Best Winter Sun Destinations from Europe: Warm, Affordable and Short-Haul
The best value winter sun destinations from Europe – Egypt's Red Sea, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Cape Verde, Dubai and more – with temperatures, flight times and tips.
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When the days get short and grey, a week of sunshine can feel like a lifesaver. The good news: you don't need to fly long-haul or spend a fortune to find warmth. These are the best value winter sun destinations from Europe, compared by temperature, flight time and cost.
The best winter sun destinations
1. Egypt's Red Sea – best value
With daytime temperatures of around 22–25°C from December to February, sunshine almost every day and coral reefs right off the beach, Egypt's Red Sea is hard to beat for value. All-inclusive packages, excursions and food are cheaper than in most of Europe.
- Hurghada: lively, with lots of hotels, island trips and desert safaris.
- El Gouna: stylish lagoon town with great restaurants.
- Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh: calm resort bays ideal for families.
- Marsa Alam: quieter, with turtles, dugongs and world-class reefs.
Compare them in our guide to Hurghada, Marsa Alam or Sharm el-Sheikh, and plan your arrival with a private airport transfer from Hurghada. Winter is also the best season to visit Luxor and the pyramids – see our Luxor day trip guide.
Warm sunshine, coral reefs a few strokes from the beach and all-inclusive resorts at a fraction of European prices.
2. The Canary Islands – closest to home
Spain's Atlantic islands offer around 20–23°C in winter, a four-hour flight and no time difference for most of Europe. Gran Canaria and Tenerife are warmest in the south; Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are drier and windier. See Gran Canaria in winter and our Tenerife guide.
Just four hours from the UK, with mild sunshine, black and golden beaches and volcanic mountains.
3. Southern Morocco – Agadir and Marrakech
Agadir has a long sandy beach and around 21°C in January; Marrakech is sunny but cooler, with cold nights. Combine city, mountains and coast – see Morocco beyond Marrakech.
Long sandy beaches in Agadir, and the colours, smells and sounds of the Marrakech souks.
4. Cape Verde
These Atlantic islands off West Africa offer around 25°C and steady breezes in winter, with a six-hour flight from most of Europe. Sal and Boa Vista have long sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts.
Long white beaches, steady trade winds and a relaxed island rhythm, with music in the evenings.
5. Dubai
Around 24–26°C and endless sunshine, but a longer, more expensive trip. Read our Dubai travel guide.
Sunny beaches, desert safaris and glittering skyscrapers – warm but not too hot in winter.
6. Madeira
Subtropical gardens, levada walks and around 19–20°C – ideal for active travellers rather than sunbathers.
Flowers bloom all year, levada walks wind through the green mountains and the sea views are endless.
7. Cyprus
Mild rather than hot (around 17–19°C), but sunny and great for walking, history and good food.
Mild sunshine, ancient ruins and empty beaches, with almond trees blossoming in February.
Winter sun compared
| Destination | Typical January daytime high | Flight from Central Europe | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Sea, Egypt | 22–24°C | 4.5–5 hours | Value, snorkelling, culture |
| Canary Islands | 20–22°C | 4–4.5 hours | Short flight, walking |
| Agadir, Morocco | 20–21°C | 4 hours | Beach and culture |
| Cape Verde | 24–25°C | 6 hours | Warmest beaches |
| Dubai | 23–24°C | 6–7 hours | City and luxury |
Tips for finding a winter sun deal
- Avoid school holidays and the Christmas–New Year peak.
- Book early for February half-term.
- Compare all-inclusive in Egypt and the Canaries.
- Pack a light jacket: evenings can be cool everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the warmest place to go in winter from Europe?
Within about five hours' flight, Egypt's Red Sea coast, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and southern Morocco are among the warmest. Dubai and the Caribbean are warmer but further away.
What is the cheapest winter sun destination?
Egypt is usually the best value, with all-inclusive packages, low prices for food and excursions and reliable sunshine. Turkey's coast is cheaper still, but cooler in winter.
Is the Red Sea warm enough to swim in winter?
Yes. The water stays around 22–24°C from December to February, warmer than the Mediterranean in summer for many people – a light wetsuit helps for long snorkels.
Keep reading
Hurghada, Marsa Alam or Sharm el-Sheikh? How to Choose Your Red Sea Resort
Comparing Egypt's three big Red Sea destinations for beaches, reefs, nightlife, families, day trips and value – and which one suits your holiday.
Gran Canaria in Winter: The European Island Where It's Still 25°C in November
Why Gran Canaria is Europe's winter sun favourite: November to February weather, the best resorts and beaches, Maspalomas dunes, Roque Nublo and tips.
Visit Dubai: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Spending 4 Days in Dubai
A 4-day Dubai itinerary: Burj Khalifa, Old Dubai's souks and creek, the desert, beaches and the Palm – plus where to stay and getting around.
Best Family Resorts with Kids' Clubs: Turkey, Spain, Egypt and Beyond
How to choose a family resort with a great kids' club – age groups, hours, costs, safety – plus the best destinations in Turkey, Spain, Greece, Egypt and the Canaries.