The clocks have gone back, the sun sets in late afternoon and you'll soon be reaching for the vitamin D supplements.
This can only mean one thing - winter is officially on the horizon and we can look ahead to cosy nights indoors.
But if you prefer a beach to a blanket on the sofa, you’ll no doubt be counting down the days until your next trip abroad.
For the sun-worshippers among you planning a getaway in the coming months, I’ve put together a list of the best winter sun destinations from the UK, ordered by mid-haul (3-5 hours) and long-haul (5 hours plus).
The Best Mid-Haul Winter Sun Destinations from the UK
Gran Canaria, Spain
- Flight Time: 4 hours 30 minutes.
- Fly Direct From: Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London Gatwick and Stansted, Manchester, Norwich and Nottingham.
- Average Temperature in December: 20°C
- Chance of a Sunny Day: 63%
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
- Time Difference in Winter: None - same as the UK.
Adobe Free Stock
There are a host of reasons why Gran Canaria remains one of Brits' most-loved winter sun destinations. So if you don't want to overthink it this winter, head to this tried-and-tested paradise.
Gran Canaria offers perfect winter sun with its year-round warm weather, golden beaches and volcanic landscapes.
Explore Maspalomas dunes, hike in the mountainous terrain or go for some water sports.
Local dishes like papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, fresh seafood and sweet gofio desserts will tempt you to linger at its beachside restaurants and tapas bars.
Marrakech, Morocco
- Flight Time: 3 hours 40 minutes.
- Fly Direct From: London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester.
- Average Temperature in December: 14°C
- Chance of a Sunny Day: 64%
- Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
- Time Difference in Winter: One hour ahead.
Adobe Free Stock
If you're looking for something more exotic and unusual than European city breaks, say hello to the Moroccan jewel of Marrakech.
Marrakech offers a warm winter sun escape with its vibrant souks, stunning palaces and rich culture.
Explore the Jardin Majorelle, wander the medina or ride camels in the desert.
Swap your Christmas dinner for a tagine, couscous and mint tea and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna square at night.
Malta
- Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes.
- Fly Direct From: Bristol, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle.
- Average Temperature in December: 17°C
- Chance of a Sunny Day: 65%
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
- Time Difference in Winter: One hour ahead.
Adobe Free Stock
Malta offers mild winter sun, historic sites, charming streets and stunning coastal views.
Explore Valletta's UNESCO sites, stroll through Mdina or take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon.
Sit alongside locals and order pastizzi, rabbit stew and fresh seafood. And catching a colourful Mediterranean sunset from one of Malta's vibrant café terraces is a must-do.
Larnaca, Cyprus
- Flight Time: 4 hours 40 minutes.
- Fly Direct From: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick and Stansted, Manchester.
- Average Temperature in December: 19°C
- Chance of a Sunny Day: 60%
- Currency: Euro (EUR).Time Difference in Winter: Two hours ahead.
Adobe Free Stock
With warm temperatures, sandy beaches and rich history, Larnaca offers some of the best winter sun from the UK.
Visit the ancient Kition ruins, explore the beautiful Hala Sultan Tekke mosque or stroll along the Finikoudes promenade.
Enjoy classic Cyprus delicacies like souvlaki, sheftalia, halloumi, meze and its signature dessert wine commandaria, while soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine.
The Best Long-Haul Winter Sun Destinations from the UK
Krabi, Thailand
- Flight Time: 15 hours (including connecting flights)
- Fly Direct From: Direct flights to Krabi from the UK are rare, but you can fly with one-stop from major airports such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle.
- Average Temperature in December: 31°C.
- Chance of a Sunny Day: 32%.
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB).
- Time Difference in Winter: Seven hours ahead.
Adobe Free Stock
Thailand's idyllic Krabi region is a winter sun paradise. Less busy than tourist hotspot Phuket, Krabi retains more of its natural charm with pristine beaches, smaller towns and fewer crowds.
Its limestone cliffs, clear waters and vibrant marine life make it perfect for water sports or sunbathing. Relax on Railay Beach, island-hop to Phi Phi, or kayak through mangrove forests.
Try local Thai dishes like spicy tom yum soup, green curry, and mango sticky rice and enjoy Krabi's lively night markets.
Goa, India
- Flight Time: 8 hours 45 minutes.
- Fly Direct From: London Gatwick, Manchester.
- Average Temperature in December: 28°C.
- Chance of a Sunny Day: 56%.
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR).
- Time Difference in Winter: Five hours ahead.
Adobe Free Stock
When you think of India, busy cities or peaceful temples may come to mind. But often, people forget that the country's South coast is home to some of the world's most breathtaking beaches.
Goa's winter sun shines over golden beaches, lively markets and historic Portuguese architecture.
Relax on Palolem Beach, cruise the backwaters, or visit spice plantations. Try Goan specialties like prawn balchão, spicy vindaloo and bebinca dessert at beach shacks.
Evenings bring vibrant nightlife, including silent discos on hidden beaches and colourful festivals. Perfect for a winter sun holiday from the UK.
St Lucia, Caribbean
- Flight Time: Ten and a half hours.
- Fly Direct From: London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester.
- Average Temperature in December: 30°C.
- Chance of a Sunny Day: 51%.
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD).
- Time Difference in Winter: Four hours behind.
Adobe Free Stock
If you’re up for a long-haul adventure, St. Lucia is the ultimate winter sun escape with its stunning beaches and its iconic volcanic mountains, the Pitons.
Relax on sandy shores, hike through lush rainforests or visit the Sulphur Springs for a mud bath. Enjoy local cuisine like saltfish and bakes, callaloo soup, jerk chicken and freshly caught seafood.
Pair your meals with rum punch while soaking in the island's vibrant culture, warm weather and breathtaking scenery. Those extra hours on the plane will all seem worthwhile!
Langkawi, Malaysia
- Flight Time: 15 hours (including connecting flights).
- Fly Direct From: There are currently no direct flights from the UK, but airports such as London Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester offer one-stop flights.
- Average Temperature in December: 28°C
- Chance of a Sunny Day: 60 - 70%
- Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
- Time Difference in Winter: Eight hours ahead.
Adobe Free Stock
Lesser-known than its Northern neighbour Thailand or the likes of Bali and the Maldives, Malaysia has just as much, if not more, to offer for a winter sun getaway.
Not to mention, some of the most idyllic islands on the planet. Of which Langkawi, just off Malaysia's west coast, is among its best for scenery and weather.
With cheaper rates, fewer crowds, hot days and balmy evenings, the dry season, running from November to April, is the perfect time to visit.
Langkawi offers ideal winter sun with its tropical beaches, turquoise waters and lush jungles.
Relax on Pantai Cenang beach, explore mangrove forests or ride the SkyCab cable car for stunning views.
Nasi lemak, chicken satay and seafood laksa will leave you in awe of the local cuisine. After sunset, visit the island's vibrant night markets to experience authentic Malaysia.
If you're in planning mode to find the best winter sun destinations from the UK, don't forget to add data to your packing list. Visit the Airalo eSIM store and buy before you fly. Happy holidays!
