10 Best Winter Sun Destinations

Dubai has enviable weather in the winter months, with temperatures averaging in the mid-20s (°C) in December and into the new year. It’s the perfect time for long afternoons on one of the many beaches scattered along the coast and on artificial islands like The Palm Jumeirah. Dubai also excels in shopping and dining, with cutting-edge shopping malls housing designer labels on the lower floors and award-winning restaurants above. 

From dusty coastal town to glossy metropolis, there are few places on Earth to have undergone such a radical transformation in recent history than Dubai. Awe-inspiring landmarks can be found throughout the city, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Miracle Garden and the Grand Mosque.

The sun is shining in Miami throughout the winter months. Climate-wise, it’s probably the best time to visit. For beach vibes, South Beach offers a good mix of oceanfront scenery and recreational activities. It has a fishing pier and decent swells for surfers.

For a change of scene, head to Little Havana, just west of the city centre of Miami. This area is home to the famous Calle Ocho strip. Come here to find Miami’s best Cuban restaurants and exciting nightlife. If you want to get away from the crowds, Oleta River State Park is Florida’s largest urban park where you can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and canoeing.

Tenerife has an enviable combination of great-value accommodation and year-round beach weather. If you’re looking for guaranteed blue skies and sunshine, it’s hard to look past Tenerife. The island sits far south of mainland Europe, just off the western coast of Africa, which gives Tenerife an average temperature of 20°C throughout the winter.

Playa de las Americas is the largest beach resort in Tenerife, popular with couples and mature groups. Nearby Costa Adeje is best for families. Alternately, head to the lesser-visited north coast for a more culturally rich experience of historical hillside villages and excellent hiking trails.

Gran Canaria is one of the most popular destinations for winter sun in Europe. As the second-largest island in the Canary archipelago, it is actually closer to Africa than mainland Spain. Average temperatures throughout the winter months are over 20°C.

Visit the island for its large collection of excellent beaches, some great surfing spots, and lots of duty-free shopping in the popular beach towns. To learn more about the island, head to the capital of Las Palmas. Enjoy a stroll along pedestrianised Calle Triana to soak up the local ambience and go shopping for clothes and souvenirs along Avenida Mesa y López.

Winter is the best time to visit Phuket thanks to pretty much guaranteed sunny days, low humidity, and settled weather from December to February. Thailand’s largest island is a superstar in Southeast Asia thanks to its incredible collection of more than 30 beaches.

Which beach town to choose depends on you and your interests. There are beaches that appeal to families, honeymooning couples, party groups, and everything in between. You also get to enjoy the famed hospitality of Thai people and the incredible cuisine. A visit to Phuket gives you easy access to the finest jewels of the Andaman Sea, including world-famous places like Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands.

Krabi inspires awe due to the beauty of its coastline and the outcrops of limestone karsts that dot the horizon. This province in southwestern Thailand is popular among honeymooners looking to relax on beautiful beaches as much as rock climbers looking to scale the limestone cliffs.

Ao Nang is the central hub and largest beach in Krabi, with plenty of accommodation and amenities. But for a more remote and memorable stay, we suggest Railay Bay on a remote peninsula only accessible by a long-tail boat. If you're looking for a fun yet relaxed and budget-friendly getaway in Thailand, but with all the modern conveniences, Krabi might be the destination for you.

A winter trip to Barbados transports you from the cold and frosty streets of the UK to endless stretches of soft sand and clear blue waters. You’ll also be introduced to an exciting variety of cultural activities. For beach lovers, it’s hard to find a more perfect island than Barbados – from the water sports hot spot of Dover Beach to the Instagrammer-favourite pink-sand Crane Beach, you've got a remarkable range of choices. 

Barbados looks a lot like an English heritage village transplanted onto a Caribbean paradise. Between the white-sand shores and glittering blue seas, you'll find historical buildings, a heritage railway, a horseracing course, and even a cricket stadium. Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, is where you'll find the richest history showcasing a blend of African, American, and British heritage.

Cape Town is a ruggedly beautiful city that basks in sunshine from November to March. To enjoy the landscape, you should head to Table Mountain National Park. You can either walk to the top or take the 5-minute cable car ride. Afterwards, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach or grab a surfboard at Llandudno Beach to enjoy the South Atlantic swells.

As one of South Africa's 3 capital cities, Cape Town has a fascinating and unique history, which can be explored at several sightseeing spots throughout the city centre. Greenmarket Square and Long Street are top spots for experiencing the local culture. A more sombre experience can be had at Robben Island Museum, the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held.

Madeira has started to turn up on more people’s travel lists due to its incredible, volcanic landscape with high cliffs and deserted beaches. This dramatic Portuguese island in the Atlantic has many similarities to Hawaii, although it’s much closer to the UK – and much cheaper! Winter temperatures range from the high teens to the low 20s (°C).

The beaches of Madeira are a mix of black- and golden-sand beaches, with a host of watersports to enjoy. For nature lovers, Pico Ruivo is Madeira Island’s highest peak, reaching 6,102 ft high. From the summit, you can see the entirety of Madeira, which is especially memorable around sunrise. The capital city of Funchal dates back to the 15^th century and is the best place to learn more about the local culture and enjoy an authentic meal.

Cancún is an idyllic location on Mexico’s Caribbean coast and it’s more accessible to Brits than you might think. Nonstop flights from London Heathrow to Cancun International take around 9 hours, and you can be at your hotel within 1 hour of landing. Even in the mid-winter, you can enjoy sunbathing on the town’s best beaches like Playa Langosta, Playa Delfines, and Playa Tortugas, as well as swimming in the clear Caribbean waters.

Away from the beach, visit well-preserved Mayan ruins at El Meco Archaeological Site, kayak around pristine lagoons, or simply find a hammock under swaying palms. After sunset, enjoy a meal in the tourist-friendly Zona Hotelera or enjoy some shopping and live entertainment at El Parque de las Palapas.