Dust off your swimming gear, don’t skimp on the sun cream and dive into the best winter sun holidays in 2025-2026. The UK’s proximity to warmer climes means cheap winter sun holidays are easily accessible.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend break to Europe or a long trip to a faraway continent, there are winter holidays in the sun wherever you look for family get-togethers, groups of friends and holiday romances. Deciding where to go for winter sun is a big decision – so where will it be?
Where is hot and cheap for winter sun holidays?
Picking the right destination for your perfect holiday is always a big decision, and it’s especially important to get it right when you’re travelling afar for some winter sun – you don’t want to accidentally go somewhere that isn’t all that different to the UK’s weather or, on the flip side, somewhere far too hot for your preferences.
Here are the best months to visit and the temperatures for our top 13 winter sun destinations.
1. Cyprus
Cyprus is a rightly popular winter sun destination. While temperatures average in the mid-teens throughout the winter, there’s little rain. Add around eight hours of sunshine every day, and you’ve got the ideal location for a winter escape.
Fly into Nicosia and head to Nissi Beach with friends to brave a brisk dip in turquoise waters. Later, make the trip to Coral Bay for sundowners on the seafront.
It’s also a haven for winter sun family holidays. Visit the Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark with its slides and pools, just as fun for adults as kids. At Limassol Zoo, get up close and personal with a variety of animals and take a camel ride at the Camel Park. For a more relaxed day out take a trip to Akamas Peninsula National Park. Here, you can drink in huge views and busy habitats as nature intended.
2. Marrakech, Morocco
It’s amazing that Africa can now be considered a cheap winter sun holiday. With low-price flights and a sub-four-hour journey time served by budget airlines, Marrakech is exactly that. It’s ideal for an escape throughout the winter with barely any rain and 11 hours of daily sunshine.
This vibrant and buzzing city has a warm climate during the winter months and oozes culture and exoticism. As it’s mostly low season, it’s a great time to get lost in the many souks – and get lost you will. Follow the scents and colours, dip into labyrinthine shops, climb stairwells to discover rooftop cafes.
Top tip: keep some small change dirhams in your pocket in case you need to tip local kids to help you find your way back to civilisation!
3. Algarve, Portugal
Cheap flights pour into Faro airport in Portugal’s far south all year round. Its series of lovely coastal towns and cities are built to cater to visitors even in winter. The sun shines and temperatures are spring-like. And low-season prices put some of the more amazing hotels within reach.
Take your pick for where to stay. West is Lagos, famed for its gold sand beaches, pretty Old Town and lively restaurant and bar scene. In the middle is Albufeira, equally famed for its beaches, Old Town and lively Strip.
Dotting the coast are massive water parks (Slide & Splash is my favourite) and epic kayak tours. Paddling into the Benagil Cave for the first time is awe-inspiring and, in winter, mercifully light on crowds.
4. Canary Islands
The Canaries offer superb scenery, beautiful beaches, and a reliable climate. With lots to do for all the family, Tenerife and Fuerteventura are two of the best winter sun holiday destinations.
In Tenerife, explore the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Climb a volcano and lava fields (carefully – they’re sharp!) in Teide National Park. Go whale watching, with Humpbacks and Finbacks passing by all winter. Adventure is everywhere.
For those heading to Fuerteventura, you’ll find wind and kite surfers from around the world gathering in El Cotillo for its favourable winter winds. For beach lazing rather than wave riding, head south. Playa del Matorral is the southernmost beach on the island – all golden sands and crystal clear waters.
All beached out? Take a step out of the ordinary with a surprisingly interesting trip to the island’s only working saltworks museum.
5. Cancun, Mexico
If you want to turn up the temperature on your winter sun holiday, hop across the pond to Mexico. On its eastern tip, Cancún is a top-rated perennial favourite for good reason. Temperatures often climb into the 30s and days are long, sunny and dry.
With a plethora of luxury resorts to choose from, pool lounging and cocktail supping are daily chores. For something a little more strenuous, dive (often literally) into the spectacular cenotes (underground caves) that dot the region. For something drier, the nearby Chichen Itzá Park is a spectacular glimpse into the Mayan civilisation that once ruled here.
6. Miami, USA
Winter is a great time to visit Miami when the temperatures are warm but not too intense and hurricane season has passed. December is a popular time to visit the beachfront city, so head there in January or February if you’re looking for a quieter holiday.
There’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. For relaxation lovers, there’s no better place than the palm tree-lined South Beach for a day of sunbathing and reading. Culture vultures should head to Wynwood to witness the colourful street murals, and foodies will do well to head there too for tasty cuisine from every region to suit any budget.
Downtown and Brickell are two areas to head to if you want more of a high-rise city experience. Here, you’ll find shopping, food, museum, tours and so much more. A personal favourite? Don’t miss out on a walk along the man-made island of Brickell Key.
7. Barbados
Known for its year-round tropical climate, a trip to Barbados brings a guarantee of hot days and winter sun. Expect the odd short and sharp rainshower, but along with cool northeasterly breezes, it makes the humidity more than manageable.
There’s loads to do on the island. On the west coast, pristine beaches are for all day sunbathing, though you’re ever far from a lively rum bar or local Bajan cook-up. Time disappears in a blur of “beach, eat, drink, dance, repeat”, as island ambassador Rihanna describes it.
On the wilder east coast, beaches are more for surfing, snorkelling and diving with marine life. Inland tours of sugar plantations and dense, sweaty forests reveal the island’s history, culture and biodiversity.
8. Bahamas
Another slice of Caribbean Island perfection. The Bahamas are a dream winter sun getaway from the UK.
Across its many islands, beautiful beaches dissolve into waters warm enough for swimming throughout the winter season. On Harbour Island, Pink Sands Beach is a family favourite for its miles of colourful sands and turquoise seas. If sunbathing isn’t your thing, hire a kayak and enjoy some serious beach hopping.
In need of shade? Head to Grand Bahama. A stroll through Lucayan National Park never fails to impress with its range of caves to explore. After, head to Port Lucaya Marketplace to browse its stalls, buy some trinkets and gorge on Bahamian and international delicacies.
9. Cairo, Egypt
Egypt has long been a default winter sun destination from the UK. You could follow the masses to coastal resorts at Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, with their golden beaches and turquoise waters. However, cooler winter temperatures (for Egypt anyway) make it the perfect time to indulge in its awesome capital, Cairo.
Its many markets are a great insight into life in Egypt. Visit the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar for a stroll through history. Pick up souvenirs at the Wekala al-Balaq street market. And spend at least a day touring the Pyramids of Giza and the desert plateau around them.
10. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is an island gem, connected to the southern Thai mainland via the Sarasin Bridge. Its winters are hot, wet and wonderful. December usually brings regular sporadic rain showers that tail off towards February. This is a tropical climate though, and hot heavy rain is just part of the experience!
Phuket is a buzzing destination at any time of the year. Couples, families and backpackers are all lured by its picture postcard beaches, heady nightlife and tourist-friendly approach. Tune into the local vibe, step off the tourist trail and you’ll soon understand what makes it so special.
11. Sydney, Australia
The best way to spend winter is to make it summer. And that’s exactly what you get on the other side of the world in Sydney. Summer temperatures in the mid 20s, an average nine hours of sun daily, and a healthy dose of Aussie culture.
That begins at the beach of course. Join the locals at Queenscliff and Manly beaches, to the north of the city. Stretch your legs in nearby Sydney Harbour National Park for amazing views over the harbour and city. In the distance, you might see Sydney Opera House, which should be your first stop back in the city proper.
Explore indigenous Australia with a trip to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Cycle and bush walk your way through trails to see more than 350 protected aboriginal sites.
12. South Africa
December to March is summertime in South Africa, making it one of the best winter sun destinations to avoid the worst of the British winter. With average temperatures around the mid to high 20s, it’s the perfect weather to both relax and explore.
The South African summer is made for beach time, and few are as beautiful as Cape Town’s Camps Bay. A pitstop at Boulder Beach to see the famous penguin colonies is a must, too. While you’re in Cape Town, be sure to pencil in time to walk along the V&A Waterfront and meander the shops and restaurants while you’re there.
Further north, visit the Blyde River Canyon, the third biggest canyon in the world, for sweeping views and endless hiking opportunities. This time of year is very hot to embark on a safari and it can be trickier to see the Big Five through the luscious vegetation but, if you fancy your chances, Kruger National Park is the place to go and is world renowned.
13. Dubai, UAE
If you’re looking where to go for winter sun and are keen to add luxury to your list of must-haves, look no further than Dubai. The UAE city has the same seasons as the UK but with a winter that offers average temperatures in the low 20s, making it a much more enjoyable season that’s perfect for exploring and relaxation.
If beaches and coastlines are your thing, Jumeirah is the place to be. Wander along the 5.1-mile-long coastal pathway and set up shop for the afternoon in a cabana at the beachfront La Mer Dubai. For a dose of local culture, don’t miss out of a visit to the beautiful Jumeriah Mosque.
No trip to Dubai is complete without a trip up to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure. Go at night to see the striking building’s evening light display, as well as the famous Dubai Fountain show.
Winter sun holiday FAQs
The further you’re willing to travel from the UK, the warmer and sunnier it will be in January. The Caribbean is always a safe bet, and Central and South America swelter. With direct flights, much of West Africa is also easy to access – try Senegal or The Gambia.
The further south the better! That means the Canary Islands are your best bet. Part of Spain, they’re located off the coast of Northwest Africa so get more sun than the rest of Europe. Similarly, the Azores and Madeira also enjoy long sunny days and relatively temperate climates.
You’ll find plenty of winter sun at the end of very cheap flights and accommodation in Portugal’s Algarve and Spain’s Costa de Sol – it may not be super hot though. For cheap winter sun and warmth, head to Morocco or resorts along the Red Sea in Egypt and Jordan.
