Turns out there’s a fair few winter sun destinations that are much closer than you think – handy if you’re running low on annual leave but are desperate for a bit of a tan top up. So we’ve had a dig to give you a list of the shortest hops to some seriously hot spots.

From December to February, Morocco enjoys milder temperatures compared to the chilly British winter. In Marrakech, you can expect daytime highs of around 18-20°C, while coastal spots like Agadir can be even warmer, think a lovely 20-22°C. Nights can be a bit cooler, but it’s nothing a good jacket can’t handle.

If you stick to Marrakech, start in the medina and get nice and lost in the maze of souks (if you don’t get lost, did you even do the medina?) Then there’s the iconic Jardin Majorelle for a splash of colour and a good dose of tranquillity – designed by the French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 20s, it’s got exotic plants, like cacti, palm trees, and bamboo, but one of the highlights is the striking blue that defines the garden, known as “Majorelle Blue,” which is complemented by bright yellows and greens throughout the landscape.

Oh, and don’t miss the Koutoubia Mosque, standing tall and beautiful against the blue winter sky. While non-Muslims can’t enter the mosque itself, the surrounding gardens and pathways are open to all, offering lovely views of the minaret, an icon of the city and bloomin’ gorgeous come sunset.

You could take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, too. Trek in stunning valleys, visit traditional Berber villages, or even go skiing in Oukaïmeden. But if it’s a beach you’re after, try Agadir. Stroll along the promenade, enjoy watersports, or wolf down some seriously fresh seafood. There’s always Essaouira too, a charming little coastal city with a really laid-back vibe. Explore the ramparts and the port, and take in the artsy atmosphere. Plus the strong “Alizée” trade winds here make the city’s crescent beach mega popular for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Whether you’re thinking about a city break to Istanbul or a beach holiday near Bodrum or Dalaman, you can expect good weather in Turkey – it’s a British classic for a reason. Think sunny skies and mild weather, with daytime highs of around 15-20°C. Lahhhhvely.

If you’re a beach bum, head to the the Turkish Riviera – spanning from the town of Fethiye in the west to Antalya in the east, it’s got charming seaside resorts (like Ölüdeniz, known for its stunning blue lagoon, and Patara Beach, famous for its soft sands and historical significance), ancient ruins (from the amphitheatre in Aspendos to the Lycian rock tombs near Fethiye), and lush green mountains to boot – to soak up the sun, enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or simply lounge with a good book.

For something a little different, take a hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscape of Cappadocia – yes, every man and his dog on social media has done this, but it is an incredible experience, and it really does make for a bloody good picture.

But a sure-fire fave is Antalya. It boasts some of the best beaches in Turkey, including Konyaaltı and Lara Beach. The clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying water sports. And it’s got history too, you know – the charming old town is all narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Ottoman houses, shops, and restaurants. There’s the iconic Hadrian’s Gate, a beautifully preserved Roman archway, and the old harbour, with some very pretty views.

Another handy thing is that there’s several international airports, too, so you’ve got plenty of Turkey flights to choose from.

With its short flight time and tip-top weather, Tenerife has long been a popular winter sun destination. It boasts lovely temperatures around 20-25°C  in the winter months. Proper sunbathing weather, that. Plus with flights to Tenerife from airports all over the UK, it’s mega easy to get there.

You’ll probs already know about those beautiful beaches it’s famous for, from Playa de las Américas to Los Cristianos – golden sands, clear waters, perfect for lounging about or taking a dip. The sun’s shining, the drinks are cold—what more do you need?

But there’s also Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. You can hike or take a cable car up for breath-taking views of the island. It’s a bit like stepping onto another planet—absolutely stunning. Back at sea level, the waters around Tenerife also happens to be perfect for spotting whales and dolphins – it’s whale (and dolphin) watching season all year round here! Costa Adeje, on the southern coast of, is home to large resident populations of Pilot whales and Bottlenose dolphins.

One of our fave spots is actually La Laguna – officially known as San Cristóbal de La Laguna – a charming city located in the north. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 due to its historical significance and unique urban layout, which includes beautiful colonial buildings and a network of picturesque streets with stunning examples of Canary Island architecture, including traditional houses with wooden balconies and vibrant façades. Don’t miss the the Cathedral of La Laguna and the Palacio de Nava. With a local university, there’s a bit of youthful vibe to this place too, with a lively cultural atmosphere – think numerous art galleries, theatres, and museums.

This little slice of paradise off the coast of West Africa is just the ticket come winter, with temperatures hovering around 23-28°C from December to February. An archipelago of 10 volcanic islands, Cape Verde is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and – the important part – a proper pleasant climate.

Sal is famous for its white sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, and it’s also a bit of a hotspot for water sports, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing. Boa Vista is known for its beaches too, but it’s also got some stunning dunes. It’s a bit more laid-back than Sal too.

If you’re all about the outdoors, then it’s Santo Antão you’re after. The most mountainous of the islands, it’s a hit for hiking and nature lovers. Think breath-taking views, lush landscapes, and charming villages galore. For more overtures to the outdoors (and on the extreme side, too), try Fogo – home sweet home to the active Fogo volcano, it’s got a dramatic landscape, as well as being famous for its coffee and wine production.

Santiago, meanwhile, is the largest island, rich in history and culture. Visit the capital, Praia, to experience local life, markets, and traditional music.

Most international flights land in Sal or Praia on Santiago, making them the easiest entry points. Once there, you can island-hop between the various islands by ferry or small domestic flights.

If “Ooh it’s quite warm” doesn’t cut it for you, consider heading to Dubai. This desert city doesn’t mess around when it comes to winter sun, with temperatures floating between 24-30°C. While the climate might feel like a whole other world, the flight to Dubai is just seven hours – dreamy.

And the best thing about lapping up some winter sun in Dubai is that even though it’s hot, it’s not so hot that you can’t make full use of the beaches here – which can be a little tricky in the scorching summer months.  One of the most popular beaches, Jumeirah Beach is famous for its soft white sands and stunning views of the Burj Al Arab, where you can sunbathe, swim, or take part in water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing. There’s also plenty of beachfront cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite and showers, sun loungers, and kids’ play areas make it family-friendly.

Then there’s Kite Beach, which, as the name suggests, is a hotspot for kite surfers, but it’s also perfect for sunbathing and beach sports. You can rent equipment for kitesurfing, try beach volleyball, or simply enjoy a walk along the scenic promenade. Plus, there’s food trucks, cafés, and plenty of facilities, including showers and restrooms.

It’s not all about beaches, though. Winter’s a great time to do the desert, and if you’re gonna do the desert, do it right. Go for a ride through the dunes in a 4×4, and then follow it up with a BBQ and a night under the stars.

Winter’s also terrace time in Dubai, with the temps cooler (but still way up on the UK!) means you can chill with a glass of something lovely without burning. Al fresco dining down in Dubai Marina while the sun sets is a good shout.

Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is another cracking choice for winter sun. And just like Dubai, temperatures in Abu Dhabi hover around 24-28°C during winter – perfect.

From the entertainment to be had on Yas Island to incredible cultural landmarks like the presidential palace, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and the unbelievably cool-looking Louvre Abu Dhabi – this emirate can get overlooked compared to Dubai, but not for much longer.

Like Dubai, summers can be really hot here, so the winter months are actually the perfect time for a beach holiday here, with the gorgeous gulf waters and golden sands being juuuuust the right temperature.

But they’re also a pretty perfect time for more strenuous activities you might have in mind – water sports, camping in the desert, sandboarding, safaris, mountain hikes…the list goes on.

Like Dubai, we reckon Abu Dhabi is at it’s very best in the winter months.

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