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10 of the best winter sun destinations

7 May 2011 | Updated 4 October 20236 min read

View of Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo, Egypt

When the weather turns cold at home, the thought of a week or two in the sun is enough to get any of us reaching for the computer to find a winter sun holiday deal.

But where can you head for guaranteed winter sun without breaking the bank? Whether you take a package holiday, or opt for a DIY flight and accommodation deal, we show you our top ten winter sun warmers.

1. The Canary Islands

With frequent flights from all over the UK and pleasant weather all year round, Spain’s Canary Islands are a big draw come winter. Great temperatures, ranging from the high-teens to the low-20s, and plenty of accommodation options make them a no-nonsense holiday to top up your tan without emptying your pocket.

Plus, there’s activities aplenty from scuba diving in tiny El Hierro to stargazing in laidback La Palma. So it’s Tenerife for full on fun, Fuerteventura for sporty types and otherworldly Lanzarote for adventure and lazy beach days combined.

Catalonia Oro Negro

Arona, Tenerife, Spain
15 December 2024
Half board
From Bristol

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with partner before booking.

Prices from

£505

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2. Egypt

Egypt is a great-value holiday destination that you can get to in than five hours from the UK and has near-guaranteed sun all winter long. For beaches and snorkelling, head to the country’s Red Sea resorts, such as Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, where the hotels are a holiday hit for activity-lovers and foodies.

In Cairo, the pyramids and museums keep culture cravers happy, while Luxor and Aswan on the Nile are perfect for lazing by your hotel pool and spending time exploring ancient temples.

Regency Plaza Aqua Park & Spa Resort

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
8 December 2024
All-inclusive
From Gatwick

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with partner before booking.

Prices from

£288

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3. Morocco

You’ll find a mix of African cultures with European influences in Morocco’s beach resorts of Essaouira and Agadir, where temperatures reach the low 20s even in the depths of winter and affordable flights touch down daily. 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, combine your dose of winter sun with a city break in Marrakech – there's all-inclusive resorts in the Palmeraie neighbourhood for the best of both worlds, as well as chilled-out riads in the Medina if you'd prefer to be in the heart of the city.

Medplaya Hotel Riudor

Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Spain
17 December 2024
Half board
From Glasgow

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with partner before booking.

Prices from

£499

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4. Cape Verde

A six-hour flight from the UK brings you to the Cape Verde archipelago off the West African coast, where you'll find white sands and year-round sunshine.

For all-inclusive beach breaks complete with powdery dunes and turquoise seas, head to popular islands, Sal and Boa Vista. Party-lovers can dance the night away to the archipelago's morna music on a fun-filled getaway to São Vicente, while quiet Santo Antão has lush valleys and vibrant banana plantations to explore.

5. The Maldives

Palm-fringed islands, picture-perfect white sands and vibrant coral reefs are standard on the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives. 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.

One of the best winter sun destinations, temperatures here average 30C all year round. Whether you’re after an all-inclusive luxury holiday or a more affordable package break, you can expect tons of aqua activities, dreamy hotels with beaches on their doorsteps and buckets of R&R.

Reethi Beach Resort

Fonimagoodhoo (Reethi Beach), Maldives
25 January 2025
Bed & breakfast
From Gatwick

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with partner before booking.

Prices from

£2,218

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6. Goa, India

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

Next, seek out ancient architecture and unique cuisine in Goa’s historic towns, then go back to soaking up the balmy tropical climate on Goa’s unspoilt golden shores.

7. Australia

When it's winter in the UK, it is summertime in Australia. And Down Under will certainly give you plenty of winter sun, with hot temperatures right across the country. From Sydney and Cairns to Darwin and Melbourne, there's something for all travellers in Australia.

The beaches of the Gold Coast attract those looking for more traditional holiday entertainment, while further north the beaches and islands surrounding the Great Barrier Reef* are great for snorkelling and diving. Or, skip the stopover and head straight to Perth on a non-stop flight from the UK – the beaches here are equally as stunning.

8. The Caribbean

With warm tropical waters and countless sandy beaches, the Caribbean never fails when it comes to winter sun. This paradisiacal part of the world is incredibly diverse too: 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.

What unites them 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. Whether you’re on a family holiday or romantic getaway, a holiday here won’t be easily forgotten.

Worthing Court Apartment Hotel

Christ Church, Barbados
23 February 2025
Room only
From Gatwick

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with partner before booking.

Prices from

£1,767

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9. Florida

Florida enjoys an excellent winter climate averaging pleasant 20C temperatures, and its Gulf of Mexico resorts are the perfect chance to relax and unwind over winter. St Petersburg, Clearwater, Naples, Marco Island and Captiva Island all boast stunning beaches as well as a wide range of accommodation from luxury hotels to villas and apartments.

On the east coast, the Miami area combines high-energy city breaks with a bit of beachside bliss. Or, you can drive down to the Florida Keys for sandbars and coral reefs. There’s enough winter sun for all in the Sunshine State.

Monumental Hotel Orlando

Orlando, Florida, United States
17 February 2025
Room only
From Gatwick

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with partner before booking.

Prices from

£806

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10. Thailand

Palm-lined beaches, fabulous food and excellent hot weather during our winter months make Thailand a top choice for escaping the cold. 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. Alternatively, opt for a city adventure in the thriving capital of Bangkok or historic Chiang Mai.

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