15 Best Countries to Visit in Winter for Snow, Sun, and Scenery
Winter is a magical season. For some, it’s about snowy mountains, cozy fires, and hot cocoa; for others, it’s about escaping the cold and finding sunshine somewhere tropical.
Whether you love snowflakes or sandy beaches, the world has a winter wonderland waiting for you. So pack your coat—or your swimsuit—and let’s explore the 15 best countries to visit in winter for every kind of traveler.
1. Switzerland – The Ultimate Winter Wonderland
If winter had a home, it would be Switzerland. Think chocolate-box villages, glacier-fed lakes, and Alpine peaks wrapped in snow.
Spend your days skiing in Zermatt with the Matterhorn in sight, or ride the Glacier Express, one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. For a fairytale vibe, stroll through Lucerne or Grindelwald, where every street looks like a postcard.
Top winter experiences:
- Skiing or snowboarding in Zermatt or St. Moritz
- Ice skating on Lake Geneva
- Cozy fondue nights in mountain chalets
💡 Traveler tip: Buy a Swiss Travel Pass—it covers trains, buses, and boats across the country and saves you a fortune.
2. Japan – Where Culture Meets Snow
Japan in winter is pure magic. From snow festivals in Hokkaido to the soothing hot springs (onsen) of Nagano, the country transforms into a blend of tradition and winter beauty.
If you love snow sports, Niseko offers world-class powder skiing. But even if skiing isn’t your thing, you’ll adore wandering Kyoto’s peaceful temples or soaking in outdoor hot springs surrounded by snow.
Top winter experiences:
- Witness the Sapporo Snow Festival (February)
- Watch snow monkeys bathe in hot springs at Jigokudani
- Try winter delicacies like ramen, crab, and hot sake
💡 Traveler tip: Japan’s winter is also its food season—try local specialties that only appear during the cold months.
3. Iceland – Land of Fire, Ice, and the Northern Lights
Few places capture winter’s drama like Iceland. Imagine frozen waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glowing auroras dancing across the sky.
The Golden Circle route lets you see geysers, glaciers, and national parks in one day. Warm up in the Blue Lagoon, then head out for a Northern Lights hunt—one of nature’s greatest shows.
Top winter experiences:
- Soak in natural hot springs
- Visit ice caves under Vatnajökull Glacier
- Go aurora chasing outside Reykjavík
💡 Traveler tip: Pack waterproof boots—the weather changes fast and unpredictably.
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4. Austria – Fairytale Towns and Snowy Peaks
Austria is Europe’s winter sweetheart. Its charming villages, Christmas markets, and snow-covered Alps make it the perfect destination for romance and adventure.
In Vienna, the smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine fills the air. In Innsbruck or Salzburg, you can ski by day and enjoy classical music by night.
Top winter experiences:
- Explore Christmas markets in Vienna and Salzburg
- Ski the Austrian Alps
- Visit Hallstatt, one of the prettiest winter villages on Earth
💡 Traveler tip: Try local dishes like kaiserschmarrn (sweet pancake) and glühwein (mulled wine) to warm up after a day in the snow.
5. Finland – Sleep Under the Northern Lights
Finland takes winter to another level. Up in Lapland, you can ride a reindeer sleigh, meet Santa Claus, and even sleep in a glass igloo while the Northern Lights shimmer above.
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa, while Kemi offers an incredible snow castle hotel built fresh every year.
Top winter experiences:
- Stay in an Arctic glass igloo
- Go husky sledding across snowy forests
- Watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky
💡 Traveler tip: Finnish winters are extreme—temperatures can drop below -20°C. Dress in layers and embrace the sauna culture!
6. Norway – Northern Lights and Frozen Fjords
Norway in winter feels cinematic—dramatic fjords, cozy wooden cabins, and Arctic skies painted in green light.
Base yourself in Tromsø for Northern Lights tours, or take a winter cruise along the coast with the Hurtigruten line. For a quieter experience, explore the Lofoten Islands, where snow meets sea.
Top winter experiences:
- Northern Lights safaris
- Dog sledding in Tromsø
- Winter kayaking through fjords
💡 Traveler tip: Norway is pricey—self-catering cabins can help save on meals.
7. Canada – Snowy Adventures and City Comforts
If you’re from North America, Canada is your ultimate winter playground. From Banff’s turquoise lakes turned to ice to Québec City’s European charm, every region offers something unique.
Whistler and Mont Tremblant are ski havens, while Montréal’s Igloofest transforms the city into a giant outdoor party.
Top winter experiences:
- Ice skating in Ottawa’s Rideau Canal
- Dog sledding in Banff National Park
- Stay in the famous Ice Hotel in Québec
💡 Traveler tip: Winter festivals are huge in Canada—plan around them for a local vibe.
8. Italy – Winter Without the Crowds
Italy in winter is underrated. It’s quieter, cheaper, and just as stunning. Rome’s ruins glow softly in the low sun, Venice’s canals are peaceful, and the Dolomites offer incredible skiing and mountain views.
Top winter experiences:
- Explore Rome’s historic sites with fewer tourists
- Ski in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Visit Venice during the Carnival (February)
💡 Traveler tip: Southern Italy stays mild—ideal if you want a European trip without freezing temperatures.
9. France – From Paris to the Peaks
Winter brings out two faces of France: romantic Paris and snowy alpine escapes. Wander through the city of lights with fewer crowds, or head to Chamonix and Courchevel for luxury skiing.
Top winter experiences:
- Sip hot chocolate by the Eiffel Tower
- Ski in the French Alps
- Experience the Festival of Lights in Lyon
💡 Traveler tip: Winter sales in France (Les Soldes) make January great for fashion shopping.
10. New Zealand – Summer While It’s Winter Elsewhere
While most of the world is wrapped in scarves, New Zealand is soaking up sunshine. December to February is its summer, making it ideal for a winter escape from the Northern Hemisphere.
Top experiences:
- Hike through Fiordland and Milford Sound
- Road-trip through the South Island
- Enjoy beaches in the Bay of Islands
💡 Traveler tip: Rent a campervan—it’s the best way to explore at your own pace.
11. Thailand – Sunshine, Temples, and Thai Food
Thailand is one of the best warm winter getaways for travelers from the US and Europe. The weather is dry and perfect, the beaches are gorgeous, and the food is unforgettable.
From Chiang Mai’s mountain temples to Phuket’s golden beaches, you can mix culture, relaxation, and adventure all in one trip.
Top winter experiences:
- Island-hop between Phi Phi and Krabi
- Attend Chiang Mai’s lantern festivals
- Indulge in Thai street food
💡 Traveler tip: Avoid the peak crowds around Christmas—visit early December or February for quieter beaches.
12. Mexico – Close, Colorful, and Warm
Looking for sunshine without the long flight? Mexico is your answer. It offers beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities all rolled into one.
Relax on the beaches of Cancún or Tulum, explore Mayan ruins in Chichén Itzá, or wander through the colorful alleys of Guanajuato.
Top winter experiences:
- Swim in cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula
- Visit the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe celebrations (December)
- Feast on tacos al pastor in Mexico City
💡 Traveler tip: Visit smaller towns like Valladolid for authentic culture away from resort crowds.
13. Morocco – Desert Warmth and Ancient Charm
Morocco offers the warmth and exotic adventure every winter traveler dreams of. Explore Marrakech’s souks, Chefchaouen’s blue alleys, or take a camel trek in the Sahara Desert.
Top winter experiences:
- Camp overnight in the Sahara under the stars
- Visit the Atlas Mountains for mild snow hikes
- Explore ancient medinas and riads
💡 Traveler tip: Winter days are warm, but desert nights get cold—bring layers!
14. Costa Rica – Sunshine and Adventure
Costa Rica is paradise for nature lovers. Winter is dry season here, which means perfect weather for beaches, rainforests, and volcano adventures.
Top winter experiences:
- Zipline through Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Spot sloths and monkeys in Manuel Antonio
- Surf in Tamarindo
💡 Traveler tip: Book eco-lodges—they’re sustainable and often include guided jungle tours.
15. United States – A Winter for Every Mood
You don’t need to cross oceans for great winter travel. The US offers everything from snow to surf.
- Aspen, Colorado: Luxury skiing and mountain chalets
- New York City: Holiday magic and Broadway shows
- Hawaii: Warm beaches and lush hikes
- Lake Tahoe: Perfect blend of snow and serenity
Traveler tip: Traveling domestically? Off-peak January flights can be 30–40% cheaper.
Final Thoughts: Choose Your Kind of Winter Escape
Winter travel isn’t one-size-fits-all. You might crave snowy adventures in Switzerland or sunny beaches in Thailand—but what matters is experiencing the world when it feels fresh and quiet.So whether you’re chasing aurora skies, Christmas markets, or tropical sunsets, these 15 best countries to visit in winter will give you unforgettable stories, one snowflake (or beach wave) at a time.
