Skip to content

Top Navigation

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Trip Inspiration
  • Plan Your Trip
  • World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises
  • Travel Tips
  • News
  • Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Explore

    Explore

    • World's Best

      World's Best

      The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Read More Next
    • The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021

      The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021

      Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2021. Read More Next
    • Let's Go Together Podcast

      Let's Go Together Podcast

      Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Hosted by Kellee Edwards. Read More Next
  • Trip Inspiration

    Trip Inspiration

    • Trip Ideas
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Spring Travel
    • Summer Travel
    • Fall Travel
    • Winter Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Luxury Travel
    • Beach Vacations
    • Adventure Travel
    • Road Trips
    • Family Travel
    • National Parks
    • Holiday Travel
    • Travel Photography
    • Photo of the Day
    • Culture and Design
  • Plan Your Trip

    Plan Your Trip

    Norwegian Cruise Line Will Require Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

    Norwegian Cruise Line Will Require Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

    Norwegian Cruise Line hopes to resume sailing out of the U.S. on or around July 4.
    • Travel Deals
    • Attractions
    • BookTandL.com
    • Amusement Parks
    • Festivals and Events
    • Bus and Trains
    • Flight Deals
    • Budget Travel
    • Hotels and Resorts
    • Disney Vacations
    • Airlines and Airports
    • Ground Transportation
    • Travel Guides
  • World's Best

    World's Best

    • Top Hotels
    • Top Cities
    • Top Islands
    • Domestic Airlines
    • International Airlines
    • Tours
    • Safaris
    • See All World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises

    Cruises

    • Find A Cruise
    • Caribbean Cruises
    • River Cruises
    • European Cruises
    • All-Inclusive Cruises
    • Family Cruises
    • Alaskan Cruises
    • Disney Cruises
    • See All Cruise Vacations
  • Travel Tips

    Travel Tips

    • Travel Trends
    • Packing Tips
    • Points + Miles
    • Budgeting + Currency
    • Customs + Immigration
    • Responsible Travel
    • Travel Etiquette
    • Travel Warnings
    • Weather
    • Mobile Apps
    • See All Travel Tips
  • News

    News

    • Wellness
    • Celebrity Travel
    • Animals
    • Jobs
    • Offbeat
    • See All News
  • Food + Drink

    Food + Drink

    • Restaurants
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Cocktails + Spirits
    • Bars + Clubs
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Cooking + Entertaining
    • Food Fairs + Festivals
    • World's Best Restaurants
    • See All Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories

    Travel Accessories

    • Travel Bags
    • Shoes
    • Travel Tech
    • Shopping
    • Style
    • Gift Guides
    • See All Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Trip Ideas
  3. Nature Travel
  4. 6 Gorgeous Desert Destinations for Soaking Up the Sun This Winter

6 Gorgeous Desert Destinations for Soaking Up the Sun This Winter

By Stephanie Walden
December 03, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Camels, Dubai Desert, United Arab Emirates
Credit: naes/Getty Images
As the temperatures begin to drop, travelers shift their vacation daydreams toward the sun and the sand.

But while visions of hammock-clad palm trees may be dancing in your head alongside sugar-plums, the beach isn’t the only escape from the dreary dregs of winter.

The desert conjures images of camel rides and dusty, barren dunes as far as the eye can see, but there’s more to desert tourism than you might think: incredible landscapes, unparalleled stargazing, mind-blowing sunrises and sunsets, and some of the most fascinating, resilient wildlife on the planet.

Here are a few desert destinations that will convince sun seekers to trade the surf for a sandboard.
Start Slideshow

1 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Joshua Tree National ParkSouthern California, United States

Snow, Joshua Tree National Park, Southern California
Credit: NPS/Brad Sutton

Hiking, camping, photography tourism and rock climbing are just a few of the top activities in this world-renowned national park. The winter months in Joshua Tree attract far fewer crowds than peak season (spring wildflower season). Last-minute travelers actually stand a chance to book a spot in one of the top-rated camps, which often book up months in advance.

1 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Joshua Tree (Cont.)

Hiker, Joshua Tree National Park, Southern California
Credit: Hagephoto/Getty Images

Temperatures in the winter months are moderate (averaging 60 degrees Fahrenheit), but nights dip dramatically—so as with most desert destinations, packing layers and clothes of a variety of weights and warmth is a must.

2 of 12

3 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

AtacamaSan Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Valle de la Luna, Atacama Desert, Chile
Credit: Chris Stenger/Buiten-beeld/Minden Pictures/Getty Images

As far as desert tourism goes, Atacama has it all: geysers, hot springs, hiking, horseback riding, stargazing, ATV safaris and surreal landscapes at every turn. The charming town of San Pedro de Atacama serves as the desert’s access point for tourists.

3 of 12

Advertisement

4 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Atacama (Cont.)

Flamingos, Salar de Tara, Atacama Desert, Chile
Credit: Cultura RM Exclusive/Philip Lee Harvey/Getty Images

The elevation can be an adjustment for those with altitude sensitivities, so allow enough time to acclimate before jumping straight to sandboarding. This desert is also the driest in the world, meaning you’ll need to bring lotion, chapstick, eye drops and a sizeable water bottle for your trip. Winter months in the U.S. (January, February, March) are summertime in Chile, though temperatures in the desert remain relatively mild (60-80 degrees Fahrenheit), making Atacama a popular tourist destination year-round.

4 of 12

5 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Namib DesertNamibia, Africa

Namib Desert, Namibia, Africa
Credit: MATTES Rene/hemis.fr/Getty Images

The 1,200 miles along Africa’s South Atlantic coast are often considered some of the most stunning desert terrain on the planet. A trip to this surreal destination -- particularly the white clay pan of deadvlei, a dried-up oasis surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world – is said to feel a bit like stepping inside a Dali painting.

5 of 12

6 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Namib Desert (Cont.)

Dead Vlei, Namib Desert, Namibia, Africa
Credit: MATTES Rene/hemis.fr/Getty Images

Though perhaps not quite what one might immediately envision when planning an African safari, there’s no shortage of impressive wildlife in the Namib desert: hyenas, black rhinos, ostriches and even desert-adapted elephants can be found roaming the sweeping dunes.

March is a pleasant time to visit. The rains of the previous few months inject new life into the desert, and temperatures are typically cooler than the 90-to-100-degree highs of January and February. Travelers heading here in December through February are advised to bring lightweight clothing and sturdy rainwear.

6 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sedona Arizona, United States

Snow, Cathedral Rock, Sedona, Arizona
Credit: equigini/Getty Images

As with Joshua Tree, winter is off-season in Sedona and thus yields far fewer crowds (and cheaper accommodations) than the peak months of March through May. Though you won’t necessarily find a reprieve from winter’s chill – the temperatures range from around the 30s to the mid-50s in December-March – the holiday festivities (such as the Red Rock Festival of Lights) and the snow-dusted mountain peaks make for a scenic getaway this time of the year. The winter months also provide gorgeous scenery and shorter waits for tee-time at the world-class golf courses around town.

7 of 12

8 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sedona (Cont.)

Sedona, Arizona
Credit: Anna Gorin/Getty Images

Pack a water-proof windbreaker and medium-warmth layers if you plan to visit in the wintertime.

8 of 12

9 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

White and Black DesertsFarafra, Egypt

White Desert, Eygpy
Credit: Daniela Dirscherl/Getty Images

While Egypt is typically known for the Sphynx and the Great Pyramids of Giza, there’s more to the country than manmade ruins.

The Black Desert is about a five-hour drive from Cairo and features picturesque, volcanic mountains that appear blanketed with black char. Camping overnight in the White Desert is said to be a magical, meditative experience: The chalk-white rock formations that define the landscape are stoical and impressive. Hot springs and salt lakes nearby create dreamlike natural spas, and sunrise presents prime opportunities for photographers to snap unforgettable shots of the alien landscapes.

9 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

White and Black Deserts (Cont.)

The Black Desert, Eygpt
Credit: CHICUREL Arnaud/hemis.fr/Getty Images

The Black and White Deserts are relatively remote destinations -- they are two of the only places in population-dense Egypt where it’s rare to see another soul. Winter is an ideal time to visit, as temperatures are relatively moderate. Travelers are advised to pack layers as well as insect repellent.

10 of 12

11 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dubai Desert

Jeeps, Dubai desert, United Arab Emirates
Credit: Loop Images/Getty Images

As with many tourist destinations in Dubai, the tours and camping opportunities in the Dubai desert walk the line of over-the-top ostentatiousness: hot air balloon rides, camel treks and vertigo-inducing Jeep safaris through the sand are ideal for the adventurous at heart. A number of plush hotels and resorts dot the landscape here, as well, if you’re less interested in roughing it on the dunes and more inclined to glamp.

11 of 12

12 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dubai Desert (Cont.)

Camels, Dubai Desert, United Arab Emirates
Credit: naes/Getty Images

Winter is one of the best times of year to visit Dubai, but expect to deal with crowds (even in the desert) during peak tourist season.

12 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Stephanie Walden

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 12 Joshua Tree National ParkSouthern California, United States
2 of 12 Joshua Tree (Cont.)
3 of 12 AtacamaSan Pedro de Atacama, Chile
4 of 12 Atacama (Cont.)
5 of 12 Namib DesertNamibia, Africa
6 of 12 Namib Desert (Cont.)
7 of 12 Sedona Arizona, United States
8 of 12 Sedona (Cont.)
9 of 12 White and Black DesertsFarafra, Egypt
10 of 12 White and Black Deserts (Cont.)
11 of 12 Dubai Desert
12 of 12 Dubai Desert (Cont.)

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap
  • Travel Guide Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Other Travel + Leisure Sites
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
Meredith Travel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Travel + Leisure is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Travel + Leisure Group All Rights Reserved, registered in the United States and other countries. Travel + Leisure may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.travelandleisure.com

View image

6 Gorgeous Desert Destinations for Soaking Up the Sun This Winter
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.