18 of the best winter sun destinations

1. The Canary Islands

Average winter highs: 21C

With frequent flights from all over the UK and pleasant weather all year round, the Canary Islands are a big draw for winter sun in Europe. Expect warm temperatures that range from the high teens to the low 20s from December through to February, as well as plenty of affordable accommodation options – so you can top up your tan without emptying your pocket.

Plus, there’s activities galore, no matter which Canary Island you choose. It’s Tenerife for full on fun in the sun (with brilliant hotels to match), Fuerteventura for sporty types who want to get out on the water, Gran Canaria for golden beaches and pretty towns, and otherworldly Lanzarote for adventure and lazy beach days combined.

Alternatively, opt for one of the smaller Canary Islands for a winter sun break minus the crowds. You can go scuba diving in tiny El Hierro, stargazing in laidback La Palma or hiking in lovely La Gomera.

2. Morocco

Average winter highs: 22C

You’ll find a mix of African cultures and European influences in Morocco’s beach resorts of Essaouira and Agadir, where affordable flights touch down daily and temperatures reach the low 20s, even in the depths of winter.

Both are well served by modern hotel chains, and you can explore its busy markets when you’re ready to leave your sun-lounger.

Elsewhere, you could combine your winter sun holiday with a city break in Marrakech – there are all-inclusive resorts in the Palmeraie neighbourhood that’ll give you the best of both worlds, as well as chilled-out riads in the Medina if you prefer to be in the heart of the city.

For a touch of local culture, take a camel trek into the Sahara Desert and spend a night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp (bring some layers – it gets cold after dark). Don't miss the chance to take a traditional hammam bath for a relaxing and rejuvenating spa experience that's an integral part of Moroccan life.

3. Cape Verde

Average winter highs: 24C

A six-hour flight from the UK brings you to the white sands and year-round sunshine of Cape Verde, a laidback ten-island archipelago off the West African coast.

Sal and Boa Vista are the nation’s most popular holiday spots thanks to their all-inclusive beach resorts set on powdery dunes and turquoise seas. Excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions make them great for watersports fans too, and Sal even hosts international competitions every year.

In the mood to party? Look beyond the tourist trail and visit São Vicente to dance the night away to the archipelago's poignant morna music.

Other islands ideal for winter sun include quiet Santo Antão, which has lush valleys and vibrant banana plantations to explore, and Fogo, where you’ll find a unique wine region that cultivates its grapes on the slopes of an active volcano.

4. The Maldives

Average winter highs: 30C

The Maldives is famous for pioneering the underwater hotel room, where you can watch marine life swim by from the comfort of your bed. But it’s not all about fancy resorts and themed rooms in this Indian Ocean archipelago.

The island’s non-resort islands recently opened up to tourists, meaning it’s now possible to stay at small family-run B&Bs and hotels on local islands where you can experience authentic Maldivian culture and cuisine.

Whichever you choose, expect palm-fringed white sands, vibrant coral reefs and temperatures average 30C all year round. Direct flights from the UK make it easy to reach this tropical paradise where the only thing you’ll need to think about is your next drink.

Whether you’re after an all-inclusive luxury holiday or a more affordable package break, get ready for an itinerary packed with aqua activities and buckets of R&R.

5. Goa, India

Average winter highs: 31C

An invigorating fusion of Indian and Portuguese cultures, this relaxed paradise on India’s western coast is ideal for winter sun-seeking adventurers. When you’re not unwinding in high-end resorts on some of India’s best beaches, there’s action to be found in its coastal jungles and hillside villages.

For a culture hit, visit historic towns to discover Goa’s unique architecture. The Our Lady of Immaculate Conception church in Panaji makes most hit lists for its similarities to the epic Bom Jesus do Monte church in Braga in northern Portugal.

Visit during the Goa Carnival in February for a vibrant festival that blends Indian and Portuguese traditions with parades, music and dance. Or for a spiritual experience, join a yoga retreat in one of Goa's many ashrams, which offer the chance to rejuvenate mind and body in a serene tropical setting.

6. Australia

Average winter highs: 29C

When it’s winter in the UK, it’s summertime in Australia – and the season is everything Home and Away promised. You’ll get plenty of guaranteed winter sun, with hot temperatures right across the country, from Sydney in the east to Perth in the west.

The beaches of Queensland’s aptly named Gold Coast are the perfect setting for traditional holiday entertainment, with theme parks, shopping and casinos on their doorstep. Further north, the beaches and islands surrounding the Great Barrier Reef are great for snorkelling and diving.

If you want to skip the stopover, you can head straight to Perth on a non-stop flight from the UK – the beaches here are equally as stunning and the west coast has its very own, very overlooked, reef at Ningaloo.

For a true bucket-list experience, leave the coast behind and head inland to Uluru in the Northern Territory to witness the stunning colour changes of the monolith at sunrise and sunset.

7. The Caribbean

Average winter highs: 28C

With warm tropical waters and countless sandy beaches, the Caribbean claims some of the best destinations for winter sun. This paradisiacal part of the world is incredibly diverse: from Cuba to Jamaica, Barbados to the Bahamas, and Antigua to Aruba, you can keep going back for a Caribbean holiday year after year without returning to the same place.

One thing that unites them, however, is that get-it-away-from-it-all feeling. Swim in glistening waters, spot incredible wildlife or trek in jungles on an amazing holiday with almost-guaranteed winter sunshine.

If you’re up for something off the beaten track, time your visit with the carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, home to one of the world's most spectacular celebrations (usually in February or March).

For a unique natural wonder, visit the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico, where microorganisms in the water create a magical glowing effect at night.

8. Thailand

Average high temperature: 31C

Palm-lined beaches, fabulous food and excellent hot weather during our winter months make Thailand a top choice for December sun.

Dreamy resorts and low-key stays line the popular islands of Phuket and Koh Samui, as well as mainland package holiday destinations like Krabi and Pattaya. The west coast is great for snorkelling, especially around the Phi Phi Islands, and you can find accommodation ranging from luxury resorts to cheap and cheerful hotels.

If you want to reconnect with nature, check out one of the world’s oldest rainforests at Khao Sok National Park, where you can stay in floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake. Or, opt for a city break in the thriving capital of Bangkok or historic Chiang Mai.

For an unforgettable experience, time your visit to coincide with the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, held in November, where thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky.

9. Dubai

Average winter highs: 25C

Dubai is hard to beat for a glamourous winter holiday with a good-weather guarantee. Average temperatures sit in the mid-20s, the sun shines for eight hours a day, and the city's iconic skyline provides a stunning backdrop to all your adventures.

Speaking of, here you can enjoy world-class shopping in enormous malls, relax on pristine beaches, or venture into the desert for a thrilling dune-bashing experience.

Don't miss the Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest natural flower garden, which is in full bloom during the winter months. Or, for the bird’s-eye shot of the city, take a seaplane tour and enjoy breathtaking views of Dubai's futuristic architecture and man-made islands.

10. Bali

Average winter highs: 30C

Natural beauty, adrenaline-fuelled experiences and winter warmth make Bali the perfect adventurous escape from colder climes.

The island's Hindu culture adds an extra layer of interest, with beautiful temples and vibrant ceremonies to experience, but you can also explore lush rice terraces in Ubud, catch some waves in Canggu and unwind on the beaches of Nusa Dua.

Hikers should consider climbing Mount Batur, an active volcano, for a spectacular sunrise view over the island. Surfing enthusiasts will find world-class breaks suitable for all levels, from the beginner-friendly waves of Kuta to the challenging swells of Uluwatu and Padang Padang.

Expect temperatures around 30C and the potential for short, sharp showers throughout the day. Christmas and New Year are popular with holidaying Australians, so you’ll probably find a better deal if you travel outside of this time.

11. Costa Rica

Average winter highs: 27C

Costa Rica is another adventurer’s dream – and one of the best winter sun destinations to boot. This Central American country has plenty of cool experiences, from lounging on jungle-backed beaches to exploring lush rainforests teeming with wildlife.

Most visitors’ itineraries include hiking the trails around the Arenal Volcano, ziplining through the cloud forests of Monteverde and relaxing on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, and for good reason.

For a unique wildlife encounter, visit the Sloth Sanctuary on the Caribbean coast to learn about and observe these fascinating creatures up close. Or, head to the remote Tortuguero National Park, only accessible by boat, to snake through wild waterways and spot caimans, colourful macaws and, if you’re really lucky, a jaguar.

When you’re ready to relax, don't miss the chance to soak in one of Costa Rica's many natural hot springs, particularly those around the Arenal Volcano area.

12. Arizona

Average winter highs: 20C

Arizona, in the southwestern USA, may not be as balmy as some tropical destinations but it’s pleasant in winter, with explorer-friendly temperatures hitting highs of 20C during the day.

It’s a far cry from your typical beach holiday, with cool cities like Phoenix and Tucson made for urban adventures and a desert landscape dotted with saguaro cacti and stunning red rock formations.

In Phoenix, you can visit the Desert Botanical Garden to learn about the flora of the Sonoran Desert, or take a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views of the landscape.

In Tucson, you’ll be close to excellent hiking opportunities in Saguaro National Park and world-class stargazing at the Kitt Peak National Observatory.

For a taste of the Old West, visit Tombstone, the historic town famous for the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

13. Malta

Average winter highs: 16C

For a short-haul winter sun destination that combines pretty scenery, mild weather and bags of culture, it’s got to be Malta.

This small Mediterranean nation enjoys winter temperatures that often reach the high teens – ideal for exploring the historic streets of its capital, and UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta.

Film buffs will enjoy visiting the locations around Malta that have served as backdrops for popular movies and TV shows like Game of Thrones and Gladiator.

Another cultural highlight is Malta's vibrant Carnival celebrations; visit in February to see colourful parades and traditional costumes take over the island.

14. Sri Lanka

Average winter highs: 30C

Sri Lanka’s perfect blend of beaches, culture and wildlife comes all wrapped up in wonderful year-round warmth.

Winter is the dry season for much of the island, making it an ideal time to spot whales and dolphins off the south coast, explore vibrant cities in the west and head into the misty hill country to visit a tea plantation.

Sri Lanka is popular from December through April so stay in a treehouse eco-lodge in the heart of the rainforest to avoid some of the crowds along the coast. The ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, known as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ for its impressive architecture and stunning frescoes, is another inland highlight.

Sri Lanka’s range of accommodation options, from backpacker guesthouses to luxury resorts, make this country in the Indian Ocean accessible for most budgets.

15. The Seychelles

Average winter highs: 29C

The Seychelles is the ultimate luxury winter sun destination. This archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches, and some of its most luxurious resorts.

Embrace the all-out luxury the island nation promises with a stay on one of its private – and very exclusive – islands; North Island and Fregate Island are hard to beat for secluded barefoot bliss.

If you’re watching your budget, the Seychelles can still be within reach thanks to affordable options like the two-star Buisson Guesthouse on La Digue.

Whichever way you go accommodation-wise, all Seychelles holidays usually have a few things in common: watersports, world-class snorkelling and diving, giant tortoise-spotting, and lazing on white-sand beaches dotted with dramatic granite boulders.

Don’t miss the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on the island of Praslin, home to the rare coco de mer palm and the Seychelles black parrot.

16. Mexico

Average winter highs: 29C

You’ve got two sun-drenched coastlines to choose between for a hot winter holiday in Mexico.

The Riviera Maya, stretching south along the Caribbean from Cancun, boasts beautiful beaches, ancient Mayan ruins and eco-parks. On the Pacific side, Puerto Vallarta combines a charming old town with modern resorts and beautiful beaches. Wherever you choose, you can expect warm temperatures, delicious cuisine and a vibrant culture.

While it’s not quite winter, a visit during early November will catch the Day of the Dead celebrations, when towns across Mexico come alive with colourful ofrendas (altars) and festivities.

Adrenaline junkie? Explore the Yucatan Peninsula to discover Mexico’s unique cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water that are perfect for swimming and diving.

17. Oman

Average winter highs: 26C

Oman has all the natural beauty and warm hospitality of its Persian Gulf neighbours, but with a fraction of the flashiness. It’s authentic, more than a little exotic, and still off most tourists’ radars. And with winter temperatures in the mid-20s, it's perfect for escaping the cold.

A few things for your to-do list include exploring the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, camping under the stars in the Wahiba Sands desert and relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Salalah.

If you’re up for exploring, visit the remote Musandam Peninsula, known as the ‘Norway of Arabia’ for its dramatic fjord-like coastline. Inquisitive dolphins reside in the waters here and you can join a traditional dhow cruise to spot them.

18. Mauritius

Average winter highs: 28C

Mark Twain once famously remarked, "Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius."

It's easy to see why he was so captivated; this island nation boasts stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, excellent watersports and temperatures in the high 20s.

Beyond the beach, you can explore colourful markets, hike in Black River Gorges National Park, or visit the seven-coloured earths of Chamarel.

The island's diverse cultural heritage is reflected in its delicious cuisine, blending Indian, French, Chinese and Creole influences. Make sure to try a seafood Mauritian cari (curry), dholl puri flatbread or Chinese-influenced boulette dumplings served in broth.

Go in November or December for warm temperatures and a lower chance of rain.