Winter is the perfect time to jet off to a sunnier climate and leave your bobble hats and woolly scarves behind. Imagine the feeling of stepping off the plane in a tropical paradise and being welcomed by warm air and blue skies.
Now that the colder seasons are upon us, you might be thinking about a sunny escape. With this in mind, we’ve selected some top winter sun destinations for those in search of a getaway.
1. Mexico
Mexico is a beautiful country with a variety of cultures, so there’ll be something to interest everyone. Winters in Mexico are warm and tend to average between 23-26 degrees Celsius.
If you enjoy visiting countries with interesting historical backgrounds, Mexico won’t disappoint. From world-class archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan, to the circular pyramids of Guachimontones in Jalisco, there’s plenty to explore.
Mexico is also home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world, including the white beaches of Tulum and the crystal clear blue seas of Cancun. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or want to spend your time sightseeing, Mexico has it all.
You’ll also get to try Mexico’s tasty cuisine! Alongside Tacos and Quesadillas, why not get stuck into some street food in Mexico City or try a Bionico fruit dessert in Jalisco? A myriad of tasting opportunities await.
Bursting with vibrant colours and home to the mariachi groups, Mexico is the ultimate fiesta destination – you won’t want to miss out…
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5* Hyatt Zilaria Riviera Maya*
Riviera Maya | 7 nights | Book with Travel Republic
All Inclusive. Flights Included. Depart from Mancheser 4th May 2024. Save £752pp.
2. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is becoming an increasingly popular winter travel destination as more people become aware of its astounding beauty.
Southern Sri Lanka’s dry season runs from December to March, so there’ll be clear blue skies and high temperatures (averaging 27-29 degrees Celsius). With virtually no rain and calm shores, the beaches in the south are also perfectly suited to those looking for a stress-free escape.
If you love animals, you’ll be glad to know that the dry season coincides with whale watching season, so it’s the best time to spot dolphins and humpback whales. Sri Lanka is also famous for its National Parks where wild animals (including elephants and leopards!) can be spotted.
Why not book a jeep safari at Yala National Park? You may even spot a crocodile! Or, why not take a trip to a turtle hatchery and see where turtles begin their journey?
Sri Lanka is big on seafood and is well known for its traditional curry dishes and tea. You’ll be spoilt for choice at buffets offering endless rice and curry combinations. And a trip to a tea planter’s cottage will leave you satisfied as you enjoy your favourite cup of tea whilst seeing exactly where it’s grown.
Sri Lanka is a warm, colourful destination that’ll take you closer to nature in ways you can only imagine. If you’re looking for an experience of a lifetime, Sri Lanka awaits…
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Discover Sri Lanka - Flights & Transfers Included*
£130 off | Sri Lanka | 13 nights | Book with Travel Department
3. Morocco
Morocco is best known for its spas, cuisine, and unique shopping experiences – and that’s without mentioning the sunshine!
Moroccan ancient markets, also known as souks, are jam-packed with unusual items that’ll make special gifts for friends and family. Get ready to haggle over woven Berber rugs, beautifully detailed stained glass lamps, or delicious aromatic herbs and spices, before heading into the high-end designer shops in ‘modern’ Morocco.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, the Moroccan spa, also called the hammam will give you a chance to relax as you enjoy one of the most luxurious bathing experiences in the world, ending with a blissful massage.
If this doesn’t sound tempting enough, Moroccan cuisine is one of the finest around the globe. You’ll get to enjoy delicate spices and tantalising flavours – from melt-in-your-mouth tagine to a sweet, sticky pretzel known as a chebakia.
Or, if it’s sun that you’re after, Morocco has some amazing beaches in Agadir and TanTan. Morocco is slightly cooler between December and March in comparison to some other winter sun destinations, with an average temperature of around 16-17 degrees Celsius. This is great for those who like mild, but not excessive temperatures – and the sea is normally still warm enough for a refreshing dip!
4. The Canary Islands
Because of their close proximity to the African coast, the Canary Islands have an amazing climate, with an average temperature of 18-21 degrees Celsius during the winter months.
Flights are usually short and reasonably priced, but this certainly doesn’t mean there’s any compromise on quality. With an abundance of quiet beaches during off-peak seasons and the chance to stargaze under some of Europe’s brightest and clearest skies, there’s no better place to relax.
There’s also plenty to get involved in if you want a holiday full of variety. Between January and March, the Canary Islands gear up for an explosion of music, colour, and fun during their annual Carnival. Every island celebrates in their own unique way from drag queen galas to talcum powder fights – however you like to have fun, there’ll be a way for you to get involved.
With sunshine year round, the Canaries are also big on wine production, so there’s plenty of opportunity to tour vineyards (and do wine tasting!). If you’re a fan of cheese and wine, you’ll be happy to know that the Canary Islands have won awards for their cheese production, with each island producing their own unique cheese.
One of the best things about the Canary Islands is that there’s something for everyone; with seven distinctive islands including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura, you’ll be sure to find one that takes your fancy.
5. Thailand
The best time of year to visit Thailand is between November and March, so it makes the ideal sunny winter escape. Between these months the monsoon blows in dry air, reducing the chance of rain, and daytime temperatures will sit around 28-29 degrees Celsius.
If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, Thailand is the place to go. With such a wide selection of traditional dishes for both meat eaters and vegetarians (including tom yum soup and pad thai), it’ll be difficult not to fall in love with the cuisine. You’ll also find that fresh coconuts are sold literally everywhere, so you’ll never find yourself far from a refreshing drink to cool you down.
Thailand has a bit of everything; beautiful fairytale-like beaches, bustling cities full of street food, markets, tuk tuks, and plenty of magical historic temples – such as Wat Arun and Templo Azul. You’ll never find yourself getting bored in Thailand, so if you’re looking to book a longer trip, this could be the ideal location for you.
People say it’s difficult to understand the true beauty of Thailand until you’ve been, so chances are, your first visit won’t be your last.
Final thoughts...
A winter holiday can be a great way to escape the grey skies of the UK, discover different cultures and countries, and in certain places, even beat the crowds.
For more content to help satisfy your wanderlust, head over to the travel section of our website, or browse this week’s top travel deals.
Are you thinking about booking a winter escape this year? If so, where to? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.