5 Budget Winter Sun Destinations

Are you fed up with the UK's dark evenings, miserable weather and chilly temperatures? Banish the January Blues before they take hold with a winter sun holiday! The good news is it doesn't have to break the bank. There are so many budget winter sun destinations to consider if you know where to look.

Reasons to book a winter sun holiday

Now we know what you're thinking - is now really a good time to book a holiday? After Christmas? And the answer is yes! There are so many great offers on winter sun holidays right now, so why not grab a last-minute hotel, flight or package deal and jet off to warmer climates?

As fun as the Christmas holidays are, they can also be quite hectic. Booking a winter sun holiday will give you time to relax, unwind, and get the right mindset to take on 2023. What's more, with the kids back at school, you can enjoy a little peace and quiet and even dial up the romance! You deserve some time for yourself.

What are the cheapest places for winter sun?

Whether you're wondering where in Europe gets winter sun or set your sights on travelling further afield, you've come to the right place. Our '5 budget winter sun destinations' list includes some of the best European beach destinations and long-haul adventures.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is arguably one of the most stunning Canary Islands, known for its glowing golden beaches, wild waves and welcoming atmosphere. However, the fact that it's also known for its cheap winter sun holidays and hotel deals is the icing on the cake!

Some of the best beaches in Lanzarote to visit in the winter months include Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca for relaxation or Playa de Famara for watersports. In addition to the beaches, it's well worth exploring the Montanas del Fungo, aka the Fire Mountains.

The average flight time from the UK is around 4 hours and 20 minutes, and you can enjoy an average high temperature of 19C in the winter.

Tenerife

If you've already ticked Lanzarote off your list, why not head to Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands? Winter is its quietest period and, therefore, the perfect time to visit for a peaceful and relaxing break.

With average high temperatures of 19C, it's still much warmer than the UK and hot enough to stretch out on a sun lounger by the pool or one of the island's beautiful beaches. You'll be spoilt for choice!

Winter is also a fantastic time to explore Mount Teide. Take a cable car to the top of Spain's highest peak for spectacular views. Or, if you're feeling more adventurous (and up to the challenge), take a hike starting at Montana Blanca. The trail is around 9km long and will take 6-7 hours.

Things will start to liven up on the island from 20th January to 26th February, when Santa Cruz (the island's capital city) hosts the annual Tenerife Carnival. It's the largest of all the Canary Island Carnivals and is regarded as the '2nd best Carnival in the world' after the carnival of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. So if you're planning to go, book a hotel now to avoid disappointment!

Marrakech

Winter is perhaps the best time to visit Marrakech. It's far less chaotic, and the temperatures are considerably lower than at the height of summer, where those unused to the heat could find it quite oppressive. Still, with average high temperatures of 20C in the winter, it's much warmer than the UK and an excellent choice for a winter sun holiday!

There's plenty to do in Marrakech during the winter, including exploring the city's famous souks and bazaars and taking a bucket list trip to the majestic Atlas Mountains. However, if relaxation is high on your to-do list, be sure to visit a Moroccan Hammam to enjoy a traditional steamed bath and purifying ritual.

Goa

Once the New Year's Eve party-goers have departed, the beaches of Goa transform into a secluded tropical paradise of golden sands, palm trees and straw huts. And while the flight to this southern part of India is long, averaging around 9 hours from the UK, Goa is one of the cheapest long-haul winter sun destinations out there.

With average high temperatures of 32C, you're guaranteed great weather whether you're opting for full-on relaxation or planning a jam-packed itinerary including water sports, dolphin spotting and club hopping!

Cambodia

Sticking with long-haul winter sun destinations, if you can hack 14 hours on a plane, Cambodia is well worth its place on your shortlist. It is one of the cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia and has something to offer every kind of traveller.

If it's a lazy beach holiday you're after, Cambodia won't disappoint. Head to the stunning sandy beaches of Sihanoukville or opt for a hidden hideaway on the stretches of Koh Rong. Or, if you want to do some sightseeing, the jungle temples of Angkor Wat, make an interesting visit, and the capital Phnom Penh itself will give you a dose of history and culture with its elegant palaces, traditional bazaars and fascinating museums.

Tips for booking a cheap winter sun holiday

Ready to book your winter sun holiday? Read these two essential tips first!

Book by winter sun bargains rather than destination

If it’s winter sun you’re after, and you’re not worried about where you go, look where the bargains are rather than leading your holiday search by winter sun destination. Sometimes you’ll find it cheaper to book a package deal. Other times, it’ll be more affordable to book your flights and hotel separately. For cheap winter sun hotels, don’t forget to check out Plans Change and our Resale Deals.

Uncover the possibility of hotel upgrades

Winter sun destination deals often come at a time when hotels are looking to fill empty rooms, so be sure to look out for extra freebies like hotel room upgrades or reductions on spa treatment prices. And if there isn't an offer in plain sight, it's always worth asking what's possible!