Beat the Crowds: 10 Best Warm Places to Visit Europe & Asia in December and January
/Travel is such a personal and individualistic experience that I have no right to tell you about the best places ‘you should’ travel in December and January.
When places are hyped up, disappointment ensues. If you hang your entire experience on what a person has said before, it ruins the emotions of what you will experience.
There’s something special about warm destinations in the dead of winter — stepping off the plane and feeling that instant rush of heat, the sun prickling your skin, and the salty breeze replacing the heavy layers you’ve been bundled in.
Warmth changes your pace: mornings are slower, afternoons stretch lazily under golden skies, and nights are alive with the hum of open-air cafés and barefoot walks along the shore.
The magic is in finding the little stuff in the top cities in the world, and moving away from overtourism which kills your spirit and experience of magical encounters and rendezvous evenings.
However, travelling in January or December could mean big crowds and exorbitant prices but before the hotel rates spike and your Airbnb loft is taken, take your time to survey these best warm places for Winter sun destinations to see which place fits your personality.
1. The Ever Sunny South of Spain
Think churros, sunny side-walks, strolling the wonderful city’s cafe in moderate temperature and gushing over the wondrous Sierra Nevada mountains.
Seville and Granada are my top two recommended spots for the best places to visit in Spain if you want to enter a city that is beautifully lit, and to make way for endless strolls.
Winter is practically non-existent in these towns. The temperature is a fine 20C and it can drop to a gentle 16C between December and January.
In Seville, you’ll find everything in this little square, with locals gathered at outdoor tables and tangy oranges hanging above the hotels and cafes – a sign that there’s no stopping of abundant sunshine. You could even tour Spain in a motorhome if you love the country’s milder climate.
Once done, hop over in a bus to Granada for a 3 hour ride as you traverse under the Southern sunny sky and visit the famous landmarks in Spain.
In Granada, visit the city’s belenes, nativity scene. The word belén translates to “Bethlehem!" Traipse the town and marvel at the intricate attention to detail in these little scenes of Bethlehem.
Sometimes more than 2 million tiny LED lights twinkled in the streets all over town and it is one of the best places to be in Europe in December.
2. Krabi, Thailand
While everyone flocks to Phuket and Koh Samui, Krabi often slips under the radar. It’s not the island for wild raves or endless nightlife — and that’s exactly its charm.
Here, the pace feels slower, the air warmer, and the skies seem to hold onto that golden sunshine almost every day of the year.
The turquoise water glitters under the heat, and even in the cooler months, you’re still in flip-flops and swimsuits.
]You can spend your mornings basking under the tropical sun on Railay Beach, afternoons kayaking through emerald mangroves, and evenings watching the horizon glow orange and pink.
And if beaches aren’t enough, there’s hiking through lush jungle trails, world-class rock climbing, and hidden rivers and waterfalls that offer a refreshing escape from the heat.
It’s the sort of place where the warmth isn’t just in the climate, but in the laid-back atmosphere that makes you want to slow down, stay longer, and soak it all in.
Also read: How I Spent 3-5 Days in Krabi: Travel Itinerary + What To Do
3. Tetebatu, Indonesia
If you’re after winter sun but don’t want to melt in the heat, Tetebatu is perfect.
Sitting on the slopes of Mount Rinjani, it’s warm and sunny during the day but cool enough in the mornings and evenings to make you want that extra cup of coffee on the balcony.
You get the best of both worlds here — blue skies, green rice terraces, and waterfalls for a quick dip when it gets hot.
Back in Dutch colonial times, the cooler climate and fertile land made it ideal for coffee, cacao, and vanilla. You’ll still find those plantations around today, adding to Tetebatu’s charm.
It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, enjoy the sunshine without sweating buckets, and just wander around without feeling rushed.
Also read: Things To Do in Tetebatu, Lombok: Waterfalls, Cafes & Rice Fields
4. Bruges, Belgium
If you believe in fairytales and locking in the Christmas spirit with chocolates and cheers, Bruges holds the place for the best places to travel in December and January.
Evenings in Bruges has a slight nip in the air, where you can conveniently walk alongside the canals, and saunter with your loved ones.
There's nothing that says winter quite like the scent of mulled win wafting through the crisp, clean air and seeing everyone walk along with a waffle in their hand.
A sit-down in Lizzie’s Wafels to savour in their homemade waffles and marmalade, and chocolate dippings is not quite complete without a visit. Choose between two Christmas markets – Markt, on the main square which is the main Christmas market or Simon Stevinplein Square where it hosts another market lined with magical tree lights.
The calories are hard to ignore but what if you could lose them and enjoy a gentle bicycle ride to the border of Netherlands, Sluis for 8 euros. The rural roads offer a varied sight of Netherlands countryside in just 15km.
Take in the views as you ride alongside the canal to the little village Damme with a stunning windmill.
Damme has a dreamy, and antiquated almost medieval-like aged bookstore and every Sunday there is a book market in the village.
It is quite possibly the best thing, slowing down to listen to the chatter and see what lies on the other side of Bruges.
Also Read: What To Do in Bruges: Of Cycling, Belgian Waffles and Canals
5. Feasting in Armenia
Armenia, a country on the cusp of Europe and Asia has tons of borrowed elements from neighbouring countries like Iran, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Outside the capital of Yerevan lies small towns marked by the remnants of the Soviet era which are some of the most spectacular places to visit in Armenia.
Some of the oldest relics in the world are found in this tiny country, and it is the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion.
During my visit to Armenia in Winter, I visited the Culture and Food village in Byurakan, near Aaragat Mountains. The village is on the slope of the mountain in Argatsotn Province. I was invited to experience how Armenians make their noodles, their fresh kebabs, pilaf and baklava pastries, with side dishes of music and dance.
Food was a constant topic of discussions for Armenians and it was hard to agree on what is authentically Armenian.
Armenians who settled in larger numbers in countries like Syria, Lebanon, and Iran often contributed to and incorporated the dishes of their new nations.
The rugged landscapes makes it the perfect climate to grow wheat, rice, lentils, figs, pistachios, and apricots, resulting in rich delicacies, flavours, and variations.
Also Read: The Ultimate Caucasus Road Trip Itinerary in Armenia
6. Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Out of all the beaches, Mirissa attracts the most crowds as there’s just a ton of things to do: from spotting big blue whales and having the best surf culture while trekking to various viewpoints.
The perfect spot to catch a sunset is Coconut Tree Hill, where swaying coconut trees frame the view of surfers below, riding the waves
Another cool spot to the secret beach in Mirissa where the water is crystal clear with such a wide variety of fish and marine life.
The Parrot Rock is also a great spot to see the views over the sea and two beaches. Don’t forget to visit the cafe scene in Mirissa. One place we absolutely loved was the vegan cafe called Squeeze Me set in a garden setting with a Buddha centrepiece.
Also read: Sri Lanka Best Beaches Guide (South Coast): From Mirissa to Unawatuna & Tangalle
7. Back-Country Adventures in Laos
Just a few hours away from China, and not too far from Vietnam, Laos has the perfect backdrop for a slower pace of life. No longer a lost paradise, the city of Luang Prabang is the starting point for trying different adventures.
The scenic landscapes, laidback life, interesting hilltribes and minimal traffic compared to Laos neighbours like Vietnam and Thailand makes it one of the best places to travel in December and January.
You’ll find well-behaved tourists who are interested in learning about the Laotian way of lives and are curious to dig deep into what happened to the two million tons of ordnance on Laos during 580k bombing missions. There’s even a dedicated UXO Laos Museum to learn more about the secret war.
If you want to push your body and mind further, try taking a 5 day cycling trip from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. You will love it when children wave "Saibadee (Hello's)” coupled with claps and cheers when riding through rough terrains.
Also Read: Laos Adventure Itinerary: 10 Best Places To Visit
8. Penang, Malaysia
There’s old-world charm, fascinating ruins of a heritage town and there’s also abandoned antiques in Old chinese shophouses that tell you quite the story about how life was like in Penang in the 1800-1900s.
It is one of the best warmest destinations to go to.
The Penang you see now is different compared to how it was in the past: there are hipster cafes, the best Michelin star restaurants that are as cheap as 2 to 10 dollars and a burgeoning speakeasy bar filled with nostalgia adding another compelling reason for you to visit Penang.
Three to four days is just the right amount of culture, history and food that you need to explore this town.
You could also stay back longer and visit the sleepy town of Balik Pulau if you want to stay in durian orchards or see the countryside in Penang
Also Read: 3 Days or More Penang Itinerary Adventure: Things To Do + What To Eat
9. Princely Getaways in Rajasthan, India
Most first-time India goers would cover the golden triangle and venture into the spiritual places of India, but few stop to take in the intricacies of a particular region, one that has opulence marked in everything.
Entering Jaipur, the gateway to Rajasthan, you are hit with colours. It’s a sensory experience to see women in bright fuchsia and yellow saris, historic forts and camels pulling cart.
What truly mesmerised my senses were the enormous food thalis, the stunning royal architecture of Jaipur and some of the best forts in Rajasthan.
The air is cool, it is not too hot, and perhaps the best time to relish in a royal spicy platter and imagine what it was like to be a royal in the princely Jaipur state, and the residence of its Rajput rulers.
Also Read: The Solo Essential India Packing Checklist: What To Bring For Travel In India?
10. Chiang Mai, Thailand
chiang mai, thailand
Everyone says, “Go to the Northern part of Chiang Mai — you’ll love it!” And they’re right. It’s a whole different experience from the rest of Thailand.
There are no beaches, but you trade that for rolling hills, lush forests, tribal villages, and the kind of winter sun that warms you up without draining you.
In December and January, afternoons hover around a perfect 25°C — warm enough for t-shirts by day, yet cool enough in the mornings and evenings to make you reach for a light jacket.
It’s the perfect escape if you love being outdoors without sweltering. Y
ou can spend hours wandering through artisan markets or lingering in the city’s many cafés (seriously, the coffee scene here is huge).
Even the famous Sunday Market, as touristy as it can get, still has stalls run by locals selling handmade goods. Villages like Baan Tawai and the more modern markets thrive because creativity here is very much alive.
Also read: 3-5 Days Chiang Mai Itinerary + Why You'll Wish You Stayed Longer
Do you have places that you’ve traveled before in December and January and feel like they belong to this list? Let me know in the comments below.
