The best winter sun destinations

Planning a winter break this year or next? Whether you’re looking for a short-haul trip in Europe or a long-haul escape to the exotic, we’ve rounded up the best winter sun destinations in the months of December, January and February. All these locations tick the box for winter sunshine as well as lots of things to see and do – the perfect antidote to the soggy winter weather back home.

Already decided where you’re going? Don’t forget to order your travel money ahead of your trip.

Where’s hot in December?

Marrakech, Morocco

If you don’t fancy a long flight from the UK, Marrakech is a great option. In December, you can shop in the city’s colourful souks, feel the sun on your skin from a rooftop restaurant, and take a daytrip into the Atlas Mountains without the intense heat of summer. Bring Moroccan dirhams for the souks – the sellers don’t accept cards.

Average temperature: 20°C

Average rainfall: 30mm

Average flight time from the UK: 3.5 hours

Currency: Moroccan dirham

Don’t miss: Le Jardin Secret – an oasis of leafy greenery hidden away in the heart of the medina, which makes a nice change of pace from the busy souks.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a winter sun favourite for good reason. The weather in December is perfect for enjoying the emirate’s sandy beaches and spending days outside exploring the marina and Old Town, and Dubai’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are pretty spectacular, too. While you’re here, take a traditional abra ride along Dubai Creek – it only costs AED 1, which is about 20p, so make sure you bring cash.

Average temperature: 26°C

Average rainfall: 15mm

Average flight time from the UK: 7 hours

Currency: UAE dirham

Don’t miss: A visit to Dubai Old Town. The historic heart of the city is a complete contrast to the shopping malls and skyscrapers Dubai has become famous for, with traditional markets and heritage architecture.

Cancun, Mexico

For classic Caribbean heat in December, Cancun is a top choice. December is the start of the dry season in Mexico, making it perfect for beach days, snorkelling and exploring nearby Mayan ruins. Bring cash for tipping in Mexico if you’re eating out – about 10% of the bill is the norm.

Average temperature: 28°C

Average rainfall: 70mm

Average flight time from the UK: 10 hours

Currency: Mexican peso

Don’t miss: A glass-bottomed boat tour or snorkelling trip to see the Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA). This underwater museum showcases hundreds of life-sized concrete sculptures that lie submerged beneath the sea.

Where’s hot in January?

Tenerife, Spain

Staying close to home? Tenerife weather in January is much milder than the rest of Europe, making the Canary Island one of the most popular winter sun destinations for UK travellers. With mild temperatures, dramatic volcanic landscapes and reliable sunshine, it’s ideal for a short-haul January escape from the cold weather back home.

Average temperature: 21°C

Average rainfall: 40mm

Flight time from the UK: 4.5 hours

Currency: Euros

Don’t miss: A chance to watch the sunset from Los Gigantes, a pretty seaside town with towering cliffs behind a black-sand beach. 

Bridgetown, Barbados

Barbados basks in dry, sunny weather in January, making it a top choice for winter sun holidays. The capital, Bridgetown, is a best-of-both-worlds destination – as one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean it ticks the box for culture, and with a string of white-sand beaches on the doorstep it’s got relaxation covered, too.

Average temperature: 29°C

Average rainfall: 60mm

Flight time from the UK: 9 hours

Currency: Barbadian dollar

Don’t miss: A visit to the Mount Gay Visitor Experience. You can tour the world's oldest rum distillery, learn about the history of rum-making, and sample some Mount Gay rum in the process.

Bangkok, Thailand

If you’re planning a city break, January is one of the best months to visit Bangkok, Thailand’s capital. With warm temperatures and minimal rain, you can comfortably visit the city’s street markets and ornate temples as well as fitting in a beach holiday – Phuket and Krabi are only a couple of hours away via a domestic flight.

Average temperature: 32°C

Average rainfall: 10mm

Flight time from the UK: 11.5 hours

Currency: Thai baht

Don’t miss: A visit to Wat Phra Kaew – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – in the Grand Palace complex. Thailand’s most sacred temple is famously home to an Emerald Buddha carved from jade. Bring cash if you want to leave an offering in the donation box.

Where’s hot in February?

Paphos, Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the warmest destinations in Europe during February, and while it’s not peak beach season you can still enjoy sunny afternoons in places like Paphos without the crowds of summer. Just bring layers for the evenings, when the temperature drops, and the same applies if you’re planning a daytrip into the Troodos Mountains where it’s cooler.

Average temperature: 19°C

Average rainfall: 40mm

Flight time from the UK: 4.5 hours

Currency: Euros

Don’t miss: Aphrodite waterpark – the biggest waterpark in the Paphos region and a good choice for families. It’s open all year round, but opening times vary by month – so check before you travel.

Gran Canaria, Spain

The Canary Islands are warm and sunny all year round, making Gran Canaria another great winter sun destination in February. The weather is warm enough to enjoy the beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes and pretty towns like Puerto de Mogán, all with a flight time from the UK that won’t leave you battling jet lag.

Average temperature: 21°C

Average rainfall: 15mm

Flight time from the UK: 4.5 hours

Currency: Euros

Don’t miss: Playa de Maspalomas. This wide, sandy beach is next to a protected area of huge, rolling sand dunes with plenty of walking trails and sunbathing spots.

Orlando, United States

If theme parks are top of your travel list, February is a good time to visit Orlando – especially if you’re planning a family trip. Temperatures are warm enough to enjoy Florida’s close-by beaches in the sunshine, but not too hot or humid to spend long days making the most of Orlando’s world-famous parks.

Average temperature: 23°C

Average rainfall: 70mm

Flight time from the UK: 9 hours

Currency: US dollars

Don’t miss: A chance to explore the Orlando Wetlands during their biennial festival, which next happens in February 2027. Think nature exhibits, guided hikes and scenic kayak trips – perfect for a day’s break from riding the rollercoasters.

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