The Best Winter Sun Destinations for 2026: Where to Go When It's Cold at Home
Escape the winter grey with our guide to the world's best winter sun destinations for 2026. From the beaches of Zanzibar to the temples of Cambodia, discover where to find warmth, sunshine, and adventure this winter.
The Best Winter Sun Destinations for 2026
When the days grow short and the temperature drops, the instinct to seek warmth and sunshine is universal. Winter sun travel — escaping to warm destinations during the northern hemisphere's winter months — is one of the travel industry's most enduring trends, and 2026 offers an extraordinary range of options for those seeking to trade grey skies for blue ones. Here are the world's best winter sun destinations for 2026.
1. Zanzibar, Tanzania — Spice Island Paradise
Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, offers some of the world's most beautiful beaches combined with a fascinating cultural heritage rooted in centuries of Arab, Persian, and African influences. Stone Town, the historic capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow streets, ornate carved doors, and atmospheric spice markets. The beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa on the northern tip of the island are among the finest in Africa, with white sand and turquoise water that rivals the Maldives. December to February is the dry season, with temperatures of 27-30°C (81-86°F).
2. Marrakech, Morocco — The Red City in Winter
Marrakech is one of the world's most atmospheric cities, and winter is arguably its best season. The intense summer heat gives way to pleasantly warm days (18-22°C/64-72°F) and cool evenings, making it ideal for exploring the medina's labyrinthine streets, the Djemaa el-Fna square, and the extraordinary Majorelle Garden. The Atlas Mountains, just 45 minutes from the city, offer the extraordinary spectacle of snow-capped peaks above the desert. Explore Marrakech on Globioo →
3. Siem Reap, Cambodia — Temples in the Dry Season
The dry season (November to April) is the best time to visit Cambodia's extraordinary Angkor Archaeological Park, and Siem Reap is the base for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cool, dry weather makes it comfortable to explore the temples for hours, and the light in the early morning and late afternoon is extraordinary for photography. Beyond Angkor, Siem Reap has developed a vibrant food and arts scene that makes it a rewarding destination in its own right.
4. Cape Town, South Africa — Summer in the Southern Hemisphere
While the northern hemisphere shivers, Cape Town enjoys its summer — and it is extraordinary. December to February brings warm, sunny days (25-28°C/77-82°F), perfect for exploring the Cape Peninsula, the Winelands, and the city's world-class beaches. Table Mountain, one of the world's great natural landmarks, offers breathtaking views over the city and the two oceans that meet at the Cape of Good Hope. Explore Cape Town on Globioo →
5. Tenerife, Canary Islands — Europe's Winter Sun Capital
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is Europe's most popular winter sun destination, offering reliable sunshine and temperatures of 20-23°C (68-73°F) year-round. The island's diverse landscape — from the volcanic Teide National Park (home to Spain's highest peak) to the lush Anaga Mountains and the golden beaches of the south — makes it a destination of surprising variety. The island is easily accessible from most European cities with frequent, affordable flights.
6. Phuket, Thailand — The Pearl of the Andaman
Phuket's high season (November to April) coincides perfectly with the northern hemisphere's winter, offering warm sunshine, calm seas, and temperatures of 28-32°C (82-90°F). The island's beaches — Patong, Kata, Karon, and the more secluded Nai Harn — offer a range of experiences from lively beach clubs to tranquil coves. The surrounding Phang Nga Bay, with its dramatic limestone karsts rising from the emerald water, is one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular natural landscapes. Explore Phuket on Globioo →
7. Dubai, UAE — Desert Sun in Winter
Dubai's winter (December to February) is the city's finest season, with temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) that are perfect for outdoor activities, beach days, and sightseeing. The Dubai Shopping Festival, held in January and February, adds an extra dimension of entertainment and value. The city's extraordinary range of experiences — from desert safaris to world-class restaurants, from the Burj Khalifa to the Dubai Creek — makes it one of the world's most complete winter sun destinations. Explore Dubai on Globioo →
8. Maldives — The Ultimate Winter Escape
The Maldives is the world's most iconic winter sun destination, offering an experience of extraordinary beauty and tranquility. The dry season (November to April) brings calm seas, excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving, and temperatures of 28-30°C (82-86°F). The country's 1,200 coral islands, spread across 90,000 square kilometers of the Indian Ocean, offer an almost infinite variety of resort experiences, from ultra-luxury water villas to affordable guesthouses on local islands.