Best Winter Sun Holiday Destinations for UK Travellers
Having grey skies in the UK and shorter days, the sunshine starts to be sought after. Starting with golden beaches and tropical islands, there are numerous places to replace frost with warmth with historic cities bathed in soft light. For travellers looking to escape the chill, these winter sun destinations from the UK offer everything you need – glowing sunsets, blue seas, and the joy of walking barefoot while Britain shivers.
Here’s your guide to the best winter sun destinations that promise warmth, colour, and relaxation, wherever you choose to wander this season.
1. The Canary Islands, Spain – Sunshine All Year
The Canary Islands were always the winter sun holiday destinations of British traveller, and with reason. The Spanish isles are summer under disguise, with the whole year sunshine and mild temperatures that are about 22°C even during the winter months.
Tenerife is ideal with its beach lovers and families, Gran Canaria with its made up of golden dunes with a lively nightlife, and the volcanic geography and the upscale hotels of Lanzarote make it perfect to the couples. Fuerteventura, in its turn, is all about surfing and tranquilly.
Hiking in Timanfaya National Park or having a glass of sangria by the shore, the Canaries provide the best combination of sun and short-haul comfort a classic option in the list of the best holiday destinations for winter sun.
2. Dubai, UAE – Luxury, Warmth, and Adventure
For guaranteed sunshine and a touch of glamour, Dubai shines brightest among the best winter sun destinations. During the winter the temperature at daytime is approximately 27°C, so it is warm enough to visit the beach and still nice enough to wander around the futuristic skyline of the city.
Dine on the Jumeirah Beach, go to huge air-conditioned shopping centres or explore the desert on the sunset dune safari. One can have the rooftop pool in the morning and diners by the fountains in the evening at the Downtown Dubai.
This is the glittering city that combines the Middle Eastern allure with the contemporary chic and this is the thing that makes the city a unique mix to the conventional winter holiday destinations, as the best place to be visited by travellers who are fond of sun but also longing of sophistication.
3. Madeira, Portugal – Europe’s Eternal Spring
Madeira has to be a treasure to people who are fond of climate that is not extreme and natural beauty. Known as the “island of eternal spring,” it’s one of the winter sun destinations from the UK that stays green and pleasant all year round.
The average temperatures during winter are 19°C, ideal time to walk the popular levadas (irrigation trails) on the island through forests and cliffs. You can also sit back and whale watch, do wine tasting as well as walk around colourful botanical gardens.
Madeira is the beauty of both mountains and sea, a serene resort, very near home and miles away from cold. For gentle warmth and cultural depth, it’s one of the best winter sun destinations in Europe.
4. The Maldives – Paradise in Every Shade of Blue
When your vision of winter vacation is barefoot opulence and lagoons of crystal purity, the Maldives are providing. It is one of the best holiday destinations for winter sun in the Indian Ocean and the most individual among all the coral islands that people can visit to get tranquilly, privacy and flawless beaches. It has temperatures of approximately 30 °C and sunshine almost every day, making it perfect to swim, snorkel, and relax in an over water villa. The sea experience is equally spectacular – there are manta rays, reef sharks, and rainbow fish swimming among colourful gardens of corals. Although traditionally regarded as a honeymoon heaven, the Maldives is equally inviting to solo travellers as well as families that wish to be warmly received with a touch of wow factor.
5. Thailand – Exotic Sunshine and Endless Smiles
Thailand has few competitors that can match the combination of beauty, culture, and affordability. From the buzzing energy of Bangkok to the laid-back beaches of Krabi and Koh Samui, this tropical wonderland ranks high among winter sun destinations for every kind of traveller.
The climate is warm and dry during the months of November to February and this is the best time to visit temples, hopping around the islands or enjoy street food in night markets. Thailand has a very friendly hospitality and rich culture which makes it one of the recommended winter sun destinations holiday who would like to enjoy the sunshine with some doses of adventure.
Thailand will never fail to please you as often as you go after waterfalls in Chiang Mai or sipping on golden sands in Phuket during winter.
6. Egypt – Ancient Wonders and Warm Shores
Egypt is among the cheapest winter holiday destinations with sure rays of sunshine and is also just five hours away by air in the UK. The average temperature during winter days is around 25°C and this is perfect to visit the pyramids, take the Nile cruise or go into the Red Sea.
Beaches, coral reefs, all-inclusive resort with golden beaches and at a great price are what Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada have to offer. In the meantime, the city of Luxor and Aswan will allow you to mingle ancient history with riverfront leisure.
One of the most excellent Greek islands off Rhodes is Egypt- no, no! How about that: Egypt is among the most perfect winter sun holiday spots that people should visit when they wish to enjoy culture and beach on a single trip.
Make This Winter Shine with Travelodeal
Whether you’re dreaming of exotic beaches, Mediterranean charm, or warm desert nights, these winter sun destinations promise the perfect escape from the cold. It is time to replace palm trees with swap frost and get your dream sunshine vacation during this season.
Book your next getaway with Travelodeal and explore exclusive offers on winter sun holiday destinations across the globe — from Europe’s hidden gems to tropical island escapes. Here begins your winter warmth.

Kay Bustin is a seasoned freelance business consultant specializing in the travel industry. With over 18 years of experience in travel and tourism, she has helped numerous brands shape successful marketing and commercial strategies tailored to a dynamic global audience. Beyond her professional expertise, Kay is a passionate traveller herself, deeply enthusiastic about discovering new destinations and cultures, which brings an authentic perspective to her writing.
