Where Can I Still Go For Some Winter Sun?
Desperate to escape the UK’s grey, wet weather and get some sunshine? From the Maldives to Cuba and many more in between, these are the winter sun destinations to visit to get a hit of much-needed vitamin D. Not all of the options are warm – but cold, bright sun can be just as restorative. So get your passport, pack your sunnies and don’t forget to grab some vital SPF.
The Caribbean
If you’ve never been to the Caribbean before, now is the perfect time to explore. Temperatures sit between mid-20s and low-30s, making it perfect beach and sailing weather. For those looking to spend most of their time on the water, we recommend checking out SamBoat, which offers easy boat rentals across the Caribbean (and beyond), making your on-water adventures feel more in reach than ever before.
Morocco
Morocco is an incredibly accessible travel destination from the UK, with regular flights departing from London and a short flight lasting between three and three and a half hours. Temperature-wise, expect mid-teens to low 20s and, on arrival, plenty to keep you busy, from the souks and a trip to the desert, to amazing food and a vibrant culture.
The Maldives
Ittemaldiviano/Unsplash
Swap Mitcham for the Maldives this winter. One of the best winter sun destinations available, this Indian Ocean paradise is classic honeymooner territory, but there is plenty on offer for families too. Winter is essentially non-existent here, with temperatures a steady 26-29C throughout the year. Rainy season starts late April and runs until mid-November, so from December onwards is the perfect time to visit.
Winter is essentially non-existent here, with temperatures a steady 26-29C throughout the year.
Canary Islands
These volcanic outcrops in the Atlantic are what remains of the Spanish empire and the islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, are famed for their black- and white-sand beaches, relaxed way of life and, of course, the African sun. Soak up the 27C temperatures while sampling papas arrugadas, the potato dish famous across the islands.
Soak up the 27C temperatures while sampling papas arrugadas, the potato dish famous across the islands.
Greece
Would you rather be fighting the crowds in the supermarket or chilling in a taverna? Assuming the answer’s the latter, then Greece is your ticket for one of the best winter sun destinations in the world.
The popular destination has something for everyone – Athens for history buffs, Mykonos for partiers or Santorini for couples.
The popular destination has something for everyone – Athens for history buffs, Mykonos for partiers or Santorini for couples. Temperatures sit at a perfectly acceptable 23C in the winter, dropping to around 10C in January.
Find Santorini and Mykonos inspo here.
Sweden
Yes, it’s freezing – but the crisp winter sunshine makes way for one of nature’s great spectacles at night – The Northern Lights. The best of the best when it comes to winter sun destinations, Stockholm also remains one of the coolest cities in the world and is worth adding to your bucket list during the quieter months.
The best of the best when it comes to winter sun destinations, Stockholm also continues to be one of the coolest cities in the world.
Madeira
Madeira, comprised of four islands off the coast of Africa, is so good that when we sent a Handbook writer there to cover it, she went back all on her own this year, she’d enjoyed it so much.
Temperatures are around 18C at the moment, making for a pleasant change from the 9C average the UK experiences in winter.
