Best time to go
Winter sun from the UK: 9 warm places from 3 to 9 hours away
Where it is actually warm between December and February, how long the flight is, and which places suit families, couples and beach lovers.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 3 min read
Quick answer
- For reliable warmth within about four hours of the UK, the Canary Islands are the safest bet, with daytime highs of around 21–23°C all winter and no time difference.
- For proper heat, go further: the Red Sea coast of Egypt (around 5 hours), Dubai (around 7 hours) or Barbados (around 8.5 hours).
- Morocco, Madeira and Cyprus are mild rather than hot in winter, and better for sightseeing and walking than for lying on a beach.
| Warmest short-haul | Canary Islands, around 21–23°C |
|---|---|
| Hottest within 7 hours | Dubai, around 24–26°C |
| Best for diving and snorkelling | Egypt's Red Sea coast |
| Best Caribbean option | Barbados, around 29°C |
| Busiest weeks | Christmas–New Year and February half-term |
Short-haul: up to 4.5 hours
The Canary Islands sit off the coast of West Africa, which is why they stay warm when mainland Spain cools down. Tenerife and Gran Canaria have the most variety; Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have the best beaches and the steadiest sunshine. The islands run on the same time as the UK, so there is no jet lag for children.
Madeira, around four hours away, is greener and a few degrees cooler, at around 19–20°C. It is excellent for coastal walks along the levadas and for Funchal's spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks, but it has few sandy beaches.
Cyprus is pleasant at around 17–19°C and quiet in winter, with good-value hotels. It can rain, so think of it as a mild escape rather than a guaranteed beach holiday.
Medium-haul: 3.5 to 7 hours
Marrakech is around three and a half hours from London. Days are often sunny at around 18–20°C, but nights can drop close to freezing, so choose a riad with good heating. It is a city for souks, gardens and food, combined with a day trip to the Atlas Mountains.
Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and Marsa Alam on Egypt's Red Sea coast are around five hours away and typically reach the low to mid 20s°C, with clear water for snorkelling all winter. Many families pair a beach week with a trip to Luxor.
Dubai is around seven hours from London and is at its best from November to March, with highs of around 24–26°C. It is easy with children, with beach clubs, water parks and short flights onward to the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Long-haul: 6 to 9 hours
Cape Verde, around six hours away, is one of the most reliable winter sun spots near Europe, with temperatures of around 25°C. Sal and Boa Vista are mostly all-inclusive resorts with long beaches and steady winds that kitesurfers love.
Barbados, around eight and a half hours from London, is the classic Caribbean choice from the UK, with temperatures of around 29°C and the dry season running from December to May. The west coast has calm water; the east coast is wild and dramatic.
For Thailand, Bali, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, see our guide to winter sun in Asia from the UK.
When to book
Christmas, New Year and the February half-term are the busiest and most expensive weeks for all of these places, so book them early. Early December and the second half of January are usually the best value, with the same weather and far fewer families.
- No time difference: Canary Islands, Madeira.
- One or two hours ahead: Cyprus and Egypt (two), Morocco (usually one).
- Four hours ahead: Dubai. Four hours behind: Barbados.
Frequently asked questions
Where is hot in January within 4 hours of the UK?
The Canary Islands are the warmest option within four hours, with daytime highs of around 21–23°C. For more heat, Egypt's Red Sea resorts are about five hours away.
Is Morocco warm in winter?
Marrakech is mild and often sunny by day, at around 18–20°C, but nights are cold. It is better for sightseeing than for sunbathing in December and January.
What is the cheapest time for winter sun?
Early December and mid to late January, avoiding school holidays. Prices rise sharply over Christmas, New Year and February half-term.
