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If you want sunshine between November and March, you have more choice than you might think. The Canary Islands, Madeira, parts of North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, Egypt, Cape Verde, the Gulf and the Caribbean all offer warmer weather than the UK in winter, at very different prices and flight times. The best winter sun destination for you depends on how warm you want it, how long you are prepared to fly and how much you want to spend. This guide answers the questions people ask most, and helps you narrow the list before you start comparing deals.
Where is warm in winter?
Warmth is relative, so it helps to think in three groups.
Reliably warm and sunny
Places closer to the equator or sheltered from winter weather tend to be the most dependable. These include Cape Verde, the Gambia, the Caribbean, Dubai and the Gulf, Egypt’s Red Sea resorts and parts of Southeast Asia. Temperatures are usually pleasantly warm or hot, although conditions vary by month and region, so always check a month by month climate guide for your exact resort.
Mild and often sunny
The Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, are popular because they combine short flights with mild winter weather. Madeira and Morocco (such as Agadir and Marrakech) also fit this category. You can usually expect pleasant daytime weather, but evenings can feel cool and the sea can be fresh. See our month by month guides to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Agadir.
Cooler but still brighter than home
Southern Spain, Malta, Cyprus and parts of southern Portugal and the Algarve can offer more sunshine than the UK in winter, but it will not feel like a beach holiday every day. They suit walking, sightseeing and short breaks more than sunbathing. Our Albufeira guide explains what the Algarve is like out of season.
Is it too hot or too cool at this time of year?
Winter sun is a balancing act. Go too far south and some places can be very hot, and go too far north and you may need a jumper in the evenings. Here is a practical way to think about it:
- If you want to swim in the sea comfortably, aim for the warmest places such as the Caribbean, Cape Verde and parts of the Red Sea.
- If you want to sit by the pool in the sun but do not mind a cooler sea, the Canary Islands and Madeira work well.
- If you want to explore and have mild, sunny days, look at southern Spain, Malta, Cyprus and Morocco.
- If you dislike heat, avoid the hottest places in the middle of the day, and check whether hotel pools are heated.
Weather varies from year to year, and there are no guarantees anywhere. Treat any forecast or climate chart as a guide rather than a promise, and pack layers. It also helps to read recent guest reviews for the resort you are considering, because they often mention how warm the pool and sea felt in the month you plan to travel.
How long is the flight from the UK?
Flight times depend on your departure airport, but these are rough guides for direct flights from the south of England. Always check your airline for exact times.
- Canary Islands, Madeira and Morocco: roughly three to five hours
- Southern Spain, Portugal and Malta: roughly two to four hours
- Cyprus and Egypt: roughly four to five hours
- Cape Verde: roughly six hours
- Dubai and the Gulf: roughly seven hours
- Caribbean: roughly nine to ten hours or more
- Southeast Asia: roughly eleven to thirteen hours, often with a stop
If you live in Sussex, Gatwick offers a wide choice of winter sun routes, and our holidays from Gatwick guide explains how to use the airport. If you want to compare destinations by weather and cost, our city breaks and all inclusive holidays guides are a useful starting point.
How much do winter sun holidays cost?
Prices change constantly and depend on the dates, the hotel, the board basis and how early you book. We do not quote figures because they would go out of date quickly, but you can think about cost in broad bands:
- Cheaper: short haul destinations such as the Canary Islands, Spain, Portugal and Morocco, especially outside school holidays
- Mid range: Egypt, Cyprus, Madeira and Cape Verde, depending on the hotel and dates
- Higher: Dubai, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, where flights add significantly to the cost
Christmas, New Year and school holidays are normally the most expensive times, and January and early February can be better value. Our cheap holidays guide has more tips on keeping the price down.
Ways to save money on winter sun
- Travel outside Christmas, New Year and school holidays, when demand is highest.
- Be flexible on departure day, because midweek flights are often cheaper.
- Compare a package against booking flights and a hotel separately.
- Check the cost of baggage, transfers and meals, which can add up quickly.
- Consider all inclusive if you would otherwise eat out for every meal.
- Compare nearby airports, because a cheaper flight can outweigh a longer drive or train journey.
- Sign up for price alerts so you can act when a deal appears.
When should I book?
There is no single best time, but a few rules of thumb help.
- For Christmas, New Year and half term, book as early as you can, because popular hotels and flights sell out.
- For January and February, you can sometimes find better prices closer to departure, but choice may be smaller.
- If you want a specific hotel or room type, book earlier.
- If you are flexible on destination and dates, watch for offers and consider a last minute holiday.
Check the cancellation terms and whether you are protected by a package holiday scheme. Our travel insurance guide explains what cover to look for.
Which type of holiday suits winter sun?
All inclusive
All inclusive can simplify budgeting, especially for families and for destinations where eating out is pricey. See our all inclusive holidays guide for what to check.
Self catering
Apartments and villas can work well in the Canaries and the Algarve, particularly for longer stays.
Hotel and flights separately
Booking separately can be cheaper and more flexible, but you may lose the protection of a package. Check what is covered.
City plus beach
Combining a city stay with a few beach days can work in places such as Lisbon and Dubai. See our Lisbon guide.
Winter sun for different travellers
- Couples: look for quieter resorts, adults only hotels and places with good restaurants.
- Families: choose resorts with heated pools, kids clubs and short transfers from the airport.
- Over 50s: consider longer stays, calmer resorts and places with easy walking and good healthcare access.
- Solo travellers: check single supplements and consider small group trips, which we cover in our guide to solo travel with a group.
What should I pack for winter sun?
- Light clothing for daytime and a warmer layer for evenings
- Swimwear and a beach towel, in case your hotel pool is heated
- Sun cream and sunglasses, because winter sun can still burn
- A light waterproof, since showers are possible in many destinations
- Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
- Travel adaptors, because plug types vary by country
Health, passports and entry rules
Entry requirements and health advice change, so check the official UK government travel advice for your destination before you book. Check that your passport is valid for the length of time the destination requires. Arrange travel insurance, and carry any medication you need in your hand luggage. If you plan to hire a car, our car hire guide explains what to check before you book.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest winter sun destination?
Short haul destinations such as the Canary Islands, mainland Spain, Portugal and Morocco are often cheaper than long haul, especially outside school holidays. Compare current prices to be sure.
Where is warmest in January?
Places closer to the equator, such as Cape Verde, the Caribbean and parts of Southeast Asia, are typically warmest, while the Canaries and Madeira are mild.
Can I get a beach holiday in the UK winter?
Not reliably, so if you want warm sea swimming you will need to travel abroad. For UK winter breaks, see our UK holidays guide.
Is winter sun good for families?
Yes. Family friendly resorts with heated pools and kids clubs are popular in the Canaries and Egypt. Check what is open out of season.
Is winter sun good value?
It can be, especially outside Christmas and school holidays. Compare total costs, including flights and transfers.
Do I need a visa?
It depends on your destination and your nationality, so check official government guidance before you travel.
This article is general guidance. Weather, prices and entry rules change, so check current information before you book.