The Canary Islands offer some of the most dependable short-haul winter sun around, and if you fancy going that bit further, Cape Verde and the Caribbean bring even warmer weather into play.
Check out this guide to compare typical temperatures, flight times and choose the break that suits you best. Every Thomas Cook package comes with ATOL protection, so you can book with confidence from the moment you choose.
Where’s hot in winter? Winter sun destinations at a glance
Whether you’re planning a Christmas escape, a January reset or some February sunshine before spring arrives, this table compares average monthly temperatures, flight times and prices to help you narrow down your shortlist.
Tenerife — Dec 19°C · Jan 18°C · Feb 18°C · Flight time approx. 4.5 hours
Lanzarote — Dec 20°C · Jan 19°C · Feb 19°C · Flight time approx. 4.5 hours
Fuerteventura — Dec 21°C · Jan 19°C · Feb 19°C · Flight time approx. 4.5 hours
Gran Canaria — Dec 21°C · Jan 20°C · Feb 20°C · Flight time approx. 4.5 hours
Madeira — Dec 20°C · Jan 18°C · Feb 18°C · Flight time approx. 4 hours
Morocco — Dec 21°C · Jan 19°C · Feb 21°C · Flight time approx. 3.5–4 hours
Egypt — Dec 23°C · Jan 21°C · Feb 22°C · Flight time approx. 5.5 hours
Malta — Dec 18°C · Jan 16°C · Feb 15°C · Flight time approx. 3 hours
Cyprus — Dec 17°C · Jan 15°C · Feb 16°C · Flight time approx. 4–5 hours
Andalusia — Dec 15°C · Jan 14°C · Feb 14°C · Flight time approx. 4 hours
Cape Verde — Dec 24°C · Jan 23°C · Feb 22°C · Flight time approx. 6 hours
Barbados — Dec 28°C · Jan 27°C · Feb 27°C · Flight time approx. 8.5 hours
St Lucia — Dec 28°C · Jan 27°C · Feb 27°C · Flight time approx. 8–9 hours
Antigua — Dec 27°C · Jan 27°C · Feb 26°C · Flight time approx. 8.5 hours
Dominican Republic — Dec 29°C · Jan 29°C · Feb 29°C · Flight time approx. 9 hours
Mexico — Dec 19°C · Jan 19°C · Feb 22°C · Flight time approx. 10.5 hours
Dubai — Dec 26°C · Jan 24°C · Feb 25°C · Flight time approx. 7 hours
Gambia — Dec 37°C · Jan 37°C · Feb 38°C · Flight time approx. 6 hours
Thailand — Dec 31°C · Jan 33°C · Feb 37°C · Flight time approx. 12 hours
Maldives — Dec 29°C · Jan 28°C · Feb 29°C · Flight time approx. 10.5 hours
Best short-haul winter sun destinations
If you’d rather spend less time in the air and more time making the most of the sunshine, these short-haul winter sun destinations are a great place to start. From the dependable winter warmth of the Canary Islands to the culture and colour of Morocco and the Red Sea resorts of Egypt, you’ll find beach-friendly breaks as well as milder escapes where your trainers get just as much use as your swimwear.
Tenerife
December: 19°C | January: 18°C | February: 18°C
Flight time: Approx. 4.5 hours
When near-guaranteed winter sunshine is the priority, Tenerife is hard to overlook. Our travel team especially likes how winter days are still warm enough for the beach, while the cooler evenings make it comfortable to explore the island’s towns and eat outdoors. Beach days, volcanic scenery, whale-watching trips and charming towns are never far away, so there’s plenty to see beyond the resort.
Who it’s for: Families, couples and anyone booking winter sun for the first time.
Climate note: Expect warm, sunny days, although evenings are cooler, especially inland and at higher altitude.
Lanzarote
December: 20°C | January: 19°C | February: 19°C
Flight time: Approx. 4.5 hours
Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape gives it a character all of its own. Black lava fields, whitewashed villages and golden beaches sit side by side, so even a short drive feels like you’ve arrived somewhere completely different. It’s small enough to see plenty in a week without constantly packing up for the next day out.
Who it’s for: Couples and anyone who enjoys seeing as much as relaxing.
Climate note: Winter is usually warm and dry, though coastal breezes can make exposed beaches feel cooler.
Fuerteventura
December: 21°C | January: 19°C | February: 19°C
Flight time: Approx. 4.5 hours
Some holidays are all about ticking off the sights. Fuerteventura is all about slowing down. With mile after mile of sandy coastline, it’s easy to settle into a rhythm of beach walks, sea views and unhurried afternoons, with water sports and boat trips there whenever you fancy a change.
Who it’s for: Beach lovers, couples and anyone craving a slower pace.
Climate note: Warm winter weather is the norm, although the breeze is often more noticeable along the coast.
Browse our Fuerteventura holidays.
Gran Canaria
December: 21°C | January: 20°C | February: 20°C
Flight time: Approx. 4.5 hours
Gran Canaria is a brilliant all-rounder. Our travel team often recommends staying in the south during winter, where the weather tends to be warmer and sunnier than the north, making it easier to mix beach days with exploring the rest of the island. Beaches, mountain villages, pine forests and the cafés of Las Palmas all fit comfortably into the same holiday, so there’s no pressure to choose one style of break over another.
Who it’s for: Families, groups and anyone who likes variety.
Climate note: The south is generally warmer and sunnier in winter than the north and central mountains.
Search our Gran Canaria holidays.
Madeira
December: 20°C | January: 18°C | February: 18°C
Flight time: Approx. 4 hours
Madeira rewards getting out and about. Our travel team has found that many visitors arrive expecting a relaxing beach break but leave talking about the levada walks, cliff-top viewpoints and spectacular scenery instead. You’ll probably spend more time on your feet than searching for a sun lounger, and that’s exactly why so many visitors fall for the island.
Who it’s for: Walkers, couples and anyone who prefers active holidays to beach days.
Climate note: Mild throughout winter, with showers more likely than in the Canary Islands.
Explore our Winter holidays to Madeira.
Morocco
December: 21°C | January: 19°C | February: 21°C
Flight time: Approx. 3.5-4 hours
Few places feel such a change from home on such a short flight. One day could begin in the vibrant souks of Marrakech, the next beside the Atlantic in Agadir. Add fragrant food, rooftop terraces and year-round sunshine, and Morocco delivers a winter break that feels refreshingly different. One tip from our travel team is to pack an extra layer for evenings, especially inland, where temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.
Who it’s for: Couples, food lovers and curious explorers.
Climate note: Warm days are common, but evenings cool down quickly, particularly inland.
Discover Winter holidays to Morocco.
Egypt
December: 23°C | January: 21°C | February: 22°C
Flight time: Approx. 5.5 hours
Egypt is a go-to choice for warm winter weather without the long-haul flight. Red Sea resorts pair sunshine with clear water, vivid coral reefs and a wide choice of All Inclusive hotels, leaving very little to think about once you’ve arrived.
Who it’s for: Sunseekers, snorkellers and All Inclusive holidays.
Climate note: Winter days are warm and sunny, while evenings are noticeably cooler.
Malta
December: 18°C | January: 16°C | February: 15°C
Flight time: Approx. 3 hours
Malta shines brightest when the temperatures ease. Winter is ideal for meandering through Valletta’s narrow streets, getting to know Mdina or hopping across to Gozo, with plenty of opportunities to stop beside the harbour and watch the world go by.
Who it’s for: History lovers, couples and anyone who enjoys sightseeing.
Climate note: Mild rather than hot, with occasional rain, especially in December.
Cyprus
December: 17°C | January: 15°C | February: 16°C
Flight time: Approx. 4-5 hours
Cyprus comfortably balances coast, countryside and history. Spend a morning beside the sea, head inland to mountain villages or ancient ruins in the afternoon, then round the day off with dinner on a terrace while the evening stays mild.
Who it’s for: Couples and anyone who likes beach time with a side of roaming.
Climate note: Winter temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing, rather than guaranteed sunbathing.
Andalusia
December: 15°C | January: 14°C | February: 14°C
Flight time: Approx. 3 hours
Winter brings out a different side of Andalusia. Bright days and cooler temperatures make it much easier to enjoy Málaga, Seville and Granada, whether you’re roaming historic streets, dipping into local markets or settling into a sunny square with a plate of tapas.
Who it’s for: Food lovers, culture seekers and anyone happy to swap beach weather for exploring.
Climate note: Expect bright, mild days with cooler mornings and evenings.
Search our Andalusia holidays.
Best long-haul winter sun destinations
If you’re happy to fly a little further, you’ll open up even more choice for winter sunshine. Think sea swims that don’t need a brave face, evenings that stay balmy, and places where January feels nothing like January. Whether you’re after a Caribbean beach, a tropical island or a city break with pool weather, these long-haul winter sun destinations are well worth the journey.
Cape Verde
December: 24°C | January: 23°C | February: 22°C
Flight time: Approx. 6 hours
Cape Verde sits in that sweet spot between short-haul ease and long-haul warmth. Beach days are a given, but it’s also a not-so-secret kitesurfing destination, while winter boat trips can bring sightings of migrating humpback whales.
Who it’s for: Couples, families and anyone looking for dependable beach weather.
Climate note: Warm, dry and sunny through winter, with a refreshing coastal breeze.
Barbados
December: 28°C | January: 27°C | February: 27°C
Flight time: Approx. 8-9 hours
Barbados has everything you’d hope for from a Caribbean holiday, with a little extra character thrown in. Catamaran trips where you can swim alongside turtles are a real highlight, while evenings often drift from sunset into live music without much effort at all.
Who it’s for: Couples, honeymooners and anyone dreaming of a classic Caribbean escape.
Climate note: Winter is among the sunniest and driest times to visit.
St Lucia
December: 28°C | January: 27°C | February: 27°C
Flight time: Approx. 8–9 hours
St Lucia is the sort of place that tempts you away from your sun lounger. Hike beneath the Pitons, snorkel at Anse Chastanet or visit the world’s only drive-in active volcano, then treat yourself to a quiet afternoon by the sea.
Who it’s for: Couples and anyone who enjoys a little adventure alongside downtime.
Climate note: Warm throughout winter, with the chance of short tropical showers.
Antigua
December: 27°C | January: 27°C | February: 26°C
Flight time: Approx. 8-9 hours
With 365 beaches, Antigua gives you every excuse to try somewhere new each day. Glass-bottom boat trips reveal kaleidoscopic marine life beneath the surface, but don’t be surprised if you find one beach you love and never quite make it any further.
Who it’s for: Beach lovers, couples and anyone ready to properly unwind.
Climate note: Warm and sunny through winter, with low humidity and the odd brief shower.
Dominican Republic
December: 29°C | January: 29°C | February: 29°C
Flight time: Approx. 9-10 hours
The Dominican Republic is a smart choice if you're looking for Caribbean sunshine without the premium price tag. White-sand beaches and All Inclusive resorts do a pretty good job on their own, but a trip to palm-fringed Saona Island is well worth making time for too.
Who it’s for: Families, groups and anyone planning an All Inclusive holiday.
Climate note: Hot and sunny throughout winter, with only occasional tropical showers.
Explore our Dominican Republic holidays.
Mexico
December: 19°C | January: 19°C | February: 22°C
Flight time: Approx. 10.5-11.5 hours
Mexico rarely asks you to choose between beach time and big days out. One day might be spent by the Caribbean, the next at Chichén Itzá, before ending with tacos, ceviche or slow-cooked cochinita pibil.
Who it’s for: Couples, families and anyone who likes beach time with a side of sightseeing.
Climate note: Winter is generally warm and dry, with temperatures rising into February.
Explore Winter holidays to Mexico.
Dubai
December: 26°C | January: 24°C | February: 25°C
Flight time: Approx. 7 hours
Dubai fits an impressive amount into a week’s holiday. Traditional souks, desert safaris and unfeasibly large shopping malls are all part of the experience, yet you’ll still have plenty of time for afternoons by the pool.
Who it’s for: Couples, families and anyone who likes plenty of choice.
Climate note: Winter days are warm, dry and much more comfortable than the summer months.
Gambia
December: 37°C | January: 37°C | February: 38°C
Flight time: Approx. 6 hours
Beach weather is only part of the story in Gambia. Dawn canoe trips, bustling markets and more than 500 species of birds mean there’s always something to catch your eye between lazy afternoons on the sand.
Who it’s for: Couples and anyone looking for sunshine with a different perspective.
Climate note: Very hot, dry and sunny throughout winter.
Thailand
December: 31°C | January: 33°C | February: 37°C
Flight time: Approx. 12 hours
Thailand gives you the chance to combine tropical beaches, bustling markets and spectacular temples in a single trip. From Bangkok’s Grand Palace to the islands in the south, every stop feels different from the last, and that’s all part of the adventure.
Who it’s for: Couples, families and first-time long-haul travellers.
Climate note: Winter falls within the dry season across much of the country, bringing hot, sunny days.
Maldives
December: 29°C | January: 28°C | February: 29°C
Flight time: Approx. 10.5 hours
The Maldives is one those places where doing very little feels like time well spent. Calm, clear seas make winter ideal for snorkelling and diving, while overwater villas and powder-soft beaches have a habit of making you forget what day of the week it is.
Who it’s for: Honeymooners, couples and anyone celebrating something special.
Climate note: Warm and sunny through winter, with low rainfall and calm seas.
Best value winter sun holidays
If you’re looking to make your budget go further, there are plenty of winter sun destinations that offer great value. With low deposits from just £19pp, it’s easier to spread the cost of your holiday. If you’re hoping to spend under £500pp, take a look at our cheap winter sun holidays under £500 for even more destinations at lower prices.
When to book winter sun holidays
The best time to book depends on how flexible you can be. If you’re travelling during Christmas, New Year or February half term, booking early usually means more hotels, flights and departure dates to choose from.
If your travel dates are flexible, keep an eye on last-minute deals, especially outside the school holidays. You may have fewer hotels to choose from, but you could save money if you’re open to a different destination or departure airport.
If you’re travelling with children, it’s usually best not to leave it too late. School holiday dates are always in high demand, so the most popular hotels and flight times can sell out sooner.
FAQs
Where’s hottest in January?
Gambia is the hottest destination in January, with an average daytime temperature of 37°C. Thailand is another hot-weather favourite at 33°C, while the Dominican Republic reaches 29°C.
How warm are the Canary Islands in winter?
The Canary Islands typically see average daytime temperatures of 18°C to 21°C during winter. That’s warm enough to enjoy plenty of time outdoors, whether you’re relaxing by the pool or strolling along the seafront.
Is the Mediterranean warm enough in December?
Yes, if you’re looking for mild winter sunshine rather than guaranteed beach weather. Malta, Cyprus and Andalusia are ideal for sightseeing and eating outdoors, but they’re generally cooler than the Canary Islands, Morocco and Egypt.
Which winter sun destination has the shortest flight?
Malta has one of the shortest flight times from the UK at around 3 hours. Morocco is another quick option at around 3.5 to 4 hours, so your holiday starts that little bit sooner.
Ready to find your winter sunshine?
The best winter sun destinations from the UK come in all shapes and sizes, from short-haul favourites such as the Canary Islands and Egypt to long-haul escapes in Thailand and the Caribbean. Whether you’re looking for the hottest weather, the shortest flight or the best value, compare the latest prices and find your perfect winter sun holiday with Thomas Cook.
About the author
Adele has worked in travel for a number of years now, which has taken her to some amazing places. When she’s not at home cuddling her dog, she loves to explore new places. From Mexico to Croatia and Iceland, she has some great insider tips.