Long-Haul Winter Sun Holidays: Hot Destinations To Book for 2023 / 24
Author: Tima Maherali, Senior Content Creator
You might be saving your big break till winter, eyeing a post-Xmas getaway, or you’re simply desperate to avoid the cold! We get it, the appeal of jetting off to some serious beach weather is irresistible – nothing can beat the winter woes than a sun-drenched holiday in the exotic.
So, if you’re ready to ditch your brolly and grey skies for cocktail umbrellas and turquoise blues, from exploring the Mayan ruins of Mexico to beach bliss in the Maldives, we reveal the best winter sun destinations to book now.
Cape Verde
Average flight time from the UK: 6 hrs
Up for some winter sun island hopping? Nestled in the eastern Atlantic off the northwest coast of Africa, Cape Verde is still a surprisingly underrated and undiscovered haven boasting a unique mix of winter warmth, volcanic wonders, and fascinating colonial remnants. This incredible archipelago of ten islands, born from volcanic forces, exudes both beauty and mystique. If you usually opt for the Canary Islands to escape the UK weather in December, January, and February, consider adding an extra two-hour flight into the Atlantic for the splendid Cape Verdean experience. Revel in the consistently delightful weather, hovering in the mid to late twenties with endless clear blue skies. With such unwavering conditions, it's no wonder Cape Verde emerges as a top choice for off the beaten track sun-soaked getaways, particularly on Sal and Boa Vista—home to the majority of the enticing beach resorts.
Why we love Cape Verde for winter sun: Cape Verde is blessed with sensational beaches, where towering dunes meet crystal clear tropical seas. The locals are warm and inviting – just like the climate.
Dubai
Average flight time from the UK: 6 hrs 45 mins
Picture yourself on the pristine, ivory sands of the Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made island, gazing out at the breathtaking turquoise sweep of the Persian Gulf. Dubai is one of the best places for winter sun in the world. It’s your go-to destination for winter warmth, where hot weather is served up all year long, but with temperatures dropping to the mid-twenties, providing a sweet relief from the sweltering summer.
Dubai's magic extends in every direction, making it perfect for holidaymakers who can’t pick between brilliant beach holidays and towering scraper city breaks, as it ticks all the boxes! Whether you're craving the thrill of a desert safari or the heights of the Burj Khalifa, or dreaming of a shopping spree in one of the planet's world class malls complete with aquariums and entire VR parks, the adventures are limitless!
Why we love Dubai for winter sun: Entertainment here definitely goes beyond the beach! The best bit is making the most of those activities that aren’t possible in the heat of summer - a desert safari, camel-trekking or a boat ride along the Dubai Creek to name a few!
Barbados
Average flight time from the UK: 8 hrs 50 mins
Imagine a heavenly paradise, and you'll likely conjure the beauty of Barbados. With its swaying palm-fringed beaches, laid-back vibe, delectable Bajan food flavours from the West Indies, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, it stands out as a top winter destination for a fulfilling getaway.
Situated just 13 degrees north of the equator, this Caribbean gem enjoys a perpetual tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. From December to April, Barbados experiences dry and sunny weather, often hovering around 30°C, creating the perfect setting for surfing, sun loungers and sipping rum cocktails! The sea's temperature is equally inviting at 27°C, offering gentle waves on the west coast and more adventurous surf on the east coast. Dive into thrilling experiences like swimming with turtles, exploring botanical gardens, trekking through lush forests, and enjoying lively nights out in vibrant bars.
Why we love Barbados for winter sun: With the dry season being December to May, it’s not surprising Barbados remains the most popular Caribbean island among UK holidaymakers. But our favourite bit has got to be the island’s laid back dreamlike – haze and famous postcard pink-tinged sands. (The shopping is also seriously something else!)
Mexico
Average flight time from the UK: 9 hrs
Mexico, a cultural wonderland where the sun beams and the zest for life shines! From tasty tacos and balmy beaches to ancient Mayan temples, vibrant jungle hikes, mangroves and mariachi bands, it’s great news for sun worshipers - once the rainy season fades in October, the weather mirrors the country's radiant spirit. If you're craving endless sunshine and a rain-free escape, December through February is the golden ticket. It may be known as the coolest season, but temperatures still soar to a sizzling 28-30C, making it prime time to hit the dreamy turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and get your tropical tan on!
Why we love Mexico for winter sun: A fabulous escape for sunshine-filled festivities over the Christmas holidays! Popular high season hotspots include Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.
Cuba
Average flight time from the UK: 9 hrs
Cuba offers a gorgeous tropical climate throughout the year, and winter is certainly no exception, which typically lasts from December to February. During these dry season months, the weather is comfortably warm, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 26°C to 26°C. Enjoy clear blue skies, full on sunshine and lovely low humidity. Just perfect enough to fully appreciate the beautiful colonial cities, rainforest interiors and of course the white sandy beaches!
Everything Caribbean we know and dote on – the warm culture, laidback lifestyle, idyllic beaches and warm seas blend in abundance right here. Check out the popular town of Varadero for endless stretches of white sand and a rum cocktail at the snap of your fingers, or get off the beaten track to be stunned with surprises, from crocodile spotting to mesmerising cultural sights!
Why we love Cuba for winter sun: Combine some of the Caribbean’s most exquisite talcum powder white beaches with Cuba’s vibrant culture and love for food, music and dance, then sprinkle in some extraordinary history and quirky crumbling architecture... you’ll certainly be Havana ball here (sorry)!
Florida
Average flight time from the UK: 9 hrs
America may not spring to mind if you’re debating where to escape to for some winter sun, but Florida in the winter is, for the most part, a real paradise. Winter is by far the best time of the year to visit, with cold snaps leaving just as fast as they drop in. Temperatures in the Sunshine State hardly drop below 20℃ around this time of year, and the sea stays nice and warm too – meaning you can enjoy an afternoon swim if you’ve spent a lovely morning relaxing on the beach.
And it doesn’t stop there, as there’s heaps to do at the iconic Universal Studios Orlando and Walt Disney World - just two of the enticing attractions, offering endless entertainment for literally everyone. And if you’d prefer to explore the wild beauty of the Everglades National Park or head down to the stunning Keys, it’s the perfect time to go as humidity is low, the biting bugs are thankfully nowhere to be seen and the wildlife viewing is often at its peak.
Why we love Florida for winter sun: Where do we start? How about 1,350 miles of coastline stretching from the Atlantic to the Gulf Coast, taking in some of the finest beaches in the entire US?! Then, right in the middle, there’s THE family fun mecca: Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort... just go, take your camera, thank us later!
Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Average flight time from the UK: 9 hrs 15 mins
This lush island paradise of the Caribbean boasting year-round warm weather is home to approx. 1,000 miles of coastline and 250 miles of the world’s best sandy beaches. Temperatures are most comfortable mid-December to February barely dipping below the 26°C-mark and there’s also the comfort of having more space and choice too, making it a fabulous destination to escape to when its freezing in the UK.
Whether you’re looking for adult only all-inclusive luxury or child friendly resorts boasting poolside fairytale palaces to Nickelodeon characters, there’s enough hotels and activities to knock your flip flops off! Fancy ATVing through stunning rainforest covered mountains? How about horseback riding by waterfalls or enjoying the radiant culture at heartwarming celebrations during January’s festival season?
Why we love Dominican Republic for winter sun: The array of child-friendly waterslide wonderland hotels that line the “coconut coast” on the east of the Dominican Republic make this one of the best spots to jet off to if you’re after some winter family fun in the sun.
Goa
Average flight time from the UK: 9 hrs 30 mins
Goa wears the crown for its abundance of sunshine in December (a whopping 10 hours per day) and boasts high temperatures between 25 - 30 degrees C; it really is a glorious time to jet off to the west coast of India and make the most of those never-ending golden beaches, where you’ll find everything from sunbathing hot spots, inviting beach shacks, exhilarating watersports and some seriously late-night parties! Goa in winter does have some high heat and humidity, so it always feels a tad warmer. As for the sea, it's also amazingly warm, perfect for hours of swimming or snorkelling.
Goa is your winter bargain destination that marries affordable drinks with sun-drenched sands, a sensational foodie scene with marketplace shopping and intricate churches and temples with lush jungle landscapes....
Why we love Goa for winter sun: The perfect place to relax, revitalise & rejuvenate! (As well as being a bit cheaper, sunnier & hotter than the Caribbean!) Winter also welcomes Goa's dry season with virtually no rain, especially from January to March.
Costa Rica
Average flight time from the UK: 10 hrs 30 mins
Costa Rica offers a mind-blowing tropical escape from the cold winter weather with more than just warm temperatures and beautiful beaches. With other worldly natural beauty from striking volcanos and waterfalls to Tarzan vibing jungles and exotic fauna and flora, this place is natures dream and all about the must do off the beaten path experience. Make the most of outdoor activities including hiking, zip-lining, surfing and adventuring the country’s national parks and wildlife reserves.
The “Dry” season runs perfectly between December and April, but February is a particularly good time to head for Costa Rica as with average temperatures around 28°C to enjoy, it’s also the end of peak season, so the crowds and prices have dispersed.
Why we love Costa Rica for winter sun: It's the happiest place in the world, so you can bank on leaving behind those winter blues! Did you know that Costa Rica ranks top spot on the “Happy Planet Index” due to its deep connection to nature? More than 25% of the land is dedicated to conservation and the wildlife is just astonishing!
Maldives
Average flight time from the UK:11 hours
Who else spends far too much time daydreaming about pearl-white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, overwater villas on stilts and fruity sundowner cocktails? Now just add endless sunshine! Winters here are blessed with loads - most of which can be found in February. There may be rainier days in November, December and April, but nothing too drastic. Overall, the Maldives is the place to be for that heavenly island retreat fix. The clear, shallow waters that surround each coral island of the archipelago are bursting with sea life. Hop on a sunset cruise to spot dolphins and manta rays, or snorkel around your idyllic island, grabbing photo opp’s with turtles and eagle rays. From star gazing dinners to overwater spas, however you choose to enjoy your time, the islands’ all-inclusive resorts make it second nature to totally unwind and let go.
Why we love Maldives for winter sun: Let’s face it, who needs a reason to love a kick back in the exotic Maldives - especially during the winter months with temperatures in the low 30’s by day, and evenings not much below 25°C. We’ll see you at the beach ;)
Phuket
Average flight time from the UK: 14 hours, 30 mins
If you fancy the ultimate bliss out in the heat of a phenomenal sun-drenched beach, it may be a long one but get on that flight to Phuket as you’ll be spoilt for choice with over 30 to choose from! This popular winter sun destination comes with some of the most reliable weather and a hearty culture that feels exotic, spiritual and unlike anywhere else. There's considerably more sunshine than in summer, with November to March showcasing a perfect balance of sunny blue skies and when it comes to temperatures, Phuket is a total win – with highs reaching 31°C, averages of 27°C and lows of just 22°C!
Aside from getting the perfect tan, you can snorkel to your hearts delight and explore Phuket’s plethora of sights from pretty temples and the vibrant display of buildings in Phuket Town to the beauty of Koh Tapu, aka ‘The James Bond Island’. The night markets are as buzzing as the nightlife scene - famous for music, neon lights and endless eateries.
Whether it’s the pure serenity of talcum powder sands, glittering turquoise waters and delish sunset dinners or action-packed water parks and parties all night, Phuket smashes the winter sun jackpot.
Why we love Phuket for winter sun: Phuket appeals to all sun seekers on all budgets - winter here not only means less crowds, but more affordable prices for accommodation, activities and dining. With its budget-friendly choices and enticing deals, you can enjoy Phuket’s luxurious offerings without breaking the bank.
Ready for things to heat up? Whether you’re seeking silky shores lapped by the warm waters of the Maldives, a glitzy Dubai getaway, or to dive into the sights, sounds and scents of Goa, why not speak to our dedicated team or search up a travel deal deal here on a winter sun holiday today?