As days shorten across the Northern Hemisphere, the search for winter sunshine begins. With airfares higher than usual this year because of soaring jet fuel prices, choosing the right destination — and the right dates — matters more than ever. Here are eight dependable warm-weather escapes for November to March.
Smart booking tips
- Avoid peak holiday weeks around Christmas and New Year if your dates are flexible.
- Shorter-haul destinations can offset higher fares.
- Always check your government’s travel advisories before booking.
1. Canary Islands, Spain
Europe’s classic winter sun spot, with daytime temperatures often in the low 20s °C even in January. Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer resorts and hiking; Lanzarote and La Palma suit travellers seeking volcanic landscapes and quieter beaches.
2. Madeira, Portugal
Mild, green and dramatic, Madeira is ideal for walkers following the island’s levada irrigation trails. It is less about beaches and more about gardens, viewpoints and excellent seafood.
3. Cape Verde
Off the coast of West Africa, the islands of Sal and Boa Vista promise steady sunshine and trade winds that attract kitesurfers. Flight times from Western Europe are manageable.
4. Marrakech and southern Morocco
Winter brings sunny days and cool nights — perfect for exploring souks and riads or venturing toward the Atlas Mountains and the desert. Pack layers for chilly evenings.
5. Thailand
November to February is Thailand’s cool, dry season on the Andaman coast, making Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta especially pleasant. Book popular islands early for late December.
6. Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts
From December to March, the southwest monsoon has passed, bringing calm seas to beaches such as Mirissa and Unawatuna — and good conditions for whale watching.
7. Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula
Dry season runs from roughly November to April. Beyond the resorts of Cancún, consider Mérida, the cenotes and the Maya sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal.
8. The Caribbean
The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on November 30, and December through April is peak season. Islands such as Barbados, Aruba and St Lucia offer reliable sunshine; Aruba sits outside the main hurricane belt.
In a year of expensive flights, the best winter sun trip may be the one with the shortest journey and the most flexible dates.
Before you go
- Some routes to Asia and Africa are being rerouted around Middle East airspace — check total journey times.
- Consider travel insurance that covers schedule changes.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and respect local environmental rules.
Find more ideas in our Travel section.