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Winter Wonderland

A Year of Winter

04 Aug 2025 Experiences

Winter doesn’t follow just one script. In some places, it’s a snowy spectacle of northern lights, ski slopes and frozen lakes. In others, it’s crisp air, fewer crowds and a gentle break from the heat. Whether you're drawn to frosty peaks or mild-season magic, there’s a destination to match every winter mood - every month of the year.

January – Coastal Calm in Portugal

Portugal enjoys a soft, off-season winter. January brings fresh Atlantic air, quieter streets and sunlit strolls through Lisbon or Porto. Down south, the Algarve’s golden beaches are peaceful and hiking trails along the cliffs are blissfully crowd-free. Winter here is more about light layers and slow travel than snow.

Ribeira, Portugal

February – True North Winter in Canada

February in Canada is the heart of winter and the country knows how to celebrate it. Head to Quebec City for the world-famous Winter Carnival, skate along Ottawa’s frozen Rideau Canal or chase snowstorms in the Rockies. With snowshoeing, dogsledding and icy maple syrup treats, Canada in winter is as magical as it is memorable

Rideau Canal, Canada

March – Tropical Calm in Vietnam

March is Vietnam’s cool season, especially in the north. While Hanoi starts misty and cool, places like Hoi An and Phu Quoc offer warm, sunny days perfect for exploring lantern-lit streets or lounging beachside. It’s a peaceful time for scenic cruises, cultural discoveries and gentle heat without humidity.

April – Patagonia’s Wind-Down Season

By April, Patagonia is edging into winter. Autumn leaves colour the trails and the wind gets sharper. It’s a shoulder-season sweet spot for hiking in places like Torres del Paine or El Chaltén, with fewer tourists and snow beginning to dust the mountains. Expect stillness, solitude, and stark natural beauty.

Torres del Paine, Patagonia

May – Himalayan Chill in Nepal

High up in Nepal’s Annapurna region, May can still feel like winter. Snow lingers on the peaks and the nights are crisp, especially in mountain villages. It’s an inspiring time for treks, as trails are open and clear and the cool air makes hiking even more refreshing.

June – Wildlife Wonders in South Africa

June is South Africa’s dry winter. which is prime time for safaris. Cool temperatures mean clearer skies, active wildlife and easier animal sightings near watering holes in Kruger and Madikwe. While evenings can be brisk, the days are sunny and pleasant, perfect for game drives and stargazing.

Giraffes in South Africa

July – Snow Days in New Zealand

Winter in New Zealand hits full swing in July. The South Island becomes a haven for snow sports, with Queenstown and Wanaka offering prime skiing and snowboarding. Off the slopes, expect frosty mornings, misty lakes and mulled wine by a roaring fire - it’s the Southern Hemisphere’s answer to a classic alpine winter..

September – Cool Desert Skies in Namibia

Namibia’s winter lingers into September. With no rain and comfortable temperatures, it’s one of the best times for desert adventures. Wildlife gathering at Etosha’s waterholes is easily spotted and the pastel sunrises over the dunes of Sossusvlei add a soft wintry calm to the landscape.

October – Crisp Skies in South Korea

October in South Korea brings a touch of winter to the air, especially in the mountains. While the lowlands still glow with autumn colour, higher elevations start to see frost and early snow. It’s a great time for hikes, hot springs and street food markets that warm your hands as much as your heart.

Deogyusan Mountains, South Korea

November – Deep Winter Traditions in Mongolia

November in Mongolia is sharp, quiet, and deeply traditional. As temperatures plunge, nomadic families settle into their gers (yurts), and vast landscapes freeze into silence. With snow-dusted steppes and the chance to experience eagle hunting festivals or reindeer herding, it’s a raw and unforgettable way to witness winter.

December – Arctic Glow in Norway

Norway turns into a fairytale in December. Northern towns like Tromsø are cloaked in darkness, but it’s the perfect backdrop for the Northern Lights. Cosy lodges, dogsledding, reindeer encounters and quiet snow-covered landscapes bring a deep winter charm. Even Oslo sparkles under fairy lights and fresh snowfall, just in time for festive markets.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

However you choose to spend winter, there’s a perfect destination for every month. Contact your local Travellers Choice agent to start planning your seasonal escape.

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