The best Winter Sun destinations

Once summer ends, we start thinking of when next the sun will shine again. I will admit that I don’t entirely hate winter. I actually look forward to autumn months and Christmas. However, January and February are the months we dread the most as they are possibly the coldest months in the UK. It is no surprise that these are the months we seek the sun the most. I have compiled this list of the best winter sun destinations from my own experiences. These are places we have travelled to in the last few years to “escape” the harshness of winter.

What exactly is a “winter sun” trip? This is the trip one takes to escape the cold that comes with winter months. They typically happen between November and March as these months are the winter months in Europe making them the coldest months of the year.

10 of the best destinations to go to for winter sun

1. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is one of the most beautiful cities I have been to. The first time I went was with my bubba and we stayed in 2 beautiful riads which I always recommend. My next time in Marrakech was with Mr E for a friend’s birthday week; this time we stayed in a hotel. Different experiences but the best time was had each time. Marrakech sometimes gets a rep as being a “difficult to explore” city thanks to its busy Medina. But everyone needs to visit this North African city and see it for themselves. 

The best time to visit Marrakech is March to early June and then October and November. The sun is shining but it is not as hot as summer months of July and August. I should know, I went once in July, and it was scorching. It can also get a bit cold between December to February (not as cold as the UK but not quite warm enough for the winter sun you are chasing)

Where to stay in Marrakech

A riad will always be my 1st choice. We stayed at Riad Sakkan and Riad BE, I loved both experiences. They both felt like I was in a live version of Aladdin. They were also the family friends riads in Marrakech; as I came to realise that not all riads accepted kids under 10. For hotel choice, Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial & Spa is a spectacular 5 star hotel in Marrakech and we had the best time there as well. 

The best things to do in Marrakech

Jemma el-Fna square is a must as it’s the melting pot where it feels like everyone meets in Marrakech. The Palaces (El Badi, Bahia) are so historic and pretty that you have to see their beauty. Coffee and cakes have to be at what I think it is one of the most beautiful cafés in the world, Bacha Coffee House. Wander around the picturesque royal gardens of Marrakech, Jardin Majorelle and Jardin Secret. 

2. Barbados

The Caribbean is always a dream for the typical sun, sea and sand trip. It is the perfect part of the world to run away for winter sun when the cold starts seeping through the bones. Barbados is beautiful and one of the best winter sun destinations. There are a lot of family friendly hotels, resorts and air bnbs for the most wonderful experience of the island.

We visited Barbados in February, and the weather was lovely the whole time we were there. Even when we had rain, it cleared in minutes and the sun dried the whole place out in seconds. The best time to visit Barbados is the months between December to April for minimal rain.

Where to stay in Barbados

We stayed at Wyndham Grand resort which was family friendly. Other recommendations are Coral Reef Club in St James, Coconut Court Beach Hotel and Sugar Bay in Bridgetown. Barbados also has some self-catering accommodations like Garden Grove in St James and White Sands in Christchurch.

The best things to do in Barbados

Visit “the most enchanting place on earth” aka Hunte’s Gardens. Check out the underground gem that is Harrison’s cave. Go on the Steam train ride at St Nicholas Abbey and do the rum distillery tour there as well. You cannot go to Barbados without a stop at Rihanna’s childhood home on Rihanna drive.

3. Mexico

It has actually been a while since we visited Mexico and I’m not sure why we have not gone back for a follow up visit yet. We went to Riviera Maya and explored Valladolid and Tulum as well on the trip. It would be lovely to see more of Mexico especially the city as it looks so colourful and pretty in photos. 

Our time in Riviera Maya was very wholesome and Mexico is one of the best winter sun destinations we have visited. We went in November; which is considered a shoulder month visit but the weather was perfect. The best months to visit Mexico are between December and April.

Where to stay in Mexico

There are so many gorgeous resorts and some have been on my list for a very long time. Mar del Cabo is a beautiful hotel in Los Cabos. When we visit Mexico, I’d love to stay there as I’m keen to see Los Cabos. In Tulum, Una Vida Tulum and Jungle Kava Tulum are great choices.

The best things to do In Mexico

Visit one of the 7 new wonders of the world, Chichen Itza. We had a lush day visiting a cenote which is one of the hidden treasures of Mexico. Spend a day wandering Valladolid and stop at the Church of San Servacio. Go on a catamaran boat cruise; we went at sunset and it was one of the best things we did in Mexico. A day visiting the Tulum Mayan ruins is another cultural day out in Mexico. 

4. Dubai, UAE

Dubai is one of those love-hate cities. You know the one which people either really love it or they really hate it. I will admit that I am one of those who really likes Dubai. The Middle Eastern city it is one of the best winter sun destinations that is as family friendly as it is beautiful. For those who live in the UK, it is a quick flight, and you are in sunshine. I understand when people say there is no culture, and it is all plastic etc. However, this is quite untrue. While a lot of Dubai is new and very catered to tourists, places like Deira take you back to Old Dubai.

We visited Dubai in January, and it was the perfect winter sun break with sunshine days on the beach. The best time to visit Dubai are the months of October to May; peaking between December to February. 

Where to stay in Dubai

We stayed at Fairmont the Palm which was a lovely hotel with its own private beach. I thought the location was fantastic as we were in Palm Jumeirah. Palm Jumeirah was 15 mins to JBR and 25 mins to Downtown Dubai. Downtown is closer to most attractions so it’s worth considering if traveling with older kids. 

The best things to do in Dubai

Visit the Old town in Deira for a more cultural experience. Ride an abra which is a traditional wooden boat on Dubai’s creek. Go on a yacht ride; preferably a sunset one. Go to the Dubai Miracle Gardens which is the world’s largest natural flower garden. Explore and shop at the Dubai and Emirates malls.

5. Sal, Cape Verde

Cape Verde, or Cabo Verde is one of the most underrated countries I have been to. It was another winter sun trip for us and we had the best week visiting this west African gem of an island. We needed a break from the harsh winter and booked it quite last minute. It was always a destination I was curious about especially as there was not much I had seen online about travelling there. Cape Verde in general is still an underrated gem and the best thing about it is that the trip in general is the best value for money.

We visited Sal in Cape Verde in January. The best time to visit Cape Verde are the months of November to June; that is when the season is dry. Due to its location, Sal can be a little windy during these months but the 25 degrees average sunny weather makes up for this. 

Where to stay in Sal, Cape Verde

We stayed in family friendly resort, Melia Dunas Beach Resort and Spa which we really enjoyed. The most epic thing about this resort is that our toddler could use the play area in sister hotel, Sol Dunas which was a buggy ride away. That whole kids play area was like a mini amusement park or Disneyland.

The best things to do in Sal, Cape Verde

Have a stroll along the colourful streets of Espargos, visit the Santa Maria salt ponds and Pedra de Lume. See the mirage at Terra Boa and check out the pretty fishing village, Palmeira. Most importantly, a beach day at Santa Maria is a must as it is the best beach in Cape Verde.

6. Egypt

One of the most captivating countries we have ever been to. It is one of those countries I think everyone has to visit at least once in their lifetime. There is nowhere like Egypt. I love that every city gives you something totally different; all with a tease of centuries old history. We spent 10 days traipsing through the country. From Cairo to Giza to Aswan to Luxor to Sharm el Sheikh, we explored it all. It definitely is one of the best winter sun destinations.

We visited Egypt in April and in my opinion, this is the best time to visit Egypt. The weather was hot but not scorching at all. The best months to visit Egypt are the months between October to April. The summer months of July and August can be incredibly hot but that’s when hotels are at their cheapest. 

Where to stay in Egypt

We stayed in 5 different hotels in Egypt. In Giza/Cairo, we stayed in Guardian Guest House; it is nothing fancy but the perfect pyramid view hotel in Giza. In Aswan, we stayed in Movenpick and our Luxor base was Steigenberger. For Sharm el sheikh, we stayed in my dream hotel, Four Seasons Resort and spent our last evening at White Hills resort. I recommend all 5 hotels.

The best things to do in Egypt

You have to go to Giza to see the Pyramids; one of which is the last ancient wonder of the world. I know that a lot of people go to Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh for that ultimate beach holiday. However, if you have not been to the Pyramids of Giza or any of the Aswan/Luxor Temples, your Egypt itinerary has to be replanned. A Nile cruise is a must especially at sunset and a visit to the Nubian village is Aswan will leave you mesmerised.

7. Doha, Qatar

Doha is the city that surprised me the most. I won’t say that I ever had Doha or anywhere in Qatar on my travel list. However, when we started to plan our trip to the Maldives, I realised that Qatar Airways had a stop over program; naturally I got involved. This meant that we spent 3 inexpensive days in Doha and had the time of our lives. I am now counting down to our next visit to this Middle Eastern gem.

We visited Doha in April and it was lovely. This period was Ramadan so it was quiet which made it even lovelier to explore. Generally, Mid-September to May are the best months to explore Doha. The weather is hot but not scorching. From late June to August, the temperature rises and it is too hot to enjoy wandering the Doha streets during these months.

Where to stay in Doha

Hotels in Doha are some of the most beautiful hotels I have ever seen. We stayed in Mondrian Doha and till date, is one of my favourite hotels of all time. We were upgraded to one of their fancy suites and just a walk though the reception catapults you to a different level of luxury.

The best things to do in Doha

I found Doha quite easy to explore. We hired a driver-guide who took us around and gave us history lessons. Souq Waqif where you see the Falcon hospital, Katara Cultural Village for a glimpse of the Blue Mosque. A visit to Doha is incomplete without a stop at its colourful Old Port.

8. Maldives

The Maldives will always be one of the most stunning places to travel to and is one of the best winter sun destinations. You are sure to have the most beautiful waters, perfect for snorkelling and other water activities. If you are like me, perfect for lounging on the sun deck with a book in hand and mocktail on the side. Maldives is a luxury destination; however it can also be done for cheap(er) by staying on one of the local islands like Dhigurah and Maafushi. However for a more luxurious Maldives experience, it will have to be one of the resort islands.

The best time to go to the Maldives is between November to April while October and early May are considered shoulder months. These months are when you will typically find the Maldives, the driest. We went to the Maldives in April and it was mostly dry. The odd rain fall was quickly dried up by the sun in minutes. Our resort was incredibly family friendly and we were half board which meant that food was included. For our 2 year old toddler, all meals were free whatever time of the day.

What to do in the Maldives

There is a misconception that there is nothing to do in the Maldives which is far from true. Snorkelling, whale watching are some of the activities. For those who love water activities, the Maldives is perfect. If you stay on a local island, you can even visit the markets etc. Mahe is literally like a city centre you will find anywhere; it is why I always say that there are 2 sides to the Maldives lol.

Where to stay in the Maldives

We stayed in Fushifaru for the whole time we were in the Maldives. This family friendly resort is still one of my favourite resorts of all time. For the first few days, we stayed in the jacuzzi sea view villa and the remainder of our time, we stayed in the infinity pool sea view villa. The whole experience was a dream come true, and the Maldives is just perfect of that winter sun escape.

9. Accra, Ghana

I had to add the city of vibes and “Detty December”, Accra. My best friend lives in Accra so I just had to include it. Much of West Africa is hot all-round the year, so Accra is one to visit anytime of the year tbh. However, Accra is “popping” from mid November to early January thanks to it being the destination to be in during the festive season. Since the year of the return, it has somehow climbed to the top of one of the best cities to visit in Africa.

Aside from going to Accra for “Detty December”, the best time to visit Accra is between October and March. However, as it is in West Africa, it is hot all year round. We have even visited in May and it was hot with zero rain.

Where to stay in Accra

As an Accra local, my best friend has recommended Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra Marriott Hotel, Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra and Labadi Beach Hotel.

What to do in Accra

Accra is a cultural hub and a trip to Jamestown, the oldest district in Accra will remind you of what used to be a prominent slave port. Sandbox beach club is a lovely family friendly beach club. Then there are spots like Black Star square and Kwame Nkrumah mausoleum to tick off your list. Some easy day trips from Accra include Aburi Botanical Garden and Hillburi Resort.

10. Mauritius

We went to Mauritius for my baby moon and it is one place I’d really love to go back to; this time with our bubba. It is one of the best winter sun destinations. The main reason we chose it was due to it being a zika-free destination. So I did not expect to fall in love with it like I did. Mauritius is lovely and it surprised me with how much of a melting pot of cultures and religions it is.

We visited Mauritius in January and found it pleasant. As with most tropical places, it rained once in a while but dried up as quickly as it started. The best time to visit Mauritius is between November to May which is known as the “humid summer”.

Where to stay in Mauritius:

We stayed in adult only resort, Amber Mauritius which was such a treat with our all inclusive package. For a more family friendly option, Long Beach Mauritius and Sugar Beach Mauritius are perfect choices. Also, for a more exclusive premium stay, ile aux Cerfs is a great choice. A day pass to ile aux Cerfs is also a possibility.

The best things to do in Mauritius:

Start with Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and see the 2nd biggest horse racing track in the world, Champ de Mars. It is only 2nd to the UK’s Ascot. On the south of Mauritius, stop at Chamarel, Les domain des Aubineaux and Black River Gorges National Park. 

Where can you travel in Europe for some winter sun?

Europe is a bit tricky at this time of the year since winter is when we have the coldest months. However, the “sunny Spanish islands” of Lanzarote, Tenerife, Canary Islands etc will give you some sunshine weather. Some parts of Portugal like Algarve, parts of Cyprus and Malta will still be warm-ish in November and April. However, the months between December and February may have some burst of sunshine but not enough to tan on a beach.

My conclusion

These are my recommendations for the best winter sun destinations based on where I have been in the last few years between November and April. Of course, there are so many more destinations for winter sun and as I visit them, I’ll most likely add to the list. However, these are my tested and trusted picks, guaranteed to give you all the sunshine you need for that winter sun break.

Bisous, Bugo x