When the days grow short, the temperatures drop and grey skies seem to stretch on forever, the appeal of a warm escape becomes pretty hard to resist. Whether you're counting down to your Christmas break or plotting a January pick-me-up, a winter sun holiday is one of the best remedies the travel world has to offer. The good news? Some of the planet's most beautiful destinations are at their absolute best when the UK is at its worst.
So, if you’re wondering where to go for winter sun, we've put together our pick of the best winter sun destinations for 2026/27, including a mix of tropical islands, cultural cities, safari landscapes and coastal escapes!
1. The UAE
The UAE is one of the best places for winter sun and it's easy to see why. From November through to March, temperatures in Dubai sit comfortably between 22°C and 28°C, with almost no rainfall and reliably blue skies. It's peak season, which means everything is open, buzzing and at its best.
Dubai dazzles with its iconic skyline, world-class shopping, indoor ski slopes and stunning desert landscapes just beyond the city limits. A trip to Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, offers a more refined pace, think the extraordinary Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the thrill of a Formula 1 circuit experience. Between the two emirates, you have endless ways to fill your days.
2. Sri Lanka
A holiday to Sri Lanka between November and February puts you in the sweet spot on the island's west and south coasts, where the dry season delivers warm, sunny days with temperatures around 27–30°C and minimal rainfall. The north and east coasts follow a different weather pattern, so a little planning goes a long way.
Winter is the ideal time to explore Sri Lanka's incredible diversity, including ancient temples at Sigiriya and Anuradhapura, elephant safaris in Udawalawe, the rolling tea plantations of the Hill Country, and some truly spectacular stretches of coastline. It's a destination that rewards curious travellers in ways that are hard to match.
3. Bali
Bali's dry season runs from April to October, but even in the wetter months of November through February, a Bali package deal still delivers plenty of sunshine and warmth. Average temperatures hover around 27–30°C year-round, and while December and January bring more frequent showers, they tend to be short-lived and the island retains its magical atmosphere throughout.
The upside of visiting in the quieter, wetter months? Fewer crowds at Bali's iconic rice terraces, temples and beach clubs. Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud all retain their charm whatever the season, and the green landscapes after rainfall are genuinely breathtaking.
4. Thailand
Thailand is one of the best winter sun holidays, with much of the country enjoying its dry season from November through to February. Temperatures across popular destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the southern islands sit between 26°C and 32°C, with low humidity and very little rain. A Thailand holiday during this window is as close to perfect tropical weather as it gets.
Explore the ornate temples of Bangkok, trek through the jungle-clad hills of the north or island-hop between the turquoise waters of Koh Samui, Koh Tao and the Andaman Sea. December also brings some of Thailand's most atmospheric festivals, including the Loi Krathong lantern festival in late November/early December.
5. Tanzania
For a winter sun destination that's truly unlike anything else, Tanzania is extraordinary. The short dry season runs from June to October, but January and February are also excellent times to visit. These months are dry, sunny and warm at around 25–29°C, with exceptional wildlife viewing across the country's iconic national parks.
January and February are prime time for witnessing the calving season in the Serengeti, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth on the open plains in one of nature's most spectacular events. Combine a safari with a stay on the spice island of Zanzibar for white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters, the perfect twin-centre trip.
6. The Maldives
Few places on earth match the Maldives for sheer tropical beauty and a holiday to the Maldives between November and April puts you firmly in the dry season. Temperatures sit at a blissful 27–30°C, rainfall is minimal and the sea visibility for snorkelling and diving is at its very best.
This is the ultimate destination for those seeking overwater villas, pristine house reefs and amazing sunsets. Whether you're celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary or simply treating yourself to something truly special, the Maldives delivers an experience that's difficult to top.
7. Malaysia
A trip to Malaysia between November and February is best focused on the west coast, which enjoys its dry season during these months while the east coast experiences its monsoon period. Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi are all in fine form, warm at 27–32°C, vibrant and full of things to see and do.
Kuala Lumpur is a dazzling city break with the Petronas Towers, incredible street food and world-class shopping. Langkawi, just a short flight or ferry away, offers jungle-fringed beaches and serene island escapes. Malaysia also benefits from being one of Southeast Asia's most affordable destinations, making it exceptional value for winter sun seekers.
8. Barbados
For a Caribbean alternative, Barbados is one of the most reliably sunny islands in the region. December through to April is peak season with temperatures around 26–28°C, very low rainfall and calm, crystal-clear seas on the sheltered west coast. The so-called "Platinum Coast" is one of the finest stretches of beach in the Caribbean.
Beyond the beach, Barbados offers a rich cultural scene, rum distillery tours, the colourful Oistins Fish Fry on Friday nights, historic Bridgetown (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and a food scene that punches well above its weight. It's an island with real personality and the warm Bajan welcome keeps people coming back year after year.
9. Mauritius
Mauritius holidays from November through to February fall in the island's summer season with temperatures between 26°C and 30°C. While there's a higher chance of passing showers during this period, the island's landscapes and vibrant atmosphere more than compensate.
This is the most popular time to visit Mauritius, particularly for those looking for a luxurious, resort-style escape. The island offers some of the Indian Ocean's finest hotels, world-class diving and a wonderfully rich cultural mix of Creole, Indian, French and African influences. It's a destination that delivers on every level.
10. Singapore
A Singapore trip is a brilliant winter sun choice, though "season" matters less here than in many other destinations. Temperatures sit at a consistent 25–32°C year-round and while November to January sees slightly higher rainfall, showers are typically short and the heat is never far away.
Singapore rewards curious travellers with world-class food hawker centres, extraordinary botanic gardens, cutting-edge architecture and the celebrated Gardens by the Bay. It's also the perfect gateway to the rest of Southeast Asia, making it an ideal stopover or twin-centre addition to a longer trip.
Start planning your winter sun escape
Whatever kind of winter break you're dreaming of, a barefoot beach retreat, a cultural deep-dive or a once-in-a-lifetime safari, there are a variety of winter sun destinations waiting for you. Our team at Away Holidays specialises in crafting tailor-made trips to all of the above destinations and beyond, with expert knowledge and hand-picked accommodation to suit every style and budget.
Get in touch with Away Holidays today and let us take care of every detail, so all you have to do is pack your sunscreen.
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