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

British Summer Time might be over, but that doesn’t mean the fun needs to end. Here are four Asian destinations that are perfect for a winter retreat. 

As the clocks go back and temperatures fall across the UK and Europe, it’s the ideal time to look further afield for winter warmth. If you’re keen to cling on to the summer heat, there’s no better place to look than Asia. From serene, backwater explorations in southern India to beach stays on Sri Lanka’s unspoilt south coast, here are four destinations to consider towards the end of the year. 

Four destinations for warm weather this winter

Singapore 

Sitting just north of the equator, Singapore has a year-round warm climate, and while the seasonal northeast monsoon brings downpours from October to December, they tend to be short-lived and lead to pleasant evenings. If you time your visits to avoid the rains, there’s also a wide variety of indoor and outdoor highlights to enjoy across the lively city-state. The Gardens by the Bay, with their illuminated Supertree Grove, are a great choice for an evening stroll while the colonial-era landmarks of the Civic District provide endless exploration.  

Food is just as much of a highlight in Singapore, and the city’s acclaimed hawker markets serve an incredible array of Singaporean and international street foods. Try Southeast Asian delicacies, such as chilli crab and chicken satay, or perhaps visit the colourful enclaves of Little India and Chinatown for a dining experience with a difference.  

Our recommended tour – Malaysia, Singapore & Desaru Beach Escape – Premier

Vietnam 

Weather in Vietnam generally varies throughout the year by region, and the winter months are no exception to that rule. In Hanoi in the north, temperatures tend to grow milder between October and April, offering ideal conditions to wander the Old Quarter on foot. Those taking in the ‘36 streets’, a network of narrow avenues filled with artisanal shops and craft workshops, can explore in greater comfort, and nearby Ha Long Bay is often clearer away from the summer haze. 

It’s also this time of year that Central Vietnam begins to transition out of the rainy season, and those hoping to admire the region’s outdoor highlights, such as Hoi An’s lantern-lit old town, can do so with ease. Further south, the dry season typically runs from November to April, bringing lower humidity, clearer skies and temperatures of up to 30°C to the region’s riverside hotspots. Positioned closer to the equator, historic Ho Chi Minh City offers the highest temperatures and has a wealth of wish-list sights to soak up on your travels. 

Our recommended tour – Classic Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

India 

Though India is impressive at any time of year, it’s across the winter months that this popular South Asian destination is most inviting. With the heavy monsoon rains and summer heat subsiding, India’s majestic northern states are more accessible and generally benefit from clearer skies throughout the winter months. From the ancient fortresses of Rajasthan to the Golden Triangle’s world-famous sights, an end-of-year 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 a slower paced few days. Also of interest here, under the clearer winter skies, are the rice paddies and spice plantations that thrive in southern India, 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 nations rival India for its striking winter beauty.  

Our recommended tour – Highlights of India – The Golden Triangle to Kerala

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 drier paths and a less humid atmosphere around Sigiriya’s rock fortress and the cave temples at Dambulla. Kandy's hillside setting keeps the air a little cooler, and the monsoon weather tends to settle from January onwards, which makes visits to its magnificent landmarks more pleasant.  

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, particularly around February, when drier weather draws leopards, elephants, and sloth bears to the watering holes. Whether you’re after a safari experience 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 

Embark on a midwinter getaway 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. For more information on our featured itineraries or to secure your own warm-weather break, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If your heart lies elsewhere, we’ve also got over 200 escorted tours, spanning six continents, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page.