Créé par Romane, le 1 juil. 2026
Votre guide Ryo
The 13 Best Destinations to Spend Winter in the Sun
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Winter is settling in France with its short days, gray skies and freezing temperatures. Are you dreaming of escaping this seasonal gloom? It's time to pack your bags and set off to discover the destinations to spend winter in the sun. From the paradisiacal beaches of Morocco to the tropical islands of the Caribbean, here is our selection of the 13 best destinations to recharge your batteries under a sunny climate.
1. Marrakech, the pearl of Morocco
Just three hours by flight from Paris, visiting Marrakech stands out as one of the best destinations to spend winter in the sun. With its mild temperatures around 20°C during the day and its 7 hours of daily sunshine, the ochre city offers a perfect escape from European gloom.
Download the audio-guided circuit to discover Marrakech on foot and independently
Explore the wonders of the Ochre City with our audio-guided itinerary of Marrakech which takes you through 21 iconic places of interest. From the mythical Jemaa el-Fna square to the sumptuous Saadian palaces, let yourself be guided on this 2h30 adventure through the heart of 10 centuries of Moroccan history.
The Majorelle Gardens (Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakesh 40090, Morocco, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 54355 reviews) are a must-see, as are the Saadian Tombs (400 Rue de La Kasbah, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco, rated 3.9/5 on Google for 13555 reviews).
2. The Canary Islands, eternal spring
Nicknamed the "islands of eternal spring", the Canaries represent an ideal destination to spend winter in the sun without going far from Europe. With temperatures between 18 and 22°C in winter, visiting Las Palmas and visiting La Orotava offer a perfect climate to escape the winter rigors.
The volcanic archipelago offers an astonishing diversity of landscapes: black sand beaches in Tenerife, dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, or the lunar landscapes of Lanzarote. The advantage? No time difference and attractive prices in low season.
3. Martinique, the French Antilles
Head to the French Antilles with visiting Fort-de-France, where winter rhymes with dry season. From December to April, the island of flowers benefits from an ideal climate with temperatures oscillating between 24 and 28°C and limited precipitation.
Martinique perfectly combines beach relaxation and cultural discoveries, not forgetting the advantage of staying in French territory with the euro as currency.
4. Thailand, the kingdom of smiles
Thailand stands out as one of the flagship destinations to spend winter in the sun. From November to March, the country experiences its dry season with pleasant temperatures between 25 and 30°C. Bangkok, Phuket or Koh Samui offer varied experiences between ancient culture, paradisiacal beaches and refined gastronomy.
The exceptional value for money makes Thailand an accessible destination for all budgets, with breathtaking landscapes and legendary hospitality.
5. Senegal, authentic Africa
Senegal represents an excellent alternative for those seeking African authenticity without time difference. Dakar and the Petite Côte benefit from permanent sunshine in winter with temperatures between 25 and 30°C.
Gorée Island, the beaches of Saly or the Lompoul desert offer a diversity of experiences in a setting preserved from mass tourism.
6. Cuba, the pearl of the Caribbean
The island of Cuba offers total change of scenery with its vintage cars, enchanting music and dream beaches. From November to April, temperatures hover around 25°C with a bearable humidity level.
Havana, Trinidad or Varadero allow you to discover exceptional cultural heritage while enjoying an ideal tropical climate to spend winter in the sun.
7. Dubai, the modern oasis
Dubai transforms winter into an ideal season with perfect temperatures between 20 and 28°C. The city-state offers a unique blend of futuristic modernity and Arab traditions, with immaculate beaches and activities for all tastes.
Luxury shopping, spectacular architecture and international gastronomy make Dubai a destination to spend winter in the sun in an exceptional setting.
8. Cape Verde, the Creole archipelago
The Cape Verde archipelago benefits from a dry tropical climate particularly pleasant in winter. Sal, Boa Vista or Santiago offer magnificent beaches and a mixed Creole culture, heir to African and Portuguese influences.
With temperatures between 23 and 27°C and refreshing trade winds, Cape Verde constitutes an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts and relaxation.
9. South India, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Winter corresponds to the dry season in South India, ideal time to discover Kerala and its backwaters or the temples of Tamil Nadu. Temperatures oscillate between 25 and 30°C with an acceptable humidity level.
Kochi, Alleppey or Chennai allow you to live an intense cultural experience while enjoying a perfect tropical climate to escape European winter.
10. Mexico, diversity and authenticity
Mexico offers a multitude of destinations to spend winter in the sun. The Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta or Playa del Carmen benefit from an ideal climate between December and April with temperatures between 24 and 28°C.
Pre-Columbian heritage, gastronomy recognized as UNESCO heritage and paradisiacal beaches make Mexico a complete destination for successful winter holidays.
11. Australia, summer upside down
Take advantage of the season inversion to discover Australia in full austral summer. Sydney, Melbourne or the Great Barrier Reef offer unique experiences with ideal summer temperatures between December and February.
Although more expensive and distant, Australia guarantees total change of scenery and spectacular landscapes for those who really want to escape winter.
12. The Maldives, tropical paradise
Dream archipelago composed of 1200 coral islands, the Maldives represent the ultimate destination to spend winter in the sun. With constant temperatures around 28°C and crystal clear waters at 27°C, it's the paradise for diving and relaxation enthusiasts.
The Maldives offer a unique luxury experience with their overwater villas and turquoise lagoons, perfect for a honeymoon or exceptional vacation.
13. Jordan, between desert and history
Jordan constitutes an original destination to spend winter in the sun while discovering exceptional historical heritage. Petra, Wadi Rum or Aqaba benefit from a dry and sunny climate with pleasant temperatures between 15 and 22°C.
Amman, the Dead Sea and the desert castles complete this unique cultural destination that combines ancient history and spectacular landscapes.
In conclusion, these 13 destinations to spend winter in the sun offer a diversity of experiences for all tastes and all budgets. From accessible Morocco in a few hours to the distant Maldives islands, each destination brings its cultural and climatic specificity. Don't hesitate to use our audio-guided circuits to enrich your discoveries and live authentic experiences far from French winter gloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best destination to spend winter in the sun?
The choice depends on your preferences and budget. For a nearby and economical trip, opt for Morocco or the Canaries. For total change of scenery, choose Thailand or the Maldives. Martinique offers an excellent compromise without time difference.
What budget should I plan for winter sun holidays?
Budgets vary considerably depending on the chosen destination. Plan 800-1200€ for Morocco, 1000-1500€ for the Canaries, 1500-2500€ for Thailand and 3000€ minimum for the Maldives, flights and accommodation included for a week.
When to book winter sun holidays?
To benefit from the best rates, book 3 to 6 months in advance, particularly for popular destinations like Thailand or the Antilles. Christmas and New Year periods require even earlier booking.
Are vaccines needed to travel in winter sun destinations?
It depends on your destination. No vaccines are required for Morocco, the Canaries or Dubai. However, some vaccines may be recommended or mandatory for Thailand, India or certain African countries. Consult your doctor 2 months before departure.