Winter sun holiday destinations you can visit from the UK

Key points: 

• Short-haul destinations can offer warm temperatures during the winter months within a 3-5 hour flight from the UK. 

• Long-haul destinations such as Barbados, Thailand and the Maldives can offer hotter temperatures during peak UK winter months. 

• Physical currency is handy for travelling as it could be used for spending in local markets and tipping. 

• Pre-ordering travel money online or in advance may help you to secure more competitive exchange rates compared to last-minute airport exchanges

The days are getting shorter and the weather is only becoming cooler, so it’s time to say goodbye to summer and prepare for the winter. The inevitable grey skies in the UK are looming, but there is a way to make the situation a little brighter. Travellers may consider escaping the dark winter and booking a getaway in search of some winter sun. 

Let’s explore some of the short-haul and long-haul winter sun holiday destinations that you can reach from the UK. 

Short-haul winter sun holiday destinations in Europe 

If you are seeking some winter sun, then there are plenty of options under five hours from the UK. For example, Tenerife, Cyprus and Spain’s southern coast have destinations that could offer bright, sunny days with mild temperatures that are ideal for hiking and sightseeing. 

Plus, these short-haul winter sun destinations can work well for travellers that want to recharge without dealing with long flight times. 

Tenerife 

Tenerife is a solid option for some winter sun if you’re travelling from the UK. Located off the coast of West Africa, it can offer sunshine all year round. In January, the average daily temperatures in Tenerife ranges between 15°C and 21°C.

You can also expect around six hours of sunshine per day on average at this time of year. That’ll soon warm you up after a chilly December in the UK. 

This weather is a great environment for exploring the dramatic volcanic landscapes around Mount Teide and relaxing on its beautiful beaches. 

Cyprus 

Cyprus offers similar temperatures to Tenerife in the winter months and the flight time from the UK is around four hours. It’s a great destination for families, couples or friends to explore with various activities to suit all types of traveller. 

Whether you fancy exploring ancient Mediterranean ruins, hiking through the Troodos Mountains or taking a relaxing stroll along quiet coastal harbours, it ticks a lot of boxes. 

Malaga and Seville 

If you want to travel somewhere closer to home, Spain is still an option for some winter sun. There are plenty of flights to Malaga from most UK airports and temperatures can be around 20°C in February on warmer days. 

Malaga serves up delicious local cuisine in a historic city centre with a beachfront promenade. Once you’ve explored Malaga, you can hop on the train and spend a few days in Seville. 

Seville has rich architectural sights like the Royal Alcázar and they are great to explore when the weather is cooler compared to its considerably warmer summer months. This means both destinations could be ideal for a winter sun city break. 

Long-haul winter sun holiday destinations

If you’re looking for more tropical beach weather, then heading further afield can make this dream a reality. 

Destinations like Barbados, Maldives and Thailand can reach temperatures in the mid-thirties, which would provide a winter escape for beach-lovers. 

Barbados 

With an average flight time of approximately 9 hours from the UK, you’ll need to settle into the flight to Barbados but it’ll be worth it for your first glimpse of the sparkling Caribbean sea. 

Temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year, ranging between 24°C and 30°C, which is great for relaxing beach days soaking up the sunshine.

If you can tear yourself away from the sun lounger, its towns offer plenty of fun and delicious local seafood. 

Maldives 

If a quiet, tropical retreat is more your style, then the Maldives is a bucket-list destination for a reason. With its bright white sands and overwater accommodation, it’ll feel a million miles away from the wet streets of the UK. 

In December, temperature highs range from 27°C to 30°C, so travelling the extra mile makes all the difference for those seeking some winter sun. 

Thailand 

Thailand’s dry winter season coincides nicely with the winter months in the UK, as it runs from November to March. 

Travellers can combine relaxing beach stays in Krabi or Phuket with cultural sightseeing and vibrant night markets in Bangkok.

Do I need physical travel money for a winter sun holiday? 

It doesn’t matter what time of year you choose to travel - physical travel money can be handy because you never know when you might need it. Local cash is useful for tipping, paying for taxis or buying souvenirs at local markets where card payments might not be accepted.

Credit and debit cards are widely used in hotels and larger restaurants, but remember to check with your provider as there could be foreign transaction fees. 

Cash still has a place when you travel, especially if you want to make the most of your winter sun holiday from the UK. 

Great rates with John Lewis Travel Money 

Planning an upcoming holiday? We offer 0% commission on more than 50 currencies and multiple currencies can be ordered online for Click & Collect or home delivery. 

Minimum online order value is £250 with free Click & Collect available on all orders. Home delivery is free for orders over £500 and £4.75 for orders under £500. 

This article is for promotional or information purposes only. You must not rely on it as advice.