The 20 best winter sun destinations

The winter months in the UK sometimes seem to last forever. From the chilly winds of October to the lingering frosts of March, we find ourselves huddled at home, looking out of the window at dark skies and wishing we were somewhere warmer and brighter.

So where should we seek our much needed winter heat? Thanks to air travel, it is possible to hop on a plane and find ourselves somewhere exotic where the sun beats down in glorious surroundings – it is always summer somewhere in the world after all. Club Med has listed some of the best destinations for a much needed break that combines great weather with plenty to do and see.

Picture a winter sun holiday and immediately the azure seas and white sand beaches of Mauritius and the Maldives will spring to mind: quiet, private islands, villas on stilts in the sea, and drinking water from coconuts under an endless sun.

These Indian Ocean destinations have a deserved reputation as some of the best places to go for winter sun. Mauritius and the Maldives are both less than 12 hours away by plane and, with only a three or four-hour time difference to the UK, you don’t have to worry too much about jet lag.

As an example, the average temperature in the Maldives is up to 30°C in December meaning this part of the world is perfect if you want to dive, water-ski or snorkel in crystal clear waters over coral reefs — and with gentle, sloping beaches and options such as glass-bottomed boat trips and increasing facilities for children, the Indian Ocean is becoming ever more popular with families.

The Caribbean Islands need no introduction as a fabulous winter sun holiday destination. A string of archipelagos large and small, each with their own flavour, identity and language, the Caribbean is a place to kick back, relax and enjoy the sunshine. One of the shorter flights for a winter sun holiday, of between just nine or ten hours, Club Med has resorts in the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Martinique and Guadeloupe – as well as the Turks and Caicos islands. Some of these are adult-only resorts, others are family-friendly destinations, so there is something for everyone. Expect an average high of 28°C.

With a flight time of less than four hours from the UK, and a time difference of just one hour, Morocco is the perfect winter sun destination for those pushed for time, who can squeeze just a week into their pre or post-Christmas schedule. Without jet lag, and with such a short flight time, you can enjoy warm sunshine during the UK winter with ease and still experience a diverse and different culture. Morocco is best visited during the UK winter months, when temperatures range between 20-25°C, rather than around 35-40°C during the summer months.