Best January Winter Sun Destinations Within 6 Hours of the UK

If you’re dreaming of swapping cold, grey British weather for warm sunshine, January is the perfect month to escape. The best part? You don’t need to travel halfway across the world to find it. From golden beaches to vibrant cities with mild temperatures, there are plenty of winter-sun destinations within a 6-hour flight from the UK, ideal for long weekends, short breaks and affordable holidays.

Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, culture or a quick vitamin-D recharge, here are the top places to enjoy winter sun in January without a long-haul journey, with things to do and hotels in each.

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Going a little later? See where’s hot in February, including the best picks for February half term.

January winter sun at a glance

Find your flights: compare flights from UK airports to any of the destinations below.

1. The Canary Islands, Spain

Flight time: 4–4.5 hours
Average January temperature: 20–23°C

The Canary Islands are the ultimate year-round sunshine destination for Brits, thanks to their warm climate, volcanic landscapes and stunning beaches. In January, temperatures are comfortably warm, perfect for hiking, exploring or lounging by the pool.

Best islands for winter sun:

• Tenerife: ideal for beaches, nightlife and family-friendly resorts.
• Gran Canaria: great for hiking and the golden dunes at Maspalomas.
• Lanzarote: known for its lava fields, surf spots and stylish boutique hotels.
• Fuerteventura: perfect for water sports and quiet, laid-back vibes.

With plenty of cheap flights and affordable accommodation, the Canaries remain one of the best-value winter-sun destinations close to the UK.

Where to stay in the Canaries: our island guides compare the best areas and hotels.

Compare hotels in Tenerife Compare hotels in Gran Canaria Compare hotels in Lanzarote Compare hotels in Fuerteventura

2. Madeira, Portugal

Flight time: 3.5–4 hours
Average January temperature: 18–20°C

Known as the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’, Madeira offers comfortable spring-like temperatures even in the depths of winter. While not scorching hot, it’s ideal for those who want gentle warmth, lush scenery and outdoor activities without the crowds.

Why visit Madeira in January:

• Dramatic cliffs and levada walking routes
• Whale watching and marine life excursions
• Stunning botanical gardens
• Mild weather perfect for hiking and exploring

Madeira is also wonderfully peaceful in January, making it a great option for a relaxing, nature-focused escape.

Compare hotels in Madeira

3. Malta

Flight time: 3 hours
Average January temperature: 15–18°C

For a mix of sunshine, history and affordable travel, Malta is a great short-haul choice. While temperatures aren’t beach-worthy, January still offers bright days, fewer crowds and plenty of cultural attractions.

Top things to do in Malta:

• Explore Valletta’s historic fortifications
• Visit the ancient walled city of Mdina
• Enjoy scenic coastal walks
• Discover the Blue Lagoon on Comino (weather permitting)

Malta also offers excellent value in January, with bargain hotels and flight deals.

Compare hotels in Malta

4. Cyprus

Flight time: 4.5–5 hours
Average January temperature: 17–20°C

Cyprus is one of the warmest winter destinations in the Mediterranean, making it a brilliant alternative to long-haul winter escapes. You’ll find sunny days, clear skies and mild conditions ideal for outdoor adventures.

Reasons to go in January:

• Paphos and Limassol enjoy pleasant winter warmth
• Beautiful hiking trails in the Troodos Mountains
• Ancient archaeological sites with fewer tourists
• Tasty Cypriot food and relaxed coastal towns

While it may not be swimming weather, Cyprus still offers plenty of sunny days, perfect for a revitalising winter break.

Compare hotels in Paphos Compare hotels in Limassol

5. Marrakech, Morocco

Flight time: 3.5–4 hours
Average January temperature: 18–22°C

For those seeking a more exotic winter escape that’s still close to home, Marrakech is ideal. January offers warm days, cool evenings and comfortable temperatures perfect for sightseeing.

What to enjoy in Marrakech:

• Wander through the bustling souks
• Visit the Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
• Enjoy rooftop dining in the medina
• Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains
• Explore stunning palaces such as Bahia and El Badi

Morocco also provides excellent value, with affordable riads, cheap food and plenty of sunshine.

Compare hotels in Marrakech

6. Dubai, UAE

Flight time: around 7 hours
Average January temperature: 24–27°C

Direct flights to Dubai take around 7 hours, so it’s just over our 6-hour limit, but it’s one of the hottest, sunniest places you can reach in January without going long-haul. Expect bright blue skies, warm temperatures and a mix of luxury and adventure.

Highlights of a January trip to Dubai:

• Stunning beaches and turquoise water
• Desert safaris and dune adventures
• World-class shopping and dining
• Attractions such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina
• Perfect weather for outdoor activities

January is peak season, so book early for the best deals. Budget travellers can still find good value by comparing prices and choosing resorts away from the busiest areas.

Where to stay: read our Where to Stay in Dubai guide for the best areas and hotels.

Compare hotels in Dubai

7. Egypt (Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh)

Flight time: 5–5.5 hours
Average January temperature: 22–25°C

If warm beaches and crystal-clear waters are your priority, Egypt offers some of the best short-haul winter sunshine. Resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh deliver incredible value for all-inclusive holidays.

Why Egypt is perfect in January:

• Warm temperatures ideal for sunbathing
• Excellent snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea
• Family-friendly resorts with great facilities
• Often cheaper than similar destinations

Egypt gives you reliable January sunshine at prices that are hard to beat.

Where to stay: read our Where to Stay in Sharm el-Sheikh guide for the best areas and hotels.

Compare hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh Compare hotels in Hurghada

8. Cape Verde

Flight time: 5.5–6 hours
Average January temperature: 23–26°C

Just within the 6-hour flight limit, Cape Verde offers Caribbean-style weather without the long-haul flight. These islands boast year-round sunshine, unspoilt beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

Top reasons to visit:

• Long sandy beaches perfect for winter relaxation
• Consistent warm temperatures
• Great for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing
• Quiet, peaceful resorts ideal for escaping the UK winter

It’s the perfect alternative to the Canaries for travellers wanting something a little more exotic.

Compare hotels in Santa Maria, Sal Compare hotels in Cape Verde

Tips for booking winter sun in January

• Book early for peak dates: January is peak season in places such as Dubai, so prices rise the closer you get.
• Check the temperatures: the Canaries, Egypt, Cape Verde and Dubai are warm enough for the beach, while Malta, Madeira, Cyprus and Marrakech are better for sightseeing and walking.
• Compare packages: booking your flight and hotel together can work out cheaper, and flight-inclusive package holidays from UK travel companies are ATOL protected.
• Check entry requirements: rules differ for each country, so check the latest GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you go.

Travel insurance for winter sun

Book your cover as soon as you’ve paid for your trip, so you’re protected if you need to cancel. In the Canary Islands, Madeira, Malta and Cyprus, take your GHIC too, but it isn’t a substitute for travel insurance. Morocco, Egypt, the UAE and Cape Verde aren’t covered by the GHIC.

January winter sun: FAQs

Where is the warmest winter sun within 6 hours of the UK in January?

Cape Verde, Egypt’s Red Sea resorts and the Canary Islands are the warmest choices within around 6 hours, with average January temperatures of around 20–26°C. Dubai is warmer still, but direct flights take around 7 hours.

Which winter sun destination has the shortest flight from the UK?

Malta is around 3 hours from the UK, and Madeira and Marrakech are around 3.5 to 4 hours away. They’re mild rather than hot in January, but bright and sunny.

Where is the cheapest winter sun in January?

Egypt is often the best value, especially for all-inclusive holidays in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. Morocco and Malta are also good value, and the Canary Islands have plenty of cheap flights and affordable hotels.

Is it warm enough to sunbathe in January?

Yes, in the Canary Islands, Egypt, Cape Verde and Dubai. Malta, Madeira, Cyprus and Marrakech are milder, which makes them better for sightseeing, walking and city breaks.

Do I need travel insurance for a winter sun holiday?

Yes. Take out cover as soon as you book, so you’re protected if you need to cancel. In the Canary Islands, Madeira, Malta and Cyprus, take your GHIC too, but it isn’t a substitute for travel insurance. Morocco, Egypt, the UAE and Cape Verde aren’t covered by the GHIC.

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