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Best places for winter sun
Uncover the best places to warm up your winter.
The Canary Islands are a perfect pick if you’re looking to escape the cold close to home. If you fancy going further, you’ll be pleased to know that winter’s the best time to visit a long list of long-haul destinations, including Mexico and the Indian Ocean. It’s like it’s meant to be, right? There are lots of other great places to choose from, too, so to help you decide we’ve rounded up the best of the best. Let’s get into it…
When you’ve picked one that’s right for you, take a look at our winter deals to get booking.
When you’ve picked one that’s right for you, take a look at our winter deals to get booking.
Cyprus
Head to Cyprus, and you’ve got more than 70 Blue Flag beaches to pick from, not to mention national parks like Cape Greco and the dramatic scenery of the Troodos Mountains. If you’re looking for somewhere with a bit of buzz, try the Larnaca region – home to Ayia Napa and Nissi Beach. Or, dial things down a notch in Paphos, where ancient tombs and temples meet cobbled streets and pavement cafés. Either way, the island basks in around 340 days of sunshine a year – so you can count on a much-needed dose of winter warmth.
Take a look at our holidays to Cyprus.
Take a look at our holidays to Cyprus.
The Canaries
The Canary Islands are one of the UK’s favourite destinations for a winter sun holiday. We reckon it’s got something to do with its toasty temps and its flight time from the UK. Spend around four hours on a plane and triple the temp back home? What. A. Win. Gran Canaria’s one of the warmest islands, where you can expect highs of 22°C, even during the coldest months. Lanzarote’s a little cooler, but you’re still talking t-shirt-and-shorts weather during the day throughout winter.
Find out more about our holidays to the Canary Islands.
Find out more about our holidays to the Canary Islands.
Maldives
The Maldives is the Indian Ocean’s honeymoon hotspot. But, regardless of whether you’ve just tied the knot, the UK’s winter months are the ideal time to visit this group of islands, when you can expect temperatures in the mid-thirties. The sea temperature is around the same, too, so it’s perfect for checking out the world-class scuba diving and snorkelling scene. Want to level up the luxury? Stay in an over-water villa with infinity sea views, bliss.
Browse our holidays to the Maldives.
Browse our holidays to the Maldives.
Thailand
Thailand’s tropical climate makes it perfect for a winter break. Head north to trek through national parks roamed by wild elephants, or stick to the south coast to island hop around Thailand’s best-looking islands. Fancy the best of both worlds? Our Multi-Centre holidays are a great way to tick off two, three or more places in Thailand on one trip. As well as your flights to Thailand, all your transfers between each of the destinations you’re visiting are covered, too, so it’s a great way to explore Thailand’s best bits without hassle.
Get the info on our Thailand holidays.
Get the info on our Thailand holidays.
St Lucia
Temperatures hover around 30°C in St Lucia in the UK’s coldest months, so it’s the perfect place to get yourself some winter sun. It’s home to all the tropical trademarks, whether you’d prefer to relax on a secluded sandy cove, try watersports or trek through a rainforest filled with wildlife. The island’s south coast toes the line of tradition, with street-food stalls and cute villages splashed with Caribbean colour. Head north, and you’ll find things are a touch more modern, with a marina packed with trendy bars and restaurants.
Find out more about St Lucia holidays.
Find out more about St Lucia holidays.
Egypt
Sea, sand and centuries-old sights are all on the cards in Egypt, and you can soak them all up in year-round sunshine. Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are the big players here, where you can snorkel around rainbow coral reefs and relax on white stretches of sand. If you’re more of a sightseer than a snorkeller, a TUI river cruise along the River Nile needs to be on your radar. Cruises set sail from Luxor and stop off in ancient cities – like Aswan – where you can explore archaeological sites and check out museums dedicated to the history of Ancient Egypt.
Mexico
Mexico’s Caribbean Coast is another top pick if you’re going long-haul to escape the chill. Winter days here are less about hot chocolates and big blankets and more about beach days and cocktails. Cancun’s the place to head if you like to party. Just remember, Spring Break runs from around the end of February to mid-April, so the hotels in the Hotel Zone will be even livelier around this time of year. If that doesn’t sound like a bit of you, head along the coast to Riviera Maya which has beach bliss down to a tee.
Get the info on Mexico holidays.
Get the info on Mexico holidays.
Ready to escape the cold?
Find your perfect winter holiday deal.
Or, read about the top things to do in Sal, the best hotels with private pools and the best hotels in the Canary Islands.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Karl Taylor
Last updated: 18.09.2026
Find your perfect winter holiday deal.
Or, read about the top things to do in Sal, the best hotels with private pools and the best hotels in the Canary Islands.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Karl Taylor
Last updated: 18.09.2026