In Greece we’re used to the sea closing in October and reopening sometime in June. But there are places where our winter is their best season: dry weather, warm water, sunshine well into the afternoon. The catch is that every other European knows it too. So the question isn’t just where to go, but when to book it.

Maldives

The dry season comes with the northeast winter monsoon. The wet southwest monsoon arrives at the start of June and lasts until the end of November, so from December onwards you’re in the good season. The average high sits around 31.5°C all year.

• From Athens. One connection through a major Middle East hub (Doha, Dubai) or Istanbul, on to Malé.
• Practical note. Most resorts need a short onward flight or transfer from Malé airport. Build it into your first day.

Thailand

December to February is the cool, dry season: highs around 31°C, nights close to 23°C. It’s the best time for beaches in Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui, and also high season, with hotel and transport prices at their peak.

• From Athens. Usually one connection in the Gulf or Istanbul to Bangkok or Phuket.
• Combine it. A few days in Bangkok before the beach helps break up the jet lag.

Sri Lanka

Here the coast matters. From December to March the south and west have the driest weather of the year, ideal for beaches and surfing, while the north and east are in their rainy season. Temperatures stay around 30°C year-round. November to April is also the season for the national parks, so a safari fits easily alongside a few beach days.

• From Athens. A connection through a Gulf hub to Colombo.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar has two rainy seasons: the main one from March to May and a second, smaller one in November and December. The peak dry season is June to October, but January and February are the second good window: hot, with highs above 33°C, sea breezes and less rain than the months either side.

• From Athens. One connection, usually in Istanbul or a Middle East hub.
• Combine it. A day or two in Stone Town before the beaches, or a safari on the Tanzanian mainland.

The Caribbean

December to April is high season: low humidity, cool breezes, tropical temperatures. It’s also when flights and rooms are hardest to find and prices are highest. Hurricane season (June to November) is over, and from December whale watching gets going on islands such as Dominica and Guadeloupe.

• From Athens. The longest trip on this list, with a connection through a major European hub. It needs at least ten days to be worth it.

Canary Islands

The close-to-home option. Not tropical, but in winter the coast sits around 20°C and rarely drops below 15°C. High season runs from mid-December to February, and during February’s Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas accommodation prices shoot up. Winter is also the best time for surfing and for whale spotting off Tenerife and La Gomera.

• From Athens. Usually with a connection at a European airport. A small time difference makes it a good choice for a week.

Why October

All these destinations share one thing: their best weather coincides with their high season. Christmas, New Year and February fill up first.

• Availability. Over the holidays, seats on flights with good connections and rooms at the best properties go early. The later you leave it, the more you compromise on flight times or location.
• Room choice. At resorts in the Maldives or Zanzibar the gap between two room categories is big. Book early and you get to choose.
• Date flexibility. If you can travel in mid-January instead of over the holidays, you gain. But you only see that if you start looking now.
• Time for paperwork. Check your destination’s entry requirements and your passport’s validity early, so you’re not rushing in the final week.

Looking for winter sun?

At Penguin Travels & Tours we can organise exotic and winter getaways with flights, transfers and accommodation properly linked, and tell you which dates work best for the destination you have in mind. Ask us about our packages and early-booking options.

Fancy January in a swimsuit? Stop by our office in Kalamata (Vasilissis Olgas 4) or call us at +30 27210 80701.