A Year of Inspiration
Where to Go, Month by Month
Sometimes the hardest part of planning a holiday is simply deciding where to go.
From winter sun and wildlife encounters to springtime cities, summer islands and unforgettable seasonal experiences, we’ve cherry-picked a selection of destinations to inspire your travels throughout the year.
These are by no means the only places worth visiting. The perfect destination depends on what you want to experience, how you like to travel and what matters most to you. Think of this as a starting point and, if somewhere else is calling, simply get in touch and we’ll help you explore the possibilities.
A note on the practical information: temperatures and rainfall are indicative seasonal guides for the featured area rather than guarantees. Flight times are approximate from London and vary according to airline, routing and connections. Time differences are shown relative to the UK during the relevant month and can occasionally vary around seasonal clock changes.
January
A Brighter Start to the Year
January offers everything from tropical sunshine to Southern Hemisphere summer and the drama of Icelandic winter. The Maldives enters its drier northeast-monsoon season, New Zealand is enjoying some of its warmest weather, while Iceland's long winter nights create excellent conditions for aurora hunting.
Maldives
Warm seas, white-sand islands and exceptional resorts make the Maldives one of the ultimate escapes from a British winter. January sits firmly within the drier season and is ideal for combining complete relaxation with snorkelling, diving and time on the water.
Don't miss: A private sunset dhoni cruise or snorkelling directly from your resort's house reef.
From London: Approx. 10–11 hours
Time difference: +5 hours
Temperature: Around 28–31°C
Rainfall: Low; typically one of the drier periods of the year
New Zealand
South Island
January is high summer in New Zealand, making it a wonderful time for touring the South Island's mountains, lakes, vineyards and extraordinary landscapes. It suits travellers who want a journey rather than simply a single resort. January and February are among New Zealand's warmest months.
Don't miss: Queenstown and Fiordland, including an unforgettable journey through Milford Sound.
From London: Approx. 24–26 hours, usually one stop
Time difference: +13 hours
Temperature: Around 18–26°C
Rainfall: Moderate and highly regional
Thailand
Phuket & Krabi
Thailand's Andaman coast comes into its own during the cooler, drier winter period, with warm seas and generally settled conditions around Phuket and Krabi. It works equally well for couples, families or a luxury beach stay combined with Bangkok or northern Thailand.
Don't miss: A private boat through the limestone islands and turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay.
From London: Approx. 12–14 hours depending on routing
Time difference: +7 hours
Temperature: Around 28–32°C
Rainfall: Low
Iceland
January shows Iceland at its most atmospheric: snow, frozen landscapes, geothermal pools and some of the longest nights of the year. Those dark skies are precisely what make winter so compelling for travellers hoping to experience the Northern Lights.
Don't miss: The Golden Circle by day followed by a private Northern Lights hunt after dark.
From London: Approx. 3 hours
Time difference: Same as UK
Temperature: Around -1 to 4°C
Rainfall: Moderate, with rain, sleet and snow possible
Canary Islands
For sunshine without a long-haul flight, the Canaries are difficult to beat in January. Mild temperatures, beaches, volcanic scenery and a pleasantly relaxed pace make them particularly appealing when much of Europe is deep in winter.
Don't miss: Teide National Park in Tenerife or the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote.
From London: Approx. 4–4½ hours
Time difference: Same as UK
Temperature: Around 20–23°C
Rainfall: Low
Sri Lanka
South & West Coast
Sri Lanka allows culture, wildlife and beach time to sit comfortably within the same journey. January particularly suits the south and west of the island, while the central highlands are generally pleasantly cool and relatively dry.
Don't miss: Galle Fort combined with tea country and a few days on the southern coast.
From London: Approx. 11 hours
Time difference: +5½ hours
Temperature: Around 27–31°C on the coast
Rainfall: Low to moderate
South Africa
Cape Town & Winelands
January is midsummer in Cape Town: long days, warm evenings and an excellent opportunity to combine city, coastline and wine country. The Western Cape has its wetter season during the UK summer, making January particularly attractive for this part of South Africa.
Don't miss: Table Mountain followed by a few indulgent days exploring Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
From London: Approx. 11½–12 hours
Time difference: +2 hours
Temperature: Around 25–30°C
Rainfall: Low
February
Winter, but Not as You Know It
February can mean pristine Alpine snow, tropical islands, wildlife-rich Costa Rica or another chance to chase the Northern Lights. Costa Rica's Pacific side remains within its dry season, while Goa is enjoying its popular cooler winter period.
French Alps
February is classic ski season. From Courchevel and Méribel to Val d'Isère and Megève, the French Alps combine outstanding skiing with beautiful chalets, exceptional restaurants and some seriously indulgent mountain hospitality.
Don't miss: A day on the slopes followed by a long Alpine lunch and a private spa evening back at the chalet.
From London: Approx. 1½–2 hours to Geneva or Lyon, plus resort transfer
Time difference: +1 hour
Temperature: Roughly -5 to 5°C in resort
Rainfall: Expect snow rather than conventional rainfall
Seychelles
February is beautifully warm and intensely tropical. It is also one of the wetter months, so this is a choice for travellers happy to trade perfectly predictable skies for lush landscapes, warm seas and the particular romance of the Seychelles.
Don't miss: Island-hop between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and see Anse Source d'Argent.
From London: Approx. 13–15 hours, usually one stop
Time difference: +4 hours
Temperature: Around 27–31°C
Rainfall: Moderate to high; tropical showers can be frequent but brief
Costa Rica
Pacific Coast
February sits comfortably within Costa Rica's Pacific dry season and is a superb month for combining rainforest, wildlife, volcanoes and beach. This is a destination for travellers who want to be active without sacrificing beautiful hotels and exceptional settings.
Don't miss: Arenal Volcano and rainforest followed by the beaches and wildlife of the Pacific coast.
From London: Approx. 11–14 hours depending on route
Time difference: -6 hours
Temperature: Around 28–33°C on the Pacific coast
Rainfall: Low
Iceland
February retains the winter landscape and dark skies but begins to gain daylight, providing a useful balance between daytime exploration and aurora opportunities.
Don't miss: An ice cave or glacier experience followed by the Northern Lights.
From London: Approx. 3 hours
Time difference: Same as UK
Temperature: Around -1 to 4°C
Rainfall: Moderate, often falling as sleet or snow
Canary Islands
Warm, accessible and easy to tailor around couples or families, the Canaries remain a reliable winter escape during February.
Don't miss: Pair beach time with volcanic scenery, hiking or a boutique rural stay away from the larger resorts.
From London: Approx. 4–4½ hours
Time difference: Same as UK
Temperature: Around 20–23°C
Rainfall: Low
Goa
February catches Goa during its most popular cooler season, when conditions are generally sunny and the seas calmer. Beyond the beaches lies a fascinating mix of Portuguese heritage, Indian culture, excellent food and characterful boutique properties.
Don't miss: The churches and heritage of Old Goa before an evening on the coast.
From London: Approx. 10–12 hours depending on routing
Time difference: +5½ hours
Temperature: Around 28–32°C
Rainfall: Very low
March
Spring Begins Somewhere
March is a month of transformation: blossom begins appearing in Japan, California enters spring, Morocco is comfortable for exploration and Dubai remains warm without the intensity of midsummer.
Japan
Tokyo & Kyoto
The arrival of cherry blossom makes late March one of Japan's most recognisable travel moments. The exact timing changes each year, but warmer parts of Japan — including Tokyo — generally begin seeing blossom toward the end of the month.
Don't miss: Hanami beneath the cherry trees in Tokyo, followed by Kyoto's temples and traditional districts.
From London: Approx. 14 hours
Time difference: Around +8 to +9 hours
Temperature: Around 10–17°C
Rainfall: Moderate
Morocco
Marrakech
March offers warm days without the full summer heat, making it particularly appealing for exploring Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains and the country's extraordinary food, design and culture.
Don't miss: A privately guided journey through the Marrakech medina and an escape into the Atlas Mountains.
From London: Approx. 3½–4 hours
Time difference: Usually 0–1 hour ahead
Temperature: Around 20–25°C
Rainfall: Low
USA
California
Spring gives California enormous variety: coastal road trips, quieter beaches, wine country, deserts in bloom and even snow remaining in the mountains. California's tourism authority highlights March for wildflowers, whale watching and spring experiences.
Don't miss: Combine Los Angeles or San Francisco with the Pacific Coast and a few nights in wine country.
From London: Approx. 11 hours
Time difference: Around -7 to -8 hours
Temperature: Around 15–24°C depending on region
Rainfall: Low to moderate
Dubai
March provides a particularly comfortable version of Dubai, with average temperatures around 24°C and enough warmth for pools and beaches without the extremes of summer.
Don't miss: Contrast modern Dubai with the historic creek and a private desert experience at sunset.
From London: Approx. 7 hours
Time difference: Around +3 to +4 hours
Temperature: Around 21–29°C
Rainfall: Very low
April
Europe Awakens
April brings spring firmly into Europe while Southeast Asia begins transitioning into its drier season. It is an excellent month for sightseeing before the busiest summer period.
Italy
Rome & Tuscany
Spring gives Italy colour, longer days and an excellent balance between sightseeing and simply enjoying the landscape. April works particularly well for combining Rome with Tuscany and its smaller towns and countryside.
Don't miss: Private access to Rome's great historic sites followed by a few slow days among Tuscany's hill towns and vineyards.
From London: Approx. 2–2½ hours
Time difference: +1 hour
Temperature: Around 17–23°C
Rainfall: Moderate
Greece
Athens & Crete
Spring is a particularly attractive time for Greece: wildflowers, comfortable sightseeing temperatures and fewer visitors than summer. Greece's tourism authority specifically highlights spring for pleasant conditions and cultural exploration.
Don't miss: The Acropolis with a specialist guide before continuing to Crete for archaeology, food and coastline.
From London: Approx. 3½–4 hours
Time difference: +2 hours
Temperature: Around 18–24°C
Rainfall: Low to moderate
Indonesia
Bali & Java
April marks the beginning of the broadly drier period across Bali and Java, bringing increasingly favourable conditions for beaches, temples, hiking and cultural exploration.
Don't miss: Ubud, its temples and rice landscapes — ideally with a private guide who can take you beyond the obvious stops.
From London: Approx. 16–18 hours, usually one stop
Time difference: +7 hours in Bali
Temperature: Around 27–31°C
Rainfall: Moderate, generally reducing as the month progresses
Egypt
Nile & Red Sea
April is a strong month for experiencing Egypt before the most intense summer heat. Ancient history can be combined effortlessly with Nile cruising or a few days beside the Red Sea.
Don't miss: Luxor's temples and tombs with an expert Egyptologist, ideally as part of a privately tailored Nile itinerary.
From London: Approx. 5 hours
Time difference: Around +2 hours
Temperature: Around 26–34°C
Rainfall: Very low
May
Before the Summer Rush
Longer days, warming seas and landscapes in full bloom make May one of the most versatile months of the year for travel.
France
Provence & Côte d'Azur
France in spring brings gardens, café terraces and countryside back to life, while May remains ahead of the main midsummer rush.
Don't miss: Provence's markets, hilltop villages and food, finishing with a few days along the Riviera.
From London: Approx. 2 hours
Time difference: +1 hour
Temperature: Around 20–26°C
Rainfall: Moderate
Portugal
Lisbon, Sintra & the Algarve
May provides warm, bright days without peak summer temperatures. Lisbon combines naturally with Sintra, the Alentejo, Douro or a few relaxed days by the coast.
Don't miss: Lisbon followed by the palaces of Sintra — or continue south into the Algarve for a contrasting few days by the sea.
From London: Approx. 2½–3 hours
Time difference: Same as UK
Temperature: Around 20–25°C
Rainfall: Low to moderate
Mauritius
May begins Mauritius' gentler winter season, with coastal daytime temperatures generally around 22–28°C and lower humidity than the height of tropical summer.
Don't miss: Le Morne, Black River Gorges and a day discovering the island away from the resort.
From London: Approx. 12 hours
Time difference: +3 hours
Temperature: Around 24–28°C
Rainfall: Low to moderate, often brief
Egypt
Red Sea
With virtually guaranteed sunshine, May is particularly suited to a resort stay on the Red Sea, with diving and snorkelling providing a completely different side to Egypt.
Don't miss: A private boat or diving day among the Red Sea's reefs.
From London: Approx. 5–5½ hours
Time difference: Around +2 hours
Temperature: Around 30–36°C
Rainfall: Very low
June
Long Days and Open Horizons
June brings Europe's early summer, Iceland's almost endless daylight and some of the most comfortable conditions of the year across the South Pacific.
Italy
Coast & Countryside
June delivers the classic Italian summer experience before the full intensity of July and August.
Don't miss: The Amalfi Coast from the water or a private drive through Tuscany followed by dinner overlooking the vineyards.
From London: Approx. 2–3 hours
Time difference: +1 hour
Temperature: Around 24–30°C
Rainfall: Low to moderate
Fiji
June sits within Fiji's cooler, drier season, with Tourism Fiji giving typical temperatures of approximately 18–26°C.
Don't miss: Escape to the Mamanuca or Yasawa Islands and experience Fiji's famous hospitality away from the main island.
From London: Approx. 24–27 hours
Time difference: +11 hours
Temperature: Around 22–27°C in resort areas
Rainfall: Low to moderate
Iceland
From mid-May to mid-July, Iceland experiences the extraordinary light of the Midnight Sun. Summer also opens landscapes and routes that can be difficult or impossible to access during winter.
Don't miss: Explore the South Coast late into the evening beneath almost continuous daylight.
From London: Approx. 3 hours
Time difference: -1 hour
Temperature: Around 10–15°C
Rainfall: Moderate and changeable
Bali
June sits comfortably in Bali's dry season, making it ideal for combining the beaches with inland culture, temples and wellness.
Don't miss: Split your stay between Ubud and the coast rather than seeing only one side of the island.
From London: Approx. 16–18 hours, usually one stop
Time difference: +7 hours
Temperature: Around 27–30°C
Rainfall: Low
July
Summer at Its Most Spectacular
July opens up mountain landscapes, northern wilderness and some of the world's finest island destinations.
Canada
Canadian Rockies
July is prime time for Banff, Jasper and the extraordinary Icefields Parkway. Destination Canada notes typical July temperatures around 21–22°C in the Rockies, alongside long daylight hours, wildflowers and accessible mountain routes.
Don't miss: Drive the Icefields Parkway and canoe on Lake Louise or Moraine Lake.
From London: Approx. 9–9½ hours to Calgary
Time difference: -7 hours
Temperature: Around 18–24°C
Rainfall: Moderate, often as short mountain showers
Switzerland
Alpine meadows, mountain railways and pristine lakes make Switzerland very different in summer from its familiar ski-season personality. Typical July and August daytime temperatures range broadly from 18–28°C depending on altitude.
Don't miss: Take one of Switzerland's great panoramic rail journeys through the Alps.
From London: Approx. 1½–2 hours
Time difference: +1 hour
Temperature: Around 18–28°C
Rainfall: Moderate, particularly around the mountains
Indonesia
Bali, Lombok & Komodo
July falls firmly within the broadly dry season across Bali and much of Indonesia. Komodo is particularly compelling when clear conditions and calmer seas favour exploring its islands and marine life.
Don't miss: Extend beyond Bali to Komodo National Park and its remarkable landscapes and wildlife.
From London: Approx. 16–19 hours depending on destination
Time difference: +7 to +8 hours
Temperature: Around 26–30°C
Rainfall: Low
Alaska
Long daylight, accessible landscapes and active wildlife make summer the defining season for an Alaskan journey. July offers opportunities for whales, bears, glaciers, hiking and extraordinary wilderness.
Don't miss: Kenai Fjords by boat, looking for whales, glaciers and marine wildlife.
From London: Approx. 13–16 hours, usually with a connection
Time difference: -9 hours
Temperature: Around 12–20°C
Rainfall: Moderate
French Polynesia
July lies within the drier Tahitian winter, with lower humidity and generally comfortable temperatures. It also marks the beginning of the humpback-whale season in parts of French Polynesia.
Don't miss: Bora Bora's lagoon — or venture beyond it to Moorea, Rangiroa or the quieter outer islands.
From London: Approx. 22–24 hours
Time difference: Around -11 hours
Temperature: Around 23–27°C
Rainfall: Low
Mediterranean Europe
July is made for the Mediterranean: Italy, Greece, Spain, Croatia and their islands all offer long, warm days and an enormous choice of resorts, villas and private sailing itineraries.
Don't miss: Consider travelling by private boat or combining two contrasting destinations rather than staying in a single resort.
From London: Approx. 2–4 hours
Time difference: Typically +1 to +2 hours
Temperature: Around 27–33°C
Rainfall: Generally low
August
Islands, Wildlife and the Great Outdoors
August is unapologetically summer across Europe, but it is also one of the most exciting months for East African wildlife and Canada's Pacific wilderness.
Greece
Hot days and warm seas make August ideal for travellers who want the full Greek-island experience.
Don't miss: Charter a boat for a day — or several — and discover smaller Cycladic islands away from the main ports.
From London: Approx. 3½–4 hours
Time difference: +2 hours
Temperature: Around 29–34°C
Rainfall: Very low
Croatia
Dalmatian Coast
Croatia comes alive in summer, with historic coastal towns, islands and sailing routes stretching along the Adriatic.
Don't miss: Sail between Split, Hvar, Korčula and Dubrovnik rather than experiencing the coast solely from land.
From London: Approx. 2½–3 hours
Time difference: +1 hour
Temperature: Around 28–32°C
Rainfall: Low
Kenya
Maasai Mara
August falls squarely within the celebrated Great Migration period in the Maasai Mara, with Kenya's safari calendar identifying the migration broadly from July through October.
Don't miss: A few nights in a smaller luxury camp positioned around the migration routes rather than simply visiting for a day.
From London: Approx. 8½–9 hours to Nairobi, plus onward transfer
Time difference: +2 hours
Temperature: Around 20–25°C by day in the Mara
Rainfall: Generally low
British Columbia
Warm summer weather opens British Columbia's coast, mountains and wilderness. August also begins one of the strongest periods for bear viewing in the Great Bear Rainforest.
Don't miss: Combine Vancouver with Vancouver Island or a remote wilderness lodge further north.
From London: Approx. 9½–10 hours to Vancouver
Time difference: -8 hours
Temperature: Around 22–27°C around Vancouver
Rainfall: Generally low, although conditions vary considerably by region
September
Summer Without the Rush
For many travellers, September is the sweet spot: warm seas remain across southern Europe while crowds begin to ease, and spring arrives across the Southern Hemisphere.
Italy
September keeps much of summer's warmth while introducing harvest season, particularly across Tuscany and other great food-and-wine regions.
Don't miss: A private vineyard visit during the harvest followed by a few nights in the Italian countryside.
From London: Approx. 2–3 hours
Time difference: +1 hour
Temperature: Around 24–29°C
Rainfall: Low to moderate
Türkiye
Aegean & Turkish Riviera
September keeps the sea warm while conditions begin to soften from the hottest months. Türkiye's tourism guidance highlights autumn as an excellent period for sightseeing and outdoor activities along the Aegean and Mediterranean.
Don't miss: Explore the coastline around Bodrum or Göcek aboard a privately chartered gulet.
From London: Approx. 4–4½ hours
Time difference: +2 hours
Temperature: Around 27–31°C
Rainfall: Low
South Africa
September marks the beginning of spring and is a particularly interesting month for combining safari with the Cape. Whale watching is at its height along sections of the coast, including Hermanus and De Hoop.
Don't miss: Combine safari with a few days on the coast during southern-right-whale season.
From London: Approx. 11–12 hours
Time difference: +1 hour
Temperature: Around 20–27°C depending on region
Rainfall: Low to moderate
Australia
Tropical North
September catches northern Australia during the latter part of its dry season. Tropical North Queensland remains warm, while the Top End typically has clear skies, warm days and much lower humidity than the wet season.
Don't miss: The Great Barrier Reef — or head further west for the landscapes and culture of Australia's Top End.
From London: Approx. 20–24 hours
Time difference: Around +9 hours in Queensland
Temperature: Around 26–31°C
Rainfall: Low
New Mexico
Santa Fe & Northern New Mexico
September begins bringing autumn colour to the high country while Santa Fe delivers an extraordinary combination of art, Native American and Hispanic heritage, food and dramatic landscapes.
Don't miss: Santa Fe's galleries and cuisine followed by a scenic drive into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
From London: Approx. 14–16 hours, usually one stop
Time difference: -7 hours
Temperature: Around 22–28°C by day
Rainfall: Low to moderate
October
Autumn in Full Colour
October is one of the great months for travellers who value scenery and culture: autumn sweeps across Japan, North America and China while Morocco becomes increasingly comfortable after summer.
Japan
Japanese Alps & Central Japan
October offers some of Japan's most comfortable travelling weather. Autumn colour begins at higher elevations before moving gradually south and into lower areas.
Don't miss: Head into the Japanese Alps for early autumn colour, traditional towns and exceptional ryokan stays.
From London: Approx. 14 hours
Time difference: Around +8 to +9 hours
Temperature: Around 18–23°C in central lowland areas
Rainfall: Moderate
Morocco
The intensity of summer has eased, creating excellent conditions for Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains and journeys into Morocco's interior.
Don't miss: Combine the medina with a luxury retreat in the Atlas Mountains or continue towards the desert.
From London: Approx. 3½–4 hours
Time difference: Usually 0–1 hour ahead
Temperature: Around 24–29°C in Marrakech
Rainfall: Low to moderate
USA
New England
October transforms New England into one of North America's most recognisable seasonal landscapes, with the sugar maples producing extraordinary autumn colour.
Don't miss: A carefully timed road trip through Vermont and New Hampshire, staying in characterful country inns along the way.
From London: Approx. 7–8 hours to Boston
Time difference: Around -5 hours
Temperature: Around 12–20°C
Rainfall: Moderate
Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos are less about conventional seasons than the extraordinary wildlife that can be encountered throughout the year. October falls within the cooler, drier garúa period, with excellent opportunities for wildlife, snorkelling and expedition cruising.
Don't miss: Explore by small expedition vessel rather than remaining on one island — and spend as much time in the water as on land.
From London: Approx. 17–20 hours with connections
Time difference: Around -6 to -7 hours
Temperature: Around 22–26°C
Rainfall: Low, although skies may be cloudier
Québec City & Surrounding Region
Québec's autumn colours typically run from mid-September into late October, with the Québec City region often reaching peak colour around the first half of October.
Don't miss: Old Québec followed by a drive into Charlevoix or the surrounding forests as the leaves change.
From London: Approx. 7–8 hours
Time difference: -5 hours
Temperature: Around 8–15°C
Rainfall: Moderate
China
Beijing & Xi'an
October's cooler autumn conditions make it an appealing month for China's major historic sites, particularly Beijing and Xi'an.
Don't miss: The Great Wall with a private guide, followed by Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors.
From London: Approx. 10–11 hours
Time difference: Around +7 to +8 hours
Temperature: Around 15–22°C
Rainfall: Generally low
November
Chase the Sun or Follow Spring South
November marks the transition into the Indian Ocean's warmer season while Patagonia and Buenos Aires enjoy spring and southern Vietnam begins moving towards its drier period.
Mauritius
November brings the beginning of Mauritian summer, with coastal daytime temperatures typically moving towards 28–33°C.
Don't miss: Pair the beaches with Le Morne, local food and the island's extraordinary interior landscapes.
From London: Approx. 12 hours
Time difference: +4 hours
Temperature: Around 28–31°C
Rainfall: Moderate, usually in tropical bursts
Maldives
November is a transitional month as the wetter southwest monsoon gives way towards the drier winter season. Temperatures remain consistently tropical.
Don't miss: Choose a resort with an exceptional house reef so the marine experience begins literally outside your villa.
From London: Approx. 10–11 hours
Time difference: +5 hours
Temperature: Around 27–30°C
Rainfall: Moderate, generally decreasing towards December
Argentina
Buenos Aires & Patagonia
November is spring in Argentina and the beginning of one of Patagonia's most attractive travel periods. Buenos Aires also turns violet as its jacaranda trees bloom.
Don't miss: Combine Buenos Aires with Patagonia rather than choosing between culture and wilderness.
From London: Approx. 14 hours to Buenos Aires
Time difference: -3 hours
Temperature: Around 12–20°C in Patagonia; warmer in Buenos Aires
Rainfall: Moderate and regionally variable
Caribbean Islands
November can offer attractive value as the Caribbean moves towards its main winter season. Conditions differ significantly from island to island, so careful destination selection matters — Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia can offer very different experiences.
Don't miss: Choose the island around the experience you want rather than simply choosing “the Caribbean” — food, sailing, beaches and landscape vary enormously.
From London: Approx. 8–10 hours
Time difference: Usually -4 to -5 hours
Temperature: Around 27–30°C
Rainfall: Variable; November remains wetter on some islands
Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam begins moving into its drier period from November, making it increasingly attractive for combining Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc. Vietnam Tourism identifies November to April as the preferred dry-season window for this southern itinerary.
Don't miss: Ho Chi Minh City's energy followed by a private Mekong journey and a few days on Phu Quoc.
From London: Approx. 15–17 hours, usually one stop
Time difference: +7 hours
Temperature: Around 27–31°C
Rainfall: Moderate but generally decreasing
December
Festive Cities or Winter Sun
December offers perhaps the greatest contrast of the year: Christmas markets and New York lights at one end, warm Indian Ocean and Caribbean beaches at the other.
Austria
Vienna & Salzburg
Austria embraces Advent wholeheartedly, with Christmas markets appearing across cities, palaces and Alpine towns from mid-November.
Don't miss: Vienna's Christmas markets and imperial architecture — or combine Salzburg with a few snowy days in the mountains.
From London: Approx. 2–2½ hours
Time difference: +1 hour
Temperature: Around -2 to 5°C
Rainfall: Moderate, with snow possible
Mexico
Riviera Maya
December brings warm tropical conditions to Mexico's Caribbean coast while temperatures across much of the country become more comfortable than in summer.
Don't miss: Pair a Riviera Maya beach stay with the Maya sites of Chichén Itzá, Cobá or Tulum.
From London: Approx. 10–11 hours to Cancún
Time difference: -5 hours
Temperature: Around 26–29°C
Rainfall: Generally low
Seychelles
December is warm, lush and unmistakably tropical. It falls within the northwest-monsoon period, so showers should be expected alongside the sunshine rather than regarded as an anomaly.
Don't miss: Island-hop rather than staying in a single resort and experience the very different personalities of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
From London: Approx. 13–15 hours, usually one stop
Time difference: +4 hours
Temperature: Around 27–30°C
Rainfall: Moderate to high, often in tropical showers
Caribbean Islands
December marks the beginning of the drier winter period across many Caribbean destinations. Barbados, for example, enters its drier season from December.
Don't miss: Consider Antigua for sailing, Barbados for food and culture or St Lucia for dramatic landscape and romance.
From London: Approx. 8–10 hours
Time difference: Usually -4 to -5 hours
Temperature: Around 27–30°C
Rainfall: Generally low to moderate
Turks & Caicos
Powder-white sand, extraordinarily clear water and some of the Caribbean's most polished resorts make Turks & Caicos particularly attractive for a sophisticated winter-sun escape. Average temperatures typically remain around 24–28°C.
Don't miss: Grace Bay followed by a private yacht charter to quieter cays and reefs.
From London: Approx. 11–13 hours depending on connection
Time difference: -5 hours
Temperature: Around 25–28°C
Rainfall: Low to moderate
New York
Few cities embrace December quite like New York. Holiday markets, ice skating, festive displays and performances transform the city throughout the season.
Don't miss: Rockefeller Center after dark, followed by a Broadway show and a properly indulgent New York dinner.
From London: Approx. 8 hours
Time difference: -5 hours
Temperature: Around 2–8°C
Rainfall: Moderate; rain, sleet or snow are all possible
Sri Lanka
South & West Coast
December signals the start of peak season on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, where clearer skies and calmer seas favour beaches and watersports.
Don't miss: Galle and the southern coastline, ideally combined with tea country and a wildlife experience inland.
From London: Approx. 11 hours
Time difference: +5½ hours
Temperature: Around 27–30°C
Rainfall: Low to moderate
Where will you go next?
These are just a handful of the extraordinary places worth experiencing throughout the year.
Whether one of these destinations has caught your imagination, you already have somewhere completely different in mind, or you simply know when you would like to travel and need some inspiration on where, get in touch with Velvet Hippo.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll help turn the possibilities into a journey designed around you.
Call 020 3051 2325, message on WhatsApp, or Request a Quote.
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