As the coldest and darkest season of the year quickly sets in, long-haul travel experts Travelbag have revealed the top five winter sun destinations Brits can travel to in and around five hours.
Dark nights, brisk mornings, and an extreme lack of vitamin D are just some of the things Brits can look forward to over the next four months.
The harshness of the UK winter pushes many Brits to travel far and wide to catch the last of the year’s sun rays.
Expert sources from Travelbag revealed demand for ‘winter sun holidays’ has increased by a staggering 73 percent in recent months as Brits look to book their next seasonal holiday.
Some of the destinations have temperatures of a minimum of 16 degrees, which is perfect for forgetting about the cold weather back home.
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
If travellers are looking for balmy temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and less humidity, winter is the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. With temperatures settling at around 20 degrees in the winter months, it’s the perfect time to explore this amazing city.
There has been a 560 percent rise in Google searches for ‘Sharm el Sheikh weather October.’ November and February are the best times to visit to discover all that Sharm El Sheikh offers while enjoying the country’s winter sun.
Egypt is much warmer than other countries during the winter; it can still become chilly at night, and there could always be the odd cold day.
Packing a light jacket will ensure people are warm enough during the evenings. A flight from the UK to Sharm El Sheikh takes just over five hours.
Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos, Cyprus, is perfect for winter sun holidays. The daytime temperatures during winter usually settle around 18 degrees.
Not to mention, it only takes around four and a-half hours to fly from Paphos to the UK. If travellers are looking for beautiful warm weather, then they are winning.
Many visitors who visit during the winter take leisurely walks along the beach, enjoy the cafés and restaurants, and partake in outdoor activities.
Paphos is set to be one of the most popular destinations on this list this winter, as sources reveal that demand for ‘Paphos Cyprus holidays’ has soared by 823 percent over the past 12 months.
Gran Canaria
Another spectacular destination for winter sun holidays, Gran Canaria is an incredible choice. With mild heat, lots of lovely sunshine, and very little rain, this is an idyllic escape.
The average daily maximum is in the mid-twenties with a minimum of 16 degrees, meaning individuals can lounge around in their beachwear all day long.
Because the weather is still gorgeous, many attractions and activities are open during the winter. Cool down at Aqualand Maspalomas, go on a refreshing boat trip, enjoy the wild watersport centres, and more.
With a flight time of just over four hours, put the winter blues behind you and explore a picturesque island with heaps of sun-kissed beaches and many colourful, inviting little towns. Gran Canaria gives you plenty to smile about.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is perfect for soaking up a spot of winter sun. Temperatures can reach a maximum of 21 degrees at this time of year, and they don’t fall too cold either, so travellers are pretty much guaranteed beautiful weather all day long.
Spend the day relaxing on the palm-lined beaches, exploring the iconic Timanfaya National Park, or simply indulging by the pool at an all-inclusive resort. The flight from the UK to Lanzarote is approximately four hours, meaning Brits will be leaving the gloomy UK days behind in no time.
With Google searches for ‘flights to Lanzarote’ increasing by over 400 percent in the past 12 months, winter sun-seekers will have to run if they want to see the island’s amazing sites before the end of the year.
Marrakech, Morocco
Bask in captivating culture and visit breathtaking monuments with a winter sun holiday in Marrakesh, Morocco. November to February temperatures could reach 20 degrees during the daytime.
Plus, this flight is speedy, between three to four hours from the UK. This is impressive, considering they will land in a warm, luxurious destination with intriguing history, five-star hotels, enchanting gardens, and spas.
Marrakesh is already proving to be a popular destination for British sun seekers, with searches for ‘Marrakech Morocco weather November’ recently increasing by 83 percent as holidaymakers look for their next sunny destination.
Top five destinations for winter sun and the flight time from the UK:
1. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – Five hours 15 minutes
2. Paphos, Cyprus – Four hours 30 minutes
3. Gran Canaria – Four hours 30 minutes
4. Lanzarote, Canary Isles – Four hours 15 minutes
5. Marrakesh, Morocco – Three hours 40 minutes