Off the coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands enjoy spring-like warmth year-round. Tenerife tempts with its black-sand beaches and volcanic trails, while Gran Canaria blends Saharan heat with Spanish charm. It’s the sunny secret Europeans escape to — and it’s time we joined them.
ALSO READ: Ten bucket-list hikes across Africa that fly under the radar
Northern Kenya
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Northern Kenya remains one of Africa’s most underrated warm-weather adventures. Here, winter barely registers, although the best times to visit are June, July, August and December. Expect desert heat, otherworldly landscapes and deep cultural immersion. Lake Turkana shimmers in the heat, while the Samburu region offers wildlife encounters without the crowds.
Kerala – India
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Kerala in winter is a sun-drenched symphony of backwaters, beaches and spice-scented hills. Houseboats glide through palm-lined canals, Ayurvedic retreats promise renewal, and the Malabar coast glows under golden sunsets. It’s tropical without being too hot — a welcome reprieve from both monsoon and frost.
Queensland – Australia
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While July chills South Africa, Queensland is all summer — think reef dives, rainforest hikes and sizzling beach barbecues. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, surf the Sunshine Coast, or cuddle koalas in Brisbane. Bonus: the Southern Hemisphere’s summer means no jetlag-inducing time zones to navigate.
Oman
Wadi Bani Khalid/Peregrine Treks
Oman’s best season runs from October to April, offering warmth without the blistering highs of summer. Camp under desert stars in Wahiba Sands, swim in clear wadis, or explore Muscat’s whitewashed mosques and coastal forts. It’s an Arabian adventure seasoned with sunshine.
Travel tips for sun chasers
- Time it right: Avoid rainy seasons and extreme summer heatwaves.
- Pack smart: Think layers, sunblock, and breathable fabrics.
- Fly light: Several destinations offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival for South Africans.
- Offset wisely: Choose eco-lodges, direct flights, and support local guides.
Warm-weather travel doesn’t have to leave a carbon footprint the size of the Sahara. Stay in community-run lodges, eat local, and tread lightly on fragile ecosystems — especially islands and deserts. Responsible travel keeps these destinations sunny for generations to come.
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