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Long sunny days are what holiday dreams are made of. So, researching where is hot for your next getaway is important. Weather varies around the world throughout the year, so the best destination for sunshine depends on when you travel. Find the best hot holiday destinations for you with our month-by-month guides, covering everything from winter sun to summer beach escapes.
You can have a hot weather holiday at any time of the year. Browse our where is hot right now guide to see the latest sunny destinations, including options a short flight away, budget breaks and far-flung all-inclusive adventures.
Wondering where’s hot for holidays – or at least warm enough for sunshine and beach time – at different times of the year? Our guide covers hot holiday destinations by month, with typical temperatures and weather conditions to help you choose when and where to travel. Weather can vary by destination and year, so use it as a helpful starting point rather than a guarantee.
| Month | Where's hot? |
|---|---|
| January | Mild in Tenerife with daily maximums on average around 18⁰C, dry with low humidity in Cancun (28⁰C), warm with minimal rain in the Maldives (30⁰C) |
| February | Mild days and cool evenings in Benidorm (16⁰C), hot with light rain in Montego Bay (29⁰C), hot and dry in Zanzibar (32⁰C) |
| March | Mild days and cool evenings in Paphos (17⁰C), mild and comfortable in Sharm El Sheikh (24⁰C), warm and dry on the west and south coasts of Sri Lanka (32⁰C) |
| April | Warming up in Crete with minimal rainfall (19⁰C), mild spring weather in the Costa del Sol (19⁰C), warm and dry with warm evenings in Orlando (28⁰C) |
| May | Transitioning to summer in Albufeira (22⁰C), warming up with pleasant evenings in Benidorm (22⁰C), low humidity in Mauritius (27⁰C) |
| June | Warm, dry and sunny in Majorca (25⁰C), clear skies and rare showers in Marmaris (30⁰C), start of the rainy season so lower prices in Phuket (31⁰C) |
| July | Hot, dry and sunny in the Algarve (27⁰C), hot and humid in Koh Samui (31⁰C) with short spells of rain and fewer crowds, hot days and warm evenings in Bodrum (33⁰C) |
| August | Peak summer in Tenerife (26⁰C), high daytime heat with minimal rainfall in Majorca (29⁰C), hot and humid in the Dominican Republic (32⁰C) |
| September | Warm and sunny in Crete (25⁰C), hot days and pleasant evenings in Majorca (26⁰C), eight hours of daily sunshine and beach weather in Benidorm (28⁰C) |
| October | Warm and pleasant days with cooling nights in Paphos (25⁰C), long bright days with minimal rainfall in Fuerteventura (25⁰C), hot and humid in Cancun (30⁰C) |
| November | Dry and sunny with low rainfall in Gran Canaria (23⁰C), end of the wet season and just before peak season in the Maldives (30⁰C), transition to drier season in Phuket (31⁰C) |
| December | Mild and spring-like in Lanzarote (21⁰C), start of the dry season in Barbados (29⁰C), heat and humidity in Mauritius (29⁰C) at the start of its summer |
Please note: Weather can vary by region and resort. Check local forecasts before booking. Guide last updated: October 2026.
A number of destinations across the world offer warm to hot weather year-round. So, if you’re looking to travel outside of the traditional summer season, destinations such as the Maldives, Thailand, the Caribbean, Mexico, Cape Verde and Dubai are generally hot year-round. However, remember that hot year-round doesn't necessarily mean identical weather every month; temperatures, rainfall and seasonal conditions vary. Some destinations have rainy or hurricane seasons, while others can become extremely hot during the summer, so check the conditions for your exact travel dates before booking.
Looking for a hot holiday? Start by thinking about your budget and how long you’re willing to travel for. Short-haul destinations such as Spain, the Canary Islands, Cyprus and Greece are generally warm or mild year-round with sunshine but without the cost or flight time of a long-haul trip. However, if higher temperatures are your priority, travelling further afield opens up tropical destinations with much hotter weather.
Also consider the type of weather you enjoy: dry heat, warm evenings, humid tropical conditions or milder sunshine? Finally, think about whether sightseeing or spending time on the beach is your priority.
Looking for hot holiday destinations for a particular month? Our month-by-month deals guide lets you compare prices for the best hot places to go on holiday, helping you find a warm-weather escape, when you want it, for less. From winter sun to summer beach breaks, explore holiday deals for every time of the year.
There isn't just one hot season around the world. As an example, when Europe is cooling down, destinations in the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia or the Southern Hemisphere may be warming up. Use our regional guides to find where’s hot for holidays throughout the year.
Destinations close to the equator generally remain warm year-round, except for mountain regions and some areas by the coast. The Maldives is tropical year-round with temperatures rarely dipping below 30⁰C. Dry season runs from November to April, with February typically the driest month. Closer to home, the Canary Islands stay warm year-round with maximum temperatures in January of 18⁰C.
For hot beach holidays, popular options include the Caribbean, Mexico, the Maldives, Thailand, Mauritius and Egypt's Red Sea resorts – plus Europe in the summer months. The right choice depends on when you travel, how far you want to fly and whether you prefer very hot tropical weather or milder sunshine. Sea temperatures and rainfall can also vary by season.
The warmest and most reliably mild places in Europe year-round are located in its southernmost regions including islands such as the Canaries, where winter temperatures rarely drop below 15°C to 20°C. The Algarve, Malta, Cyprus and Maderia remain around 16⁰C during their coldest months.
For summer (June to August) your hottest holiday destinations include Dubai where temperatures can be in the 40°Cs. Seville in Spain is the hottest spot in Western Europe in summer, reaching over 35⁰C in July and August. Temperatures can reach or exceed 30°C in destinations such as Thailand, Cancun, the Maldives and Dubai at certain times of year.
If you're wondering where is hot a short flight away, the Canary Islands are one of the most popular choices for warm weather. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura generally offer mild winter sunshine and hotter summer conditions. Southern Spain, Cyprus, Malta and parts of Greece are also warm during spring, summer and autumn compared to the UK.
Long-haul travel opens up a wide choice of hot weather destinations, including Thailand, the Maldives, the Caribbean, Mexico and Mauritius. The best option depends on your travel month because tropical destinations have different wet and dry seasons. Be sure to check the typical temperature, rainfall and sunshine for your dates.
No destination can guarantee sunshine every day of the year. The Canary Islands are among the better-known options for relatively reliable sunshine across the seasons, while destinations such as the Caribbean, Maldives, Dubai and parts of Mexico can offer plenty of sunshine during their dry seasons but can be prone to showers. Always check seasonal rainfall and the latest forecast.
The ideal holiday temperature depends on what you want to do. Around 20⁰C to 25°C can be comfortable for sightseeing, walking and outdoor activities, while temperatures in the high 20⁰Cs or low 30⁰Cs may better suit a beach holiday. If you don't enjoy extreme heat, check average daytime and evening temperatures before booking, as some destinations can become very hot in summer.
No. The cost of a hot-weather holiday depends on the destination, time of year, flight availability, accommodation and demand. Short-haul destinations can reduce flight costs, while travelling outside of peak periods can sometimes offer better-value holidays. Comparing different destinations and travel dates can help you to find sunshine at a price that suits your budget.