Winter Sun Destinations: Asia, Oceania, Middle East & Africa

Fancy trading snow, ice and the cold for blue skies, warm beaches and clear waters? Well you are in luck! It just so happens that as the winter grey sets in here, there are plenty of places on the other side of the world where the sun is still shining.

Swap your de-icer for sunscreen and head off in search of somewhere hot this winter. You won't be stuck for choice.

To get you in the mood, here are some of the best winter sun destinations in Asia, Oceania, Middle East and Africa.

Dubai, Middle East

Being in a desert means that Dubai is blessed with a very short ‘winter' and even that's hot by most people's standards. In December, the temperature hovers around the mid-20s and is perfect for lounging on one of the city's many beaches.

The emirate's vast array of incredible hotels has made it a very popular holiday destination for all types of traveller and if you're lucky enough to be there for New Year's Eve, the celebrations are a real spectacle to witness.

Other Middle Eastern hotspots: Abu Dhabi and Oman are also blessed with similar climates and luxurious holiday offerings for those who want to try a destination in the Middle East.

Cape Town, South Africa

Looking for winter sun in Africa? Look no further than the fantastic city of Cape Town!

Blessed with incredible scenery and a fusion of diverse cultures, Cape Town is a winter sun destination with a difference. Settle down on one of the beaches here with the impressive Table Mountain as a backdrop - it is quite unlike anywhere else on the planet.

December temperatures are usually in the high-20s straying up towards the 30 mark on hotter days. November to March is the summer here, so it's the ideal time to visit. Cool winds blow in from the sea to ensure you're never too hot - perfection!

Other African hotspots: Egypt's Sharm el Sheikh resort and Tunisia are great places to head for warmer weather and the flights are considerably shorter than to Cape Town if a long-haul flight puts you off.

Asia

Asia, particularly its Southeast region, is full of places where you can forget all about the cold winters of home.

Phuket in Thailand is a world-class holiday destination and it just so happens its red hot during December. Expect temperatures well into the 30s, perfect for you to spend your days lounging on the glorious beaches. Inland from the warm waters of the Andaman Sea, the island is a lush maze of hills and forests, making it the ideal terrain for hiking and exploring.

Langkawi, Malaysia, is similar to Phuket in the sense that it is a sun-drenched island paradise full of wonderful tourist resorts. The island possesses year-round sun and December is no exception. This is actually a great time to visit Langkawi as it misses out both of the island's rainy seasons.

Tourists and Malays alike congregate on the incredible beaches of Langkawi and the weather and geographical diversity here make it one of Malaysia's most popular holiday spots.

Other Asian hotspots: Vietnam has its fair share of winter sun destinations, with the city of Nha Trang renowned for its many incredible beaches and scuba diving sites.

Sydney, Australia, Oceania

While we're getting up in the dark for work in the UK, the Aussies are enjoying their warmest summer months, but please try not to get too jealous!

One of the best places in this vast country for winter sun is undoubtedly Sydney, where you can find the combination of city style and beachlife all in one place.

The city has so many amazing beaches and each has its own feeling and atmosphere. From the lesser-known Maroubra to the popular coastal hubs of Bondi and Manly, there is certainly a beach for everyone here. And when you're done lounging on the sand, you can head over to the Sydney Harbour and take in the many iconic sights there.

During the Australian summer, temperatures can soar up to the 40s on very hot days, so you definitely do not have to worry about packing any warm clothing.

Other Oceania hotspots: Byron Bay, New South Wales is often said to be one of the most beautiful parts of Australia, whereas the Whitsunday Islands also boast similar attributes of sun and sumptuous scenery.

Outside of Oz, there's the likes of Fiji and Tonga, which offer unique island cultures as well as the promise of sun-kissed beaches.