Winter sun holidays: Where's hot in December and January?

BRITS wanting to escape the cold UK winters should head abroad in December and January for some late sun.

With many destinations – both short haul and long haul – still 20C or higher during the British winter, there are some great deals around – especially if you book early.

If you click on a link in this story we will earn affiliate revenue.

Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the most southerly islands in the Med, so it's a pretty safe bet for winter sunshine.

In December temperatures are an average of 21ºC, with seven long hours of sunshine. Things cool off a little in January, but they're still pleasant enough to enjoy the beach and dinners al fresco with average highs of 18ºC.

The most popular resort is Paphos, which is only about a four hour flight from the UK.

Cyprus is currently on the green list – meaning no UK quarantine for Brits – and is currently only requiring a negative Covid test on arrival from unvaxxed Brits (vaxxed Brits are exempt).

  • Seven nights with Thomas Cook – from £199pp
  • Seven nights with easyJet – from £351pp
  • Seven nights all-inclusive with TUI – from £523pp (with £100 off)
  • Seven nights half-board with Jet2 – from £558pp

Canary Islands

If you're after a great value break and some sunshine, the Canary Islands is our top pick, especially for a family holiday.

Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria are all great options – and even in winter you can expect long days of sunshine and temperatures of 21°C.

There are also fewer crowds so you won't have to fight for a spot on the beach, and all of the attractions, shops and bars and still open.

The Canaries is on the amber list – meaning a mandatory 10-day UK quarantine for Brits unless fully vaccinated – and is currently only requiring a negative Covid test on arrival from unvaxxed Brits (vaxxed Brits are exempt).

  • Seven nights with Thomas Cook – £179pp
  • Seven nights with easyJet – from £239pp
  • Seven nights with Jet2 – from £279pp
  • Seven nights all-inclusive with TUI – from £378pp

The Caribbean

If you want a very hot winter holiday, then the Caribbean islands of Barbados, the Bahamas or Jamaica are recommended, hitting highs of 28C in December.

The Caribbean is a great spot for those who enjoy watersports and snorkelling, as well as long stretches of white sand beaches.

Barbados is on the green list – meaning no UK quarantine for Brits – while the Bahamas and Jamaica are on the amber list – meaning a mandatory 10-day UK quarantine for Brits unless fully vaccinated.

For Barbados and the Bahamas, you must be fully vaccinated and have a negative Covid test.

Jamaica arrivals must have a negative Covid test and be fully vaccinated, as well as quarantine for eight days.

  • Seven nights in Barbados with Virgin – from £599pp
  • Seven nights in Barbados with British Airways – from £769pp
  • Seven nights all-inclusive in Barbados with TUI – from £826pp
  • Seven nights in Jamaica with Virgin – from £799pp
  • Seven nights all-inclusive in Jamaica with TUI – from £820pp
  • Seven nights all-inclusive in Jamaica with British Airways – from £1,188pp
  • Seven nights in Bahamas with Virgin – from £999pp
  • Seven nights all-inclusive in Bahamas with British Airways – from £1,365pp


This week’s best deals on holidays abroad

  • Where’s hot in October and November? We’ve found short haul holidays from £202pp
  • British Airways are offering up to £200 off Dubai, France and Germany holidays
  • Travelzoo’s top holiday deals – UK breaks from £59 & foreign trips from £79
  • Eurocamp has August family holidays from £208 across France
  • Dubai holidays from £492pp as the UAE is moved from red to amber list
  • TUI slash up to £550 off Majorca, Ibiza & Menorca holidays this summer

Madeira

The small island on the green list is close to the Canaries and boasts a subtropical climate, great hiking, delicious seafood and many top-quality resorts to stay in.

Take the kids to visit the whale museum and aquarium or take a cable car ride – and there are many outdoor pools where you can enjoy the sunshine together.

It is among the best destination for winter sun, with average maximum temperatures a pleasant 21C coupled with about six hours of sunshine.

Madeira is currently on the green list – meaning no UK quarantine for Brits – and is currently only requiring a negative Covid test on arrival from unvaxxed Brits (vaxxed Brits are exempt).

  • Seven nights with TUI – from £350pp
  • Seven nights with easyJet – from £352pp
  • Seven nights all-inclusive with Thomas Cook – from £376pp
  • Seven nights with Jet2 – from £442pp

Morocco

January and December are great months to visit Morocco, because the temperatures are a lot more pleasant than during the summer, when the heat can be too much.

Head to Marrakech or Fes or the seaside resorts of Agadir or Essaouira – most destinations are about a four hour flight from the UK.

Expect average temperatures of 19-21°C, which are perfect for exploring the souks and picturesque streets.

Morocco is on the amber list – meaning a mandatory 10-day UK quarantine for Brits unless fully vaccinated – and is currently only requiring a negative Covid test on arrival from unvaxxed Brits (vaxxed Brits are exempt).

  • Three nights with easyJet – from £238pp
  • Seven nights all-inclusive with TUI – £372pp
  • Seven nights all-inclusive with easyJet – from £391pp

Dubai

If there's one holiday destination where you can live it up like royalty for a week or so it's Dubai – a city with glitz and glamour at every turn.

What was once a relatively small location in the desert is now a metropolis of skyscrapers and fancy bars that attracts celebs and Love Island stars.

The city has something for everyone including with average temperatures between 24 and 26C in winter.

Dubai on the amber list – meaning a mandatory 10-day UK quarantine for Brits unless fully vaccinated – and is currently only requiring a negative Covid test on arrival.

  • Three nights with British Airways – from £435pp


This article and featured products have been independently chosen by Sun journalists. It contains links which are ads, and if you click a link and buy a product we will earn revenue.

 

    Source: Read Full Article