Finding reliable warmth from the UK is easier than most people think. Every month of the year, there is at least one destination within a reasonable flight time that offers sun, warm temperatures and genuine appeal.
This guide covers the best options for each calendar month. Temperatures are daytime averages. Use the table as a quick reference, then follow the links to our detailed monthly guides, which include flight times, typical prices and what each destination is actually like.
Each monthly guide also includes a Further afield section covering the best long-haul options for that month, from the Caribbean and Indian Ocean to southern Africa and North America.
| Month | Best Destinations | Avg Temp | Main Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Tenerife, Cape Verde, Egypt, Dubai, Barbados, Maldives, Goa | 20-32°C | Winter sun; short-haul Canaries to long-haul Caribbean and Indian Ocean |
| February | Lanzarote, Cape Verde, Barbados, Zanzibar, Maldives, Thailand | 19-33°C | Half-term sun; Canaries to Caribbean to South-East Asia |
| March | Lanzarote, Cyprus, Egypt, Dubai, Florida, Barbados | 18-28°C | Spring sunshine; Egypt and Gulf for reliable beach heat |
| April | Algarve, Seville, Malta, Turkey, Egypt, Barbados | 20-30°C | Easter warmth; Mediterranean beach season opens |
| May | Crete, Algarve, Antalya, Corfu, Bali, Florida | 22-30°C | Warm but not crowded; good value |
| June | Dubrovnik, Mallorca, Rhodes, Algarve, Cyprus, Bali | 26-32°C | Reliable heat; long days |
| July | Santorini, Ibiza, Corfu, Turkey, Sardinia, Croatia | 28-35°C | Peak summer; hottest month in Europe |
| August | Sardinia, Sicily, Turkey, Montenegro, Zanzibar, Maldives | 28-35°C | School holidays; peak heat in Europe and East Africa |
| September | Algarve, Seville, Malta, Croatia, Zanzibar, Bali | 26-32°C | Warm with fewer crowds; best value |
| October | Cyprus, Crete, Canaries, Morocco, Florida, Egypt, Barbados | 23-30°C | Late sun; post-peak savings |
| November | Canaries, Morocco, Egypt, Dubai, Barbados, The Gambia, Sri Lanka | 22-34°C | Off-season deals; still reliably warm |
| December | Tenerife, Cape Verde, Egypt, Barbados, Cape Town, Maldives, Thailand | 20-32°C | Winter escape; beach options from Tenerife to Thailand |
How to use this guide
Each row in the table links to a dedicated monthly guide, breaking down the top destinations in detail: what the weather is actually like, typical flight costs from the UK, how far ahead to book, and which type of traveller each destination suits.
Temperatures here are daytime averages. Evenings can be significantly cooler, particularly in North Africa in winter and in the shoulder months on European islands. We note this in the individual monthly guides.
All destinations are reachable direct from at least three major UK airports. For booking strategy, see our guides to the cheapest day to book flights and when to book a holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Where is hot in winter from the UK?
The Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria) are the easiest answer: three to four hours from most UK airports, 20-22°C from November through February. For genuine beach heat, the Red Sea resorts (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh) reach 23-26°C through winter and have direct flights from most UK airports. If you’re prepared to fly further, the Caribbean hits 28-30°C year-round, the Maldives peaks in January and February, and Thailand’s southern islands are at their driest and hottest from November to April.
What is the hottest holiday destination for UK travellers in summer?
In July and August, Turkey (Dalaman, Antalya) regularly hits 33-35°C. Greece and Spain follow at 30-32°C. The Canary Islands are cooler than the Mediterranean in summer, averaging 26-28°C. See our Dalaman guide for more on Turkey’s most popular UK resort area.
Is there anywhere hot in Europe in November?
The Canary Islands are the closest option in November, with Tenerife and Lanzarote averaging 22-23°C. Cyprus stays at 20-21°C. Morocco reaches 22-24°C in Marrakech during the day, though evenings are cooler. For all three, pack a light layer for after dark.
What is the cheapest month to book a beach holiday?
Late September and October typically offer the best value. The Mediterranean is still warm (25-28°C) but flights and hotels are significantly cheaper than July and August. Avoid travelling the week schools return in September, as prices spike briefly before falling back. Our guide to cheap school holiday breaks covers this in detail.
What is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
The Canaries are good year-round, which is their main advantage over the Mediterranean. November to March is ideal for escaping the UK winter without a long-haul flight. March to May offers a good balance of warmth and lower prices. The summer months are warm (26-28°C) but more crowded and humid than the rest of the year.
What are the best long-haul options for UK travellers seeking winter sun?
Barbados is the most established Caribbean option for UK travellers, with direct flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham year-round. The Maldives peaks between December and April (dry season, 29°C). Goa is excellent from November to February (32°C, direct Gatwick flights). Thailand’s southern islands (Phuket, Koh Samui) are at their best from November to April. The Gambia is worth considering in November and December: four hours from the UK, 32°C, and significantly cheaper than the Caribbean.
Kate Acaster is Chief Editor at Flight Tribe. She writes about practical travel planning, budget airlines, baggage rules, city breaks, beach holidays and good hotels that do not cost daft money.
Kate has travelled through Europe, South America and beyond, usually with a notebook, a half-formed plan and a strong opinion on airport snacks. At Flight Tribe, her work focuses on helping UK travellers understand what is included, what costs extra, and whether a trip is worth booking at the price shown.
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