As we enter the pointy end of summer, naturally, we’re all desperately trying to prolong our tans, enjoy post-work beach visits and draw out those sunny days as much as possible. But don’t you just wish it could be summer all year long?
Think about it: No dragging yourself out of bed on a freezing cold morning, no eyewatering heating bills, no bulky jumpers and jackets. Just warmth and sunshine as far as the eye can see!
Lucky for you, we’ve done all the hard work and found nine gloriously summery destinations to keep the good times rolling well beyond the end of February.
1. Phuket, Thailand
It’s easy to see why Phuket is one of the most visited destinations by Aussie travellers. From the aquamarine waters and bustling nightlife of Patong Beach to the Insta-worthy, gravity-defying landscape of Phang Nga Bay, there’s something for everyone. It’s nearby, affordable, and best of all, it’s summer all year ’round – we’re talking 30°C every day. Phuket is prone to heavy rains throughout September and October, but for a monsoonal island, it manages to avoid most of the rough weather that tends to batter its neighbours.
2. Cancún, Mexico
If you’ve ever wanted to get a glimpse into the luxe lives of your fave celebs, simply pay a visit to Cancún. Located on the breathtaking Yucatán Peninsula, this glamorous city offers pristine Caribbean beaches to explore, spectacular ancient Mayan sites to satisfy your inner history buff and incredible restaurants, bars and nightclubs to keep you busy. Average highs hover around the 28°C mark (with lows around 22°C) throughout the year, meaning it’s beach weather pretty much every day, save for the rainy months of August through October.
3. Bali, Indonesia
Yet another Aussie fave, Bali is the gift that keeps on giving. With its sprawling beaches, lush forests, picturesque rice fields and plenty of Instagram photo ops (not to mention what great value it is) it’s no surprise Bali continues to attract new and repeat visitors. You’ll be safe to hit the pool every day thanks to its tropical climate, which sees average temps of about 27°C throughout the year. The wet season is November to March, and though it does rain often, it usually clears up quickly, so you won’t have that poncho out for long.
4. Darwin, Australia
Why go overseas to escape an Aussie winter when you can just head to the Top End instead? Darwin – and the awe-inspiring Kakadu National Park beyond – offer sights every Australian has to experience at least once in their lives. Whether you’re into shopping, history, aboriginal culture or exploring stunning beaches and rugged landscapes, Darwin is the gateway to it all. Average highs are around 32°C (with lows of about 23°C) and though it rains – and storms! – frequently during the wet season (November to April), in the dry season, while the rest of the country is feeling the chill, Darwin is beautiful, warm and sunny.
5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Looking for a holiday where you can both relax and channel your inner dancing girl emoji (💃)? Rio has you covered. Not only does this former Olympic host city boasts one of the world’s most vibrant club scenes, but it’s also home to two of the most famous beaches on the planet (Copacabana and Ipanema) and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (Christ the Redeemer). Its glorious sunsets and hypnotic samba beats continue all year long, along with the warm temps – the coldest monthly average (July) is a balmy 21°C!
6. Dubai, UAE
Want to avoid both the cold and the rain? You won’t find much of either in Dubai. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, this modern, metropolitan city is heaven on earth for shopaholics, foodies and lovers of the finer things in life. Even if you’ve visited hundreds of cities across the world, we can guarantee you’ve never seen one quite like Dubai. Average highs range from 24°C in January to a stifling 42°C in August, and it rains just five days a year, so you’re safe to leave the brolly at home.
7. Hawaii, US
Say ‘aloha’ to long days of golden rays, comfortable warmth and all the best of the US (without actually having to go to the mainland) with a Hawaiian holiday! Whether you like your trips packed with shopping, eating, surfing or exploring, you’ll find it in this spectacular cluster of islands. Hawaii differs from most tropical destinations in that it still has a summer and winter – they’re just very similar to each other, that’s all! The average temp is a glorious 29°C in summer and a pleasant 26°C in winter, but the water is warm all year long.
8. Goa, India
There’s so much more to India than just the Taj Mahal, and the jaw-dropping seaside state of Goa is proof. Its Portuguese colonial heritage blended with everything we love about Indian culture makes for a truly unique experience – think European-inspired architecture, Indian spice farms, fresh seafood, sandy beaches and lush, green forests. It’s also super affordable (a night in a three-star hotel will set you back less than $50) and wonderfully warm – in fact, day time temps rarely go below 30°C. Just keep an eye out for the monsoon season from June to September – when it rains, it pours.
9. El Nido, Philippines
If you ask us, the Philippines is criminally underrated as a holiday destination – El Nido in particular. Located on Palawan Island, this municipality gives Phuket and Bali a serious run for their money. The gateway to the remarkable Bacuit Archipelago, El Nido is all crystal-clear water, white sand and unspoilt natural beauty, and it’s somewhere you’ll want to visit soon before it becomes overrun with tourists. The average minimum temperature is 22°C with maximums around 33°C, and it’s generally quite dry, with the exception of the wet season from June to October.
Desperate to keep those good summer vibes rolling? Start planning your mid-year escape today and avoid the chilly Australian winter by heading over to Scoopon Holidays to nab a warm-weather vacay for less!
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