Where to find winter sun

When the days get shorter and temperatures start to drop at home, the idea of swapping grey skies for sunshine becomes particularly appealing.

But "winter sun" can mean very different things. For some, 20°C and a sunny terrace in December is perfect. Others want proper beach weather, warm seas and temperatures closer to 30°C.

How far you're prepared to fly, your budget and the type of holiday you want will all influence where you should go.

Here are some of our favourite options for finding winter sun between November and March.

Canary Islands, easy winter sunshine

For reliable sunshine without a long-haul flight, the Canary Islands are difficult to beat. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are all popular throughout the British winter, with daytime temperatures often comfortable enough for sitting by the pool or heading to the beach.

Each island has its own character. Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer plenty of choice when it comes to resorts, restaurants and activities. Lanzarote has its distinctive volcanic landscape, while Fuerteventura is particularly well known for its beaches.

They're a great choice if you want a relatively straightforward week in the sun without travelling halfway around the world.

Best for

Couples, families, adults-only escapes and anyone looking for dependable short-haul winter warmth.

Flight time

Around four and a half hours from the UK.

Dubai and the UAE, sunshine with a city backdrop

Dubai combines warm winter weather with beaches, impressive hotels, restaurants, shopping and plenty to do beyond the pool.

Between November and March, temperatures are generally much more comfortable than during the intense summer months, making winter an attractive time to visit.

It's particularly good if you want a holiday that combines relaxation with restaurants, attractions and a bit of glamour.

And Dubai doesn't have to mean ultra-luxury. There is a much wider range of hotels and resorts than you might expect.

Best for

Couples, families, luxury breaks and travellers who like plenty to see and do.

Flight time

Around seven hours from the UK.

Cape Verde, something a little different

Sitting off the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde offers warm temperatures, long sandy beaches and a relaxed resort atmosphere.

Sal and Boa Vista are the islands you'll most commonly see offered by UK holiday companies. Both work particularly well if your priority is switching off, enjoying the sunshine and spending time around the beach or pool.

It's less about sightseeing-packed itineraries and more about slowing down.

Best for

Beach holidays, all-inclusive stays, couples and relaxed winter escapes.

Flight time

Around six hours from the UK.

Egypt, sunshine and excellent value

Egypt's Red Sea resorts can be a very attractive winter-sun option, particularly if you're looking for good-value all-inclusive hotels.

Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada offer resorts ranging from family-friendly properties to adults-only hotels, with diving and snorkelling among the big attractions.

Winter temperatures are considerably more comfortable than the height of summer, although evenings can feel cooler, particularly during the middle of winter.

Best for

All-inclusive holidays, couples, families, diving and snorkelling.

Flight time

Around five to six hours from the UK.

Caribbean, when you want proper winter heat

If your idea of winter sun involves palm trees, warm Caribbean seas and temperatures comfortably into the twenties, it's worth considering the longer flight.

Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are just some of the possibilities, and each offers something different.

The Caribbean dry season broadly coincides with the UK's winter months, which is one reason December through to March is such a popular time to travel.

It's also an excellent time of year to consider a Caribbean cruise if you'd rather experience several islands in one trip.

Best for

Proper beach weather, honeymoons, special occasions, luxury escapes and winter cruises.

Flight time

Typically around eight to ten hours from the UK, depending on the destination and routing.

Mexico, beaches with plenty beyond the resort

Mexico's Caribbean coast is another strong choice when you're looking for genuine winter heat.

Cancún and the Riviera Maya offer everything from large all-inclusive resorts to more intimate luxury properties. Beyond the beach, you'll find cenotes, Mayan sites and plenty of opportunities to explore.

It's a particularly good choice if some of you want to spend the week relaxing while others would go stir-crazy sitting beside a pool for seven days.

Best for

Couples, adults-only holidays, all-inclusive resorts and travellers who want beach time combined with exploring.

Thailand, worth travelling further for

For those prepared to travel further, Thailand offers a completely different kind of winter escape.

You could combine Bangkok with time on an island, spend your holiday at a beach resort, or build a longer itinerary around several destinations.

Thailand's weather varies significantly by region, so choosing the right part of the country for your travel dates matters.

H3: Best for

Longer holidays, food lovers, couples and travellers wanting more than a traditional resort break.

So, where is best for winter sun?

There isn't one destination we'd recommend to everyone.

If you want easy, relatively short-haul sunshine, we'd start with the Canary Islands.

If you want warmer weather without going fully long-haul, consider Cape Verde, Egypt or the UAE.

If you want proper tropical heat, then the Caribbean, Mexico and parts of Southeast Asia open up a completely different range of possibilities.

The important thing is matching the destination to your idea of a winter holiday, rather than simply choosing whichever place has the highest temperature.

Let us find your winter escape

Not sure whether you'd prefer a week in Tenerife, an all-inclusive escape to Cape Verde or something further afield?

Tell us when you'd like to travel, where you can fly from, your approximate budget and what a great holiday looks like to you. We'll help narrow down the options and find somewhere that fits.

Travel, Personally Planned.