Best Winter Sun Destinations: 20 Warm Places to Escape the UK Winter
If you are searching for the best winter sun destinations, there are plenty of places where you can swap grey skies and cold mornings for sunshine, beaches and warmer temperatures. For UK travellers, winter sun holidays range from short, haul escapes in the Canary Islands and Madeira to warmer destinations such as Egypt, Cape Verde, Dubai and the Caribbean.
The best destination depends on what you want from your trip. Some places are ideal for affordable beach holidays, while others offer sightseeing, culture, luxury resorts or long stretches of winter sunshine. If you are looking for winter sun destinations from the UK, these are some of the best places to consider between November and March.
Table of Contents
Best Winter Sun Destinations at a Glance
- Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
- Lanzarote, Canary Islands
- Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
- Cape Verde
- Hurghada, Egypt
- Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
- Madeira, Portugal
- Cyprus
- Agadir, Morocco
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Dubai, UAE
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Malta
- Algarve, Portugal
- Barbados
- Jamaica
- Cancun, Mexico
- Mauritius
- Thailand
1. Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is one of the most popular winter sun destinations from the UK, thanks to its mild weather, beaches, resorts and relatively short flight time. The south of the island is particularly popular with winter travellers looking for sunshine and beach days. You can also explore Mount Teide, coastal towns and volcanic landscapes if you want more than a resort holiday. Winter daytime temperatures can reach around 22°C, making Tenerife a reliable choice for escaping colder UK weather.
2. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Gran Canaria combines warm winter weather with beaches, resorts, mountains and lively towns. The south of the island is particularly popular for winter sunshine, while areas such as Las Palmas and Lanzarote holiday park offer more of a city break experience. It is a good all-round choice for couples, families and travellers looking for a relatively easy winter escape from the UK.
3. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Lanzarote is another strong option for a winter sunshine holiday. The island is known for volcanic landscapes, beaches, dramatic scenery and relatively dry winter weather. Resorts such as Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen are popular with visitors looking for sunshine and relaxation. Lanzarote is especially appealing if you want to combine beach time with sightseeing and outdoor activities.
4. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Fuerteventura is one of the best choices for travellers who prioritise beaches and outdoor activities. The island has long sandy beaches, clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. It is also particularly popular for surfing, windsurfing and other water sports. With winter temperatures around the low 20s Celsius, Fuerteventura offers a convenient European escape without travelling long-haul.
5. Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an excellent choice if you want warmer winter temperatures without travelling as far as the Caribbean. The island of Sal is particularly popular for its sandy beaches, turquoise water and resort hotels. Winter temperatures can reach around 24–25°C, making it one of the warmer winter sun destinations from the UK. Cape Verde is especially suitable for travellers looking for an all-inclusive beach holiday.
6. Hurghada, Egypt
Hurghada is one of the strongest options for reliable winter warmth. Located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, it offers beaches, resorts, diving, snorkelling and plenty of sunshine. Winter daytime highs can reach around 22°C or higher, depending on the month. It is also a popular choice for families and travellers looking for good-value, value all, inclusive holidays.
7. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm El Sheikh is another excellent Red Sea destination for winter sun. The area is known for warm weather, beaches, coral reefs, diving and large resort hotels. It is particularly attractive if your priority is relaxing somewhere warm rather than exploring a traditional European city. For travellers looking for heat and resort facilities, Sharm El Sheikh is one of the best options on this list.
8. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is a great winter destination if you prefer scenery, walking and culture over spending every day on the beach. Funchal provides a lively base with restaurants, historic streets and waterfront attractions, while the island’s mountains and levada trails offer plenty of hiking opportunities. Madeira is generally milder rather than truly hot in winter, making it better for an active winter break than a guaranteed beach holiday.
9. Cyprus
Cyprus offers mild winter weather, historic attractions, Mediterranean food and fewer crowds than during the summer season. Paphos is particularly appealing for visitors interested in history and coastal scenery, while other parts of the island provide beaches, villages and mountain landscapes. Winter temperatures are generally milder than in Egypt or Cape Verde, but Cyprus can still be a pleasant escape from the UK cold.
10. Agadir, Morocco
Agadir is a popular Moroccan destination for travellers searching for sunshine, beaches and relatively short flights from the UK. The city has a long beachfront promenade, hotels, restaurants and access to nearby attractions. Winter temperatures are generally mild rather than tropical, but the climate makes Agadir a useful alternative to colder European destinations.
It is particularly suitable if you want a mixture of beach relaxation and Moroccan culture.
11. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech offers a different type of winter sun holiday. Instead of focusing entirely on beaches, you can explore colourful souks, historic palaces, gardens, traditional restaurants and lively squares. Days can be pleasantly warm during winter, although evenings can become cool. This makes Marrakech a better option for sightseeing and city breaks than for a traditional beach holiday.
12. Dubai, UAE
Dubai is one of the best choices if you want genuinely warm weather during winter. You can combine beaches with luxury hotels, shopping, restaurants, desert experiences and modern attractions. It is also a good option for travellers who want sunshine alongside a city,break atmosphere. Dubai requires a longer flight from the UK than destinations such as Spain or Portugal, but the warmer winter climate can make the extra travel worthwhile.
13. Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi offers warm winter weather, beaches, impressive architecture and cultural attractions. Compared with Dubai, it can feel more relaxed while still offering luxury hotels, shopping and entertainment. It is a strong choice for travellers looking for a warm winter break with a mixture of relaxation and sightseeing.
14. Malta
Malta is a useful option for a short winter escape, particularly if sightseeing and history are more important to you than swimming. Valletta, historic towns, coastal scenery and Mediterranean food make the island interesting outside the main summer season. Winter temperatures are cooler than destinations such as Egypt or Cape Verde, so Malta is better described as a mild winter, sun destination rather than a hot beach destination.
15. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is one of Portugal’s most popular holiday regions and remains attractive during winter. You can explore coastal towns, beaches, cliffs, golf courses and restaurants without the crowds of summer. Winter temperatures are generally mild rather than hot, but the Algarve can be a good choice if you want sunshine, fresh air and a quieter European break.
16. Barbados
If you want tropical winter sunshine, Barbados is a strong choice. The island offers warm temperatures, beaches, Caribbean food, water sports and a wide selection of hotels and resorts. The main disadvantage is the longer journey from the UK compared with the Canary Islands, Egypt or Morocco. However, if maximum warmth is the priority, the Caribbean is worth considering.
17. Jamaica
Jamaica is another excellent option for a genuinely warm winter sunshine holiday. You can spend your days on beaches, explore waterfalls and mountains, enjoy Jamaican food or stay at an all-inclusive resort. Jamaica works particularly well for travellers who want tropical temperatures and a more immersive holiday experience rather than a short European break.
18. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun offers warm winter weather, Caribbean beaches, large resorts and easy access to ancient Mayan sites. It is a good choice if you want a combination of beach relaxation and sightseeing. The flight from the UK is considerably longer than to the Canary Islands or Egypt, but the warmer climate makes Cancun attractive for travellers who want a proper tropical escape.
19. Mauritius
Mauritius is ideal for a more luxurious winter holiday. The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches and lagoons and offers opportunities for snorkelling, diving, hiking and exploring local culture. It is a long-haul destination from the UK, but it provides the kind of warm tropical weather that many travellers are looking for when planning a winter escape.
20. Thailand
Thailand is one of the best choices for travellers willing to travel long-haul for serious winter sunshine. Destinations such as Phuket offer beaches, warm weather, Thai food, cultural attractions and a wide range of accommodation. It takes considerably longer to reach Thailand from the UK than destinations in Europe or North Africa, but the reward is a much warmer tropical holiday.
Best Winter Sun Destinations From the UK
For UK travellers, the Canary Islands remain one of the easiest winter sun choices because they combine relatively short flights with dependable winter warmth. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are particularly popular. If you want hotter weather, consider Egypt or Cape Verde. If you prefer culture and sightseeing, Madeira, Morocco and Malta are good alternatives. For tropical temperatures, look further afield to the Caribbean, Mexico, Mauritius or Thailand.
Best Winter Sun Destinations for Warm Weather
If temperature is your main priority, consider:
- Thailand – tropical warmth and beaches
- Mauritius – warm weather and luxury resorts
- Jamaica – Caribbean beaches and tropical weather
- Barbados – sunshine, beaches and Caribbean culture
- Dubai – warm weather with a modern city experience
- Cape Verde – warm temperatures with a relatively short flight
- Egypt – reliable Red Sea sunshine
The Canary Islands are usually milder rather than tropical, but they are among the most convenient options for UK travellers seeking winter sunshine.
Best Winter Sun Destinations for a Short Flight
If you do not want a long journey, look at:
- Tenerife
- Gran Canaria
- Lanzarote
- Fuerteventura
- Madeira
- Malta
- Cyprus
- Morocco
- Egypt
The Canary Islands are particularly popular because flights from the UK generally take around four to five hours, depending on the departure airport and island.
Where Is It Hot in Winter?
There is an important difference between mild winter sunshine and genuinely hot weather.
The Canary Islands, Madeira and southern parts of mainland Europe can provide pleasant winter days, but they should not be confused with tropical destinations. For stronger warmth, Cape Verde, Egypt and Dubai are better options. For temperatures that feel much closer to summer, consider Thailand, the Maldives, Barbados, the Dominican Republic or other Caribbean destinations. Recent climate comparisons show that tropical destinations can reach around 28–33°C during parts of the UK winter, while the Canary Islands are generally closer to the low 20s.
Best Winter Sun Destinations by Holiday Type
| What you want | Destinations to consider |
| Shorter flight | Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote |
| Mild winter sunshine | Canary Islands, Madeira, Agadir |
| Warmer beach weather | Cape Verde, Egypt |
| City and sunshine | Dubai, Agadir |
| Tropical heat | Thailand, Maldives, Caribbean |
| Family-friendly resort holiday | Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Cape Verde, Egypt |
| Nature and outdoor activities | Madeira, Tenerife, Lanzarote |
| Luxury beach escape | Maldives, Barbados |
| Snorkelling and diving | Egypt, Maldives, Cape Verde |
Cheapest Winter Sun Destinations
If keeping costs down is important, consider destinations such as the Canary Islands, Egypt, Morocco and some parts of Turkey. Prices vary significantly depending on school holidays, Christmas and New Year, departure airport and how far in advance you book. January and February can offer better value outside peak holiday periods. Egypt and the Canary Islands are frequently highlighted as good value winter options, while Cape Verde can offer a balance between warmer weather and package holiday convenience.
When Is the Best Time for a Winter Sun Holiday?
The main winter sun season for UK travellers runs roughly from November to March.
November
November can be a good month for affordable sunshine, particularly in the Canary Islands, Egypt and Morocco.
December
December is popular for escaping the Christmas cold, although prices can rise significantly around Christmas and New Year.
January
January is one of the best months to look for a winter escape after the Christmas period. Egypt, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands are popular choices.
February
February is another strong month for winter sun, with destinations such as Egypt and Cape Verde offering considerably warmer conditions than much of Europe.
March
March brings longer days and improving temperatures across many destinations, making it a good time for a spring-like escape before summer begins.
How to Choose the Best Winter Sun Destination
The best destination depends on what you want from your holiday.
For the shortest easy escape: choose the Canary Islands.
For warmer weather: choose Egypt or Cape Verde.
For beaches: consider Fuerteventura, Cape Verde, Barbados or Mauritius.
For culture: choose Marrakech, Madeira or Malta.
For luxury: consider Dubai or Mauritius.
For an all-inclusive holiday: Egypt, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands are strong choices.
For a tropical long-haul trip: consider Thailand, Jamaica, Barbados or Mexico.
Conclusion
The best winter sun destinations offer very different types of holidays. You do not necessarily need to travel long-haul to find sunshine: the Canary Islands, Madeira, Morocco, Cyprus and Egypt can all provide a welcome break from the UK’s winter weather. For the easiest combination of sunshine, flight time and choice of accommodation, the Canary Islands are hard to beat. If you want more heat, Cape Verde and Egypt are excellent alternatives, while Dubai and the Caribbean are better suited to travellers prepared to travel further for warmer temperatures. Whether you want a cheap winter break, a relaxing beach holiday, a luxury escape or an active trip, there is a winter sunshine destination to suit almost every type of traveller.
