Winter Sun Climbing Destinations: Where to Climb from December to February

The best winter sun climbing destinations are the dry, south-facing limestone crags of southern Europe: Costa Blanca and El Chorro in Spain, Leonidio in Greece, San Vito lo Capo in Sicily and the volcanic crags of Tenerife. All of them are in season through December, January and February. If you can fly further, Tonsai and Railay in Thailand are at their driest in January and February, and the US desert areas (Red Rocks, Joshua Tree and Hueco Tanks) are winter favourites as long as you plan around cold snaps and access rules.

This guide compares 15 areas by rock, style, season and how you get there. It includes a month-by-month table and the rules that catch people out. Every season and rule below comes from the sources listed at the bottom: the BMC, Climb Europe, The Topo (the 27 Crags topo platform now runs under this name), Mountain Project and the official park pages. Where we couldn't find a source for something, such as a temperature, we left it out.

For a wider list that also covers the summer areas, see our guide to the best climbing destinations in Europe. Everything else trip-related is in the trips hub.

Quick picks by situation

• Short flight, guaranteed sport climbing, all grades: Costa Blanca. Alicante airport is about 30 minutes from the crags, and Steve McClure, writing for the BMC, calls the weather "shorts and T-shirt" even in January on the right crag.
• Car-free trip: El Chorro. The Topo notes that you can walk to the main crags, and the drive from Málaga airport takes about an hour.
• Biggest choice of new routes in Greece in winter: Leonidio, with more than 3,000 sport routes and a season from October to April.
• Climbing next to the sea, plus long multi-pitch routes: San Vito lo Capo, Sicily.
• Somewhere you can climb in any month: Tenerife.
• Trad and cracks: Joshua Tree, where most routes take cams and nuts.
• World-class bouldering: Hueco Tanks, if you sort out the reservation in advance. Fontainebleau if you can travel at short notice for a cold, dry spell.
• Beach, steep limestone, long-haul flight: Tonsai and Railay, in January or February.

Comparison table

Season is the window the cited source recommends. The "sun and weather" column only gives details that a source states. Where it says nothing about temperatures, we didn't add any.

Month-by-month: where to climb from October to April

This table is built from each area's stated season. "Prime" means the month falls inside the recommended window. "Possible" means sources say you can climb then but it isn't ideal.

Two patterns stand out. December to February is when Spain, Leonidio, Sicily, Tenerife, Thailand and the US desert are at their best, while Kalymnos and Fontainebleau are better kept for autumn and spring. And in every Mediterranean area, aspect matters more than the month: on a cold day a south-facing crag can feel like a different season from a shady one.

Spain

Costa Blanca

The most convenient winter sun climbing in Europe. Climb Europe describes "good quality bolted limestone across a wide range of grades" and a climate that is excellent from October to April. There is a lot to choose from: Sella alone has nearly 500 routes, and Marxuquera near Gandía nearly 200. For something bigger, the Peñón de Ifach in Calpe is a 300 m sea tower, and Puig Campana has long multi-pitch routes and ridges. Steve McClure's BMC piece singles out Wildside for steep tufa and flowstone climbing, in season from October to May. In winter, pick the sun-facing crags and keep the shaded, higher ones for warm spells. You will want a hire car, since the crags are spread out.

El Chorro

El Chorro, about 50 km inland from Málaga, "has become a classic winter climbing venue", according to Climb Europe, with a season from October to the end of April. The limestone ranges from technical slabs at Los Cotos to the steep tufa walls of the Makinodromo, plus adventurous multi-pitch routes in the gorge. Route counts depend on the guidebook (around 800 in the Rockfax guide, over 1,500 in a 2024 local topo that also covers nearby areas). One rule matters: since the Caminito del Rey walkway reopened in 2015, climbing on routes above and below it is banned. Our El Chorro climbing guide covers sectors, getting there and where to stay.

Siurana

Siurana, about 1.5 hours from Barcelona, is mainly an autumn and spring venue on grey and orange limestone. The Topo notes that you can climb there year-round if you choose the right crags. In midwinter, that means the sunny ones and a short day in the middle of the day. It is a good choice if you want harder single-pitch sport and don't mind the occasional cold day. See our Siurana and Margalef climbing guide.

Mallorca

Mallorca is better known for its deep water soloing than as a winter crag. The Topo puts the best DWS time in September and October, when the water is still warm. Climb Europe recommends spring for sport climbing and warns that winters are usually dry but cold, since many crags face north. A Christmas trip can still work, but it is less reliable than mainland Spain or Tenerife.

Tenerife

Tenerife is the one place on this list The Topo describes as climbable "throughout the year". The climbing is on volcanic rock, crimpy and technical. Arico has over 250 single-pitch sport routes, Arico Nuevo around 280 boulder problems, and El Río over 100 longer technical routes. Guaria, the tallest crag with the most trad, faces south, and Climb Europe calls it "perfect for those sunny November days". Cañada del Capricho sits at about 2,000 m inside Teide National Park. It is colder up there, and you should check the park's current rules before climbing.

Greece

Leonidio (and Kyparissi)

If you want Greece in December or January, Leonidio is the usual answer. Climb Europe counts more than 3,000 sport routes, from 3 to 9a+, on red and grey limestone with tufas, caves and slabs, plus about 49 multi-pitch routes up to 280 m. The season runs from October to April, with mild winters, many sunny days and short rainy spells. Fly to Athens and drive for about three to four hours. You will need a car for many of the sectors. Kyparissi, about 60 km south, has over 400 routes, but many of its crags face east and stay shaded, so it is better in spring and autumn than in midwinter.

Kalymnos

Kalymnos is often put on winter lists, but its best seasons are September to November and March to early June (The Topo). You can climb there in winter, but you take more of a chance with the weather. Plan Kalymnos for your autumn or Easter trip and Leonidio for midwinter. Our Kalymnos climbing guide has the details.

Italy

San Vito lo Capo, Sicily

According to Climb Europe, "the ideal time to rock climb at San Vito is from October to mid-May", because most crags face south and west. There are over 1,300 routes in a compact area. Scogliera di Salinella alone has over 900 single-pitch sport routes above the sea, and more than 700 routes in the area are graded 6c+ or easier, which makes it a good choice for mixed-ability groups. For a longer day, Monte Monaco has multi-pitch routes of 150–400 m, including the 645 m, 18-pitch Via Fratelli Titt (5c). Fly into Trapani or Palermo.

Sardinia

Sardinia offers almost every style of climbing: bolted limestone at Domusnovas (over 500 routes), Ulassai and Jerzu (over 1,200 routes), Cala Gonone and Isili, granite bouldering near Nuoro and Olbia, sea cliffs and DWS at Capo Caccia, and big multi-pitch routes in the Supramonte. Climb Europe says the island has good climbing weather all year. McClure suggests the lowland crags for spring and autumn and the high ones for summer. In winter, choose low, sunny crags and pack for cool evenings.

Morocco: Todra Gorge

Todra Gorge is a limestone canyon in the High Atlas, near the town of Tinghir. Climb Europe counts over 450 routes, mostly bolted: over 120 up to 5a, over 210 from 6a to 6c+ and more than 120 at 7a and above. Its best seasons are February to late May and September to November. Because both sides of the gorge offer sun or shade, it is climbable year-round, but deep midwinter is not its strongest season. Climb Europe names Marrakech as the closest airport, and from there it is a long drive across the mountains. Treat it as an adventure trip: hire a car or arrange a transfer, and give yourself time.

Thailand: Tonsai and Railay

Railay is cut off from the mainland by limestone cliffs and can only be reached by boat, from Krabi or Ao Nang. Tonsai, next door, "caters to climbers and the backpacker set". For timing, Thailand's southwest monsoon brings the rainy season from mid-May to mid-October. Phuket, on the same Andaman coast, averages its lowest rainfall in January (35 mm) and February (40 mm), against over 300 mm in September and October. So January and February are the safest months, and December to April is the general window. Bring your own rope and draws, and read the bolt warning in the safety section below.

United States

Red Rocks, Nevada

Red Rock Canyon, about 17 miles (27 km) west of the Las Vegas Strip, has sandstone walls up to 3,000 ft (910 m) and sport, trad and long multi-pitch routes. Winter can be good on sunny days, but plan for cold. Weather data from Spring Mountain Ranch, inside the area, show mean minimums around −1 °C (29.5 °F) in December and January, and winter is the wettest time of year. Two rules matter:

• Timed entry: the BLM requires a timed entry reservation for the Scenic Drive for each day you enter between 8 am and 5 pm, from 1 October to 31 May. You book on Recreation.gov.
• Wet rock: Mountain Project's access note is blunt: "please do not climb in Red Rocks during or after rain". The sandstone is fragile when wet and can stay wet for several days after a storm. A local rule of thumb: if the ground near the climb is damp, don't climb.

Joshua Tree, California

Mountain Project lists more than 8,000 routes on monzogranite, plus countless boulder problems, and says the season "in most folks' minds is October to April", with October and March usually the best months. Climb Europe notes that most routes are trad and need cams and nuts. Rules to know: you need a permit to add or replace bolts, bolt hangers must be rock-coloured, you can't use vegetation as an anchor, and seasonal raptor closures apply in spring (in 2026, from 17 February to 7 June on the affected routes). Check the park's closure list before you go. Our Joshua Tree climbing guide covers areas and camping.

Hueco Tanks, Texas

Hueco Tanks, about 32 miles (51 km) northeast of El Paso, is "widely regarded as one of the best areas in the world for bouldering" (Wikipedia). The season runs roughly from October to March. Access is tightly managed, so this is the one place on the list where you can't just turn up:

• Self-guided climbing is limited to North Mountain. Other areas can only be visited with a guide. You can request a park tour, available Wednesday to Sunday when a guide is available, or book a local guide service.
• Capacity: only 70 people can be in the self-guided area at a time. Texas Parks and Wildlife says it often reaches that limit from November through March and on weekends and holidays.
• Reservations: call +1 512 389 8911 to book the self-guided area, and book early, because weekend slots go fast. The American Alpine Club says that if you don't have a reservation, you can arrive at opening time and try for a walk-in or no-show slot.
• Orientation: you watch a 15-minute video once, and it covers you until the next year. You also register daily at headquarters.
• Weather: the park has a weather closure policy for climbing and bouldering, so check it if rain is forecast.

Entry was $7 per day when the AAC checked. Confirm the current fee and phone numbers on the TPWD site before you travel.

Fontainebleau in winter

Font isn't a winter sun destination, but a cold, dry spell can be good for bouldering on its rounded holds. The catch is moisture. The sandstone is weak when damp, and it can take a day or more to dry after rain. Winter is often damp, and the forest sometimes gets snow. Treat Font as a short-notice trip: watch the forecast and go when several dry days line up. Start with our Fontainebleau bouldering guide and the grades and circuits explainer.

A bonus for Europeans: Turkey

McClure's winter list for the BMC also includes two Turkish areas: Geyikbayırı, just outside Antalya airport, with several three-star crags facing different directions and a climbers' campsite, so you don't need a car, and Datça, a technical tufa area around 7b–8b, a few hours' drive from Dalaman, where you do need a car.

How to choose your winter trip

1. Start with the month. Use the table above. December to February narrows the list to Spain, Leonidio, Sicily, Tenerife, Thailand and the US desert.
2. Match the style to your group. Mixed abilities do well at Costa Blanca, San Vito and Leonidio, where there are lots of routes at 6c and below. Boulderers should look at Hueco (book first), Tenerife's Arico Nuevo or Sardinia's granite. Trad climbers should look at Joshua Tree and Red Rocks.
3. Decide about a car. El Chorro and Geyikbayırı work without one. Leonidio, Mallorca, Costa Blanca, Sardinia and Todra realistically need one.
4. Check the access rules (Hueco reservations, Red Rocks timed entry, the El Chorro walkway, Joshua Tree raptor closures) before you book flights.
5. Plan for short days. In midwinter you have fewer daylight hours and cold mornings. Pick crags that get the sun from late morning, and choose an approach you can walk back down before dark.

Our guide to planning a climbing trip walks through budget, partners and logistics. Check that your policy covers roped climbing and rescue abroad; our climbing travel insurance guide explains what to look for.

Common mistakes on winter sun trips

• Booking Kalymnos for January because it is "the" Greek island. Its best months are autumn and spring. Leonidio is the better winter choice.
• Ignoring aspect. A north-facing crag in Mallorca or a shaded sector in Kyparissi can feel wintry on a sunny day. Read the guidebook's sun and shade notes.
• Climbing wet sandstone at Red Rocks or Font. It damages the rock permanently, and holds can break.
• Turning up at Hueco without a plan. The self-guided area often fills from November to March.
• Trusting every bolt by the sea. Sea cliffs in Sicily, Sardinia, Mallorca and Thailand are exposed to salt air, which corrodes metal. Inspect fixed gear, back up suspect anchors and check local reports on rebolting.
• Doing a summer volume of climbing after months of training indoors. See below.

Arriving fit after a winter indoors

From a strength and conditioning point of view, the problem with winter sun trips is the jump in load. After months of short gym sessions, you suddenly climb long sport pitches every day on sharp limestone, often in cool mornings. Warm up properly before your first route, and add layers in the shade (our climbing warm-up works at the crag too). Plan a rest day after two or three days on, and look after your fingertips: rough rock wears skin fast, so pack a skin kit (see our climbing skin care guide). If you get finger or elbow pain, stop and read our finger injury guide rather than climbing through it.

For kit, check the guidebook for the rope length each area needs; our climbing rope guide explains the options. Boulderers flying to Hueco, Tenerife or Font should read how many crash pads to bring, and everyone can use our trip packing list as a checklist. If you're travelling between US and European grade systems, the grade converter helps.

FAQ

Where is the best place to rock climb in winter in Europe?

For reliable sun and short flights, southern Spain and Greece are the usual picks. Costa Blanca and El Chorro both list October to April as their season, and Leonidio in the Peloponnese has the same window with mild, mostly sunny winters. Tenerife can be climbed all year. Sicily's San Vito lo Capo is in season from October to mid-May because most of its crags face south and west.

Is Kalymnos good for climbing in December or January?

It is possible, but it isn't the best time. The Topo lists the best seasons as September to November and March to early June. For a midwinter trip in Greece, Leonidio, with its October to April season, is the more usual choice.

When is the climbing season in Tonsai and Railay?

Plan for roughly December to April. Thailand's southwest monsoon brings the rainy season from mid-May to mid-October. Phuket, on the same Andaman coast, gets its lowest rainfall in January and February, so those months are the safest bet.

Do you need a permit to climb at Hueco Tanks?

You should book a reservation for the self-guided area on North Mountain (call +1 512 389 8911), you register daily at park headquarters, and you watch a short orientation video once a year. The rest of the park can only be visited with a guide. Only 70 people can be in the self-guided area at a time, and Texas Parks and Wildlife says it often reaches that limit from November to March and on weekends.

Sources

1. Steve McClure, Climbing in the sun: ultimate winter destinations, British Mountaineering Council
2. Climb Europe, Rock climbing in Leonidio
3. Climb Europe, Rock climbing in El Chorro
4. Climb Europe, San Vito lo Capo rock climbing
5. Climb Europe, Rock climbing in Morocco
6. The Topo (formerly 27 Crags), Kalymnos area page
7. Texas Parks and Wildlife, Hueco Tanks activities
8. Bureau of Land Management, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
9. Mountain Project, Joshua Tree National Park
10. American Alpine Club, How to Climb in Hueco (2023)
11. Wikipedia, Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site
12. Wikipedia, Climate of Thailand
13. Wikipedia, Railay Beach
14. Mountain Project, Red Rock (access notes)
15. Climb Europe, Rock climbing in Tenerife