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Finding warm weather during the UK winter is easier than most people think. From sunny Mediterranean islands to North African beaches and long haul tropical escapes, there are plenty of destinations where you can swap grey skies for blue skies, warm sunshine and cultural experiences.
This guide breaks down some of our favourite winter sun destinations down into three simple categories, so you can quickly decide how far you want to fly and what type of climate you are looking for.
Short haul destinations offer a variety of city breaks to the sun soaked beaches of the Canaries. Medium haul options offer guaranteed winter warmth without the fatigue of long flights.
Long haul locations deliver tropical temperatures and some of the world’s best beaches. Whether you want culture, adventure, luxury or cheap winter sun, these destinations are ideal between October and March and escaping the cold winter weather of the UK.
How to Use This Guide
Use the contents table above to jump straight to the section you’re most interested in. This guide covers everything you need to know about finding winter sun from the UK, including short haul, medium haul and long haul destinations, the best places for warmth, budget friendly options, packing tips, and advice on planning your perfect winter escape.
Which Winter Sun Destination Is Best for You
Choosing the right destination depends on your travel style, budget and how far you want to fly. Short haul trips work well for long weekends family school holidays, European culture and mild sunshine.
Medium haul destinations offer more reliable warm weather heat reasonable flight times and often excellent value for money.
Long haul options deliver tropical climates and incredible beaches that feel like a true escape from winter. The beauty of winter sun travel is that there is something unique for every traveller, whether you want peaceful coastal towns, desert landscapes or faraway tropical islands.
Travel Tips for Winter Sun Holidays
Booking early helps secure the best prices, especially during school holidays. Midweek flights are usually cheaper and hotel rates are cheaper outside peak periods and school holidays.
Packing light layers, swimwear and a warm jumper for cooler evenings will keep you comfortable. Consider travel insurance that covers weather disruption, particularly during the winter months. If visiting long haul destinations, check visa requirements and allow extra time for airport connections.
Most winter sun destinations offer excellent value during this season, so look for package deals or last minute offers for even better savings.
Short Haul Winter Sun
Up to 4 Hours from the UK
Our short haul destinations are perfect for a quick getaway for warmer weather. From mild Mediterranean sunshine and city breaks, to the warm sunshine of the African coast, discover the best short haul winter sun destinations from the UK.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands remain one of the most popular winter sun destinations from the UK. They offer reliable warm sunshine. With average temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees, it is warm enough to enjoy beaches, outdoor cafés and coastal walks throughout the season.
STAY | Hotel Fariones Lanzarote
Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer the warmest conditions over the winter months and have a variety of family friendly and adult only resorts. Lanzarote is ideal for adults who prefer boutique stays, volcanic landscapes and peaceful beaches. Fuerteventura is known for its long sandy coastline and steady sunshine and water sports.
Since the islands sit close to the coast of Africa, the weather stays warm even in January and February, making it one of the most dependable winter sun destinations from the UK, and the perfect destination for the post Christmas blues.
Portugal
Although Portugal is not hot in winter, it is pleasantly mild with bright blue skies and crisp coastal air. The Algarve often reaches 17 to 20 degrees in October and November, and warms again from late February onwards. This makes it ideal for travellers who enjoy hiking, cliff walks and quiet beaches without the crowds.
STAY | Browns Avenue Hotel Lisbon
Our recommendation would be to visit for a winter city break to Lisbon or Porto, the temperature is mild and you will be sure to see blue skies.
Madeira and the Azores are also great winter sun destinations, with warm subtropical weather, lush scenery and year round outdoor activities such as levada walks and whale watching.
Mallorca
Even in October, Mallorca offers warm weather with daytime highs around 23°C, making sunbathing on the beach possible. The island is much quieter than during the peak summer season, allowing for a more relaxed experience. The rest of the winter months bring mild temperatures, ideal for hiking and sightseeing. The Serra de Tramuntana mountains offer some of the best walking routes in Europe.
Palma combines culture, shopping and excellent restaurants, while exploring the island in winter lets you avoid the crowds and enjoy lower hotel prices. Mallorca is perfect for couples seeking a peaceful European escape with beautiful scenery and comfortable weather.
Malta & Gozo
With mild temperatures and over 300 days of sunshine a year, Malta works well for a relaxed winter break. Expect highs of 15 to 18 degrees during winter, ideal for sightseeing and exploring historic sites. Valletta is one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, while Mdina offers a peaceful walled city atmosphere with medieval architecture and panoramic views.
Gozo is quieter and ideal for hiking, diving and rural stays. Malta is perfect for travellers who want culture, easy flights, and a warmer climate than the UK without travelling far.
Morocco
Morocco is one of the most affordable and culturally rich winter sun destinations for UK travellers. Agadir and Taghazout provide long sandy beaches with temperatures reaching 20 to 25 degrees throughout winter.
STAY | Munga Guesthouse Taghazout
Marrakech is slightly cooler but still offers warm days that are perfect for exploring souks, gardens and rooftop cafés. The Atlas Mountains, desert camps and coastal surf towns are all easy to combine into one trip.
Morocco suits travellers looking for good surf, culture, good value and sunshine that is consistently warmer than southern Europe at this time of year.
Medium Haul Winter Sun
4 to 7 Hours from the UK
These destinations offer genuinely warm weather, beautiful beaches, vast deserts, history and culture as well as dramatic landscapes and comfortable winter temperatures without long haul travel times.
Jordan
Jordan is an unforgettable destination for winter sun with a mix of desert landscapes, warm weather and world class historic sites. The Red Sea city of Aqaba enjoys temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees during winter, making it perfect for snorkelling, diving and beach days.
Petra and Wadi Rum offer comfortable daytime temperatures for exploring iconic sandstone scenery and sleeping under star filled skies. Jordan is a strong choice for travellers who want sunshine but also want a sense of adventure and culture.
Egypt
Egypt is one of the best medium haul destinations for guaranteed warmth. The Red Sea resorts of Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh regularly reach 23 to 28 degrees during winter, providing perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling and beach relaxation. The water stays warm year round, and the coral reefs are some of the best in the world.
STAY | Marriot Mena House Cairo
Cairo and Luxor are cooler but still comfortable for exploring pyramids and temples. Egypt is ideal for families, couples and anyone who wants consistent sunshine with a relatively short flight time.
While the Red Sea resorts offer luxury resorts and sun, we suggest exploring the historical sights at this time of year especially the month of January where the weather is cooler and exploring is more comfortable.
Dubai
Dubai delivers luxury hotels, pristine beaches, warm sea temperatures and guaranteed sunshine. Winter temperatures sit between 24 and 28 degrees, making it one of the most reliable medium haul destinations for sun.
STAY | Bab Al Shams desert resort
Beyond the beaches, Dubai offers impressive modern architecture, desert adventures and an excellent dining scene. Abu Dhabi is quieter and often more affordable, with beautiful beaches on Saadiyat Island and cultural highlights such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The UAE suits travellers who want warmth, comfort and modern facilities.
Long Haul Winter Sun
7+ Hours from the UK
For travellers looking for tropical climates, pristine beaches and guaranteed heat, these destinations are worth the longer flight. We love escaping the cold UK winters and heading east to South East Asia for tropical islands, incredible food and some of the best hospitality in the world.
Indonesia
Indonesia is an incredible long haul destination with warm tropical temperatures, lush scenery and islands such as Bali, Lombok, Java and Sumatra to choose from.
Winter in the UK coincides with Bali’s wet season, but the island still offers plenty of sunshine each day along with warm air and sea temperatures. Ubud is known for its rice terraces, jungle views and cultural attractions.
Lombok offers a quieter alternative to Bali and is perfect for a quieter escape. Lombok is a tropical paradise at this time of year and has excellent surfer and culture to explore.
Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular long haul winter sun destinations from the UK. The west coast islands, including Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta, enjoy temperatures of 28 to 32 degrees with sunny skies and calm seas, perfect for beach holidays, water sports and island hopping.
STAY | SAii Phi Phi Island Village
Bangkok offers vibrant culture, markets and cuisine, while the northern region around Chiang Mai provides scenic mountains, temples and trekking opportunities. Thailand is ideal for couples, families and solo travellers looking for warm weather, tropical landscapes and a mix of adventure and relaxation.
