If the novelty of autumn has already worn off, a budget-friendly trip to somewhere still sun-soaked might be just the remedy.
For all the UK’s genuinely special sunny days, the long grey winters, sporadic showers and shortened daylight hours are enough to make anyone forget them.
Bracing ourselves for the thorny descent into bleak winter — which, according to the Met Office, runs from Sunday 21 December 2025 to Friday 20 March 2026 — it’s easy to find your mind wandering to sunnier horizons.
Fortunately, London is close to some of Europe’s busiest airports and offers a quick getaway on countless budget-friendly (and mostly direct flights). Choose wisely, and these routes should lead to sun-drenched destinations where you can soak up the warmth and never look back… until your magnificently cost-effective return flight home, that is.
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1. Morocco, North Africa
Average winter temperature: 20-30C
Return flights start from £28
Average flight time from London: 3 hours 20 minutes
Morocco might seem far enough away to cost a pretty penny, but prices remain reliably low in the off season (if booked in advance, ideally). Its climate is milder in winter, partly because of its Atlantic Ocean setting, making December to March the best time to visit — especially if you’re on a mission to traverse historic cities or cross the desert in a 4WD dune buggy.
Visit coastal towns like Essaouira and Agadir or take in Marrakech’s lively markets, local food and views of the Atlas Mountains, which you can also explore through various hiking and trekking trails. Nights can get cool in winter, so be sure to pack layers.
Where to stay: Riad Albaraka, from £127 per night.
2. Tenerife, Spain
Average winter temperature: 19-24C
Return flights start from £35
Average flight time from London: 4 hours
Of course, the Canary Islands dominate the list. All seven main islands enjoy a year-round warm climate thanks their southern location at the same latitude as the Sahara Desert. Low rainfall, diverse landscapes and lush forests make for an ideal spot for active, beach getaways or simply basking in the sun.
Prices will vary depending on your travel priorities, but generally Tenerife, one of the larger and more popular islands, offers an abundance of budget-friendly options — from cheap all-inclusives and villas to deals at high-end resorts.
Where to stay: Hotel emblemático Hi Suites, from £110 per night.
3. Fuerteventura, Spain
Average winter temperature: 21-23C
Return flights start from £35
Average flight time from London: 4 hours 20 minutes
Generally considered cheaper than Tenerife once you’re out there, Fuerteventura is definitely the one to go for if you’re looking to lower your overall holiday costs. And, in Fuerteventura, it’s more about finding a cheaper resort or area within the island.
Deals on watersports excursions and beach hotels make it easy to enjoy the sun, which is reliable Island-wide. But the southern part of the island, especially around Morro Jable, is usually the sunniest and warmest, so choose accommodation here if your primary aim for the trip is long beach days.
Where to stay: Bristol Sunset Beach Holiday Apartments, from £85 per night
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4. Lanzarote, Spain
Average winter temperature: 23C
Return flights start from £35
Average flight time from London: 3 hours 45 minutes
Lanzarote is another popular Canary Island, thanks to consistently good flight prices and numerous accommodation options to suit a range of budgets. Famously, you can sometimes find prices here for as low as £11 when travel companies release generous limited deals (though these are usually very last-minute).
The sea is warmest towards the beginning of winter, while January tends to offer the lowest prices. You’ll still get plenty of sun and warm weather throughout the season. To save more, avoid busier resorts and consider staying in central areas like Teguise and its surroundings for a cheaper, well-located base.
Where to stay: El Guarapo Apartamentos, from £119 per night
5. Gran Canaria, Spain
Average winter temperature: 20C
Return flights start from £35
Average flight time from London: 4 hours 20 mins
Year-round sunshine and iconic beaches like Maspalomas and Las Canteras have earned Gran Canaria the nickname ‘The Miniature Content’.
The island is full of all-inclusive resorts and self-catering apartments, offering plenty of ways to enjoy a jampacked holiday without overspending. Plus, from 24 January to 1 March 2026 the 50th anniversary of the Las Palmas Carnival takes place — this year’s theme is Las Vegas.
Where to stay: Exe Las Palmas, from £82 per night
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6. Algarve, Portugal
Average winter temperature: 16-18C
Return flights start from £40
Average flight time from London: 2 hours 55 minutes
The southern Algarve sees higher winter temperatures than the rest of Portugal thanks to the Atlantic influence and its proximity to the ocean, which can get really cold further north. One of Portugal’s most popular areas with Brits, it’s noticeably quieter during the winter months, meaning smaller crowds and better deals on accommodation.
Despite it being off season, temperatures in the Algarve can still reach highs of 18C. Most attractions will still be open, including activities such as hiking, cycling and local town and food tours in the main towns. If you’re thinking of spending Christmas here, you’ll also find a charming Christmas market in the centre of Faro to fulfil any festive yearnings.
Where to stay: Aqua Pedra Dos Bicos Design Beach Hotel, from £74 per night
7. Malta
Average winter temperature: 15-17C
Return flights start from £45
Average flight time from London: 3 hours 15 minutes
A small island between Sicily and North Africa, Malta’s wild mild winter temperatures and subtropical climate mean it gets more sunshine than most other European countries from December to March. While it can get a little chilly, its position near the Sahara Desert helps prevent temperatures from dropping too low.
Outdoor pools and some beaches might be closed during the off season, but most attractions remain open year-round. The UNESCO-listed capital Valletta and the walled city of Mdina make it ideal for exploring historic sites — think temples, fortifications, museums, palaces and a waterfront promenade. Towns and villages are adorned in traditional festive decor for Christmas, and in February, the carnival lights up both Valletta, and Nadur, on the nearby island of Gozo.
Where to stay: Mercure St Julian’s Malta, from £52 per night
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8. Madeira, Portugal
Average winter temperature: up to 20C in December
Return flights start from £60
Average flight time from London: 3 hours 50 minutes
Thanks to the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean, warmed by the Gulf Stream, Madeira’s subtropical climate makes it a go-to escape for UK travellers fleeing the cold. Reliably balmy temperatures mean pool and sea dips are a given, while gentle sea breezes keep it cool enough to comfortably explore local levada trails and Funchal’s Old Town.
Avoid the Christmas and New Year period if you’re after a quieter getaway, as the island’s vibrant celebrations tend to make it popular for festive trips.
Where to stay: Vila Gale Santa Cruz Resort Hotel, from £112 per night
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9. Türkiye
Average winter temperature: 10-20C
Return flights start from £60
Average flight time from London: Just over 4 hours
From December to March, both snow and sun are an option when visiting Türkiye, as mountain destinations like Uludağ and Kars provide the best of both, and are easy options to enjoy both in one trip if you fancy. For a sunny winter holiday, stick to the Mediterranean coast — cities like Antalya, Alnya and Fethiye offer milder weather that’s ideal for sightseeing and exploring ancient ruins without the heavy summer heat.
Since it’s the off season, you’ll generally find the cheapest accommodation in Istanbul and Cappadocia, with significant discounts available for hotels. There are also more budget-friendly options in nearby areas like Sultanahmet and Beyoglu.
Where we’d stay: The Soul Istanbul Hotel, from £71 per night
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10. Egypt, North Africa
Average winter temperature: 19-25C
Return flights start from £75
Average flight time from London: 5 hours
Another North African destination, Egypt is reliably hot in winter because of its location in the Northern Hemisphere’s arid desert climate. What does this mean? Direct sunlight even in winter and very pleasant daytime temperatures.
For a balance between exploration and relaxation, and with average temperatures around 19C, choose one of the southern cities like Luxor or Aswan. If you’re more interested in basking in the year-round sun, head to the coast, where temperatures average 22-25C. The consistent sun does make it a popular winter destination, but plenty of resorts offer package deals and flash sales.
Where to stay: Pyramisa Island Hotel Aswan, from £117 per night
Feature image: Unsplash
