The best winter sun with kids

As the nights get darker and the days get colder, my thoughts inevitably turn to one thing… where to find the best winter sun with kids.

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There’s nothing like the thought of some warmth to keep me going through winter, and from chilled-out beach escapes to bucket list adventures like a safari, there are plenty of winter sun holidays for families to choose from.

If you’re based in the UK, that does mean at least a mid-haul flight, usually longer. But while long-haul travel with kids is something which a lot of people shy away from, it’s both doable and worth it, even with babies and toddlers – said from experience, after surviving a flight to the US with my nine-month-old daughter, another with her aged 22 months sitting on my knee all the way to the Caribbean plus several multi-leg trips to South East Asia (including an unexpected sprint through Bangkok airport).

If you’re already craving another sunny escape, I’ve found a string of ideas for great holidays for some winter sun with kids, with some of the best destinations to escape the cold.

For more my essential long-haul travel products, check out my top picks here

Short-haul winter sun

If you’re looking for some winter sun with a toddler or baby and don’t fancy flying long-haul, you’ll still find some great destinations a little closer to the UK too.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are one of the few places you’ll be able to find proper winter sun in Europe – while there’s more chance of rain in winter, you can enjoy sun year round. 

The archipelago’s location off the coast of northwestern Africa means that winter temperatures remain a pleasant 16-21C. It’s still warm enough to make the most of the beautiful beaches but cool enough for trekking through the national parks or exploring historic cities and towns.

Tenerife is one of the most family-friendly Canary Islands, with plenty of holiday resorts along its west coast. The island is also where you’ll find Siam Park, the biggest water park in Europe!

Lanzarote is known for its unique natural landscape and national parks as well as golden sand beaches around Playa Blanca, while Gran Canaria is home to the famous Maspalomas sand dunes and a less-explored mountainous interior.

Fuerteventura is one of the windiest islands, but this makes it a fantastic option for water sports fans, although perhaps not the best one for winter sun with toddlers. 

All the Canary Islands have some fantastic family hotels, including more luxurious options like the Princess Yaiza hotel in Lanzarote, while you can find some budget winter sun holidays with kids too.

TUI has some great package holidays in the Canary Islands for families, while Jet2Holidays also has some great family holidays in the Canary Islands, including hotels and villa accommodation. EasyJet Holidays also has packages to Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

If you’re looking for some extra luxury, TopVillas has villa accommodation on both Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands, located off the west coast of Africa, around a six hour flight from the UK. Still somewhat of a hidden gem, the sunny islands are less touristy and more laid-back than the Canaries – the perfect spot for a more relaxing winter break.

Sal and Boa Vista are two of the most popular islands, with golden sand beaches and a good range of facilities. You’ll find everything from all-inclusive resorts to more budget hotel stays. 

Winter is the dry season in Cape Verde and you can expect temperatures sitting in the mid-20s. However, there are fewer hours of sunlight during the winter months, so it’s best to bring a few layers to wear after the sun sets and the weather cools.

We stayed at the all-inclusive Melia Dunas on Sal, while TUI also has some great Cape Verde holidays for families

Morocco

With as little as a three-hour flight from the UK to northern Africa, you can find far more pleasant weather and winter sunshine in Morocco, even if it’s not searingly hot in midwinter. 

With temperatures sitting around 18-20C and hardly any rain, winter is the perfect time to explore the vibrant cities of Marrakesh, Fez, and Casablanca, with bustling markets and historic sites that are sure to excite kids of all ages. 

The coastal areas of Agadir and Essaouira are two of the country’s top beach destinations. However, the harsh ​​Atlantic winds and cool waters mean that winter isn’t the best time for lounging on the beach in Morocco. 

You’ll find plenty of choice for booking family holidays in Morocco – TUI, EasyJet Holidays and Jet2Holidays both have hotels in Marrakech as well as the coast, while British Airways Holidays and Booking.com have some riads in their collection.

If you prefer to self-cater, PlumGuide has some gorgeous accommodation, mostly in and around Marrakech, or to explore further, Explore runs great family-friendly group trips, including a Family Atlas Mountains and Sahara adventure.

Tunisia

Tunisia also sits on the north coast of Africa, around a three-hour flight from the UK as well. The weather in Tunisia remains warm and pleasant throughout winter, with an average temperature of 18C and plenty of sunshine.

For some, this may be warm enough to enjoy the country’s beautiful beaches. But even if it’s not hot enough for a full-blown beach break, there are plenty of other things to do too.

You can visit the historic Medina of Sousse, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into Tunisia’s rich history, find Roman ruins, explore the many pretty coastal towns, take a jeep ride in the Eastern Sand Sea, or pop by the Djerba Crocodile Farm.

Most family hotels in Tunisia tend to be in a few areas, although it’s easy to book day trips if you want to venture further afield – TUI, EasyJet Holidays and OnTheBeach have some great package holidays.

Egypt

Exploring the ancient wonders of Egypt is the perfect winter family vacation with young history enthusiasts. Most flights from the UK take between 5-6 hours to reach Egypt, which is still manageable with slightly younger children.

Winter is a popular time to visit Egypt, with dry and sunny conditions all season. Temperatures sit between 20-25C, which is far more comfortable for outdoor activities than the stifling heat of the summer months.

From taking a camel ride around the Pyramids at Giza to visiting Pharaohs’ burial chambers in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt is an amazing place to bring history alive for kids of all ages.

If it’s an all-inclusive beach vacation you’re looking for, Sharm El-Sheikh is the place to go. The resort town has numerous family-friendly resorts, as well as beautiful sheltered sandy beaches, clear waters, and amazing coral reefs to enjoy.

If you’re hoping to explore the main sites of Ancient Egypt, I’d recommend a guided tour – either a private one tailored for families, or a group tour, unless you’re confident doing this independently. Explore has family-friendly group trips.

Or if you’re looking for sun, sea and sand by the Red Sea, TUI and EasyJet Holidays have some great hotel packages.

A malaria-free safari

My daughter loves animals, and after years devouring books, magazines and TV shows about life on earht, she’s something of a mini encyclopaedia of animal facts herself. So when I took her on her own first safari in Kenya aged 10, it was quickly one of our most memorable holidays – you can certainly start younger though, once your kids’ attention span means they can cope with game drives too.

After struggling to get my daughter to take malaria tablets on our trip to Burma I’m definitely happy to avoid those if I can, so a malaria-free safari is an easy alternative, with two particularly good winter sun destinations in Africa.

South Africa

South Africa is the classic family safari destination. Not only is the country mostly malaria-free, but there’s also a great choice of parks and game reserves, plenty of family-friendly lodges and campsites, and even self-drive options for a more affordable safari. Plus, despite the long-haul flight, there’s minimal jetlag for little ones to overcome thanks to the two-hour time difference.

Kruger National Park is the most famous game reserve in SA. However, the park’s location in the northeast of the country does put it in a malaria-risk area during wet season (Nov-Apr). 

To see the big 5, check out Pilanesberg National Park instead. Or if your kids love elephants, Addo Elephant National Park on the Eastern Cape is another great choice.

Gondwana Private Game Reserve is smaller than most, but it’s home to the big 5 too and its location on the Garden Route just a few hours from Cape Town makes it a convenient option for families.

You can easily combine your South African safari with a city break in Cape Town too. Cape Town has plenty of fun things to do with kids, like visiting Table Mountain, seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach, and exploring the famous Robben Island.

Explore has a great South Africa safari and beach holiday for families, aimed at kids aged 7+ (although most are older) if you like the idea of travelling in a group, as well as a South Africa Garden Route and Safari break for a similar age range. Or try a tailormade family holiday in South Africa from Kuoni.

Namibia

Namibia is another terrific winter safari destination for families. While there’s a small risk of malaria in the northeast of the country during the winter (it may be best to rule out Etosha National Park), plenty of parks and reserves are malaria-free year-round. 

Namib-Naukluft National Park sits on the country’s west coast and is famous for its enormous orange sand dunes. On a safari, you can spot desert wildlife such as zebra, oryx, leopards, cheetahs, black rhinos, hyenas, and giraffes. 

Mountainous Damaraland, towards the Skeleton Coast, is also a fantastic place for family wildlife safaris, with its endangered black rhinos and rare desert elephants and lions.

And nearby Okonjima Nature Reserve is a great spot to see wild leopards and hyenas. However, some activities in the reserve are restricted to children over 12.

Kuoni also tailormakes family holidays in Namibia including the chance to explore the dunes of Sossuvlei as well as discovering the country’s wildlife

Indian Ocean

I’ve dipped my toes into the Indian Ocean a few times, including from Burma, Sri Lanka and Kenya as well as the Maldives, and whether you go for a classic island escape or not, it’s easily one of the best places for winter sun with kids.

Mauritius

Mauritius is the ideal destination for enjoying some winter sun with kids. The island has its best weather later in the year, with November and December being dry, hot, and sunny. January and February remain hot, although there is a risk of rain due to the incoming cyclone season.

Mauritius is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, including Trou aux Biches and Belle Mare. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for young children to splash around in, while older kids and adults can explore snorkelling and water sports.

There’s lots to do beyond swimming and snorkelling too, including a chance to learn more about the island’s multicultural melting pot of influences. You can discover the island’s colonial history in Port Louis, see wild animals in Casela Nature Park, and explore the multi-colored sand formations of the Chamarel plain.

For family holidays in Mauritius, TUI has some great deals if you’re looking for winter sun with kids, or check out the package holidays to Mauritius from British Airways Holidays

Maldives

If it’s a luxurious and relaxing sun-soaked family vacation you’re after, look no further than the Maldives. The dry season in the Maldives falls between November and April, making it a perfect winter sun destination.

Treat yourself to an all-inclusive private island resort where the kids can run around freely enjoying the beautiful beaches, tranquil waters, and family activities. Or if you have older children, a stay in one of the iconic overwater bungalows is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We had an amazing family holiday in the Maldives saying on two separate islands at Four Seasons Kudaa Hura and Landaa Giraavaru – check out more of my tips for visiting the Maldives with kids

As most islands are completely owned by a single resort, it does pay to choose carefully – with different pools, kids clubs and activities on offer, they can be fantastic for families.

And while sometimes all I want is beach, sun and the chance to lie down and relax (as far as a small person will let me), the Maldives is also home to some of the most incredible marine life on the planet. Top off your vacation with a snorkelling or diving adventure to see turtles, colourful fish, manta rays, and even dolphins or whale sharks.

Winter sun with kids in the Maldives doesn’t come cheap but it’s an unforgettable holiday – you can find a variety of family-friendly resorts, including all-inclusive Indian Ocean escapes as well as places like the Hilton Amingiri while TUI and British Airways Holidays have some great package holidays to the Maldives including all-inclusive resorts

Seychelles 

Despite winter being rainy season in the Seychelles, this is still a popular time to visit. An occasional downpour is a small price to pay for sunshine and 30°c the rest of the day, after all. But if you do want to avoid the worst of the rain, November tends to be the driest month.

The Seychelles is packed with family-friendly activities and attractions too. You can go island hopping and discover beautiful hidden beaches, feed giant tortoises on Curieuse Island, and explore the lush palm jungles of Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve.

Plus don’t miss the opportunity to go snorkelling around the multicoloured coral reefs and discover the vibrant marine life. If you’re travelling with a toddler who’s too young to snorkel, a glass-bottomed boat tour is a fun alternative.

TUI also has some great holidays for families in the Seychelles, or there are also packages available from British Airways Holidays

Family-friendly Middle East

One of the closest places to the UK for some guaranteed heat in midwinter, the Middle East has plenty of tempting winter sun holidays for families.

Whether you want to fly and flop or get out exploring, a luxury hotel with a great kids’ club and plenty of family-friendly activities like watersports and a chance to learn some Arabic cooking, who doesn’t fancy some desert adventure when the temperatures at home are subzero?

Oman

After a wonderful week exploring Oman, I already want to go back and do it all again as well as explore further – perhaps to the Musandam Pensinsula next time. I am rather tempted to explore Salalah too, famous for its lush greenery after the monsoon – or khareef – season, but perhaps not while I’m looking for winter sun with kids.

The country is easy to get around (although having a driver or guide if you’re going into the desert is a very good plan, unless you’ve had practice) and so you can easily discover some of the highlights of Muscat, as well as the history and scenery of Oman, and still have time to chill out.

After 24 hours in Muscat, where we spotted dolphins, explored the old souk at Mutrah and visited the astonishing Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, we visited Oman’s forts, climbed sand dunes in the desert at Wahiba Sands, saw turtles hatching at Ras Al Jinz and relaxed by the pool. We travelled with Stubborn Mule who specialise in family holidays.

For more inspiration, discover my itinerary for a week in Oman with kids as well as 9 reasons to visit Oman with kids

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

For a mid-haul winter sun destination from the UK, the UAE is another great choice. The UAE has year-round sunshine and warm weather, with winter temperatures remaining around 25C – in fact, winter is actually far more bearable than the region’s scorchingly hot summers!

Dubai is easily the best known, a sprawling metropolis with many fantastic family-friendly attractions, including the IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park and the world’s largest water park Aquaventure Dubai – not to mention luxury hotels, plenty of bling and some iconic buildings.

But don’t overlook the UAE’s other treasures too, especially if you’d like a more authentic taste of local culture.

For families seeking a more adventurous and less glitzy experience, Ras al Khaimah is a rugged gem in the UAE. You’ll find adrenalin-fuelled outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais, while the coast is also fantastic for watersport lovers.

Or Abu Dhabi is home to the likes of Warner Bros World and Ferrari World, making it ideal for theme park fans (best for older children and teens).

You’re spoiled for choice if you’re booking a winter sun holiday with kids in the UAE – TUI has family friendly and all-inclusive breaks in various different Emirates, while British Airways Holidays has packages for Dubai and On The Beach has packages with kids included too.

Jordan

If big modern cities aren’t for you, Jordan is perfect for families seeking a unique blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventures in the Middle East.

Kids can marvel at the archaeological wonders of Petra, float in the supersalty waters of the Dead Sea, snorkel in the Red Sea and take a camel ride across the amazing desert landscapes of Wadi Rum.

Midwinter isn’t a great time to visit Jordan, with temperatures dropping steeply in December and January. But November is a good option for avoiding the peak summer/autumn crowds while still getting to enjoy pleasantly sunny weather (20C average daytime highs).

Explore has a great family-friendly group tour – Family Jordan, Petra and Desert Adventure to see some of the country’s highlights

Family adventure in Sri Lanka

After visiting Sri Lanka not long after the tsunami, I fell in love with the country – and since my trip, the destination has opened up even more, so areas I couldn’t see then are suddenly an option.

I’m determined to head back with my daughter and introduce her to this wonderful place: revisiting the ancient cities, heading up into the hill country and the tea plantations as well as a beach stay and seeing some of the wonderful wildlife.

Sri Lanka’s weather can be a little complicated with different rainy seasons on the different coasts, but the best weather in the hills and on the south and west coasts is from December to March – perfect to find some winter sun with kids too.

Wondering why Sri Lanka with kids is so tempting? Check out my top reasons to visit

One of my own favourite places was Sigiriya, where once a palace stood on top of the huge rock, while the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are both fascinating.

You can see the cave temples at Dambulla, as well as more temples at Kandy before heading into the hills – as well as spectacular scenery, there are tea plantations and more recent colonial history.

Add in beaches on the south and west coast, and some fantastic wildlife, such as leopards at Yala National Park, and the chance of seeing elephants in the wild in Uda Walawe National park too.

The family-friendly accommodation includes the option of private villas as well as some gorgeous boutique hotels which still welcome kids. Having seen both the roads and the driving, I’m happy to hand that job over to someone else though, so the idea of a tour or a holiday with a driver organised to help you get around is a good one.

Kuoni can tailormake family holidays in Sri Lanka, or you can also find family-friendly holidays in Sri Lanka with TUI. Explore also runs group tours, including the nine-day Family Highlights of Sri Lanka for age 7+.

Exotic escape in Kerala

Winter is easily one of the best times to visit Kerala in southern India – head to the coast around Kochi and the temperatures are still in the high 20s-low 30sC, and even at night, you can expect it to stay around 20C.

If you do head into the hills around Munnar, expect it to be cooler but for the chance to explore the history of Fort Kochi without melting, or for a less humid cruise through the backwaters, the winter months are ideal.

There are plenty of golden sand beaches as well if you’re looking for a chance to relax. In fact, the whole of Kerala is incredibly chilled-out – India lite as an (Indian) friend of mine put it, which also makes it a great choice for a first family holiday in India.

When I visited in February, there was certainly as much winter sun as I could have hoped, and even if you only have time for a short trip, you can pack a lot into one week in Kerala, so it’s even an option for February half-term with school-age kids.

I arranged my own trip independently, sorting out accommodation in Kerala on Booking.com and arranging drivers separately – if you’d rather someone else organises the details, Kuoni can tailormake holidays to Kerala

USA

While there are plenty of places to discover off the beaten track if you’re looking for winter sun with kids, there are some family favourites which work just as well, including a holiday in the US.

Florida

It’s no secret that Florida is one of the top family-friendly destinations in the US. But did you know that it’s also one of the best places to visit during the winter months?

Being the southernmost state in the US, temperatures in Florida remain a sunny 25C all winter long. December is also the driest month of the year and humidity is at its lowest. That means it’s hot enough for lounging on the beach but not too uncomfortable to spend long days at the state’s many theme parks with little ones. 

Orlando is the heart of Florida’s theme park scene, with attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Resort, and Legoland Florida providing non-stop entertainment for kids of all ages. 

Or if theme parks aren’t for you, don’t miss the stunning beaches and tranquil waters of the Gulf Coast, the vibrant culture of colourful Miami, a more unusual Florida city break in Tampa or the pristine coral reefs of the Florida Keys.

TUI is a great place to start if you’re looking for family holiday packages in Florida, as well as British Airways Holidays. But you can also find some gorgeous villa accommodation in Florida from TopVillas

Adventure in Costa Rica

Every time I write a travel bucket list, Costa Rica features – and its dry season runs from mid December to April, so it’s also perfect for winter sun holidays for families.

I can’t imagine staying in one hotel and missing out on some of the fascinating things to see and do though – volcano, cloudforest, rainforest, two different coasts and beaches, coffee plantations plus wildlife galore – so a self-drive holiday is tempting

For more things to do in Costa Rica with kids, check out my top picks

Even my cautious daughter would love wandering the walkways through rainforest canopies to spot monkeys, sloths and tropical birds, while the thought of soaking in a natural hot spring after some intensive exploring suits me.

For older kids, you can try surfing and rafting, while there’s plenty of chance to relax on the sand after spotting some of Costa Rica’s wonderful wildlife.

To pack in as many of the country’s sights as possible, Explore has some great family-friendly tours of Costa Rica – the nine-day Family Costa Rica Highlights and the longer Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure are suitable for age 7+ (some activities for age 8+). Or build your own Costa Rica family adventure with Kuoni

Caribbean family holiday

It feels like we’re slowly working our way around the Caribbean – Aruba, Antigua, St Lucia, the Turks and Caicos islands – and those with direct flights from the UK are a great way to make long-haul travel with kids a bit easier.

Plus the winter months are drier with plenty of sun to brighten the dark days at home.

Aruba

If the powdery white sand beaches and shallow turquoise waters aren’t enough to tempt you to Aruba, the huge array of family-friendly activities will. 

From boat trips, snorkelling, and waterparks, to the intriguing natural cave formations of Arikok National Park and the island’s variety of unique wildlife – including flamingos, ostriches, donkeys, and butterflies – there’s more than enough to keep little ones entertained all trip.

Palm Beach is the best area to stay on the island with kids, with all the amenities and attractions you could need right on your doorstep.

We stayed at the Hilton Aruba for part of our trip, while TUI has a string of package holidays in Aruba and their own direct flights, as does British Airways Holidays

Antigua

For a mix of beautiful beaches and fascinating history, Antigua is another great family vacation option in the Caribbean. 

Famous for its 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – you won’t be short of somewhere to relax by the waves. Many of the island’s beaches have calm shallow waters that are ideal for enjoying some winter sun with babies and toddlers. 

There are plenty of historical attractions around the island to uncover with older children too, such as Nelson’s Dockyard, an 18th-century naval base once home to Nelson himself, ancient windmills, and the colourful ex-colonial buildings of the capital city St John’s.

British Airways Holidays has some great family holidays in Antigua in its Caribbean collection, or you can find villa accommodation with TopVillas and PlumGuide

St Lucia

St Lucia is definitely the most lush and diverse of the Caribbean Islands, with plenty of things to do for more active families.

The island is centred around the mighty Piton mountains, two volcanic peaks surrounded by rich rainforests. There are plenty of walking routes that offer fantastic views of the Pitons, including the amazing Tet Paul nature trail which is easily doable with kids and toddler friendly too.  

Other exciting family attractions include the world’s only drive-in volcano in Soufriere, thermal pools you can bathe in, thrilling jungle zip lines (for kids 4+), and delicious cacao plantation tours (yes, you get to eat chocolate!).

British Airways Holidays has some great all-inclusive family holidays in St Lucia, as well as other winter sun deals, while TUI’s family-friendly resorts in St Lucia are another great option. TopVillas has some great villas on the island too

Turks & Caicos

No matter what you’re looking for in your winter sun vacation, Turks & Caicos is sure to have it. The beautiful archipelago has numerous island breaks to choose from. 

Providenciales is the best place to base yourself with kids, with its many luxurious holiday resorts, exciting watersports, and stunning beaches. Grace Bay Beach has been voted the world’s most beautiful beach and is a fantastic place for kids to run around on the soft white sands and splash in crystal-clear waters. 

We stayed at Beaches Turks & Caicos, right on Grace Bay which is fantastic for families

Grand Turk is the place to go for interesting historical sights, while the tiny island of Salt Cay offers unspoiled natural beauty and a more peaceful and authentic atmosphere. 

Top Villas and PlumGuide have some lovely self-catering villa accommodation on Providenciales, while British Airways Holidays has package holidays to Turks & Caicos for families

Barbados

Barbados is one of the Caribbean’s top family-friendly destinations and a great place to enjoy some winter sun with little ones. Not only does the island have countless amazing family-friendly resorts and villas, but there’s plenty to do with kids of all ages too. 

Young animal lovers will enjoy spotting the monkeys at Barbados Wildlife Reserve, while the amazing 500,000-year-old Harrison’s Cave is definitely a must-visit. 

You can also take a cruise around the island to enjoy the beautiful waters or head underwater in a submarine to see the incredible coral reefs up close – great for little explorers who are too young to swim or snorkel yet.

Both British Airways Holidays and TUI have some great package holidays in Barbados for families, or you’ll find luxury self-catering accommodation with PlumGuide and TopVillas

Mexico

There’s more to the Caribbean than just the islands – and with the dry season falling between December and April and temperatures sitting in the high 20s to low 30s, winter is a fantastic time to visit Mexico. 

While there are plenty of fantastic places to explore all across the country, the beach resorts of the Riviera Maya (home to Cancun and Playa del Carmen) are our top recommendation for a spot of winter sun with kids.

The Riviera Maya is packed with upscale yet affordable family-friendly resorts, with beautiful ocean-facing pools and loads of fun activities for kids. The beaches have calm waters so are great for little ones to swim in. Plus there are plenty of day trips you can take to explore the nearby cenotes and the country’s many amazing historical ruins.

For family holidays in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, British Airways Holidays has some great deals, as well as more options for Mexico’s Caribbean coast from TUI. Or for your own private space, PlumGuide has some luxurious villas and self-catering accommodation in the Riviera Maya too.

Beach break in South East Asia

South-East Asia sometimes gets forgotten if you’re looking for a winter sun escape with kids – and while you do need to choose your destination carefully to get the best weather, it’s perfect for an exotic beach break or a family adventure.

Thailand

Thailand is a big bucket-list destination for many families. But did you know that the winter is actually a fantastic time to visit? 

November to February is the “cool season” in Thailand, with temperatures dropping to a balmy 30C, compared to the unbearable 40C+ “hot season”. Rainfall and humidity are also at their lowest, making it a much more comfortable time to visit with little ones.

When visiting the famous Thai islands in winter, you’ll want to stick to the likes of Phuket, Krabi, and Ko Phi Phi on the western coast though. The Andaman Sea is at its calmest, making it a great time to swim and snorkel with kids. It’s best to avoid the east coast islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao which are at risk of monsoons during this period.

Chiang Mai and northern Thailand are where you’ll find many of the country’s amazing temples and animal sanctuaries. However, February is “burning season,” which means the region is covered in a layer of smoke caused by agricultural burning, so avoid visiting the north of the country during this month if you can.

Explore has some great group tours of Thailand for families including options with some beach time, while Kuoni can tailormake your own perfect Thailand tour with kids.

There’s a great choice of Thailand trips from British Airways Holidays too, as well as luxury villas in Phuket from TopVillas

Cambodia

For a slightly less touristy destination than Thailand, head to neighbouring Cambodia. Winter is also the dry season here, with temperatures sitting in the high 20s and low humidity. 

The country has plenty of exciting activities for adventurous older children. You can explore the world-famous ruins at Angkor Wat, take the Bamboo Train at Battambang, go ziplining in the country’s lush jungles, and explore the many amazing national parks.

Or for a more traditional winter sun vacation with little ones, the tropical islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem have the same beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters as the Thai islands, just without the huge tourist crowds. 

Check out our two-week itinerary for Cambodia with kids, including Otres Beach (as an alternative mainland option to the country’s tropical islands) and Angkor Wat among other stops. We travelled with Stubborn Mule

Vietnam

Vietnam is a large country with several varying climates, so if you’re planning to travel around the country, it pays to think ahead. But in general, December to February is a good time to visit most parts of the country for some winter sun, although November may still be a little rainy in places.

There’s plenty for families to discover in Vietnam. The vibrant cities, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine are great for older children and teens. 

Families with babies and toddlers may want to stick to the more peaceful beach resorts of Phu Quoc or Danang. Nha Trang makes a better beach break for older kids thanks to its abundance of watersports and the huge VinWonders water park.

Kuoni’s South-East Asia team has some great advice to help create your family holiday in Vietnam, while Explore has several family-friendly tours of Vietnam, including options in the Christmas holidays

Malaysia

For winter sun in Malaysia, you’re going to want to stick to the mainland’s western coast. Winter is rainy season on the East Coast and the Malay Peninsula, so it’s best to avoid these.

But that still leaves plenty to do. Kuala Lumpur is a great city trip with older kids, with the colourful Batu Caves, vibrant Chinatown, and the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park – here’s how to spend 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

Or visit the island of Penang for delicious food, historical landmarks and temples, and several exciting theme parks.

The island archipelago of Langkawi is the place to go for beautiful beaches and stunning natural landscapes. From relaxing by the ocean to exploring many waterfalls and rainforests, Langkawi is a perfect winter sun destination for kids of all ages.

British Airways Holidays has trips which visit the capital and west coast of Malaysia, while Kuoni can also tailormake family holidays in Malaysia for some winter sun with kids

*First published 2019, last updated 2023*

PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST WINTER SUN WITH KIDS

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Cape Verde/Tunisia/Kenya/Maldives/Oman/Kerala/Aruba/Antigua/St Lucia/Turks & Caicos/Cambodia/Langkawi images copyright MummyTravels, all other images courtesy of Depositphotos

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