Chasing the sun: Five spots to extend your summer in Asia

The weather may be getting cooler, but that doesn’t mean the summer fun needs to end. Continue to chase the sun across Asia in one of these warm-weather destinations. 

Summer is drawing to a close across the northern hemisphere, and with temperatures gradually falling, many across the UK and Europe are looking forward to the milder autumnal days ahead. If you’re still keen to spend time in the sun, though, there’s no better place to look than Asia. From serene, backwater explorations in southern India to relaxing beach stays in the sun on Borneo’s unspoilt north coast, here are five ways you can chase the sun towards the end of the year.  

The best spots to chase the sun this autumn 

Uzbekistan 

Though it may seem counter-intuitive, one of the best options for warmer weather in the autumn is actually a destination that gets cooler around that time of year. Having endured intense desert heat throughout the summer, Uzbekistan’s weather typically becomes mild enough to make exploration comfortable throughout September and October. With daily highs often reaching no higher than 28°C, the country’s remarkable Silk Road cities are more accessible, and visitors can explore while still enjoying some pre-winter warmth.  

In Samarkand and Bukhara, the blue-tinted trading domes become easier to explore without overheating. The national capital, Tashkent, and Khiva are equally rewarding at this time of year, and their colourful bazaars and Islamic landmarks are easier to appreciate on foot once the summer heat has subsided. Evenings are also much cooler and provide plenty of opportunities to build deeper connections with each city and the communities that live there. If you’d prefer a more culture-focused experience over sunbathing, Uzbekistan’s pleasant autumn temperatures make it easier to make the most of your trip.

Our recommended tour – Uzbekistan – Ancient Cities of the Silk Road 

Vietnam 

Between October and April, Vietnam trades the humidity of monsoon season for cooler air and clearer skies, making it one of the most popular options for an early winter break in Southeast Asia. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is best explored on foot, and those taking in the ’36 streets’, a network of narrow avenues filled with artisanal stores and craft workshops, can do so in greater comfort. With typically drier weather in the autumn months, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts are also best viewed later in the year away from the humid summer haze.  

Further south, Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and the Mekong River’s winding waterways remain warm and dry throughout the cooler months. With so many highlights that can only be accessed on foot, from Taoist and Buddhist temples to areas of timeless natural beauty, it should come as no surprise that Vietnam is best explored in the softer winter sun.

Our recommended tour – Follow the Mekong – Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam 

Borneo 

Though it’s warm all year round, Borneo’s weather is typically at its driest between November and February, and visitors can often expect clearer conditions and rainforest trails that are firmer and easier to navigate. If animal spotting is high on your wish-list, autumn is also one of the best times to see the island’s native wildlife as many species venture closer to the riverbanks in search of food.  

Away from the rainforests, the Malaysian northern province of Sabah features some of the most picturesque coastal stretches on the island, and autumnal temperatures are still often warm enough to enjoy a swim in the sparkling waters. With white-sand beaches, luxury coastal resorts, and truly spectacular scenery, the town of Kota Kinabalu is the ideal choice for a post-safari stay and its seaside treasures are at their best towards the end of the year.

Our recommended tour – Borneo’s Orangutans & Rainforest Adventure 

India 

Though ‘Indian summers’ offer a welcome change of pace to the autumn gloom back home, it’s actually the winter that’s most inviting in South Asia. With the heavy monsoon rains and summer heat subsiding, India’s majestic northern provinces are more accessible and generally benefit from sunnier skies throughout the winter months. From the ancient fortresses of to the Golden Triangle’s world-famous sights, an October holiday to northern India is ideal for sightseeing.

It’s not just the north that’s well-suited to a mid-winter getaway, and Kerala’s scenic waterways provide the perfect backdrop to an easy-going few days in the sun. Also of interest here, under the clearer winter skies, are the rice paddies and spice plantations that thrive in the Indian South, and visitors can soak up the scents and sights with a walk through the rows of crops. Whether you’re looking for historical discoveries amongst the north’s desert dunes or a relaxing escape to the idyllic south, few spots rival India for its striking winter beauty.  

Our recommended tour – Kerala and India’s Beautiful South 

Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka’s two monsoon systems mean there’s almost always a sunny coast somewhere on the island, and from December to March, the south and west stand out. This period is also when the country’s ancient sites are easiest to explore too, with sturdier trails and a less humid atmosphere around Sigiriya’s rock fortress and the cave temples at Dambulla. Kandy, too, with its hillside setting, stays sunny and cool towards the end of the year, which goes a long way towards making tours of its world-famous landmarks as comfortable as possible.

In the hills, Nuwara Eliya and Ella often benefit from blue skies and a slightly cooler climate, meaning they’re ideal for those who are looking for sunshine without the heat. Nearby, Yala National Park is another highlight and the winter’s dry season generally leads to a higher volume of animal sightings as leopards, elephants, and sloth bears flock to the watering holes. Whether you’re after a safari experience in the sun or a more leisurely introduction to the local culture, the winter months are a great choice for Sri Lanka.

Our recommended tour – Sri Lanka – Temples, Safari & Beach 

Soak up some mid-winter sun with Newmarket Holidays 

Not ready for the cold weather? We’ve got a wide range of winter sun escapes which are perfect for extending your summer. To make planning your next wish-list trip even easier, you can currently save 15% on our award-winning tours to Asia when you book before Wednesday, 23 September. 

For more information on our featured itineraries or to secure your own winter sun getaway, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If your heart lies elsewhere, we’ve also got over 100 escorted tours, spanning six continents, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page.