Compare winter sun holidays

Sometimes a little more sun is worth a little longer on the plane. These winter-warming destinations are all under 12 hours from the UK.

Jamaica: 30°C

Best months to visit: November, December

The UK’s winter months are among the best times to visit Jamaica. For a taste of pure paradise, head to the tropical Seven Mile Beach. As the name suggests, it’s 7 miles (11km) of silky golden sands, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and afternoon snoozing.

When you’re ready to take a break from the sun, the Bob Marley Museum is a great place to spend time in the shade. Set in the reggae legend’s former home, you can watch the entire music creation process from vocals to vinyl.

Goa: 31°C

Best months to visit: December, January, February

A pocket of paradise in western India, Goa is the spiritual home of the beach bar. With a dazzling nightlife that stretches well into the day, you won’t be short of places to party.

When you’re ready to sleep off the revelry, its sizzling sands are prime sun-lounging territory. Candolim, Patnem, Cavelossim, Palolem, Miramar, Agonda .… the list of Goa’s most beautiful beaches truly goes on and on.

Dubai: 24°C

Best months to visit: December, January, February

In Dubai, you’ll find beaches for every day of your stay – and then some. Al Sufouh, also known as Secret Beach, is the perfect place to get away from it all. Here, you can dip in 23C waters even with Christmas just around the corner.

For more action near the water’s edge, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach pack plenty of nightlife a short walk from the shore.

Thailand: 28°C

Best months to visit: December, January, February

Take off to Thailand for the ultimate winter sun trip. Start with the beaches. Koh Lanta, Koh Samui and Krabi are all packed with pockets of sandy bliss.

Once you’re suitably zen, put that new energy to good use on the dance floors of Phuket – and pay a visit to the Big Buddha while you’re there.

Marrakech

Lush riads – mini oases among the city’s busy streets – put Marrakech among the world’s most romantic cities. And with average February highs in the 20s, it's perfect for a couple's winter getaway.

Buenos Aires

The home of the tango is the perfect backdrop for a romantic break. Whether you dabble in dance, savour the local flavours or take a sunny stroll through some of Argentina’s finest architecture, Buenos Aires has it all. The temperature? A sizzling 27C.

Cape Town

If your relationship is action-packed, Cape Town is the place to be. Trek the national parks, take your seat on a safari or sign up for a sky-dive – all while the temperature nears 30C.

Cyprus

Visit Cyprus either side of summer for a cheap winter break packed with sightseeing and road trip potential. Temperatures rest around the high teens along the coast – that’s t-shirt weather for Brits abroad.

Madeira

Madeira is more about outdoor adventure activities than it is beaches, which makes it a great bet for a cheap winter sun holiday close to home. Work up a sweat hiking its levada trails or climbing Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak.

Mauritius

A visit to Mauritius in December means warm seas, sunny skies and a price tag that’s kind on your purse strings. Temperatures average 28C throughout winter.