Share this article:
If you’re ready to swap the frost and drizzle for sunshine and blue skies, there are plenty of great winter destinations that promise warmth on your skin and a welcome break from the UK’s gloom.
Whether you’re after beach bliss in the Caribbean or Indian Ocean, a mix of sunshine and exploring in Thailand or Vietnam, or a wildlife adventure in Costa Rica or Malaysia, there’s a destination for you. Here are some of our favourite places for the winter months…
TL;DR: Best winter sun holiday destinations
- Best tropical: The Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and Thailand for white sands, turquoise seas and reliable sunshine.
- Best for beaches and culture: Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil and Sri Lanka for sightseeing with time on the beach.
- Best for sightseeing: Australia, South Africa and India for big-name sights in warm, sunny weather.
- Best short haul: The Canary Islands, Cape Verde and Egypt for winter warmth without a long flight.
- Best for wildlife and beaches: Costa Rica, Malaysia and Tanzania for rainforest or safari wildlife followed by lazy beach days.
Best Tropical Winter Sun Destinations
Caribbean: The Caribbean makes a great winter sun escape and is around 8 to 9 hours’ flight from the UK. With warm temperatures and clear seas from November to April, it’s the ideal time to unwind on soft white sands. Our Antigua, St Lucia & Barbados itinerary combines three of the best-loved islands.
Indian Ocean: Further afield, the Indian Ocean is a popular choice for winter sunshine. The Maldives offers clear skies and great beach conditions throughout our winter months, whilst Mauritius and the Seychelles boast warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, although showers are possible. Our Mauritius & Seychelles itinerary combines two of these stunning beach destinations.
Thailand: Offering that picture-perfect beach getaway, Thailand is at its best during the UK winter, with dry, sunny days from November to April. Whether you choose Phuket, Koh Samui (best from January, once its rainy season has passed) or quieter spots such as Khao Lak or Koh Yao Noi, you’ll enjoy turquoise seas, golden sunshine and the famously warm Thai hospitality. Take a look at our Best Beaches of Thailand itinerary.
Best Winter Sun Destinations for Beaches & Culture
Mexico: Mexico is ideal for combining beaches with exploring, from the iconic Mayan sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal to the colourful colonial cities of Mérida and Campeche and crystal-clear cenotes. Our Yucatán Explorer itinerary tops and tails it all with time on the beach.
Thailand: Thailand offers so much more than just beach R&R, so it needs another mention. From the city buzz of Bangkok to the temples and night markets of Chiang Mai, there’s plenty to explore, and our Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket multi-centre finishes on the beach.
Vietnam: For a mix of city, scenery and beaches, Vietnam is a great choice, with our winter months bringing warm, mostly dry conditions to the south and improving weather in the central region. From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the historic towns of Hue and Hoi An, there’s plenty to see, and our Best of Vietnam multi-centre includes some time on the beach, which is ideal when the south is at its sunniest.
Brazil: Winter in the UK aligns with Brazil’s summer, meaning hot, sunny weather, ideal for exploring cities and waterfalls before unwinding on the coast. Our Rio, Falls & Beach itinerary is a great introduction to the country.
Sri Lanka: Winter is the prime season for the south and west coasts of Sri Lanka, with plenty of sunshine and calm seas, ideal for combining culture with beaches, from the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya to tea-country hills, national parks and the golden beaches of Mirissa. Take a look at our Cultural Triangle, Wildlife & Beach itinerary.
Best Winter Sun Destinations for Sightseeing
Australia: If you want reliable winter sunshine without necessarily lazing on the beach, Australia is a brilliant choice. Winter in the UK coincides with Australia’s summer, making November to February one of the best times to experience the sights and the easy-going Aussie lifestyle. Our Taste of Australia itinerary combines Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef, though it’s the tropical wet season in the far north, so expect the odd heavy downpour.
South Africa: Winter in the UK falls during South Africa’s warm summer months, giving you bright, sunny, dry weather ideal for getting out and about to see the sights. Plus, South Africa is only two hours ahead of the UK in winter, so there’s no jet lag when you arrive. Incredible highlights include Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain, Big Five game viewing in world-famous reserves and vineyard visits in the Winelands. Our Best of South Africa itinerary lets you experience it all in one trip.
India: Winter (December to early March) is one of the best times to visit India, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. India offers incredible variety, whether it’s exploring the architectural wonders of the Golden Triangle or heading into safari reserves and backwaters full of wildlife. Our Golden Triangle Tour + Beach itinerary combines Delhi, Agra and Jaipur with time on the coast.
Best Short Haul Winter Sun Destinations
Canary Islands: If you want reliable sunshine without a long flight, the Canary Islands are a great choice. They’re around 4 hours away, on the same time zone as the UK and around 21 to 23°C even in the depths of winter. Our Exploring the Canaries itinerary hops between four of the islands.
Cape Verde: Around 6 hours away off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde has warm, dry weather all winter, with temperatures of around 25°C and just a one-hour time difference. Our Sal & Boa Vista Twin Centre combines the liveliest island with one of the most beautiful.
Egypt: Egypt is a fantastic choice for a shorter-haul winter break. You can reach it in around 5 hours, and it’s at its best during these months. Winter brings warm, pleasant temperatures of around 20 to 25°C, perfect for exploring ancient wonders such as the Pyramids of Giza, Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. The new Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids is a must-see too. Our Cairo, Luxor & Sharm el Sheikh itinerary adds some Red Sea relaxation to the mix.
Middle East: If you still want reliable sunshine but without an ultra-long flight, the Middle East is a great winter choice and just 7-8 hours away. From October to April, temperatures are warm, dry and perfect for exploring souks, desert landscapes, skyscrapers, luxury malls and stunning coastlines without the intense summer heat. Our UAE Explorer itinerary combines Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai for a wonderful mix of culture, coast and architecture, plus an optional 2-night desert stay.
Best Winter Sun Destinations for Wildlife & Beaches
Costa Rica: The dry season runs from December to April with long, sunny days, so it’s a great time for wildlife-spotting in Costa Rica’s rainforests and spending time on the beach. From Arenal Volcano to the cloud forests of Monteverde, it’s ideal for spotting monkeys, sloths, toucans and colourful frogs, and our Volcano, Cloud Forests & Beach multi-centre finishes on one of the country’s golden beaches.
Malaysia: Malaysia is ideal for winter sun and wildlife, particularly from December to March, when the west coast, including Penang and Langkawi, is warm and generally dry. Borneo’s rainforests see showers year-round, but that’s what keeps them so lush, and they’re home to orangutans, pygmy elephants and rare birdlife. Our KL, Danum Valley & Beach itinerary combines the city, the rainforest and the beach.
Tanzania & Zanzibar: January and February fall in East Africa’s dry season, so it’s a brilliant time to pair a safari with the beach, and it’s calving season for the wildebeest in the Serengeti. Our Classic Tanzania with Zanzibar finishes with a week on Zanzibar’s white sands.
Make it a Multi Centre Holiday
Winter sunshine doesn’t have to mean staying in one place. Our multi-centre holidays make it easy to combine time on the beach with city sights, culture or wildlife, with an itinerary tailored to the kind of winter escape you have in mind.
