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 that offers sun, warm temperatures and genuine appeal.
This guide covers the best options for each calendar month. Temperatures are daytime averages. Flight times are approximate from London Gatwick or Heathrow unless stated. Use the table as a quick reference, then follow the links to our detailed monthly guides.
| Month | Best Destinations | Avg Temp | Main Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Tenerife, Cape Verde, Marrakech, Dubai | 20-25°C | Winter sun, escaping the cold |
| February | Lanzarote, Marrakech, Cape Verde, Madeira | 19-26°C | Half-term warmth; value before spring |
| March | Lanzarote, Seville, Cyprus, Marrakech | 18-21°C | Spring sunshine; pre-peak prices |
| April | Algarve, Seville, Malta, Split | 17-22°C | Easter; early European beach season |
| May | Crete, Algarve, Antalya, Corfu | 22-24°C | Warm but not crowded; good value |
| June | Dubrovnik, Mallorca, Rhodes, Algarve | 28-30°C | Reliable heat; long days |
| July | Santorini, Ibiza, Corfu, Turkey | 30-33°C | Peak summer; hottest month in Europe |
| August | Sardinia, Sicily, Turkey, Montenegro | 30-34°C | School holidays; hottest conditions |
| September | Portugal, Spain, Malta, Croatia | 26-28°C | Warm with fewer crowds; best value |
| October | Cyprus, Crete, Canaries, Morocco | 23-26°C | Late sun; post-peak savings |
| November | Canaries, Morocco, Egypt, Dubai | 22-28°C | Off-season deals; still reliably warm |
| December | Tenerife, Madeira, Cape Verde, Egypt | 19-26°C | Christmas sunshine; long-haul value |
| July | Santorini, Ibiza, Corfu, Turkey | 27–32°C | July guide |
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’s hot in January from the UK?
Tenerife, Cape Verde, Marrakech and Dubai all offer warm weather in January. Tenerife averages 20°C, Cape Verde hits 25-26°C and Dubai stays around 24°C. Marrakech is cooler at 17-18°C but makes an excellent short break. See our January holiday guide for full details.
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 is warm during the day (18-20°C) but cooler in the evenings. 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.
Where can I go in April for warm weather from the UK?
Portugal, Spain and Turkey are all reliable in April, averaging 18-22°C. Lisbon typically hits 20°C, Seville around 22°C. Cyprus and Egypt are warmer at 24-26°C. Easter week prices are higher across all of these. Booking 10-12 weeks ahead for Easter is generally recommended.
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.
How Kate works
Kate checks the details that can change the value of a trip, including cabin-bag rules, airline fees, hotel location, seasonality, travel dates and booking conditions. She is especially interested in offers that look useful on the surface but need a proper reader-first check before they are worth recommending.
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