The best destinations for winter sun

Chile is located in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning summer in Santiago occurs between November and January. That makes UK wintertime the perfect time to plan a trip to this South American city, where you can enjoy average temperatures of 19.1°C and a glorious 9.25 hours of sunshine per day.

With an average of only 4 mm of rainfall at this time of year, you can get out and explore everything Santiago has to offer without worrying about rain dampening your plans. There’s plenty to explore here, too, from wandering the city’s many attractions, like the beautiful Plaza de Armas, to hiking, biking, or horseback riding through the nearby Andes Mountains.

Of course, a holiday to Chile isn’t complete without a visit to one of the vineyards in Chile’s biggest wine region, Valle de Maipo, which surrounds the city of Santiago. Cabernet Sauvignon in the sun, anyone?

Cape Town is another city south of the Equator, meaning summer peaks here while the UK is deep in the gloom of winter. The South African capital promises an average temperature of 19.9°C at this time of year and 10.25 hours of sunshine per day – which is more than any other city on the list.

It’s a great destination for a relaxing beach holiday, with 10 of Cape Town’s beaches awarded Blue Flag status thanks to sparklingly clean sands and waters. Camps Bay is the most famous, offering beautiful white sands and stunning views while you soak up that winter sun.

If you’re after a little more adventure, why not combine a Cape Town holiday with a South African Safari? Whether you go at it alone or opt for a guided tour of the country’s wildlife reserves, you’re guaranteed the trip of a lifetime.

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy all of Dubai’s many wonders. The city’s winter months are the same as in the UK, but offer much warmer weather: the average temperature during this time of year is a very pleasant 24.6°C, making it one of the warmest winter destinations on the list (and much more enjoyable than summertime, when temperatures often soar above 40°C).

Attractions in Dubai receive an impressive rating of 4.5/5 on average, and there are plenty of them to keep you busy. Try your hand at kitesurfing or jet-skiing at one of the city’s beaches, stop by the famous Burj Khalifa and admire the views from the world’s tallest building, or even head out into the nearby desert for a dune buggy ride.

Whether you’re after a romantic couples’ getaway or a fun-filled family trip to beat the winter blues, a holiday to Dubai promises an unforgettable adventure.

Cambodia is a fairly small country, but it has a lot to offer visitors. Its capital city, Phnom Penh, tends to be the more popular destination, but the resort town of Siem Reap is the perfect choice for a winter backpacking break in this beautiful country.

Promising 8.25 hours of sunshine per day on average and only 19.5 mm of rainfall throughout winter, the weather in Siem Reap is just as delightful as its many cultural offerings. It’s most famous for its spectacular temples, including Angkor Wat, which has been named the largest religious structure in the world by the Guinness World Records.

There are plenty of vibrant markets to get lost in, too, as well as the renowned ‘Pub Street’, a neon-lit strip of lively bars and restaurants that’s an absolute must-visit. You can even meander along the Siem Reap river that winds its way through the city – just don’t forget to pack your mosquito repellent!

Located just a stone’s throw away from Dubai, Doha enjoys a very similar climate – meaning the slightly milder winter months are the ideal time to visit. A trip to Qatar’s vibrant capital will treat you to temperatures of around 24°C between October and January, with an average of 8.75 hours of Arabian sunshine.

Make the most of the sunshine by riding on a traditional wooden dhow boat around the harbour or strolling around the Corniche - a pedestrianised waterfront space that offers dazzling views across crystal-clear water.

Why not check out the Museum of Islamic Art while you’re there to soak up some culture alongside the sunshine?

Cape Town is your best bet if you’re keen to soak up as much vitamin D as possible on your winter holiday. This South African gem sees an average of 10.25 hours of sunshine per day between October and January. For reference, that’s over eight hours more than the two hours of daily sunshine that London gets at this time of year.

Santiago, Chile, comes in second with 9.25 daily sunshine hours on average, followed by Abu Dhabi, UAE with 9.