Comparisons
Winter sun in Asia from the UK: where to go from November to March
Five warm, dry escapes for the British winter, and which coast to pick in each.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Thailand's Andaman coast, the Maldives, Sri Lanka's south and west coasts, southern Vietnam and Langkawi in Malaysia are all dry and warm from December to March.
- In Sri Lanka, pick the south and west coasts in winter; the east coast is at its best from April to September.
- In Vietnam, head south in winter: the north is cool and Hoi An and central Vietnam are wet until about January.
| Thailand (Phuket, Krabi) | Nov–Apr |
|---|---|
| Maldives | Nov–Apr |
| Sri Lanka south and west | Dec–Mar |
| Southern Vietnam | Dec–Apr |
| Langkawi, Malaysia | Dec–Mar |
Thailand
The classic choice. Phuket, Krabi and the islands around Phi Phi are calm, sunny and dry from November to April, and Bangkok makes an easy city stop on the way.
Maldives
Winter is the dry season, with flat seas and excellent visibility for snorkelling. Mix a few nights on a local island with a resort stay to keep costs down.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so one coast is always good. From December to March the south and west coasts, such as Galle, Mirissa and Bentota, are dry and the seas are calm, which is also whale-watching season off Mirissa.
Southern Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc island are dry and hot from December to April. The north, including Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, is cool and often grey in winter, so pack layers if you combine both.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Malaysia's west-coast island is driest from December to March, with duty-free shopping, rainforest cable cars and easy halal food.
Frequently asked questions
Where is hot in Asia in January?
Thailand's Andaman coast, the Maldives, Sri Lanka's south and west coasts, southern Vietnam and Langkawi are all warm and dry in January.
Which side of Sri Lanka is best in winter?
The south and west coasts, from December to March. The east coast is best from April to September.
Is Vietnam good for winter sun?
Southern Vietnam is, from December to April. The north is cool and central Vietnam can be wet until about January.
