Okay! Winter is approaching in most countries, and people are making extensive preparations to enjoy this season. So, why not you? There are numerous developed and beautiful countries that we should visit at least once in our lifetime. There are numerous flights available from India to visit any of the countries mentioned below.
What are you waiting for? It’s high time you explored the captivating views of the places with your spouse, friends, or family. Get all the necessary information, like how to visit, what to eat, things to do, events to attend, weather, etc., in this blog.
Here is a list of the 13 best countries to visit this winter:
1. Switzerland
Switzerland, located in the heart of Europe, is a winter paradise renowned for its snow-capped mountains, and charming towns. The country’s well-preserved medieval architecture adds to its allure, making it a top destination for winter getaways.
Things to Do:
- Go skiing or snowboarding in the Swiss Alps.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. Gall Abbey.
- Take a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne.
- Ice skate on frozen lakes like Lake Zurich.
- Explore the Swiss Grand Canyon (Ruinaulta) and Christmas markets in Zurich or Geneva.
Events to attend:
- Christmas markets in Zurich and Geneva.
- Basel Fasnacht (Carnival) is held in February.
Weather:
Winter temperatures in Switzerland range from -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F), perfect for snow activities.
Food:
Indulge in Swiss fondue, raclette, and Rösti. Pair your meals with Swiss hot chocolate or mulled wine from local markets.
How to Reach from India:
Direct flights are available from major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai to Zurich and Geneva. The journey takes about 8–10 hours.
2. Norway
Norway in northern Europe transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the colder months. Famous for the northern lights, fjords, and charming fishing villages, it’s an ideal destination for adventurers and nature lovers seeking Arctic beauty.
Things to Do:
- Chase the Northern Lights in Tromsø.
- Dog-sledding and snowmobiling in Svalbard.
- Explore the fjords of Bergen and take a scenic train ride on the Flåm Railway.
- Ice fishing and snowshoeing in the Arctic wilderness.
Events to Attend:
- Northern Lights Festival in Tromsø.
- Røros Winter Market, showcasing traditional Norwegian crafts.
Weather:
Temperatures range from -5°C to 2°C (23°F to 36°F), with the northern regions being colder.
Food:
Try traditional dishes like rakfisk (fermented fish), lamb stew, and cloudberry desserts. Norway’s seafood is fresh and flavorful.
How to Reach from India:
Fly from India to Oslo, Norway’s capital, via major airlines. Flights take around 9–11 hours, often with one layover.
3. Japan
Japan is a blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels, and in winter, it offers unique experiences like snow festivals, hot springs, and skiing resorts. With snow-covered winter festivals, Japan’s beauty in winter is truly captivating.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival for elaborate ice sculptures.
- Soak in the hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park with the snow monkeys.
- Explore the illuminated Shirakawa-go village.
- Ski in Niseko, one of the world’s best skiing destinations.
Events to Attend:
- Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido.
- The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival showcases lantern-lit streets and canals.
Weather:
Winter temperatures vary, with Hokkaido being the coldest (-6°C to 3°C), while southern Japan remains milder (1°C to 10°C).
Food:
Feast on winter specialties like nabe (hotpot), ramen, and tempura. Warm up with a cup of sake or matcha tea.
How to Reach from India:
Direct flights from India to Tokyo or Osaka take around 7–9 hours. Hokkaido requires a domestic flight or train from Tokyo.
4. Canada
Canada’s vast winter land, from its rugged Rockies to beautiful towns, are perfect for cold-weather adventures. This North American country is famous for its winter sports, frozen lakes, and cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Things to Do:
Ski in Whistler, one of Canada’s premier ski resorts.
Ice skate on the frozen Rideau Canal in Ottawa.
Explore Banff National Park’s icy lakes and wildlife.
Attend the Quebec Winter Carnival, one of the world’s largest.
Events to Attend:
- Quebec Winter Carnival.
- Toronto Christmas Market and Vancouver Winter Festivals.
Weather:
Temperatures vary drastically depending on the region. The range is from -15°C to 5°C (5°F to 41°F) in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, and colder in the northern regions.
Food:
Warm up with poutine, butter tarts, and Nanaimo bars. Don’t miss out on local maple syrup treats!
How to Reach from India:
Direct flights from Delhi to Toronto or Vancouver take about 14–16 hours. Connecting flights are available to smaller Canadian cities.
5. Austria
Austria is a picturesque country known for its stunning Alpine villages, imperial history, and classical music. In winter, Austria offers world-renowned ski resorts and charming Christmas markets, making it a magical European destination.
Things to Do:
- Experience skiing in Innsbruck or Kitzbühel, two of Austria’s most renowned resorts.
- Visit the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
- Experience the Vienna Opera or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through snowy streets.
- Wander through festive Christmas markets in Salzburg or Vienna.
Events to Attend:
- Vienna Ball Season.
- Salzburg Christmas Markets.
Weather:
Austria experiences cold winters, with temperatures from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Ski regions may experience much colder weather.
Food:
Delight in Austrian specialities like Wiener Schnitzel, apple strudel, and hot mulled wine.
How to Reach from India:
Direct flights are available from India to Vienna, with a flight time of about 8–9 hours. Travelers can also connect via other European hubs.
6. Finland
Finland, located in northern Europe, is renowned for its magical winter experiences, including the Northern Lights and Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. It offers a deep connection with nature.
Things to Do
- Witness the Northern Lights in Lapland.
- Enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride or snowmobiling.
- Explore Helsinki’s Christmas markets.
- Stay in a glass igloo to experience the Arctic winter sky.
Events to Attend
- Christmas festivities at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
- Helsinki Christmas Market in December.
Weather
Winter in Finland is cold, with temperatures ranging between -10°C and -30°C in Lapland. Expect snowy, crisp days—perfect for winter sports—and cozy evenings by the fire.
What to Eat
Indulge in Finnish favorites like reindeer meat, pastries (karjalanpiirakka), and salmon soup.
How to Reach from India
Helsinki is well connected by flights from Delhi and Mumbai, usually via layovers in cities like Frankfurt or Helsinki itself.
7. Iceland
Iceland, located in the North Atlantic, is a winter wonderland known for its geysers, volcanoes, and glaciers. Visiting Iceland in winter offers a surreal experience, especially with fewer crowds and the chance to witness the Northern Lights.
Things to Do
- Bathe in the blue lagoon, a geothermal spa.
- Explore the Golden Circle, a route that includes Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir.
- Go ice caving or glacier hiking.
- Chase the Northern Lights.
Events to Attend
- Reykjavík International Film Festival (late winter).
- Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík.
Weather
Winter temperatures hover between -1°C and 5°C. Despite the cold, the country’s geothermal activity keeps parts of the landscape warm and steamy.
What to Eat
Sample Icelandic lamb soup, seafood, and Skyr (a traditional yoghurt-like dish).
How to Reach from India
Flights from India to Iceland typically have layovers in cities like London or Frankfurt with connections to Reykjavík.
9. France
France is an enchanting destination during the winter, especially if you want to enjoy a combination of festive markets, historic cities, and world-class skiing in the Alps. Paris, the city of lights, looks wonderful during the holiday season.
Things to Do
- Explore the Christmas markets in Paris, Strasbourg, and Lyon.
- Go skiing in the French Alps.
- Visit the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower.
- Enjoy winter walks along the Seine River.
Events to Attend
- The Strasbourg Christmas Market is among the oldest and most renowned in Europe.
- Festival of Lights in Lyon (Fête des Lumières).
Weather
In winter, temperatures in Paris range from 2°C to 8°C, while the Alps are much colder, perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
What to Eat
Warm up with classic French winter dishes like raclette, fondue, and boeuf bourguignon. Don’t forget to enjoy a glass of mulled wine at the Christmas markets.
How to Reach from India
Direct flights arrive in Paris from Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai, making it an accessible winter destination.
9. Thailand
Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is a tropical paradise known for its beautiful beaches. A winter visit is ideal because of the pleasant weather, making it perfect for exploring temples, islands, and markets.
Things to Do:
- Relax at the beaches of Phuket and Krabi.
- Explore Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
- Visit the floating markets and enjoy island hopping.
- Experience Chiang Mai’s traditional lantern festivals.
Events to attend:
- Loi Krathong (Festival of Lights in November).
- New Year’s Eve celebrations on the beach.
Weather:
Winter brings cooler and drier weather, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C.
What to Eat:
Thai street food is a must try, especially Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), and Tom Yum soup.
How to Reach from India:
Direct flights are available from major Indian cities to Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Flight duration is approximately 3 to 4 hours.
10. Italy
Italy, located in Southern Europe, offers a mix of art, and history. Winter adds a magical touch, especially with festive markets and fewer tourists.
Things to Do:
- Visit historical landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican in Rome.
- Explore the canals of Venice.
- Go skiing in the Italian Alps.
- Experience Tuscany’s countryside.
Events to Attend:
Christmas markets in Florence and Milan.
New Year’s Eve fireworks in Venice.
Weather:
Italy’s winter temperatures range from 3°C to 12°C. Northern regions can be chilly, while southern parts like Sicily are milder.
What to Eat:
Feast on Italian classics like pizza, pasta, and risotto, along with winter treats like Panettone during Christmas.
How to Reach from India:
Flights from major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai) to Rome or Milan take around 8–9 hours.
11. Dubai
Dubai in the UAE is a luxurious destination known for its modern architecture, shopping, and desert. Winter is the perfect time to visit due to its comfortable climate.
Things to Do:
- Visit iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.
- Enjoy desert safaris and dune bashing.
- Shop at Dubai Mall and the traditional Gold Souk.
- Attend cultural shows at Dubai Opera.
Events to Attend:
- Dubai Shopping Festival (December–January).
- New Year’s Eve fireworks at Burj Khalifa.
Weather:
Winter brings temperatures around 14°C to 24°C, ideal for outdoor activities.
What to Eat:
Try Middle Eastern cuisine, including shawarma, falafel, and local desserts like baklava.
How to Reach from India:
Dubai is just 3–4 hours by flight from India, with multiple direct flights daily from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
12. Bhutan
Bhutan, a Himalayan kingdom, is known for its monasteries, and dzongs. Winter offers clear skies and a peaceful atmosphere.
Things to Do:
- Trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
- Visit the Punakha Dzong in Thimphu’s Buddha Dordenma statue.
- Enjoy birdwatching and winter festivals.
- Hike through pristine nature trails.
Events to Attend:
- Punakha Drubchen Festival (early winter).
- Traditional Bhutanese archery tournaments.
Weather:
Winter in Bhutan is cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 15°C, especially in higher altitudes.
What to Eat:
Bhutanese cuisine includes Ema Datshi (chilli and cheese), momos, and butter tea.
How to Reach from India:
Paro is the main entry point, with direct flights from cities like Delhi and Kolkata. Overland entry via Phuentsholing is also possible.
13. Malaysia
Malaysia is a blend of modern cities and beautiful natural land, from the beaches of Langkawi to the rainforests of Borneo. Winter is the dry season, making it ideal for outdoor exploration.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Petronas Towers and Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur.
- Explore the UNESCO-listed city of GeorgeTown, Penang.
- Relax on the beaches of Langkawi.
- Discover wildlife in the Borneo rainforests.
Events to Attend:
- Chinese New Year celebrations in January.
- Thaipusam Festival at Batu Caves.
Weather:
Winter temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C, with less rainfall than other seasons.
What to Eat:
Sample Nasi Lemak, Laksa, and Roti Canai. Don’t miss the street food in Penang.
How to Reach from India:
Direct flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai to Kuala Lumpur take about 4–5 hours.
Conclusion
Winter is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to plan your next adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of snowy landscapes or tropical beaches, there are numerous countries just a flight away from India that offer unforgettable winter experiences. From the festive charm of Europe to the cultural vibrancy of Southeast Asia, here’s a list of the top 13 countries you should explore this winter.
