As much of the UK continues through a stretch of cold, dark winter weather, holidaymakers are increasingly looking overseas for sunshine they can rely on.
A new winter sun ‘hotlist’ has revealed the destinations offering the best chance of escaping the gloom, ranking resorts and cities by winter temperatures, rainfall, sunshine hours, flight access from the UK and everyday costs.
Topping the rankings, which were compiled by easyJet Holidays, is Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt’s Red Sea resort, known for delivering near-perfect winter conditions.
Positioned between the Sinai Desert and the Red Sea, it enjoys average daytime temperatures of 24°C to 26°C, up to 10 hours of sunshine a day and virtually no rainfall during the winter months.
Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt has near perfect winter conditions
| GETTYThe resort also offers more than just time on the beach. Visitors can snorkel over coral reefs, explore desert landscapes on camel treks or visit the UNESCO-listed Saint Catherine’s Monastery.
With direct flights from multiple UK airports and a time difference of just two hours, it is an easy option for a getaway.
Close behind is Hurghada, another Red Sea favourite that combines year-round sunshine with broad appeal. Winter temperatures typically sit between 21°C and 25°C, while the surrounding Saharan scenery provides opportunities for jeep safaris and quad biking alongside classic beach holidays.
Further reinforcing the reliability of winter sun closer to home, the Canary Islands dominate the top half of the ranking. Gran Canaria and Lanzarote take third and fourth place respectively, offering consistent warmth, manageable flight times and good-value hospitality. Gran Canaria is known for its golden beaches and varied terrain, while Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes and black-sand shores offer something more dramatic.
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
The winter sun top 10
1. Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
2. Hurghada, Egypt
3. Gran Canaria, Spain
4. Lanzarote, Spain
5. Agadir, Morocco
6. Fuerteventura, Spain
7. Tenerife South, Spain
8. Djerba, Tunisia
9. Seville, Spain
10. Paphos, Cyprus
Beyond the most popular destinations, the list highlighted a mix of cultural city breaks and lesser-known winter escapes.
Another spot in Egypt, Hurghada, has guaranteed winter sun
| GETTY
Gran Canaria is known for its golden beaches and varied terrain
| GETTYAgadir offers Atlantic warmth on Morocco’s coast, while Djerba blends Mediterranean beaches with Saharan influences. Seville stands out as continental Europe’s warmest winter city, with temperatures reaching up to 22°C, while Paphos provides a milder but reliably bright winter option in Cyprus.
easyJet’s UK country manager, Kevin Doyle, said: “With many of us ready for a break from grey skies, damp days and chilly temperatures, now is the perfect time to book an escape to warmer climes.
"easyJet’s unrivalled network for flights and package holidays, offers a fantastic range of family-friendly winter sun destinations across Europe and beyond, from Sub-Saharan islands to Spanish peninsula cities that are all easily accessible and affordable, for those looking to chase the sun on a budget and with ease during the long winter months."
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