The 10 Best Destinations for Winter sun in January

Winter sun - Here are the 10 best winter sun destinations you may not have considered before, each one fabulously warm & welcoming this time of year ...

Posted Wednesday, 9 October 2024 | Topic: Travel Inspiration | Type: European Travel, International Travel, Winter Holidays

Seasonal berries in the winter sunshine.

Christmas is now just a few short days away and soon it’ll all be over for another year. For many of us, the end of the festive season means turning our thoughts to our next trip away and the British winter can certainly give us all the more incentive to do so!

Thankfully, there are a wealth of beautiful, sun-drenched destinations out there for anyone looking to escape the cold this January. Here we’ve gathered some winter sun destinations you may not have considered before, each one fabulously warm and welcoming this time of year.

Cape Verde

This stunning volcanic archipelago lies off the northwest coast of Africa, meaning it reaches comfortable temperatures of around 25 degrees centigrade during the winter months and boasts a relatively short flight time of approximately six hours from the UK. It’s fantastic for a week doing nothing more than soaking up the rays, but if you prefer a more varied break, why not indulge in a little island-hopping?

Crystal clear seas at Cape Verde during the winter months.

Phuket, Thailand

Made famous as a dream holiday location by the 2000 film The Beach, Phuket is a real bucket-list destination. Although tourism has made its mark here, there’s still a feeling of unspoilt beauty in many of the quieter, more tucked-away resorts. The dry season on the west coast of Thailand runs from December to April, so there are fewer safer bets when it comes to good weather for your winter break.

A brave person paragliding over the clear waters in Phuket, Thailand.

Rio de Janeiro

If you’re looking for a quiet holiday to Brazil’s second city, visiting Rio in January before the revelry of the Carnival takes over in February, could be just the thing. It’s warm enough to sunbathe, in between strolling down the fabled Ipanema beach and taking in the breathtaking city views from the summit of Mount Corcovado.

The view from the cable cars in Rio De Janeiro at sunset.

Sri Lanka

This lush island is just a hop from India and offers a wonderfully diverse holiday for those who want to take in more than one destination, from lofty mountain villages to ancient historical sites and palm-fringed beaches. It’s very warm between the months of October and April in the south of the island especially, reaching temperatures of 30 degrees centigrade or more.

The lush green landscape of Sri Lanka, which is perfect for some winter sun.

Lanzarote

A traditional favourite with UK travellers looking for winter sun, this volcanic Canary island isn’t too far away and has average temperatures during January of 21ºC, making it a great place to go to for winter sun. There are a great collection of plush all-inclusive resorts for anyone who just wants to take it easy, and the charming cobbled streets of the capital Arrecife’s old town for those who want to explore.

Winter sunshine on a Lanzarote beach.

Cuba

With such a fascinating history, Cuba offers not just a temperate holiday destination in January but a slice of colourful 50s culture. It has the stunning beaches you’d expect from a Caribbean island, as well as the must-visit melting pot of Havana and the beautiful peninsula of Varadero.

Colourful buildings in Cuba basking in the sunshine.

Abu Dhabi

Less bustling than its neighbour Dubai, the biggest state of the UAE is a great alternative if you’re looking for luxurious hospitality and a very warm climate of around 30 degrees or more. Abu Dhabi lets you enjoy the finer things in life, such as high-end dining, dazzling hotels and world-class shopping all just a stone’s throw from sweeping beaches.

A temple in Abu Dhabi that has a scorching climate even in the winter.

Gran Canaria

Another of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria also features black rock and sandy beaches, plus a mountainous forested interior. It can be a little cooler than many winter sun destinations, but still averages a very pleasant 18 degrees, perfect for sightseeing in Las Palmas or the coastal dunes of Maspalomas.

Mountainous island in Europe that welcomes travelers year-round.

Costa Rica

You can choose to cool off in either the Caribbean or the Pacific when you visit Costa Rica, and there are panoramic views of the point where the two meet from the top of the Irazú volcano. With over a quarter of its area consisting of protected jungle, it’s a fantastic destination for wildlife lovers.

A volcano in Costa Rica that has lush green foliage and beautiful views.

Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

This stretch of golden beaches and crystal-clear waters is famous for the party town of Cancun, but there’s far more to it than that. History buffs will love learning about ancient Mayan culture at iconic historical sites like Tulum and Chichen Itza.

Mexican heritage site that still gets sunshine in January.
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Don’t forget your specialist travel insurance

Wherever your winter sun holiday takes you, arranging specialist travel insurance that covers your medical condition or disability is a must.

At Free Spirit, we aim to offer tailored medical travel insurance to cover any pre-existing condition or disability for people of any age, specially designed to help you take those long-awaited trips away with complete peace of mind.

So, if you have a trip already booked or you’re thinking about heading to the sun this winter, please get in touch. Getting a no-obligation quote for medical travel insurance from us is easy, call 02392 419 080 or use our simple online form.

Cover is subject to the terms, conditions and limits of the Insurance Policy

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