When the days get shorter and temperatures start to drop, few things sound more appealing than escaping somewhere warm and sunny. Thankfully, UK travellers don’t necessarily need to fly halfway around the world to find the best winter sun destinations.
If you are already yearning for warmth, Spain, Portugal and Greece offer blue skies and mild temperatures close to home, even in winter. Andalusia is the perfect backdrop for a European road trip between the desert and the sea, while you can explore the Greek islands sans crowds. Not as close, but also not too far, Egypt – with Sharm El Sheikh and Luxor at the top of our list – and Cape Verde are good options if you’re looking for more reliable heat without committing to a long-haul journey.
If you are happy to travel further, winter is one of the best times to visit some of the world’s most idyllic tropical destinations. The Maldives and Mauritius offer warm Indian Ocean waters and powder-soft beaches, while Barbados brings Caribbean sunshine and plenty of opportunities for water sports. Elsewhere, you could swap winter for summer in Cape Town, explore Vietnam during its drier months or head to California for a classic American road trip under blue skies. From European city breaks to tropical islands made for swimming and scuba diving, these are the best winter sun destinations for escaping the cold.
For more winter sun recommendations, see our other guides:
Where is hot in January but cheap?
For affordable January sunshine, look at Egypt, Cape Verde and Spain, specifically the Canary Islands and Andalusia. Sharm El Sheikh is particularly good value for a winter sun holiday, with warm temperatures, plenty of resorts and excellent scuba diving and water sports in the Red Sea. Cape Verde is another reliably warm option, while southern Spain, Greece and Portugal are generally cheaper and quicker to reach from the UK than many long-haul destinations.
Where is the warmest place in Europe in winter?
The Canary Islands are generally your best bet for warm winter weather in Europe. Located off the coast of northwest Africa but part of Spain, islands such as Gran Canaria and Tenerife typically see daytime temperatures around 20°C or higher during winter. Las Palmas is a particularly good option for combining beaches with restaurants, culture and city life. For a milder winter sun holiday, southern Spain, Portugal’s Algarve, Madeira and parts of Greece are also worth considering.
Where to go in the USA for winter sun?
For a winter sun break in the USA, head south to the west coast. Southern California is a great option for combining sunshine with beaches and city life, particularly around Los Angeles and San Diego. Florida is also reliably warmer but more humid. Miami and the Florida Keys are particularly good choices if you’re hoping for temperatures warm enough to spend time on the beach. If you want island life, nothing is better than Hawaii for a sun-filled holiday.
Where to spend winter in the sun?
It depends on how far you want to travel and how much heat you’re looking for. For winter sun destinations in Europe, consider Spain, Portugal or Greece, with Malaga, Seville, the Algarve and Funchal all good options for a mild and sunny winter break. For warmer weather, Egypt and Cape Verde are relatively close to the UK, while Barbados, the Maldives and Mozambique are better choices if you’re happy to travel long-haul for tropical temperatures.