Winter Sun DestinationsWhere is it Warm in January & February?
Escape the cold and discover 18 destinations with guaranteed sunshine. All recommendations based on 30 years of historical weather data.
Winter 2025/26 Weather Overview
December 2026
City breaks & tropical islands
🌡️ Dubai (25°C), Maldives (30°C)
Christmas in the sun? Book early — peak season starts.
January 2026
Beach holidays & diving
🌡️ Thailand (32°C), Barbados (29°C)
Southeast Asia dry season at its best. Perfect beach weather.
February 2026
Romantic getaways
🌡️ Cape Town (27°C), Maldives (30°C)
Valentine's in paradise. Last month before Easter crowds.
Short-Haul Winter Sun
2–6 hour flights from Europe
Perfect for a quick escape from grey skies. Beach weather within easy reach.
Tenerife
Spain
Gran Canaria
Spain
Lanzarote
Spain
Madeira
Portugal
Sharm El Sheikh
Egypt
Marrakech
Morocco
Tropical Paradise
Peak dry season destinations
Guaranteed heat, turquoise waters, and unforgettable experiences. Worth the flight.
Maldives
Maldives
Phuket
Thailand
Krabi
Thailand
Cancun
Mexico
Punta Cana
Dom. Republic
Barbados
Barbados
Warm City Escapes
Culture without the heat
Perfect temperatures for sightseeing. Escape summer crowds and extreme heat.
Dubai
UAE
Abu Dhabi
UAE
Cape Town
South Africa
Miami
USA
Muscat
Oman
Sydney
Australia
Quick Winter Sun vs Long-Haul Paradise
Not sure how far to fly? Here's a quick comparison to help you decide.
Short-Haul (2–6h)
- ✓ Mild 19–23°C, pleasant but not tropical
- ✓ Lower cost flights, weekend trips possible
- ✓ Similar timezone (minimal jet lag)
- ✗ Sea too cool for some (18–20°C)
Best for: Canary Islands, Madeira, Egypt, Morocco
Long-Haul (7h+)
- ✓ Hot 28–32°C, guaranteed tropical heat
- ✓ Warm sea (26–29°C), perfect for swimming
- ✓ Once-in-a-lifetime destinations
- ✗ Longer flights, jet lag, higher cost
Best for: Thailand, Maldives, Caribbean, Cape Town
Winter Sun FAQ
Where is the warmest place in Europe in January?
The Canary Islands (Spain) are Europe's warmest winter destination, with Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote averaging 21–22°C. For a slightly different experience, Madeira offers 19°C with stunning hiking.
Is Dubai or Maldives better in February?
Maldives is better for beach relaxation (30°C, dry season peak), while Dubai (25°C) is ideal if you want shopping, culture, and sightseeing alongside some beach time.
Which tropical destination has the least rain in winter?
Maldives and Thailand (West Coast)are in their peak dry season during January and February, with less than 5 rainy days per month.Aruba in the Caribbean is also extremely dry year-round.
Find Your Perfect Winter Escape
Use our Smart Finder to filter by temperature, flight time, and budget. Or explore individual city pages for day-by-day weather analysis.