As the winter chill sets in, you might be craving a bit of sunshine. While many choose summer holidays or end-of-year escapes, it could be smarter to save your cash and fly out after Christmas.
City breaks and ski trips are popular choices, but if you’re longing for some vitamin D, booking a holiday in one of these five destinations could be just what you need. Skyscanner, the well-known price comparison site, has shared its top picks for anyone seeking some winter sun.
First up is Cape Town, South Africa, where temperatures can hit a warm 26C at this time of year, with nearly 11 hours of sunlight each day. Plus, there’s a host of events and cultural celebrations to enjoy.
The stunning winelands are in full bloom, providing a beautiful backdrop for wine tastings and dining. Winery tours are a must-do in Cape Town, along with water activities, shopping, nightlife, and safaris.
According to Skyscanner, return flights to Cape Town hover around the £390 mark. Another recommended destination for a winter sun holiday is Tenerife, Spain.
Another recommended destination for a winter sun holiday is Tenerife, Spain. Although not as hot as Cape Town, you’ll still enjoy warmer climes than the UK, with temperatures averaging 20C and plenty of sunshine.
Tenerife is a budget-friendly option for holidaymakers, with Ryanair currently offering flights from Birmingham, Stansted, Manchester and Bristol for as little as £17.99 this month. January is off-peak season, so you’re likely to find cheaper hotel deals.
Outdoor activities such as hiking the Roques de García Circuit Trail and Mirador de la Ruleta are popular, and Punta de Teno offers stunning sunset views. The warmest weather can be found in the south, around Playa de La Americas, Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes and Playa Santiago.
Bali in Indonesia is another sun-soaked destination to consider. Pack your swimwear and prepare for temperatures of up to 31C in January. Skyscanner lists return flights to Denspasar International Airport from £412, with departures available from London City, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Cardiff.
While the flight might be a significant expense, accommodation, food and drink in Bali are typically cheap – a pint of beer won’t set you back more than £4. Highlights include Asia’s top waterpark, Nusa Penida island, the sacred monkey forest sanctuary, Tanah Lot Temple and Mount Batur.
If you’re craving a taste of Italy and a bit of sightseeing, Palermo in Sicily is a top choice. While it might not be bikini weather, you can still escape the UK chill and bask in 15C temperatures.
It’s an ideal spot for culture vultures, with its rich history, art, music and food scene. Plus, it could be the perfect way to kick off the new year. Flights to and from Palermo are a steal – Skyscanner reveals prices start from just £39. If you fancy going further afield, Nairobi, Kenya offers warm climes at this time of year, with temperatures reaching up to 27C.
January and February are the prime months to visit Kenya. The favourable weather means you’ll have no trouble spotting wildlife if a safari is on your agenda.
Other must-see attractions include the Karen Blixen museum, Karuara Forest and the Village Market. For more hot holiday ideas, check out the Skyscanner website.
Have you been to any of these winter sun destinations? Let us know in the comments below.