If you feel drained during winter, you’re deffo not alone 🫠 Less daylight, cloudy skies and colder temps have a major impact on your brain and your body clock, and ofc travelling to and from work in the dark is going to get you down. You might see this time of year as a blocker to the things that make you feel good, too, like not feeling up for a solo run through the park or staying out late for drinks. You’re more likely to experience low moods and pick the sofa over socialising, which is why it’s even more important than usual to prioritise your wellness and practise self-care… It’s not you – it’s the seasonal scaries.
You’ve already seen solutions like sunrise lamps and LED light masks all over your socials. Sure, they might work, but one thing we reckon is ✨ guaranteed ✨ to make you feel better is getting a change of scenery and escaping to somewhere that isn’t all grey and gloom. The shortest day of the year for us falls in December, meanwhile it’s summer in other parts of the world, which means they’re busy enjoying all those glorious daylight hours rn. Plus, some places close to the equator have good weather and long days all year round – selfish much?
Feeling the sun on your face and spending time outside is obvs amazing for the soul, and it makes an actual difference to your body, too. Short bursts of natural light alter your brain chemistry in a good way, so imagine what a whole week of it could do… You’ll feel super refreshed and reenergised – think sea swims, fresh food and lively local markets. Plus, planning activities and giving yourself something to look forward to is a serious mood-booster to help get you through the winter months. It’s basically therapy…
So, swap the spenny synthetic light solutions for some real sunlight. Here’s a list of the best destinations for swerving the seasonal slump, ft. spots that all get 10+ hours of light a day during the winter.
Goa, India
Goa’s got sunshine for days in December. We’re talking around 11 hours of daylight, temps in the mid-30s and it’s also dry season – AKA perfect beach weather. Where to stay depends on the type of trip you’re after. North Goa brings the energy – beach shacks, buzzy markets and a social vibe that’s ideal for lifting your spirits. South Goa slows things right down with wide, calm beaches, boutique hotels and a softer pace. If quiet mornings, barefoot walks and a peaceful headspace is what you need, this is where you’ll find it.
Goa’s yoga and wellness scene’s a win for resetting your brain, too. Start your day with a class overlooking the ocean or join a meditation sesh on the sand. Decembers here also deliver unique festive feels, thanks to Goa’s Portuguese heritage and Christian community. Colourful decs and local celebrations take over towns, and we bet warm evenings, beach time and curry for dins weren’t on your Christmas bingo card for this year.
Dubai, UAE
Winter? Dubai doesn’t know her. In December, it gets roughly 10 hours of daylight and the type of sunshine the UK only dreams of. The combo of beachy and urban is the perf environment for blowing away the cobwebs – its skyscrapers, beach clubs and palm-lined streets couldn’t feel further away from the gloomy settings back home.
Days here can swing from dune-boarding in the desert to topping up your tan on a yacht, then finishing with dinner at a boujie rooftop restaurant. If you thrive when you’re booked and busy, you’ll never get bored. This city ticks off everything, from epic waterparks to luxe shopping districts and romantic river cruises. Or, if you’d rather set your pace to ‘slow’, treat yourself to a five-star stay, get booked into a spa and admire the skyline from your lounger. It’s totally up to you.
Mexico
If you’re tryna get your spark back, Mexico’s the one. On average, days here get 11 hours of light and temperatures sit around 25°C in December – prime conditions for switching it up between sightseeing and soaking up the sun. Head to Mexico City and the buzz will sort you right out – it’s all music, art, food and nightlife. If spicy margs and the tastiest tacos ever don’t snap you out of your slump, nothing will…
Craving beach? Make your way to the Caribbean Coast for blue water, white sand and swaying palms – this place’s the blueprint for the best clichés. The visibility’s next level in December, too, so now’s the time for snorkelling and scuba diving. Inland, you can explore Mayan ruins, hike through the jungle and cool off with a swim in sacred cenotes. Big names like Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Cancun are where you’ll find the mega beachfront resorts and they tend to come All Inclusive as standard, so you can leave all the stress back home.
The Canary Islands
If your body and brain are begging for sun but you don’t want to commit to long haul, the Canary Islands are a great shout. December days see around 10 hours of light – and a good 7 of those hours tend to be sunny. The thermometer hovers in the low-20s, which is warm enough for pool and beach time, but also comfy enough for long hikes through the lunar-like terrain and wandering around local towns. It’s no surprise Brits have been spending winter here for decades.
You already love Tenerife and Gran Canaria – they’re the big, buzzy bois with plenty going on. Send it down waterslides in Siam Park, stroll down the glitzy strip in Playa de las Americas or party until the AM in Maspalomas. For something more low-key, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote hit the sweet spot with quieter towns, volcanic landscapes and miles of soft sand. And if you really want to switch off, head to La Gomera or La Palma – both fly pretty far under the radar, so they meet the brief for getting away from it all.
Dominican Republic
With around 11 hours of light a day in December and tropical weather, the Dominican Republic’s the perfect setting for waking up your sleepy winter brain. Life here’s all about taking it easy – settle into island time, spend your days on the sand sipping rum punch, then evenings are for listening to reggaeton beats in laidback beach bars. Find a stronger dose of serotonin, we’ll wait…
Resorts in Punta Cana and La Romana put you right on some of the best beaches in the Caribbean – imagine long stretches of pale sand, tall palms and HD-clear water made for melting your stress away. If you’re feeling a bit too relaxed, there’s zip-lining through the rainforest, kayaking through mangrove lagoons and exploring UNESCO sites in Santa Domingo.
Swap your UGGs for Birks and swerve the seasonal scaries with our Winter Sun deals.
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Author and pronouns: Daisy Colley (she/her)
Last updated: 01/12/2025
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