The Best Places for Winter Sun in and around the UK

As winter sets in, many people seek out those warm, sunny destinations, craving sunshine and warmth during the colder months. From the balmy coast of the Canary Islands to the culturally rich Marrakech, these destinations prove that winter doesn't have to mean endless cloudy days. And with this comprehensive list of the best places for winter sun in and around the UK, you're sure to find the perfect getaway to escape the cold of a UK winter.         

During your winter holidays, electricity is essential, especially for winter camping, hiking, RVing, and other outdoor activities. So, we highly recommend Jackery Portable Power Station, the portable power supply, to power your electronics and appliances in case of emergencies or connection with others.  

Why Do People Want to Enjoy Sunshine During the Winter? 

Usually, the cold and long winters make winters make people's desire for sunshine particularly strong. So why is sunshine so desirable in the cold winter? Multiple factors, including physiological, psychological, and cultural factors, are involved.

Physiological Factors

From a physiological perspective, sunshine is a natural synthesiser of vitamin D. In winter, the sunshine is short and weak in the UK, and people are prone to vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, enjoying the sunshine in winter has become a natural way for people to supplement the vitamin D needed by the body.

Psychological Factors

From a psychological perspective, winter sunshine has a unique healing power. In cold seasons, people are prone to depression and even seasonal affective disorder due to insufficient sunlight. Sunlight can stimulate the brain to secrete dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters closely related to pleasure and happiness. Therefore, sun exposure in winter can improve mood and relieve tension and anxiety.

Cultural Factors

In many literary works and poems, winter sunshine symbolises warmth, hope, and beauty. The British also have a deep affection for gardens and outdoor life. The conservatory originated in the UK. It was initially designed to allow people to continue to enjoy the sun, flowers, and fresh air in the cold winter.

In addition to the above factors, the UK's climate characteristics intensify people's desire for sunshine. The UK is foggy and rainy year-round, and sunshine has become scarce. For this reason, the British people pursue the sun in winter for heating, health, happiness, and quality of life.

How Do You Decide Where to Go for the Winter Sun? 

With the arrival of cold winter, many people desire to find a place to enjoy the sun. However, when deciding where to enjoy the winter sun, one should consider the climate and scenery and combine personal interests and travel budget. Considering the following aspects can help you find the ideal winter sun resort.

Geographical Location

Choose places in low latitudes or sunny places (such as the Mediterranean coast, Hawaii, Caribbean islands, etc.). These places are generally famous for their warm climate and prolonged sunshine.

Natural Landscape

Natural landscape and environment are also important considerations when choosing a destination to enjoy the sun. Seaside resorts like the Maldives and Bali provide endless beaches, clear waters, and magnificent sea views. In addition, in some mountain resorts (such as the mountains in Colorado, USA), you can enjoy majestic mountain views under the warm sun.

Accessibility

The weather in winter is changeable, especially extreme weather such as blizzards and freezing, which may paralyse traffic. Therefore, a resort with high accessibility means a more convenient itinerary and a more comfortable travel experience.

Activities and Facilities

If you like water activities, choose a place with abundant water sports facilities, such as snorkelling, surfing, sailing, etc. For those who like outdoor activities, hiking, cycling, golf, etc. are good choices.

In summary, deciding where to enjoy the sun requires considering multiple factors, such as geographical location, natural landscape, activities and facilities, budget, and accessibility.

How to Prepare for a Winter Sun Trip?

The cold of winter can make you want to escape to a sunny and warm holiday destination. Many British people are eager to escape the rainy weather and go on holiday to a sunny and warm destination. So, to ensure that your winter holiday goes smoothly and enjoyably, here is a detailed preparation guide.

Apply for Visas and Travel Documents (If necessary)

Once you have decided on your destination, you must check whether you need a visa. For example, British citizens travelling to Schengen countries (such as Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Spain) must ensure their valid passports and may need a Schengen visa.

Also, please purchase travel insurance to deal with unexpected situations.

Book Flights and Accommodation

Booking flights and hotels in advance will ensure reasonable prices and a smooth trip. Price comparison websites usually offer the best flight (or train ticket) deals. Also, choose the accommodation that suits your needs, such as hotels or resorts. In particular, you can pay attention to the special discount packages some destinations offer.

Plan Your Trip

Before you leave, making a rough itinerary plan can help you make the most of your vacation time. Travel planning usually includes booking tickets to attractions, arranging local excursions, and trying local cuisine. Many resorts also offer outdoor activities like hiking, snorkelling, and water sports.

Packing

Whether you are soaking up the sun on the beach or strolling the streets of an exotic country in a warm climate, you must prepare a series of items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. The following is a list of essential items that you usually bring for a winter sun trip:

This list is for reference only; please adjust it as needed.

A portable charger or power station could be necessary. A portable power station, like Jackery Portable Power Station, during the winter holidays, as it serves as a backup source of electricity during potential power outages caused by winter storms.

This allows you to maintain a comfortable environment, use essential appliances, and stay connected with communication devices even when the grid is down, particularly when travelling or in remote locations where power disruptions are more likely.

Learn about Local Culture and Customs

Learn about the destination's culture, customs, laws, and regulations to better integrate into local life. Of course, the most important thing is to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts. Before departure, it is best to learn about the destination's customs, etiquette, and safety information through the Internet, books, or travel guides.

With the above preparations, you are almost ready to enjoy a winter vacation full of sunshine and warmth. Therefore, please plan your winter sun trip before departure, including flights, accommodation, packing, and activities.

The Best Places for Winter Sun in and around the UK

Winter in the UK usually means gloomy skies, short days and cold weather. Therefore, most British people prioritise destinations with plenty of sunshine and warm weather when choosing a winter holiday. Here are some of the best places for British people to enjoy the warmth of winter sun:

1. Costa Brava (Spain)

Average Winter Temperature: 10°C to 15°C

Average Flight Time: 2 hours

December is a good time to visit Spain because it is the low season with fewer tourists. Among them, Costa Brava is located on the Mediterranean coast of northeastern Spain. It is a magnificent coastline known for its rugged cliffs, clear waters and charming towns. Costa Brava in winter is perfect for those who want to explore quaint fishing villages, enjoy seaside hikes and relax in a peaceful environment.

2. Algarve (Portugal)

Average Winter Temperature: 16°C to 20°C

Average Flight Time: 2.5 hours

The Algarve region in southern Portugal is famous for its golden beaches, magnificent cliffs, charming towns and some of the best golf courses in Europe. You can explore the beautiful Marinha Beach or play golf in Vilamoura here. Besides that, you can also visit the charming towns of Tavira and Silves and enjoy traditional Portuguese seafood dishes.

3. Malta

Average Winter Temperature: 15°C to 20°C

Average Flight Time: 3 hours

Malta is suitable for year-round tourism, but its Mediterranean climate makes it a top choice for tourists seeking sunshine in winter. In Malta, you can spend time visiting ancient fortresses, exploring the charming streets of Valletta, or relaxing by the Blue Lake. Among them, winter is the best time to explore the narrow streets of Valletta without the summer crowds.

4. Marrakech (Morocco)

Average Winter Temperature: 18°C to 22°C

Average Flight Time: 3 hours

Morocco has beautiful seaside resorts and historical cities, among which Marrakech (a great winter sun destination) is well worth visiting in winter. Marrakech is a unique combination of culture, history, and lively markets. Here, you can explore the medina, visit the souks, tour the Atlas Mountains, visit historical palaces, or ride a camel through the desert.

5. Crete (Greece)

Average Winter Temperature: 14°C to 18°C

Average Flight Time: 3.5 hours

The largest Greek island, Crete, has rugged landscapes, charming villages, and a rich history. While much of Europe is covered in snow, Crete is sunny and has pleasant temperatures, making it a great place to escape the cold winter weather. Crete is an excellent place for a winter holiday, with many outdoor activities such as skiing, surfing, kitesurfing, and hiking.

6. Canary Islands (Spain)

Average Winter Temperature: 20°C to 24°C

Average Flight Time: 4.5 hours

With mild year-round weather and a quick and affordable way to get away, the Canary Islands are one of the UK's top sun destinations for winter. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the volcanic landscape or enjoy water sports, islands such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote have something for everyone.

7. Cyprus

Average Winter Temperature: 18°C to 22°C

Average Flight Time: 4.5 hours

Cyprus is an island country in the eastern Mediterranean and one of the warmest winter destinations in Europe. It is affordable, sunny, and culturally rich, making it a popular winter holiday destination for travellers seeking the best winter sunshine in Europe. In Cyprus, you can usually explore the ancient ruins of Kourion, hike through the Troodos Mountains, or relax in the vibrant city of Limassol.

8. Dubai

Average Winter Temperature: 20°C to 25°C

Average Flight Time: 7 hours

Although slightly farther away, Dubai is a great winter sun destination for British travellers seeking a luxury vacation. Whether you want to relax by the beach, shop in high-end malls, or experience a desert safari, Dubai has it all. Among them, the more adventurous can participate in desert safari or try dune surfing.

The above-mentioned temperature and flight time information are averages for reference only. Actual temperature and flight time may vary.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Winter Holidays

A portable power station is a dependable backup to power essential utilities such as heating systems, lights, and medical devices, as power disruptions can frequently occur due to downed power lines during winter storms. It also can provide power to holiday decorations, lighting, and even small appliances used for cooking or entertainment, thereby preventing any disruptions to your celebrations due to a power outage.

A portable power station is a valuable tool for charging electronic devices while on the road, particularly in regions with limited access to power outlets if you travel to the best places for winter sun.

A Jackery Portable Power Station is a small, battery-powered gadget that lets you get power on the go. It has AC, DC, and USB ports to run most home and outdoor appliances and smartphones. It's quieter than gas engines, doesn't emit pollution, and can be charged by solar panels, wall outlets, or car chargers.  

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 240 v2

The Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station is small but has a strong 256Wh capacity. At about 7.94 lbs and with a tiny foldable handle, it is more lightweight and portable than conventional models, allowing for effortless storage in your bag. It has one wall outlet, USB-A port, and USB-C port to charge up to five devices simultaneously. This makes it easy to power multiple tools quickly and efficiently. Here are some of the features that the Jackery Explorer 240 v2 have:

Quickly charge your gadgets and enjoy a longer battery life. Stay charged and linked no matter where you go. You can recharge it with SolarSaga 80W for 5 hours, a wall outlet for 2 hours, and even carport recharging for 5 hours.

Through an app, the Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station can be fully charged from 0% to 100% in one hour. This is possible with the Emergency Charging Mode. Your portable power pack will ensure you never run out of power while on the go.

It used to be an NCM battery but has been upgraded to an LFP battery. It has an impressive 3,000 life cycle and can last up to 10 years, making it a safe camping and hiking companion.

Review from Our User:

I've been using the 240v1 for over a year during my camping trips and have been impressed with its quality and reliability. So, it was easy to purchase the latest 240v2 for extra capacity while maintaining a compact and portable design. I ensure they stay charged using 80w portable solar panels, compact enough to recharge from the car during a day trip.  

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus has a LiFePO4 battery that endures 2,000 cycles while maintaining 80% of its capacity. Weighing only 965 grammes, it offers portable power conveniently within your grasp. Furthermore, it is sufficiently lightweight and small for transport, allowing onboard aircraft carriage.

The Explorer 100 Plus is a portable power station with a 128W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter and a capacity of 99Wh. It can charge three devices concurrently, featuring a 100W Dual PD Output and one USB-A output. For example, you can charge your phone while powering the camera, earphones, or tablet.

MPPT technology guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A complete DC input requires 1.8 hours, whereas solar charging with a single SolarSaga 100W solar panel necessitates 2 hours. Jackery provides comprehensive solutions for all scenarios, including car charging and alternative charging ways, as well as during power cuts.          

The Explorer 100 Plus features a resilient LFP (LiFePO4) battery, enhanced by a proprietary BMS (Battery Management System) that provides additional protection. After 2,000 charge cycles, the battery retains 80% capacity, guaranteeing an outstanding 8-year longevity, even with daily charging.  

Review from Our User:

This mini Jackery is fantastic! I've been using it for a couple of months now. Regarding charging, it's swift in ideal conditions and performs well overall; I don't anticipate hitting the 100w max. I briefly reached 93w, but the average is around 35w. It does tend to slow down in colder temperatures, dropping to about 15w.

Tips for Enjoying the Sun in Winter

As the temperature drops, winter sunshine becomes particularly precious. Enjoying sunshine on a winter vacation is not only a way to relax but also a healthy way to maintain health. So, how can you maximise your enjoyment of sunshine? Here are some practical tips to help you fully enjoy the beauty of the sun in winter.

Tip 1: Grasp the best time to sunbathe.

Enjoying winter sunshine requires a reasonable schedule. You should choose a period with a low UV index so that you can enjoy the warmth of the sun without causing damage to your skin. You can judge the time for sunbathing according to the "shadow rule" (when the shadow is twice your height or longer).

Tip 2: Take suitable sun protection measures.

Although the winter sun is warm, ultraviolet rays still exist. Therefore, while enjoying the sun, you should also wear sun protection, such as sunscreen. In particular, you should wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and facial skin from ultraviolet damage.

Tip 3: Combine with outdoor activities.

Insufficient sunshine and outdoor activities can not only enhance physical fitness but also improve mood and prevent depression. Therefore, when you are on vacation in winter, you can combine sunbathing with outdoor activities—for example, walking and cycling on the beach or jogging and yoga in the park.

Tip 4: Pay attention to diet and water supplementation.

Drink plenty of water while sunbathing because sunbathing will accelerate the evaporation of body water and may cause dehydration. In addition, it is not advisable to eat photosensitive foods before sunbathing, such as mustard, snow vegetables, lettuce, etc., so as not to cause photosensitive drug eruption or solar dermatitis.

Tip 5: Precautions for special groups.

Some people are not suitable for long-term sunbathing, such as those with skin cancer, photosensitivity symptoms, or those taking photosensitivity drugs. Generally, if these people want to sunbathe, they should do so under the guidance of a doctor.

Best Places for Winter Sun FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the best places for winter sun in and around the UK:

1. Are there any cheap winter sun destinations in the UK?

Winter sun destinations such as Malta and Costa Brava in Spain and Algarve in Portugal are affordable for Brits. These places are close to the UK (only 2-4 hours by plane), and the transportation costs are low.

2. Where is it hot and cheap in December for the sun?

There are many places to enjoy the winter sun in December. According to Kayak, here are the 10 best places to visit in December with the warmest weather:

Oranjestad (Aruba)

O'ahu (Hawai'i)

Maui (Hawai'i)

Cape Town (South Africa)

Abu Dhabi (UAE)

Durban (South Africa)

Cancún (Mexico)

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

Hanoi (Vietnam)

Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

3. Where is it hot in winter, close to the UK?

Here are the 10 best and sunniest places to visit in Europe for a winter holiday (Source: lonelyplanet.com)

The Algarve (Portugal)

Turquoise Coast (Turkey)

Malta

Sicily (Italy)

Cyprus

Seville (Spain)

Canary Islands (Spain)

Madeira (Portugal)

Balearic Islands (Spain)

Crete (Greece)

Final Thoughts

When the UK winters become too cold to bear, the best solution is a warm winter getaway. If you're craving some sunshine, there's no need to travel to the other side of the world. Europe and neighbouring regions offer many warm winter destinations just a short flight away. From sun-soaked beaches to charming coastal towns, these spots are perfect for a December, January or February getaway.