When winter arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, many travellers yearn to escape the gloom and cold. But winter travel doesn't have to mean just beach resorts and tropical getaways. It's also the perfect time to explore some of the world's most spectacular destinations that shine during the cooler months. From trekking in Nepal to cruising in Antarctica, winter opens up unique opportunities for adventure seekers. Lets take a look at some of our favourite Winter Adventure Holiday locations.

Why travel in Winter?

Nepal in winter reveals a special kind of magic. From November through February, the monsoon clouds clear away to reveal spectacular mountain views with crisp, clean air and fewer crowds on the popular trekking routes. While higher elevations experience snow, lower altitude treks remain accessible and comfortable.

Winter Highlights in Nepal:

1. Crystal-Clear Mountain Views - Winter brings the clearest skies of the year, offering unobstructed views of the Himalayan peaks. The Annapurna and Everest regions are particularly stunning, with the snow-capped mountains set against deep blue skies.

2. Peaceful Trekking Experiences - With fewer tourists during winter months, popular routes like the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp Trek offer more authentic experiences, quieter teahouses, and a deeper connection with local communities.

3. Unique Cultural Celebrations - Winter coincides with several important Nepali festivals. Experience Tihar (the Festival of Lights) or Losar (Tibetan New Year) for an immersive cultural experience alongside your trekking adventure.

Why Visit in the Winter?

The austral summer (November to March) is the only time to visit Antarctica, making it the perfect northern hemisphere winter escape. This is when the continent awakens with wildlife activity, midnight sun, and relatively milder temperatures hovering around freezing point—ideal conditions for exploration.

Winter Highlights in Antarctica:

1. Abundant Wildlife Encounters - Witness penguin colonies during breeding season, with adorable chicks hatching from December onwards. Seal pups appear on ice floes, and the waters teem with whales returning from tropical breeding grounds.

2. Spectacular Ice Formations - Experience the mesmerizing blue ice sculptures, towering glaciers, and massive icebergs in their most dramatic state before the summer melt progresses.

3. Extended Daylight Hours - With up to 24 hours of daylight around the December solstice, you'll have ample time for zodiac excursions, photography, and soaking in the otherworldly polar landscapes.

Why Travel in the Winter?

Winter brings Vietnam's most pleasant weather, particularly in the north and central regions. From November to February, you'll escape the intense summer heat and heavy rainfall, making it ideal for exploring this diverse country's cultural treasures and natural wonders.

Winter Highlights in Vietnam:

1. Comfortable Cycling weather- In a country that can be hot and stifling, the winter months bring cooler, more pleasant conditions for eating up those miles on the tyres.

2. Ideal Conditions for Halong Bay - Winter brings clear skies and comfortable temperatures for cruising among the limestone karsts of this UNESCO World Heritage site, with fewer tourists than during peak seasons.

3. Tet Festival Preparations - Visit in late winter to witness the buildup to Vietnam's most important celebration, as cities and villages come alive with flowers, decorations, and festive energy.

Why Visit in the Winter?

When winter descends on mainland Europe, the Canary Islands remain bathed in sunshine and mild temperatures. This Spanish archipelago off Africa's Atlantic coast offers a perfect combination of beautiful landscapes, volcanic terrain, and pleasant winter temperatures around 20°C (68°F).

Winter Highlights in the Canary Islands:

1. Diverse Hiking Opportunities - Each island offers unique walking experiences, from the lunar landscapes of Lanzarote to the lush forests of La Gomera and the dramatic ravines of Gran Canaria.

2. Mount Teide on Tenerife - Winter is ideal for hiking Spain's highest peak, when clear skies offer spectacular views across the archipelago and sometimes as far as Africa.

3. Authentic Local Experiences - Winter is less touristy, allowing for more genuine interactions with local culture, traditional cuisine, and the islands' unique customs and celebrations.

Why Travel in the Winter?

Jordan's scorching summer heat gives way to pleasant winter temperatures, making it the perfect time to explore this historically rich country. From November to February, daytime temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing and hiking, while the desert landscapes take on a special beauty in the winter light.

Winter Highlights in Jordan:

1. Petra Without the Crowds - Experience the ancient rose-red city with fewer tourists, cooler temperatures, and beautiful soft light that's perfect for photography. Occasional rainy days bring out the vibrant colors in the sandstone.

2. Comfortable Wadi Rum Exploration - Trek through the dramatic desert landscapes where scenes from movies like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian were filmed, with comfortable daytime temperatures and mystical starry nights.

3. Potential for Rare Desert Blooms - Winter rains occasionally transform parts of Jordan's deserts with brief but spectacular wildflower displays, adding unexpected color to the arid landscapes.

Why Travel in the Winter?

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere coincides with the southern African "green season"—a time of renewal after the rains when landscapes burst with life. Countries like Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe offer exceptional safari experiences during this period.

Winter Highlights in Southern Africa:

1. Newborn Wildlife - Witness the circle of life as many species give birth during this season. Impala, wildebeest, and zebra calves take their first steps, while predators take advantage of the abundance.

2. Spectacular Bird Watching - The rainy season brings migratory birds in full breeding plumage, making this the ultimate time for bird enthusiasts to visit southern Africa.

3. Dramatic Landscapes and Skies - The typically arid landscapes transform with lush greenery, while afternoon thunderstorms create spectacular photographic opportunities with dramatic skies and unique lighting.

Why Travel in the Cape Verde?

This volcanic archipelago off West Africa's coast offers reliable winter sunshine when Europe shivers. With temperatures hovering around 25°C and minimal rainfall, Cape Verde's diverse islands provide the perfect winter escape combining beaches, mountains, and unique cultural experiences.

Winter Highlights in Cape Verde:

1. Santo Antão's Dramatic Hiking - Explore the green ribeiras (valleys) and high mountain paths of this rugged island, where terraced fields cling to steep slopes and tropical fruits grow in abundance.

2. Cultural Melting Pot - Experience the unique blend of Portuguese, African, and Brazilian influences in the architecture, music, and cuisine across the islands.

3. Marine Life Encounters - Winter brings opportunities to spot humpback whales around Boa Vista and Sal islands, while year-round residents include dolphins, turtles, and vibrant coral reef communities.

Why Travel in the Autumn?

Tanzania's iconic mountain offers some of its best climbing conditions during the Northern Hemisphere winter. January and February typically bring clearer skies and stable weather patterns, increasing your chances of a successful summit attempt on Africa's highest peak.

Winter Highlights on Kilimanjaro:

1. Above-the-Clouds Experiences - The dry season often creates a spectacular "sea of clouds" effect, where you'll trek above a blanket of clouds with clear blue skies above and incredible sunrise views.

2. Wildlife Encounters on Lower Slopes - The mountain's lower regions support diverse ecosystems where you might spot monkeys, unique birds, and unusual plant species like the giant groundsel.

3. Cultural Immersion - Engage with local Chagga guides and porters who share their deep knowledge of the mountain and its cultural significance to the region's communities.

Why Travel in the Winter?

Portugal's autonomous region of Madeira offers mild winter temperatures and lush green landscapes. Known as "the island of eternal spring," Madeira features dramatic mountain scenery, unique levada walking paths, and a fascinating blend of Portuguese and tropical influences.

Winter Highlights in Madeira:

1. Levada Hiking Network - Explore the island's ingenious irrigation channels that double as hiking paths, winding through laurel forests, mountains, and terraced farmland with comfortable winter temperatures.

2. New Year's Spectacular - Experience one of the world's most impressive New Year's Eve fireworks displays in Funchal, where the entire harbour bay becomes a natural amphitheater for pyrotechnics.

3. Winter Flowering Gardens - Visit the botanical gardens and natural parks where many plants continue flowering through winter, including Madeira's famous endemic species and introduced tropical varieties.