The Best Places For Winter Sun Holidays In The World for 2025!

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Okay so, if you’re short on time here’s a quick list of the best winter sun holiday destinations. 

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Now, when you wake up in the winter and it’s cold, dark and gloomy outside it’s hard not to dream about backpacking Europe or lying in the glorious sun with a cold beverage in hand. Well, my friend, after reading this guide that could soon be your reality. Let me take you through the best places to top up your tan during the winter months.

1) The Canary Islands (Spain)

If you’re British, which unfortunately I am, you might turn the old snoot Mcgoot up at a winter trip to The Canary Islands. I mean yes, my parents do go here every year to stay in a resort 20 miles away from the nearest bus stop, but that doesn’t mean that is all there is to do here. 

In fact, for the adventurous traveller, the Canaries offer the perfect weather for trekking, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and a whole load of other Showaddywaddy! Not only that but after a day of exploring, you can retire to a beach that is much quieter than during the busy summer months. 

Whilst it might not be blazing hot during the winter, The Canary Islands is one of the best Islands in Spain and offers glorious winter sun weather in stunning surroundings. In fact, for many, this might actually be the perfect time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures perfect for an active holiday. 

Weather 

Average highs range from 17–22°C (63–72°F), with lows around 13–16°C (55–61°F), varying by island and elevation

Best Hotel –  Hotel Riu Palace Tenerife

Best Hostel – Casa Grande Surf Hostel

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2) Cyprus

This small Mediterranean Island in the south of Europe has year-round good weather with sunny days and mild temperatures guaranteed even during the winter. When considering where to stay in Cyprus, it’s worth noting it’s one of the sunniest places in Europe, boasting over 300 days of perfect weather a year. 

Being the official home of Halloumi cheese, this place is a winner for me from the off! But beyond that, the unique mix of Greek culture and British influence is a fascinating one. Charming villages like Omodos or Lefkara are a must-visit to really soak it all in. 

Whilst the island is known for being a little overrun by rowdy British tourists during the summer months, in the winter it’s much calmer. During this time it’s easy to have the beach to yourself or go hiking in the mountains without breaking a sweat. 

Weather 

Highs typically range from 17–20°C (63–68°F) along the coast, with lows between 7–10°C (45–50°F)

Best Hotel – Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol

Best Hostel – Lima Sol House

3) Mexico

Combining rich cultural experiences, diverse landscapes and well as stunning weather, Mexico is the perfect winter sun holiday destination. Plus, the European and North American winter happens to coincide with the dry season here in Mexico, so you’ll be sippin’ tequila in the sun! 

If it’s tropical weather, warm turquoise waters and white sandy beaches you’re after in exchange for the snow and wind back home, then Mexico is the perfect shout. Plus, hey, who doesn’t want to chow down on tacos in the sun rather than turkey in the cold? 

If you want a bit more than just sitting back on the beach, then Mexico has that in spades too. From backpacking Mexico to discovering Mayan ruins or leaping into emerald-coloured cenotes, you’ll never be short of something to do on your winter holiday. 

Weather 

Highs hover around 28–30°C (82–86°F) with lows at 20–22°C (68–72°F) in coastal areas like the Yucatán Peninsula

Best Hotel – Naala Tulum

Best Hostel – Mayan Monkey Tulum

4) Thailand

Whether you’re backpacking Thailand and received your elephant pants or you’re just looking to kick it in an incredible budget destination, Thailand never fails to hit the spot. Seriously, I can’t tell you of one person who has visited who didn’t love the place. Both budget travellers and those wanting affordable luxury will have the time of their lives in Thailand for sure. 

As luck would have it, Northern Hemisphere winter happens to be during the dry season… the perfect time to visit Thailand. So if you’re looking to wander the temples of Chiang Mai, take a long tail boat out to the islands or get lost in the chaos of Bangkok, it’s all there for you. 

Ok, so there is a downside. The winter is in fact the peak season for travelling in Thailand, so don’t expect empty beaches in popular spots. That said, there are plenty of locations around the country where there are still off-the-beaten-track destinations to be discovered. Either way, you’ll have an endless supply of mango and sticky rice at hand!  

Weather 

Highs stay between 31–33°C (88–91°F), with lows around 23–25°C (73–77°F)

Best Hotel – Oceanfront Beach Resort 

Best Hostel – Mad Monkey Phuket

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5) Ecuador

I’m gonna throw out there a winter travel holiday destination you might not think about straight away. With warm weather year-round, diverse nature and an undiscovered vibe, backpacking Ecuador is perfect for those wanting an active trip. 

Whilst many places on this list are well established when it comes to seeking out the winter sun, here you’ll be bucking the trend in style. Most people who do make the effort to visit end up staying in Quito or The Galapagos Islands. However, Ecuador is also home to some of the most incredible beaches in South America, including some epic surf spots. 

Not only that but if you chose Ecador for your winter sun trip, you can embrace the country’s adventurous side too. Whether you’re hiking in Cotopaxi National Park or taking a boat trip in the Amazon, you can forget having a bog-standard resort vacation like everyone else!

Weather 

Highs reach 19–21°C (66–70°F), and lows drop to 9–12°C (48–54°F), influenced by altitude

Best Hotel – Hotel Casablanca Salinas

Best Hostel – Chescos Hostel & Hotel

6) Barbados 

If you’re looking for the ultimate winter sun destination when it comes to glorious weather, then staying in Barbados might just be for you. Aligning with the dry season, you’ll be guaranteed great conditions for hanging out in the crystal clear waters of The Platinum Coast. 

For those wanting a bit more excitement on the water, then take advantage of the many sports on offer such as surfing, snorkelling with turtles, windsurfing or SUP boarding. For something more sedate, the perfect way to end another stunning winter day is a sunset catamaran cruise. 

If Turkey is no longer your vibe, then be sure to get your fill of the incredible fresh seafood on offer in The Bahamas. The national dish of flying fish is a must-try, as are the mega tasty fish cakes and macaroni pie at Oistins Fish Fry. Don’t forget to wash them all down with Mount Gay Rum! It’s no surprise it’s one of the best Islands in the Caribbean.

Weather 

Highs typically range from 28–30°C (82–86°F), with lows around 23–24°C (73–75°F)

Best ApartHotel – Beach Vue Barbados

Best Hotel – Beach View Hotel

7) Hawaii

There are so many amazing places to visit in Hawaii I can see why it is the perfect place to escape the winter chill. Especially for Americans wanting domestic travel, which still offers new cultural experiences. With pleasant temperatures and refreshing ocean breezes, it’s much more comfortable than visiting over the hot summer months. 

But what Hawaii is all about is being outdoors, something that the dreary weather back home makes increasingly difficult. Here you can’t take your pick between jungle treks and secluded beaches. Swim at volcanic beaches, surf world-class breaks or hike through Haleakal? National Park, it all sure beats being wrapped up in an electric blanket!

Winter is also whale-watching season in Hawaii, so you’re in for a mind-blowing experience if you spot these gentle giants. Whether you’re looking for a romantic break, a family-friendly vacation or an adventure-packed trip, Staying in Hawaii is hands down, one of the best places for a winter sun holiday you could pick. 

Weather 

Highs are about 25–28°C (77–82°F), with lows at 18–21°C (64–70°F), depending on the island

Best Hotel – Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui

Best Hostel – Banana Bungalow Maui Hostel

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8) Morocco

Whilst backpacking in Morocco can be swelteringly hot in the summer months, winter offers pleasant temperatures in which to explore this fascinating country. With sunny, mild weather you’ll find visiting the many busy and tightly packed cities much more fun than the warmer months. In fact, it’s the perfect season for sightseeing. 

Morocco has a great amount of things to offer visitors, especially those looking for a culture shock. From exploring the maze-like cities of Marakesh and Fes to wandering the “blue pearl” of Chefchaouen, there are plenty of urban centres to discover.

When choosing where to stay in Morrocco, If you fancy exploring more natural surroundings, then there’s no shortage. Awesome things to do include taking a Sahara Desert safari, exploring the fishing villages of Essaouira or hiking in the Atlas Mountains. 

Weather 

Highs range from 17–20°C (63–68°F) during the day, with colder lows around 5–7°C (41–45°F)

Best Hotel – Riad Babette

Best Hostel – Atlantic Hostel

9) Bali

The tropical island paradise of Bali might be technically in its “rainy” season during the Northern Hemisphere winter, but that is in many ways what makes it stand out on this list. Whilst the rain usually comes in short bursts, there’s no shortage of things to do in Bali, it embellished this incredibly beautiful island with lush greenery and waterfalls bursting at the seams. 

In the rest of the post, I have concentrated on chasing the dry season. But when it comes to Bali with its plentiful waterfalls and rice terraces, personally I think it’s the best time to visit Bali. Plus, if you’re ever going to catch it in any way remotely quiet, then it’s over this time. 

Let’s be honest, we’d all rather be tucking into an acai bowl floating in a pool in Ubud (despite how awkward this is in reality) than waiting for the bus in more layers than Joey in that episode of Friends. I mean come on, what a flex to be posting to Insta from Bali rather than Barnsley or Baltimore! 

Weather 

Highs are consistently 30–32°C (86–90°F), and lows stay warm at 23–25°C (73–77°F)

Best Hotel – Grün Resort Uluwatu

Best Hostel – Tribal Coworking Bali

10) Egypt

Whilst Egypt might not seem like an obvious choice for a winter sun holiday, stick with me here because it’s got a lot going for it. Whether you’re just searching out a bit of sun, sea and sand, or you’re a culture vulture on the trail to soak in as much as you can, Egypt is perfect. 

For those who are simply looking for a beach vacation, the region of Sharm El Sheikh is a popular one offering all the comforts of all-inclusive resorts. Put your feet up and take a load off by relaxing inside one of these luxury complexes without breaking the bank. 

The more adventurous traveller might want to tackle the chaos that is Cairo in order to take in one of the wonders of the world: The Great Pyramids. Another incredible experience I have had whilst in Egypt is a Nile Cruise. These are much more affordable over the winter and are a relaxing way to see heaps of different landscapes, temples and landmarks across the country. 

Weather 

Highs range from 19–22°C (66–72°F), with cooler lows around 8–10°C (46–50°F)

Best Hotel – Steigenberger Resort Achti

Best Hostel – Bob Marley House Hostel

Getting Insured BEFORE Your Winter Trip 

Whilst it might seem safer to be in the sunshine than on the ice back home, you should always make sure to have proper travel insurance before you head off overseas. This way you can enjoy yourself without worrying “What If?” I mean, surely that is what a winter sun holiday is all about, relaxing! 

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you need a little more info about the best holiday destinations for winter sun, then I’ve put together this handy FAQ guide. 

Alright, then folks. I know you’re sitting there with your bags already packed ready to get the hell outta dodge now the cooler temps have landed. So hopefully this list can speed the decision-making process so you can bust out the budget smugglers post haste!

Whether you’re looking for jungle adventures, beach bumming with a cocktail in hand, searching out cultural gems or just chilling at a resort, there’s somewhere for everyone. If you want it all, head to Thailand, my favourite place for winter sun holidays. 

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