If the thought of fast approaching festive fever and dropping temperatures is getting you down, perhaps a little bit of winter sun is exactly what you need.
While we might be reaching for scarves and gloves in the Channel Islands, people elsewhere are still enjoying the sunshine, and you could be there, basking in it with them.
November is a great month to seek out some winter sun, with many destinations offering discounts in what is traditionally a shoulder month. With lower fares and hotel rates, now is the ideal time to explore a popular destination off-peak. Here are some top winter sun destinations:
Crete, Greece
Average November temperature: 20℃
No school holidays in November mean no crazy peak-season crowds and jam-packed resorts, making this an excellent time to explore this underrated Mediterranean gem. Crete enjoys a warm climate well into winter and despite its touristy reputation, it’s full of unspoiled villages and roads less travelled.
Goa, India
Average November temperature: 29℃
Whether you’re looking for five-star luxury living or just happy sleeping in a ramshackle beach bungalow, the southwestern Indian state of Goa is an excellent choice for some exotic winter sun. White-painted churches and Portuguese-style colonial villas, sizzling street food, palm-fringed beaches and all-night raves await those in search of a tropical escape.
Palm Springs, USA
Average November temperature: 26℃
This California hotspot is the ideal, laid-back destination for anyone wanting a trendy desert getaway. Bright sunshine meets mid-century modern cool in this arty town that boasts incredible food and a kitsch sense of humour. There are also national parks to explore for those seeking a nature fix. Visiting in November will miss the peak season crowds and avoid the unbearable summer temperatures.
Seville, Spain
Average November Temperature: 20℃
Winter, what winter? Seville is a city rich in sunshine and it clings to pleasant temperatures even in November. Shaped by its Arabic heritage, it’s bursting with museums. attractions and architecture that provide old-world kicks. Explore the Alcázar, the opulent Mudéjar palace, and take a seat in a shady courtyard, where you can pick at tapas and sip sherry well into the evening.
Botswana
Average November temperature: 35℃
One of Africa’s finest safari destinations, Botswana offers a dry, manageable heat in November, as well lower visitor numbers and favourable rates. This time of year is all about waiting for the rains to come, and once they do, the dust clears from the skies, the pans begin to fill, and the antelope birthing season begins. If there have been early rains, this is a good time to visit the Central Kalahari, where enormous herds of oryx and springbok attempt to protect their new-borns from prowling cheetah and lion.
New South Wales and South Australia
Average November temperature: 23℃
Spring is about to give way to summer in November, meaning comfortable temperatures and manageable tourist crowds. Plus, airline prices fall during the shoulder season, making it more affordable to visit. If you’ve ever dreamt of a holiday Down Under, this is a fabulous time of year to make it a reality.