Short-haul winter sun from the UK and Europe
- Canary Islands (Spain): the go-to choice for winter sun within about four hours of the UK, with a mild, subtropical climate all year. Tenerife and Gran Canaria have the widest choice of resorts. See our Canary Islands guide.
- Madeira (Portugal): mild and green, popular for walking, gardens and a relaxed pace rather than beach days.
- Cyprus: milder than northern Europe, with cooler evenings in mid-winter. Good for sightseeing breaks.
- Egypt’s Red Sea coast: resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh offer warm winter weather, diving and plenty of all-inclusive options.
- Morocco: Agadir for the beach, or Marrakech for culture, where days are pleasant but nights can be cold.
Long-haul winter sun
- The Caribbean: the main dry season runs roughly from December to April, outside the Atlantic hurricane season (1 June to 30 November).
- Mexico: Cancún and the Riviera Maya are popular for winter all-inclusives, from both Europe and the US.
- Dubai and the UAE: winter is the most comfortable time to visit, because summer heat is extreme.
- Thailand: the cooler, drier months fall around November to February on the Andaman coast, home to Phuket and Krabi.
Winter sun for US travellers
From the US, the Caribbean and Mexico are the classic winter escapes, along with Florida and Hawaii. If you’re heading to Florida, our Orlando guide covers theme parks and beyond.
Tips for booking winter sun
- Book school-holiday dates early. Christmas, February half term and Easter are the busiest weeks.
- Compare flight times. A sunnier destination may mean a much longer flight.
- Check entry rules for your destination before you book, and make sure your passport is valid.
- Flexible? Last-minute holidays can work well outside the peak weeks.
Last updated: 13 October 2026
