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The translational motion of our planet Earth around the Sun, together with its 23.5 degrees tilt plane, results in the different seasons and solstices. However, if it did not have this tilt, then there would be no seasons, because the Sun’s rays would be projected only towards the equatorial plane.
Then, at the moment in which the Sun goes directly to one of the 2 hemispheres (north or south), summer occurs. For example, in the month of June it is projected towards the north, appearing the summer solstice; but at the same time marking the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. And if we see it the other way around then summer begins in the south in the month of December and winter begins in the northern hemisphere.
From June 20 to 23 the winter season begins in the southern hemisphere, which lasts until August; marking a time of recollection, renewal and rebirth for the upcoming spring season. This austral winter, like any other season, has its particular characteristics and charms. And if you like to travel at this time, there are many destinations to choose from in the southern hemisphere.
Which countries are part of the winter season in the southern hemisphere?
We should mention that in the northern hemisphere there are 160 countries, while in the southern hemisphere there are only 48 (which are located below the equator). Even so, in this southern hemisphere a good part of the 5 continents are located; except for Europe.
Among them we have Australia, Antarctica in its entirety, a third of Africa (at the level of Kenya and Madagascar), at the level of the Asian continent a part of Indonesia and some islands outside the continent, also in Oceania the islands of New Zealand, Fiji and New Guinea, which are island countries. But most of them are located in South America, more than half, such as Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, among others.
On the continent of Australia:
In Australia, the winter season starts in June and ends in August, with an average temperature of 13 degrees Celsius, while the summer, which runs from December to March, is about 29 degrees Celsius. This winter season opens up a range of new activities in different parts of the country.
Among them you can go to the Blue Mountains in the region of New South Wales, about 50 km west of the city of Sydney. Or perhaps at Ningaloo Reef, where you could swim with whale sharks. But if this is too daring, then in Byron Bay and from Hervey Bay you can watch the whales jumping.
Also, if you prefer, Australia has several deserts, and a road trip by car, called road trip, will be very pleasant thanks to the temperature. You can also visit the sacred monolith of Uluru, a sandstone rock formation, located in the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, in the middle of the desert and in the center of the continent.
You can also follow the drive to the city of Darwin, in the north, to enjoy the great variety of places; such as the natural parks, the Litchfield Park or the Territory Wildlife Park, or if you prefer the Kakadu National Park, among others.
Experts say that, due to climate change, by 2050 the winter season will not be as we know it now in this beautiful country; it will be called the New Summer, with a very different season. We are talking about just less than 30 years from this time; it would be very unfortunate!!!!
But Australia has much more to know and enjoy this winter, even though during these 3 months the temperature is a bit varied. For example, and believe it or not, there are also ski slopes in Victoria, to enjoy the beautiful snow and at all levels. These are located in Mt Buller, about 3 hours away from the city of Melbourne. It has 20 cross-country slopes and about 90 downhill slopes.
Towards the northeast of Australia is located the state of Queensland, where you can visit, towards the north of Cairs, both the Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation, famous areas surrounded by tropical rainforests and very pleasant at this time, due to the climate; in addition to other tourist attractions.
There are also snowy landscapes on Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, or skiing on the slopes of Ben Lomond National Park, which is located at the top of the steep cliffs. Australia is considered to have the largest ski resort and all the necessary equipment can be rented.
Likewise, the capital of the continent, called Canberra, is very popular during the month of August, thanks to the Fireside Festival. You can enjoy both its gastronomy and its winemaking activity, so make the most of it! It is also famous for the spectacle of its variety of flowers, about 12,000 different species that open their beautiful petals.
On the African continent we have Madagascar:
When we think of Madagascar, the first thing that comes to mind are those beautiful Baobabs, or the charming lemurs. But the red island has more tourist attractions, not to mention the rest of the unique flora and fauna typical of the region. For example, there are fluorescent ferns, beautiful orchids, lichens and much more; the island has at least 9,000 varieties of plants.
This is perhaps due to its history, as it separated from the African continent long ago; developing its own environment, which includes this interesting biodiversity of native species, as if it were a continent. Its climate is rainy towards the eastern coast, in the southwest it is arid but temperate in the mountains; although these chains mitigate the climate and rainfall varies according to the slopes.
The range of landscapes is very varied, with extraordinary tropical jungles, high plateaus, paradisiacal beaches, arid zones, among others. It also has an unprecedented people, because it has modeled a very diverse culture, thanks to the arrival of the Asians, then the Arabs and, of course, the population of Africans who came from East Africa; oriented towards the respect and worship of ancestors, poetry, song and music.
From the month of November until March is the rainy season, although little is felt towards the arid southwestern part. And the dry season is from April to October, except in the eastern coast because it rains all the time; tropical rains, as a kind of showers in the afternoons, because in the mornings there is no lack of the beautiful sun.
Therefore, the best time to visit and get to know Madagascar would be between April and October, because the rains decrease. Between June and July you can see the beautiful lemur calves, especially in the Berenty Reserve, but also in the Isalo National Park. In August, in Ile Sainte-Marie, the beautiful whales are sighted; and in September, in Masoala National Park, the young birds are sighted.
Another activity you can experience is, for example, to visit Nosy Be Island, northwest of Madagascar, in the Mozambique Channel, and also the other islands that are located around it. An incredible experience by catamaran where you can snorkel or dive through the coral reefs. Also, enjoy the beaches of Nosy Komba, Ankarea, Mitsio, Tsarabanjina, Sakatia, among others.
Towards the west-central area are located the Tsingy of Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. A type of limestone rock that has taken a very characteristic form of horizontal and vertical cuts, ending in sharp points. They are said to date back some 200 million years, due to erosion caused by water, both subway and rain.
There are several options to get there, but it is said that the most comfortable would be from Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, where you can rent a rustic 4×4, travel to Bekopaka and then complete the route with the trekking trail. The more adventurous can descend the Tsiribihina River by canoe.
History lovers can also visit the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, in the eastern part of the island. Here the different palaces of the royal family and the Andafiavaratra Palace, the Andohaloa Cathedral, the Independence Square, the Analakely Market, the Ambodrona Quarter, the Anosy Lake, among others, stand out.
Also, towards the northeastern part of Madagascar, there is an exuberant flora and fauna, a tropical forest where a variety of lemur called Indri Indri lives, the largest lemur known, with a maximum height of 72 cm. Black and white in color, with a very short tail, round eyes and greenish-yellow color. Exploring the Canal des Pangalanes also leads to the island of Nosy Boraha.
