As autumn ends and winter breaks, many are quick to plot their escape. And who can blame them.  When you haven’t seen the sun for months your only course of action is to fly somewhere hot. Shoveling snow from your driveway and scraping ice from your car are far less appealing than hiking in the Australian rainforest, or sunning yourself on a white sand beach.

The good news is that for those looking to trade winter this year for somewhere you can feel the sun on your skin, there are many destinations which offer warm weather all year round. Island destinations like Thailand, the WhitSundays, and the Florida Keys. Or more adventurous destinations like Sri Lanka or Spain’s Canary Islands.Which countries are warm in winter?

So forget about freezing to death on skis and bundling up each morning into 10 different layers of clothes; pack your swimsuit, suntan lotion and a hat; the following destinations are ideal escapes during winter for those searching for the sun. Where to go in winter that’s warm. Winter sun escape

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When you haven’t seen the sun for months your only course of action is to fly somewhere hot.

When you haven’t seen the sun for months your only course of action is to fly somewhere hot.

The WhitSundays Australia

There’s no better way to spend winter than on an island where it’s almost always summer! 74 island wonders which line the beautiful tropical coast of Queensland, the WhitSundays are smack bang in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, and the “stunning natural landscapes of coast and islands are dotted with secluded beaches and friendly towns.”

Laze out on the beautiful beaches to enjoy the clear skies and crystal clear water, go snorkeling to explore the diversity of marine life underneath the surface of the sparkling sea, or cruise through the islands and drop anchor for a scuba dive. Which places have warm winters?

Head on over to the Daintree Rainforest for a rugged and World Heritage listed getaway, or spend the day splashing in the clear shallow waters of world famous Whitehaven Beach. Where can I go in winter that is warm?

Thai Islands

The islands of Thailand are perfect for those with a castaway fantasy. And while there are dozens to choose from with each offering something quite different, Koh Samui is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country for a tropical beach vacation. Warm winter vacations warm winter breaks

Think fine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters which come together with nodding coconut trees to one side, and the beautiful Gulf of Thailand to the other. Those wanting to dance barefoot under the soft light of the full moon can join one of Koh Samui’s wild nightly beach parties too.

More than 1.5 million tourists visit the island each year to enjoy the kind of tropical coastline and beaches you find featured in ads. What better way to spend winter than to “get a massage, have your hair braided, buy barbecued chicken or sarongs, get to know the locals or simply doze off and chill out in a hammock in the sun.” sunny winter vacations sunny winter breaks

Megan and Scott Enjoying the View at Koh Ta Kiev.

Megan and Scott Enjoying the View at Koh Ta Kiev.

Canary Islands

If white sand beaches aren’t your thing perhaps you would prefer gold? With golden beaches and azure skies, the sun on your face and breeze in your hair, Spain’s Canary Islands are the ultimate sand-in-your-toes experience, and the ultimate winter escape. Where is hot in winter

But holidays to the Canary Islands don’t have to be all about the beach. Take Gran Canaria. While tourists are sunbathing, swimming, sailing and snorkelling, the “real” Gran Canaria is just waiting to be discovered. Dubbed a “miniature continent” for the dramatic variation of landscape and terrain, real rewards await those able to tear themselves away from the mass beach-front tourism to explore this incredibly diverse island. Countries where winter is hot

Walk the cobblestone streets and discover narrow alleys filled with museums, tapas bars and restaurants. Explore Vegueta, the city’s historical district, with traditional Spanish buildings dating back 500 years, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990. Or rent a car for a few days and head out into the mountains.  Totally rugged and wild, with spectacular scenery consisting of pine forests, canyons, and endless valleys, there is ample opportunity here for hiking, biking and horse trekking. hot winter vacation

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has it’s coastal gems too, though with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, this is a fantastic winter destination that’s a bit off the beaten path for those seeking culture and adventure in a warm climate in place of the beach.

Go whale watching, stay in a tea plantation, track leopards in the jungle, or view the unparalleled sight of the annual elephant migration, which takes place in Sri Lanka’s Minneriya National Park. Is Sri Lanka Warm

Elephants in Kaudulla National Park, Sri Lanka

Go whale watching, stay in a tea plantation, track leopards in the jungle, or view the unparalleled sight of the annual elephant migration, which takes place in Sri Lanka’s Minneriya National Park.

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a stunning archipelago of 1,700 islands stretching off southern Florida, and winter temperatures rarely dips below 20 degrees Celsius. Why people go to Florida in Winter

Think beautiful white sand beaches backed by sparkling crystal clear waters; fantastic dive sites and superlative marine life. Florida warm winter

Key Largo is the only living coral reef off the mainland US, and this is one of the most popular destinations in the Keys. Key West is another must, a laid back island city with pastel colored houses and coral reefs, and the most southern point in the United States of America. How warm is Florida winter

Take a seaplane from Key West to the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson National Park for something truly unique – Fort Jefferson is a massive coastal fortress which once served as a prison. The Fort is characterized by picturesque blue waters, and the highest quality coral reefs. Travelers can camp out overnight on the white sand beach. Spend winter in Florida

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When you haven’t seen the sun for months your only course of action is to fly somewhere hot.

When you haven’t seen the sun for months your only course of action is to fly somewhere hot.

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

Photo credits: WhitSundays by ilaria. Thai Islands by boboandchichi.com. Gran Canaria by Juan Ramon Rodriguez Sosa. Elephants by Jonybraker. Jaguar by Blue Skyz Studios.