Winter Sun Holidays

The currency you’ll need depends on your chosen winter sun destination. Popular destinations such as the Canary Islands, Madeira and Cyprus use the euro (€), while other destinations have their own currencies.

Egypt: Egyptian pound (EGP)

Türkiye: Turkish lira (TRY)

Morocco: Moroccan dirham (MAD)

Cape Verde: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)

United Arab Emirates: UAE dirham (AED)

Mexico: Mexican peso (MXN)

Caribbean destinations: Currency varies by island, with some also accepting US dollars in tourist areas.

Debit and credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and resorts, but carrying some local cash can be useful for smaller purchases, tips and local markets. Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees and the currency used at your destination before travelling.

Winter sun holidays are a wonderful way to escape the colder weather at home and enjoy some sunshine during the autumn and winter months. Whether you prefer relaxing on the beach, exploring new places or enjoying a hotel with plenty of facilities, there are destinations to suit every type of traveller.

Spend your days unwinding beside the pool, walking along sandy beaches, trying water sports or enjoying a leisurely lunch at a seafront restaurant. Many destinations also offer boat trips, snorkelling, scuba diving, golf, local markets and guided excursions.

If you enjoy sightseeing, you could explore historic towns, visit ancient landmarks or discover local culture and cuisine. Families may enjoy water parks, wildlife experiences and family-friendly resorts, while couples might prefer adults-only hotels, spa treatments and romantic sunset dinners.

For a more relaxing break, consider an All Inclusive hotel where meals, selected drinks and some activities may be included. Alternatively, choose Bed and Breakfast or Self-Catering accommodation if you want more freedom to explore local restaurants.

Winter sun holidays are particularly popular from November to March, when many travellers look for warmer weather and a break from the UK winter. The best time to travel depends on how hot you want it to be, how far you’re happy to fly and your budget.

October and November: A good time to consider the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Egypt and parts of North Africa, with many destinations still enjoying pleasant temperatures.

December: Ideal for a festive getaway, Christmas break or New Year escape. The Canary Islands offer relatively convenient sunshine, while destinations such as Cape Verde, Egypt and the Caribbean can offer warmer conditions.

January and February: Popular months for escaping the cold. Consider Egypt, Cape Verde or the Canary Islands for shorter journeys, or the Caribbean, Mexico and the Indian Ocean for a longer-haul tropical holiday.

March: A lovely time to enjoy late-winter sunshine, with opportunities for beach relaxation and sightseeing before spring gets underway in the UK.

The Canary Islands generally offer mild, sunny winter weather, while Egypt and Cape Verde can be warmer. Long-haul destinations such as the Caribbean and Mexico are popular for travellers seeking tropical temperatures. Weather varies by destination and year, so check typical conditions for your travel dates before booking.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife is a popular choice for winter sunshine, with a variety of resorts, beaches and attractions. Relax on the coast, explore charming towns or visit Teide National Park for dramatic volcanic scenery. The island offers options for families, couples and travellers looking for a relaxing escape.

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Gran Canaria combines sandy beaches, lively resorts and beautiful inland landscapes. Spend time around Maspalomas and its famous dunes, explore Las Palmas or enjoy the island’s restaurants and waterfront promenades. It’s a good option for travellers who want sunshine without a long-haul flight.

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote is known for its volcanic landscapes, distinctive architecture and attractive beaches. Visit Timanfaya National Park, explore the island’s vineyards or relax in resorts such as Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen. It’s particularly appealing to couples and families looking for a mix of relaxation and exploration.

Hurghada, Egypt

Hurghada is a favourite for winter sun, with Red Sea beaches, resort hotels and opportunities to snorkel or scuba dive among colourful coral reefs. Boat trips, desert excursions and All Inclusive accommodation make it a convenient choice for couples, families and groups.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh offers sunshine, beach resorts and access to some of the Red Sea’s renowned diving and snorkelling sites. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, explore local markets or relax by the pool. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for a beach-focused holiday with plenty of resort facilities.

Sal, Cape Verde

Sal is known for its sandy beaches, turquoise waters and relaxed atmosphere. Santa Maria is a popular base for beach days, restaurants and water sports, including windsurfing and kitesurfing. Cape Verde is a good option for travellers seeking warmer winter weather without travelling as far as the Caribbean.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai combines sunshine with modern attractions, luxury hotels, shopping and beautiful beaches. Enjoy a desert safari, visit the city’s famous landmarks or explore waterfront restaurants and entertainment venues. The winter months are often a particularly appealing time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Barbados, Caribbean

Barbados is ideal for a tropical winter escape, with beautiful beaches, clear waters and a welcoming island atmosphere. Enjoy catamaran cruises, snorkelling, local cuisine and lively cultural experiences, or simply unwind at a beachfront hotel.

Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico

Mexico’s Caribbean coast offers white-sand beaches, warm waters and a wide choice of resort hotels. Cancún is known for its lively atmosphere, while Riviera Maya offers access to ancient Mayan sites, cenotes and nature experiences. All Inclusive resorts are widely available, making this region popular with couples and families.

Mauritius, Indian Ocean

Mauritius is a beautiful choice for a longer winter sun holiday, with tropical beaches, lagoons, lush scenery and a mix of cultural influences. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, water sports, nature excursions and excellent resort facilities. It’s particularly popular with couples and travellers seeking a special occasion escape.