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.
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
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.
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 brings South Africa’s dry winter and is prime time for safaris. Cool temperatures mean clearer skies, active wildlife and easier animal sightings near watering holes in iconic parks such as Kruger and Madikwe. Sunny days are perfectly-suited for game drives, while brisk and cloudless evenings provide excellent conditions for stargazing.
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.
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, setting the stage 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.
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.
