The Best Winter Sun Destinations from the UK

The clocks have gone back, the sun sets in late afternoon and you’ll soon be reaching for the vitamin D supplements.

This can only mean one thing – winter is officially on the horizon and we can look ahead to cosy nights indoors.

But if you prefer a beach to a blanket on the sofa, you’ll no doubt be counting down the days until your next trip abroad.

For the sun-worshippers among you planning a getaway in the coming months, I’ve put together a list of the best winter sun destinations from the UK, ordered by mid-haul (3-5 hours) and long-haul (5 hours plus).

The Best Mid-Haul Winter Sun Destinations from the UK

Gran Canaria, Spain

• Flight Time: 4 hours 30 minutes.
• Fly Direct From: Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London Gatwick and Stansted, Manchester, Norwich and Nottingham.
• Average Temperature in December: 20°C
• Chance of a Sunny Day: 63%
• Currency: Euro (EUR).
• Time Difference in Winter: None – same as the UK.

There are a host of reasons why Gran Canaria remains one of Brits’ most-loved winter sun destinations. So if you don’t want to overthink it this winter, head to this tried-and-tested paradise.

Gran Canaria offers perfect winter sun with its year-round warm weather, golden beaches and volcanic landscapes.

Explore Maspalomas dunes, hike in the mountainous terrain or go for some water sports.

Local dishes like papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, fresh seafood and sweet gofio desserts will tempt you to linger at its beachside restaurants and tapas bars.

Marrakech, Morocco

• Flight Time: 3 hours 40 minutes.
• Fly Direct From: London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester.
• Average Temperature in December: 14°C
• Chance of a Sunny Day: 64%
• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
• Time Difference in Winter: One hour ahead.

If you’re looking for something more exotic and unusual than European city breaks, say hello to the Moroccan jewel of Marrakech.

Marrakech offers a warm winter sun escape with its vibrant souks, stunning palaces and rich culture.

Explore the Jardin Majorelle, wander the medina or ride camels in the desert.

Swap your Christmas dinner for a tagine, couscous and mint tea and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna square at night.

Malta

• Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes.
• Fly Direct From: Bristol, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle.
• Average Temperature in December: 17°C
• Chance of a Sunny Day: 65%
• Currency: Euro (EUR).
• Time Difference in Winter: One hour ahead.

Malta offers mild winter sun, historic sites, charming streets and stunning coastal views.

Explore Valletta’s UNESCO sites, stroll through Mdina or take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon.

Sit alongside locals and order pastizzi, rabbit stew and fresh seafood. And catching a colourful Mediterranean sunset from one of Malta’s vibrant café terraces is a must-do.

Larnaca, Cyprus

• Flight Time: 4 hours 40 minutes.
• Fly Direct From: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick and Stansted, Manchester.
• Average Temperature in December: 19°C
• Chance of a Sunny Day: 60%
• Currency: Euro (EUR).Time Difference in Winter: Two hours ahead.

The Best Long-Haul Winter Sun Destinations from the UK

Krabi, Thailand

• Flight Time: 15 hours (including connecting flights)
• Fly Direct From: Direct flights to Krabi from the UK are rare, but you can fly with one-stop from major airports such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle.
• Average Temperature in December: 31°C.
• Chance of a Sunny Day: 32%.
• Currency: Thai Baht (THB).
• Time Difference in Winter: Seven hours ahead.

Thailand’s idyllic Krabi region is a winter sun paradise. Less busy than tourist hotspot Phuket, Krabi retains more of its natural charm with pristine beaches, smaller towns and fewer crowds.

Its limestone cliffs, clear waters and vibrant marine life make it perfect for water sports or sunbathing. Relax on Railay Beach, island-hop to Phi Phi, or kayak through mangrove forests.

Try local Thai dishes like spicy tom yum soup, green curry, and mango sticky rice and enjoy Krabi’s lively night markets.

Goa, India

• Flight Time: 8 hours 45 minutes.
• Fly Direct From: London Gatwick, Manchester.
• Average Temperature in December: 28°C.
• Chance of a Sunny Day: 56%.
• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR).
• Time Difference in Winter: Five hours ahead.

When you think of India, busy cities or peaceful temples may come to mind. But often, people forget that the country’s South coast is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches.

Goa’s winter sun shines over golden beaches, lively markets and historic Portuguese architecture.

Relax on Palolem Beach, cruise the backwaters, or visit spice plantations. Try Goan specialties like prawn balchão, spicy vindaloo and bebinca dessert at beach shacks.

Evenings bring vibrant nightlife, including silent discos on hidden beaches and colourful festivals. Perfect for a winter sun holiday from the UK.

St Lucia, Caribbean

• Flight Time: Ten and a half hours.
• Fly Direct From: London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester.
• Average Temperature in December: 30°C.
• Chance of a Sunny Day: 51%.
• Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD).
• Time Difference in Winter: Four hours behind.

Langkawi, Malaysia

• Flight Time: 15 hours (including connecting flights).
• Fly Direct From: There are currently no direct flights from the UK, but airports such as London Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester offer one-stop flights.
• Average Temperature in December: 28°C
• Chance of a Sunny Day: 60 – 70%
• Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
• Time Difference in Winter: Eight hours ahead.