Winter sun holidays

Put away your fleece jacket and take a welcome break from the chilly season with a winter sun holiday somewhere warm.

From Europe and Asia to North America, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots for a dose of vitamin D.

*All temperatures are based on average high temperatures from December, January and February.

A world of winter sun awaits right here on your doorstep. If you don’t fancy a far-flung flight, compare cheap holidays and all-inclusive packages to these wonderfully warm destinations.

Benidorm: 16C

Best months to visit: January, February, March

Once a sleepy fishing village, these days Benidorm is less maritime and more party time. Restaurants, bars, clubs and cabaret line the streets and shores of Costa Blanca's famous holiday hub.

Levante Beach is the place to be for watersports fans. Strap in for paragliding, water-skiing, windsurfing and more. Or just grab a drink and watch the world unfold from its 2km (1.2 miles) of sandy shore.

Lanzarote: 21C

Best months to visit: December, January, February

The Canary Islands may bring to mind cheap summer holidays, but there's plenty going on here under the winter sun, too. Head for Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, to pick up a souvenir at its handicraft market and stop off for a plate of papas arrugadas in a traditional restaurant.

When you’re ready for evening entertainment, check out Jameos del Agua. This dramatic seawater lagoon surrounded by volcanic rock is one of the most unique concert halls around.

Gibraltar: 17C

Best months to visit: December, February, March

While you’re basically still in Blighty on a Gibraltar holiday, with winter weather this warm, you’d never have guessed.

Africa may be a way across the waves, but at Sandy Bay, you can sit on the sands of the Sahara (50,000 tonnes of it was imported from the desert!). And no visit to Gibraltar is complete without a quick hello to the Rock’s most famous residents, the barbary macaques.

Algarve: 17C

Best months to visit: January, February, March

The Algarve is a classic winter sun destination – and it’s just under three hours from London. If the first thing on your packing list is your walking boots, then take to the trails for meandering mountains and clifftop coastal routes.

For something a little less heart-racing, Estudantes Beach near Lagos is nothing but sand, sea and serenity. Whatever you do, break up each day with a tasty seafood cataplana – it’s the region’s specialty.

Sometimes a little more sun is worth a little longer on the plane. These winter-warming destinations are all under 12 hours from the UK.

Jamaica: 30C

Best months to visit: November, December

The UK’s winter months are among the best times to visit Jamaica. For a taste of pure paradise, head to the tropical Seven Mile Beach. As the name suggests, it’s 7 miles (11km) of silky golden sands, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and afternoon snoozing.

When you’re ready to take a break from the sun, the Bob Marley Museum is a great place to spend time in the shade. Set in the reggae legend’s former home, you can watch the entire music creation process from vocals to vinyl.

Goa: 31C

Best months to visit: December, January, February

A pocket of paradise in western India, Goa is the spiritual home of the beach bar. With a dazzling nightlife that stretches well into the day, you won’t be short of places to party.

When you’re ready to sleep off the revelry, its sizzling sands are prime sun-lounging territory. Candolim, Patnem, Cavelossim, Palolem, Miramar, Agonda .… the list of Goa’s most beautiful beaches truly goes on and on.

Dubai: 24C

Best months to visit: December, January, February

In Dubai, you’ll find beaches for every day of your stay – and then some. Al Sufouh, also known as Secret Beach, is the perfect place to get away from it all. Here, you can dip in 23C waters even with Christmas just around the corner.

For more action near the water’s edge, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach pack plenty of nightlife a short walk from the shore.

Thailand: 28C

Best months to visit: December, January, February

Take off to Thailand for the ultimate winter sun trip. Start with the beaches. Koh Lanta, Koh Samui and Krabi are all packed with pockets of sandy bliss.

Once you’re suitably zen, put that new energy to good use on the dance floors of Phuket – and pay a visit to the Big Buddha while you’re there.

Montego Bay

The Caribbean is the home of all-amazing, all-inclusive luxury. With six restaurants, four bars, a mini water park and a packed entertainment schedule, the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica delivers it brilliantly.

Phuket

For all-inclusive winter sun in Thailand, try the five-star Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort. It puts you bang on the beach in pretty Phuket, is surrounded by bars and buffets, and has a sauna, salon and Turkish bath for good measure.

Lagos

For a winter all-inclusive break without a long flight, the beautiful town of Lagos in the Algarve is the answer. The Vila Gale Lagos is as pleasing to the eye as it is on the purse. Step outside and you’re as close to cobbled streets as you are to the sweeping seafront.

Costa Teguise

For family fun beside brilliant beaches, book a break at Oasis Lanz Beach Mate in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote. With two pool areas (with dedicated spots for the kids), a tennis court and a gym with views of the pool, you won’t want to leave.

Florida

Florida and fun family getaways are a match made in heaven, with the many worlds of Disney right on your doorstep. Along with Disney World, you’ll find Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom and more here – all beneath warming winter skies.

Riviera Maya

Adventurous families, Mexico is calling! Just south of Cancun, the Ocean Coral Resort is built for little ones who love the water (and big ones, too), with four pools, tennis courts, scuba and watersports at the ready.

Marrakech

Lush riads – mini oases among the city’s busy streets – put Marrakech among the world’s most romantic cities. And with average February highs in the 20s, it's perfect for a couple's winter getaway.

Buenos Aires

The home of the tango is the perfect backdrop for a romantic break. Whether you dabble in dance, savour the local flavours or take a sunny stroll through some of Argentina’s finest architecture, Buenos Aires has it all. The temperature? A sizzling 27C.

Cape Town

If your relationship is action-packed, Cape Town is the place to be. Trek the national parks, take your seat on a safari or sign up for a sky-dive – all while the temperature nears 30C.

Cyprus

Visit Cyprus either side of summer for a cheap winter break packed with sightseeing and road trip potential. Temperatures rest around the high teens along the coast – that’s t-shirt weather for Brits abroad.

Madeira

Madeira is more about outdoor adventure activities than it is beaches, which makes it a great bet for a cheap winter sun holiday close to home. Work up a sweat hiking its levada trails or climbing Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak.

Mauritius

A visit to Mauritius in December means warm seas, sunny skies and a price tag that’s kind on your purse strings. Temperatures average 28C throughout winter.