Dust off your swimming gear, don’t skimp on the sun cream and dive into the best winter sun holidays in 2023. The UK will inevitably be blanketed by cold and wet winter weather. But our proximity to warmer climes means cheap winter sun holidays are easily accessible.
A weekend break to Europe? 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. All you need to do is book your flights.
- Cyprus
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Algarve, Portugal
- Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
- Cancún, Mexico
- Las Vegas, USA
- Barbados
- Bahamas
- Cairo, Egypt
- Phuket, Thailand
- Sydney, Australia
Where is hot and cheap for winter sun holidays?
1. Cyprus
- Average temperature: 15°C
- Best month to visit: December
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
- Average temperature: 18°C
- Best month to visit: Any time during the winter
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
- Average temperature: 16°C
- Best month to visit: February
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.
Winter sun holidays in Europe
4. Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Average temperature: 20°C
- Best month to visit: Any time during the winter
The Canaries offer superb scenery, beautiful beaches and a reliable climate. With lots to do for all the family, Tenerife is one of the best winter sun holiday destinations.
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.
If you’re travelling with kids, look no further than Adeje in the island’s south. With a selection of great beaches to pick from, such as Playa de Ajabo, it’ll be easy to keep your kids entertained for the duration of your trip. If your kids don’t want to swim in the sea, check out Siam Park near Adeje. This water park is one of the most popular on the island and boasts great slides and pools.
5. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
- Average temperature: 21°C
- Best month to visit: Any time during the winter
Fuerteventura, just east of Tenerife, is another Canary Island offering the ideal climate for a holiday to the sun. Shielded from weather fronts by its neighbouring islands, calm waters and warm Saharan winds make perfect conditions for beach days.
It’s also world renowned for its water sports. At El Cotillo you’ll find wind and kite surfers from around the world gathering for its favourable winter winds. The pick of the bunch, however, is Majanicho a few miles north along the coast.
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. With good facilities, it’s a popular family spot, though take note there’s a naturist area too.
All beached out? Take a step out of the ordinary with a surprisingly interesting trip to the island’s only working saltworks museum.
Winter sun holidays in the Americas
6. Cancun, Mexico
- Average temperature: 27°C
- Best month to visit: February
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.
7. Las Vegas, USA
- Average temperature: 15°C
- Best month to visit: February
Winter is a great time to visit Sin City. The unrelenting summer heat has subsided, with temperatures now just right for enjoying its many experiences, indoor and out. And as we’re in the middle of the Mojave Desert, rain isn’t even a consideration.
Once you’re done with the obvious appeal of The Strip, embrace winter in the warmth. Ice skating, snow festivals and huge light displays (especially at Christmas) mean it’s even great for kids.
For a little more romance, head to the Stratosphere Observation Deck for unobstructed views of the city. And absolutely don’t miss the crazy new Sphere – a two-billion-dollar entertainment centre that has to be seen to be believed.
Winter sun holidays in the Caribbean
8. Barbados
- Average temperature: 28°C
- Best month to visit: Any time during the winter
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.
9. Bahamas
- Average temperature: 25°C
- Best month to visit: Any time during the winter
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.
Winter sun holidays in Africa
10. Cairo, Egypt
- Average temperature: 19°C
- Best month to visit: Any time during the winter
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.
Winter sun holidays in Asia and Oceania
11. Phuket, Thailand
- Average temperature: 30°C
- Best month to visit: Any time during the winter
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, backpackers – all are lured by its picture postcard beaches, heady nightlife and tourist-friendly approach. Be warned though, recent bad behaviour from some tourists has rightfully upset locals and authorities. It’s always important to be considerate of your surroundings and local customs.
Tune into the local vibe, step off the tourist trail and you’ll soon understand what makes it so special.
12. Sydney, Australia
- Average temperature: 25°C
- Best month to visit: Any time during the winter
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 Ozzie 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.
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.
