Best Family Winter Sun Holidays: Warm Destinations for Families
When winter arrives in the UK, a family holiday can be a welcome escape from cold mornings, short days and unpredictable weather. Instead of waiting for summer, many families choose a winter sun holiday where they can enjoy warmer temperatures, beaches, swimming pools and outdoor activities. The good news is that you do not necessarily need to travel halfway around the world. The Canary Islands offer some of the easiest winter sun options from the UK, while destinations such as Egypt, Cape Verde and Dubai provide warmer weather for families willing to travel further.
But the best destination depends on more than temperature. Families need to think about flight time, hotel facilities, children’s activities, food options, beaches, transfer times and how much travelling younger children can comfortably handle. Here are some of the best family winter sun holidays, along with practical advice for choosing the right destination.
Table of Contents
What Are the Best Family Winter Sun Holidays?
For most UK families, the best winter sun destinations combine warm weather with manageable travel times and plenty of family-friendly accommodation. Some of the strongest options include:
| Destination | Best for | Typical winter appeal |
| Tenerife | All-round family holidays | Beaches, attractions and warm weather |
| Gran Canaria | Families wanting variety | Resorts, beaches and activities |
| Lanzarote | Relaxed family breaks | Beaches, volcanic landscapes and resorts |
| Fuerteventura | Beaches and space | Long sandy beaches and water sports |
| Cape Verde | Beach, focused holidays | Warm weather and resort stays |
| Egypt | Warmth and value | Red Sea resorts, beaches and snorkelling |
| Dubai | Attractions and luxury | Beaches, waterparks and family entertainment |
| Madeira | Nature and sightseeing | Mild weather, scenery and outdoor activities |
| Morocco | Culture and short-haul warmth | Markets, resorts and family experiences |
| Barbados | Caribbean family escape | Beaches, sea and tropical weather |
The Canary Islands are particularly convenient for families because they combine relatively short flights from the UK with a wide choice of family resorts. Current winter sun guides also highlight Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura among the leading short-haul options.
1. Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is one of the easiest choices for a family winter sun holiday from the UK. The island offers a mixture of sandy beaches, family resorts, swimming pools, water parks and attractions, so you don’t have to spend the entire holiday sitting beside the pool. For families with younger children, the resort areas around Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos provide plenty of accommodation and restaurants. Older children and teenagers can enjoy water sports, boat trips and larger attractions. Tenerife also gives families the option to explore beyond the beach. Mount Teide and the island’s volcanic scenery provide a completely different experience from the coastal resorts.
Best for: first-time winter sun travellers, mixed-age families and families wanting lots of activities.
2. Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is another excellent option for families looking for winter sunshine without a particularly long journey from Britain. The island has a good mixture of beaches, family resorts and attractions. Areas such as Maspalomas are particularly popular for their beaches and distinctive dunes. One advantage of Gran Canaria is variety. You can have a traditional beach holiday while still having opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, boat trips and exploring different parts of the island. Current family winter sun guides highlight Gran Canaria as one of the more convenient warm-weather choices for families travelling from the UK.
Best for: beach holidays, families who want activities and relatively easy travel.
3. Lanzarote
Lanzarote is worth considering if you want a slightly more relaxed family holiday. The island’s volcanic landscape makes it different from many traditional beach destinations. Families can combine time around the resort with visits to volcanic attractions, beaches and viewpoints.
Lanzarote also has plenty of family-friendly accommodation, including all-inclusive and self-catering options. For parents, the appeal is that children can enjoy the pool and beach while adults have opportunities to explore the island.
Best for: relaxed holidays, families who enjoy sightseeing and beach time.
4. Fuerteventura
If your priority is beaches, Fuerteventura deserves a place on your shortlist. The island is famous for long sandy beaches and is particularly appealing to families who want plenty of outdoor space. It is also associated with water sports, although families should choose activities according to the children’s ages and experience. Fuerteventura can feel more laid-back than some of the busier Canary Island resorts, making it attractive if you want a slower winter break.
Best for: beaches, outdoor activities and relaxed family holidays.
5. Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a good choice if you want warmer winter weather while still avoiding an extremely long-haul journey. The islands are known for sandy beaches, resort hotels and a relaxed atmosphere. Current UK winter sun guides list Cape Verde among the stronger options for families seeking more reliable warmth during the European winter. Many families choose resort-based holidays here, making it relatively straightforward to organise a trip where accommodation, meals and entertainment are all in one place. The main consideration is that Cape Verde is further from the UK than the Canary Islands, so flight time and transfers matter more when travelling with very young children.
Best for: families prioritising sunshine, beaches and resort holidays.
6. Egypt’s Red Sea Resorts
For families who want warmer weather and plenty of things to do in the water, Egypt’s Red Sea coast is another strong option. Hurghada and other Red Sea destinations are popular with winter travellers because of their resort hotels, beaches and opportunities for snorkelling and water-based activities. Egypt is also regularly featured among the leading winter sun destinations for UK travellers. Many resorts operate on an all-inclusive basis, which can make family budgeting easier. The Red Sea is particularly attractive for older children and teenagers who want more than a swimming pool. Snorkelling and boat trips can add an adventurous element to the holiday.
Best for: warmth, all-inclusive resorts, swimming and snorkelling.
7. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai offers a completely different type of family winter holiday. Rather than being purely a beach destination, it combines warm winter weather with huge indoor and outdoor attractions, shopping centres, waterparks, beaches and family entertainment. Visit Dubai specifically promotes the winter season for its favourable weather and wide range of activities. Families can spend one day at the beach, another at a waterpark and another exploring the city’s major attractions. The downside is that Dubai is generally more expensive than a straightforward Canary Islands package holiday, particularly if you choose a high-end hotel.
Best for: families wanting beaches plus major attractions and entertainment.
8. Madeira
Madeira is an excellent choice if your idea of a family winter holiday involves more than lying beside a swimming pool. The Portuguese island has dramatic scenery, botanical gardens, coastal viewpoints and walking opportunities. Its winter climate is mild rather than tropical, making it better suited to sightseeing and outdoor exploration than guaranteed hot beach weather. It is particularly attractive for families with older children who enjoy nature and exploring.
Best for: active families, nature and sightseeing.
9. Morocco
Morocco can work well for families looking for a combination of warmer weather, culture and sightseeing. Marrakech offers colourful markets, gardens, traditional architecture and family-friendly hotels, while coastal destinations provide a more conventional beach break experience. It is worth remembering that winter temperatures vary considerably between Moroccan destinations. If your priority is swimming and hot beach weather, compare the specific resort and month rather than assuming the whole country will be warm.
Best for: culture, sightseeing and families wanting something different from a traditional resort.
10. Barbados
For families prepared to travel further, Barbados provides a genuine tropical winter escape. The Caribbean island combines beaches with water activities, nature, local food and family attractions. The major drawback is the longer journey from the UK, particularly with toddlers or young children. For a one-week break, some families may prefer a shorter flight, while a longer holiday can make the journey easier to justify.
Best for: tropical beaches, longer family holidays and older children.
Short-haul vs Long-haul Family Winter Holidays
The biggest decision is often how far you want to fly.
Short-haul or relatively short winter sun
The Canary Islands and Madeira are among the easier options from the UK. They are particularly useful for families who don’t want a very long flight and want to keep travel relatively simple.
Longer winter sun holidays
Cape Verde, Egypt and Dubai provide warmer weather options further afield, while the Caribbean and destinations in Asia offer a much more tropical experience. The trade-off is simple: longer flights can bring warmer weather, but they also add travel time and potentially higher costs.
Best Family Winter Sun Holidays by Type
Not every family wants the same holiday.
Best for young children
Tenerife and Gran Canaria are strong choices because of their family resorts, beaches, pools, and range of facilities.
Best for teenagers
Egypt and Dubai can work particularly well because they offer water activities, excursions, and attractions beyond the hotel.
Best for beaches
Fuerteventura and Cape Verde are worth considering if the beach is the main attraction.
Best for activities
Dubai and Tenerife provide plenty to do away from the pool.
Best for sightseeing
Madeira and Morocco offer more opportunities to explore culture and landscapes.
Best for an all-inclusive holiday
Egypt, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands have extensive resort accommodation, including all-inclusive options.
Are Winter Sun Holidays Good for Families?
Yes, but choosing the right destination is important. A winter sun holiday can give children an opportunity to spend time outdoors, swim, visit attractions, and experience another country while the UK is cold. However, parents should look beyond the headline temperature.
Check:
- How long is the flight?
- How long is the airport transfer?
- Is the resort suitable for your children’s ages?
- Does the hotel have a heated pool?
- Are there children’s clubs?
- Is there a kids’ menu?
- Are family rooms available?
- How close is the beach?
- What happens if the weather is cooler than expected?
- Are activities open during your travel dates?
These details can make a bigger difference to a family holiday than a couple of degrees on the weather forecast.
Should You Choose an All-Inclusive Winter Sun Holiday?
For many families, all-inclusive accommodation can make a winter break much easier. Meals, drinks and some entertainment are usually included in the package, meaning parents have fewer decisions to make during the holiday. It can also make budgeting simpler. However, self-catering can be better for families with babies, children with specific dietary requirements, or parents who prefer eating outside the hotel. Compare the total cost rather than assuming all-inclusive is automatically cheaper.
What Is the Best Month for a Family Winter Sun Holiday?
The best month depends on what you want.
November
A good option for escaping the first part of the UK winter. The Canary Islands are among the easier choices for relatively mild winter sunshine.
December
Christmas holidays can be magical abroad, but school holidays can also make this one of the more expensive periods to travel.
January
January is popular with families wanting to escape the coldest part of the UK winter. It can also be an attractive period for travellers looking for better value holidays outside the Christmas and New Year peak.
February
February is another popular month for winter sun, particularly during UK half-term. However, demand can push prices up around school holiday dates. Current winter sun research also notes that January and February can offer the same destination appeal at lower prices than the Christmas period, depending on availability and travel dates.
How to Choose the Right Winter Sun Destination for Your Family
Start with your children’s ages. A destination that works brilliantly for teenagers may not be ideal for a toddler. Next, consider the flight. For younger children, a four- to five-hour flight may be much easier than a nine- or ten-hour journey. Then look at the hotel. A family-friendly hotel should ideally have appropriate room configurations, child-friendly food, swimming facilities and activities. Finally, decide how warm you actually need it to be. There is a major difference between mild winter sunshine and hot beach weather. The Canary Islands can provide a very useful winter escape without offering the same tropical temperatures as the Caribbean or some Red Sea destinations.
What to Pack for a Family Winter Sun Holiday
Even when you’re travelling somewhere warm, don’t pack only summer clothes. A sensible family packing list includes:
- Swimwear
- Sun cream
- Sun hats
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jumpers or jackets
- Waterproof layer
- Reusable water bottles
- Travel medicines and first-aid essentials
- Children’s entertainment for the flight
- Any essential baby or toddler equipment
Temperatures can fall in the evenings, particularly on Atlantic islands, so a light extra layer is useful.
How to Save Money on Family Winter Sun Holidays
Family holidays can become expensive quickly, particularly when travelling during school holidays. A few strategies can help:
Compare different departure airports. A slightly longer drive may open up cheaper flights or more convenient schedules.
Check January and early February dates. These can be cheaper than Christmas and New Year, although school holidays need to be considered.
Compare package and DIY holidays. A package can sometimes offer better overall value once flights, transfers and accommodation are combined.
Look carefully at board basis. Half board or all-inclusive may be better value for a family than paying separately for meals and drinks.
Consider the total family price. A low headline price per person doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest option for two adults and children.
Book around school holidays carefully. Christmas, New Year and February half-term can be significantly more expensive.
Family Winter Holidays vs Winter Sun Holidays
These terms are related, but they don’t mean the same thing.
Family winter holidays can include skiing, Christmas markets, snowy city breaks, UK cottage holidays and winter activity breaks.
Family winter sun holidays specifically focus on escaping cold weather for warmer destinations.
If your family loves snow and skiing, destinations in the Alps or Scandinavia may be more suitable. If your main goal is to swap coats for swimwear, look towards the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Egypt, Dubai or the Caribbean.
Family Winter Sun Holiday Checklist
Before booking, check:
- Destination’s winter climate
- Flight duration
- Airport transfer
- Family room configuration
- Pool facilities
- Heated pool availability
- Kids’ clubs
- Children’s entertainment
- Beach access
- Food options
- All-inclusive availability
- Travel insurance
- Passport requirements
- Current travel advice
- Activities available during your dates
This checklist can help prevent one of the most common family holiday mistakes: choosing a destination because it sounds warm without checking whether the specific resort and hotel actually suit your family.
FAQs
Where is best for a family winter sun holiday?
Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Cape Verde, Egypt and Dubai are among the strongest options. The best choice depends on flight time, budget, weather and the ages of your children.
Where is warmest for winter sun with children?
Egypt, Dubai, Cape Verde and Caribbean destinations generally offer warmer conditions than the nearer European options. The Canary Islands provide a useful compromise between warmth and shorter travel.
What is the best winter sun destination from the UK for families?
The Canary Islands are one of the easiest choices because of their relatively short flight times, large range of family accommodation and winter climate.
Is Tenerife good for a family winter holiday?
Yes. Tenerife has family-friendly resorts, beaches, swimming pools, attractions and plenty of activities beyond the beach.
Is Egypt suitable for a family winter sun holiday?
Egypt’s Red Sea resorts can be particularly appealing for families wanting warm weather, resort facilities, swimming and snorkelling. Check the current travel advice and choose accommodation suited to your children’s ages.
Is Dubai good for children in winter?
Yes. Dubai combines winter sunshine with beaches, waterparks, attractions, entertainment and indoor activities, making it particularly useful for families who don’t want a purely beach-based holiday.
Are winter sun holidays more expensive during Christmas?
They can be. Christmas and New Year are popular travel periods, so demand can increase prices. January and February may offer better value outside school holiday peaks.
What should families pack for a winter sun holiday?
Pack summer clothing and swimwear alongside light layers, comfortable footwear and a jacket for cooler evenings. Sun protection is important even when temperatures aren’t extremely high.
Conclusion
The best family winter sun holidays are not necessarily the hottest destinations. For many UK families, the ideal trip is a balance between sunshine, manageable flight times, family-friendly hotels and enough activities to keep everyone entertained. For a relatively easy escape, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are excellent starting points. If you want warmer weather, consider Cape Verde or Egypt, while Dubai is a strong choice for families who want major attractions alongside sunshine.
And if you’re happy to fly further, the Caribbean can provide the tropical beach holiday many families dream about during the UK’s coldest months. The key is to match the destination to your family rather than simply choosing the warmest place on the map. Consider the children’s ages, flight time, hotel facilities, activities, and overall budget, and your winter family holiday is much more likely to be a success.
