Fancy a break from the cold, wind and rain of winter? Well we’ve got just what you need, with a raft of sizzling winter sun holidays all at sensational prices.
Winter sun holidays should be available on prescription.
The average UK winter can last from October until March – that’s around six months of short days, long nights, drizzle and darkness. This can take its toll, with people suffering from a shortage of light, vitamin D and spending time outdoors.
Holiday Gems offers great value all inclusive winter sun holidays for that extra special escape as well as cheap winter sun family holidays, which provide an excellent range of options when you have the kids in tow.
One of the benefits of living in the UK is that you don’t have to travel far to find somewhere warm to spend winter. Holiday Gems offers incredible winter sun deals all over the globe, and here are our top five destinations for a winter sun holiday in 2025 2026.
So where’s hot in winter? Let’s find out!
Flying to the Canary Islands for some much needed sunshine in winter is a great idea. Lanzarote is located just off the coast of West Africa, and benefits from the heat and sunshine enjoyed by the nearby Western Sahara. With its range of hotels, activities and restaurants, this island is the perfect cheap winter sun break for families in search of fun at a price that doesn’t break the bank.
Average temperature in December is 19 degrees Celsius, while the sea temperature is 20 degrees Celsius – perfect for a warm dip. Flight times from the UK are around 4 hours 25 minutes with plenty of flights available from all major airports.
While Gran Canaria is famous for its glorious coastline, its mainland is well worth exploring too. In the wintertime, we recommend treks around the pine forests and volcanoes to find out more about its ‘one continent in miniature’ reputation.
Slightly further south than Lanzarote, Gran Canaria enjoys highs of 22 degrees Celsius in December, however this can sometimes dip to around 15 degrees on rare occasions. Holidaymakers can enjoy an average of six to seven hours of sunshine in the depths of winter, but the sea temperature is a very inviting 21 degrees.
Tenerife has been much loved as a winter sun destination for many years, and it never disappoints. While the coastline provides sun, sand and sangria for the millions of tourists that flock here for year round sunshine, it’s the other side of the island that has hidden treasures including tropical forest walks, colonial towns and dramatic landscapes including Pico del Tiede.
You can reach Tenerife in just over four and a half hours from most major UK airports. Once there, you can enjoy temperatures around 20 degrees, which goes down to 14 degrees in the evening. While the UK has one hour of sunshine in December and January, Tenerife basks in six to seven hours a day – the perfect antidote to winter chills.
Egypt is a great choice for some welcome winter sun, away from the chilly weather and gloomy dark nights in the UK. Holiday heaven awaits in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, Makadi Bay and other magical resorts which boast luxurious all-inclusive hotels. Catch some rays on the shores of the Red Sea, dive to beautiful coral reefs, enjoy water sports thrills, or set off on a camel ride in the desert. Other fabulous activities on offer include visits to the pyramids of Giza, felucca boat trips on the River Nile and the chance to barter for a bargain in a bustling bazaar
There’s still plenty of sunshine to enjoy in magical Turkey when colder autumn and winter weather is on the horizon in the UK. Jet off for relaxing days and entertaining nights in a choice of fun-packed resorts including Bodrum, Marmaris, Kusadasi, Olu Deniz, Side, Antalya and Dalaman. You’ll be wowed by beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, fabulous food and no shortage of vibrant nightlife. Turkey is a sun-kissed haven of pleasure and leisure where you can enjoy water sports galore and immerse yourself in rich history and culture. You’ll also be able to marvel at awe-inspiring natural wonders and treat yourself to an invigorating massage in a traditional Turkish hammam.