14 BEST Winter Sun Holiday Destinations for 2026 (Long & Short Haul)

Who’s up for some winter sun destination inspiration? Here are the best destinations for winter sun in the world – both for short breaks, and long haul!

– Fancy some winter sun in Morocco?

Imagine yourself tanning nicely on the beaches of some far off location under the winter sun, rather than worrying about rising gas and electricity costs at home. It’s much more fun!

I thought I’d take a look at the best winter sun destinations I’ve experienced. Let’s see if I can whet your whistle for some epic travel this year, or to get planning for the next. And don’t miss the checklist below for setting out on a trip to make sure you have everything you need too. 

Best Destinations for Winter Sun

Whether you want short breaks for winter sun, or you want some long haul winter sun, I’ve listed the warmest places for winter travel below. All tried and tested as sunny winter holidays!

Short haul winter beach breaks

1. Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain 

One December I went to Mahon in Menorca in December. It was great but I really needed to have booked a car before I went to explore. Unfortunately I arrived late on Friday night and left on Tuesday morning and so none of the places were open to book.

– My balcony in Menorca, in December

I still had a lovely time looking round the Spanish island’s capital, Mahon though, without all the tourists of the summer season. I’d definitely recommend some Menorca winter sun action, but just be more prepared than me!

There are loads of beaches you can go to on the island, and it’s well known for having some of the best winter sun weather in Europe. There’s also some great food on the island to enjoy.

If you’re a bit of an adventurer, you can explore some of the 151 Balearic Islands on your own. You don’t have to be a millionaire with your own boat, a great alternative is to rent a yacht and enjoy the beauty of this corner of Spain.

Where is hot in January short-haul?

If you’re looking for a winter holiday in the sun in January, I’d say to go to Morocco!

Where’s hot in December short-haul

Menorca, and the south of Spain. Check out those temperatures in Malaga, Seville and Alicante!

2. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain 

In all my years of travel I’ve only actually ever spent one Christmas abroad, and that was in Tenerife, in 2019. My family all went over and rented an apartment in Radazul from 20th to 27th December. Such a great Christmas that year, in fact one of my favourites of all time.

Tenerife was a bit windy, especially up Mount Teide which we gave up on visiting when we were half way up and saw the mist. But the cities were nice and warm and I loved looking round the Christmas markets.

We managed to still find a traditional English Christmas dinner in the south of the island, but had the peace and quiet of the north. Every day was sunny and I nearly melted in the heat on Christmas Day on our balcony!

There are lots of opportunities for paddleboarding in winter here, too. This is one of the best destinations for winter sun.

3. Malta

I went to Malta one December, about ten years ago now. I remember us going in the sea, and drinking cocktails in the sun. It’s one of the top spots for some short haul winter sun according to The Voyageurs Collection. In fact, they’ve given us some recommendations to make the most of the country / island. 

“If you’re after some early Autumn sunshine on the beach but aren’t wanting to travel too far, Malta could be just the answer. Temperatures remain lovely and warm in Malta throughout September and October, and the end of the school summer holidays sees the flocks of tourists return home, so the island is left in peace to enjoy the Indian summer sun.

While there you could rent a boat for the day and head out to find hidden coves to explore that cannot be reached on foot, so you could spend the day on a completely secluded beach (definitely the best kind of social distancing). The crystal-clear Mediterranean waters means that Malta and its neighbouring island of Gozo (which can easily be reached by ferry) are fantastic for snorkelling and diving. Gozo is one of the top diving destinations in Europe, and the conditions are great for everyone from learners to advanced divers. The Blue Hole is a definite highlight – it is almost like a huge underwater cave so the scenery is incredible, and a brilliant variety of fish and other marine life can be found there. If you’d rather keep your head firmly above the water, kayaking is another great way to admire these azure waters and to see if you can spot any fish from above the surface.

If you’re someone who gets twitchy sitting on a beach for days on end and like to properly explore the destination you’re visiting, Malta’s capital Valletta, was European Cultural Capital, and this small city really packs a punch when it comes to culture, so you can spend your time away from the beach discovering the fascinating history of this walled city.”

Malta was so beautiful and is definitely one of the best winter sun destinations on the list.

4. Morocco

Ok, this is the first one on the list I haven’t actually been to in winter, but it’s one of the top winter holiday destinations. I visited Morocco in April (twice), when it was obviously scorchio. I didn’t want to miss it off though, as it regularly appears on top winter sun destination lists – thanks to the year-round sun.

Head to Marrakesh for some shopping and roof garden mint tea, to Agadir for the beaches and to Fez for the impressive food. If you have time, the Atlas Mountains in between are pretty outstanding. And if you want to visit the ‘Blue City’ – look up ‘Chefchaouen’. 

READ MORE: The Best Places to Visit in Canada in Winter

5. Egypt

I had SUCH a good holiday in Egypt with my mum. Granted it was the end of October, so not quite what I’d consider ‘winter sun’ but you only have to look at the usual temperatures to realise that the experience we had in October, is basically what you’ll have in December and January too.

If you like scuba diving, history and the ancient world, then a winter in Egypt could be the one for you. We stayed in Sharm el Sheikh, on a holiday that I won by getting my business card taken out of a bowl (amazing!). 

Next time I go to Egypt I’d totally do one of those luxury cruises down The Nile though – they look lush.

6. Gambia

Gambia regularly tops the best winter sun destinations, thanks to the fact it’s 29-34 year round, and December is dry season.

I went in December a few years ago and can remember nothing but heat when it comes to the winter weather. I did quite get ill though, and didn’t enjoy the OTT attention from the men on the streets there – just to warn you.

7. Jordan

Ok, not been, ever, but Jordan is my DREAM. (Correction – I visited in September 2023!)

It’s not quite winter sun in December in Jordan but it’s definitely warmer than in England and it’s known as the perfect time of year for sightseeing, if you want to see the impressive Petra and ancient sites.

I want to float in the Dead Sea, visit Amman and stay out in a tent in Wadi Rum. Is that too much to ask, WORLD?

Visiting in September, it was pretty hot – especially in Amman. I’d say November would be perfect for some sunny winter holidays!

Best Places for Winter Sun, Long Haul

So that’s the short haul winter sun covered, how about looking at the best places for winter sun further afield? Here are the best long haul sunny winter destinations to consider.

Long haul winter beach breaks

8. Jeju Island, South Korea

First up, bit of an unusual one – how about Jeju Island in South Korea?

I’ve recently published a post on spending winter in Jeju here – I think it’s a great place to enjoy at the end of the year. With amazing beaches, cool cafes and loads of museums, it’s a great place to go when the weather isn’t to be relied on. It’s one of the best winter holiday destinations