Escape the cold: where is it warm in winter?

When the days get short and dark, millions of people search for where is it warm in December, cheap winter sun holidays and best places to travel in January. Good news: you don't have to fly to the other side of the world to find 25 °C — but if you do, winter is exactly the right season.

Quick answer: warmest destinations by flight time

| Destination | Typical temp. (Dec–Feb) | Flight from Northern Europe | |---|---|---| | Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria) | 21–24 °C | ~5–6 h | | Madeira | 19–21 °C | ~5 h | | Cyprus | 16–19 °C | ~4.5 h | | Egypt (Hurghada) | 22–24 °C | ~5.5 h | | Dubai | 24–26 °C | ~6.5 h | | Thailand (Phuket, Krabi) | 30–32 °C | ~11–13 h | | Bali | 30 °C (rainy season) | ~16+ h | | Cancún / Caribbean | 27–29 °C | ~12+ h | | Cape Town | 26–28 °C | ~13+ h |

Short-haul winter sun (under 6 hours)

Canary Islands — Europe's winter favourite

Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the safest choice for winter sun close to home: stable 21–24 °C, no time zone stress and plenty of direct flights. Choose the south (Playa de las Américas, Maspalomas) for the most sunshine.

Madeira

Green, mild and perfect for hiking. New Year's Eve fireworks in Funchal are among the largest in the world.

Egypt and Cyprus

Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh offer year-round snorkelling and beach. Cyprus is milder, but great for combining sun with culture.

Long-haul: real summer in winter

Thailand — the classic

November to March is dry season, and Thailand is at its best. Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta for beaches, Bangkok for food and culture. See prices on our Oslo–Bangkok route, read our Oslo–Bangkok price analysis or find cheap flights to Bangkok.

Dubai and the UAE

Perfect 24–26 °C in winter, luxury hotels, desert safaris and the beach. Easy as a stopover on the way to Asia. Check flights to Dubai.

Bali

Hot, green and relatively cheap once you're there — but December–February is rainy season, with short tropical showers. See flights to Bali.

Mexico and the Caribbean

Cancún, Dominican Republic and Cuba offer white sand and turquoise water at peak season. Miami is a good alternative for combining city and beach.

South Africa

Cape Town is in full summer — wine regions, Table Mountain and penguins. Combine with a safari.

When is winter sun cheapest?

Early December and January (after the 7th) — clearly the cheapest window.
Christmas, New Year and winter school holidays — book flights 3–5 months in advance.
Late booking to the Canary Islands can work in January, but rarely around the holidays.

How to save money on winter flights

Compare nearby airports and flights with one stop — often 20–40 % cheaper on long-haul.
Use flexible dates in Voyara's search to see the cheapest days.
Check baggage rules before booking — see our guide to hidden fees.
Avoid the most common mistakes — read flight booking mistakes to avoid.

Frequently asked questions

Where is it warm in December in Europe? The Canary Islands are the warmest place in Europe in December, with 21–24 °C.

Where is it warmest in January within 6 hours? Canary Islands, Egypt (Red Sea) and Cape Verde.

What is the best long-haul destination in February? Thailand — dry season, sunshine and good prices compared to Christmas.

Explore all destinations on our destinations page, or search for winter sun flights on Voyara →

Warm in Winter? 12 Best Winter Sun Destinations 2026/27