Where to go for really warm sun on family winter sun holidays

The best family winter sun holidays are here. We did the research for you and, from the Seychelles to South Africa here’s where to find real sun this winter.

Family winter sun holidays in Marrakech

1.  Morocco: family winter sun holidays with no jet lag

Why go? Morocco is great for winter sun holidays. Average temperatures of 20°C are ideal for surfing and sunning on the Atlantic coast’s long, sandy beaches. And inland, comfortably warm weather makes exploring Marrakech much more fun with kids. Short flights from the UK are another reason to consider Morocco this winter.

Where to go in Morocco?

• Taghazout for big Atlantic beaches and good surf schools
• Essaouira for the world famous citadel and historic souks
• Agadir for golden sands and luxury family resort hotels
• Marrakech for the ancient medina, Atlas Mountains and Koutoubia Mosque
• Dakhla for vast dunes where the Sahara meets the Atlantic

Top tip: kids will love the astonishing Jemaa el Fna night market in Marrakech

Flying time: Direct flights from UK to Morocco take from 3 hours,  40 minutes

Where to stay: Barceló Palmeraie Oasis, Premium Room (2 adults, 2 children) from £149pn

READ MORE: Why Yas Island in Abu Dhabi wins our  hearts in winter

Seychelles doing it’s paradise beach thing

2. Seychelles: family winter sun holidays in paradise

Why go? Visit the Seychelles for winter sun and average temperatures of  28°, quite a few of the world’s most photographed beaches, giant Aldabra Turtles and heavenly Vallée de Mai – said to be the original Garden of Eden. Kids will love island hopping, jungle ziplining, cycling instead of driving and some of the most spellbinding pirate history in the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles is also famous for magnificent walking trails and it’s an iconic winter holiday destination for diving and snorkelling.

Where to go in the Seychelles?

• Mahé for jungle adventures in Morne Seychelles National Park
• Praslin for World Heritage Vallée de Mai
• La Digue for Anse Source d’Argent Beach
• Silhouette for its extraordinary cloud forest and giant turtles
• Cousin Island Reserve for over 300,000 nesting birds and earth’s largest lizard population

Top tip: don’t miss a ride in a colourful ox-drawn wagon on La Digue

Flying time: Direct flights from UK to the Seychelles take from 10 hours, 15 minutes and there’s no jet lag

Where to stay: Hilton Seychelles Labriz, Beachfront Villa (2 adults, 2 children) from £657pn

READ MORE: Find winter sun holidays with a little extra soul

Tenerife makes for easy family winter sun holidays

3. Canary Islands: easy winter sun just 4 hours from the UK

Why go? Winter in the Canary Islands is similar to summer in the UK. The weather’s mostly warm with average temperatures around 24° and there’s a chance of breezes – not for nothing are Lanzarote and Tenerife top European surfing destinations. Every island is geared up for family holidays and you’ll find plenty to do and see with kids, even in January and February.

And it’s a great time of year to get into more strenuous activities like climbing and walking or even a spot of camel trekking. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and La Palma are the main holiday islands and each one’s highly recommended for winter sun and beautiful beaches.

Where to go in the Canary Islands?

• Tenerife for luxury beach resorts, charming little cities and Mount Teide – Spain’s highest mountain
• Gran Canaria for the Maspalomas Dunes and lively Las Palmas
• Lanzarote for Timanfaya National Park and phenomenal surf beaches
• Fuerteventura for more beaches than anywhere else in the Canary Islands
• La Palma for Dark Skies stargazing and magical Los Tilos forest

Top tip: Explore inland on Tenerife for a completely different perspective on the island

Flying time: Direct flights from UK to the Canary Islands take from 4 hours

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama, Family Room (2 adults, 2 children) from £551pn

READ MORE: Where’s warm and sunny in Europe during winter

Iconic overwater villas, the Maldives

4. Maldives: family winter sun holidays in the Indian Ocean 

Why go? The Maldives is where to choose if you want winter sun with temperatures around 30° and you like the idea of having your own private holiday island. The world’s most famous archipelago lies in the Indian Ocean so it’s great for water sports, sailing, snorkelling and truly remarkable diving.

Luxurious doesn’t even begin to describe the glorious resort islands here and families are indulged with everything from marine conservation adventures to dolphin cruises, enchanting kids’ clubs, fabulous restaurants and almost deserted, sugary white sand beaches.

Where to go in the Maldives?

• North Ari Atoll for authentic island resorts and fast transfers from Malé International Airport
• South Ari Atoll for some of the world’s best diving
• Biyadhoo Island for flawless house reefs and manta ray sightings
• Niyama Island for dedicated kids’ areas, water sports and family activities
• Baa Atoll for its heavenly UNESCO World Biosphere beauty

Top tip: Look for all-inclusive family resorts which include water sports

Flying time: Direct flights from UK to the Maldives take from 10 hours, 25 minutes

Where to stay: Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Beach Villa with Pool (2 adults, 2 children) from £740pn

READ MORE: Easiest winter sun holidays with babies and toddlers

Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius

5. Mauritius: winter in the UK is summer in Mauritius

Why go?  If it’s frosty in the UK, it’s summer in Mauritius and that means temperatures of  30° and up to eight hours of sunshine a day. Occasional rainstorms keep this lovely island green and glowing and also add to its spectacular, swimmable waterfalls. If kids are up for jungle adventures, wildlife spotting, pirate legends and endless water sports, Mauritius could have been custom-designed for them.

Drama defines the landscape which covers just about everything from towering volcanic mountains to rainforests, and it’s in the Indian Ocean, so on top of winter sun, the beaches are stunning too. 

Mauritius does family winter sun holidays, all over

• North west coast for all-villa resorts and the island’s best beaches
• North east coast for quieter beaches and island hopping
• Grand Baie for lively holiday town fun
• Port Louis for traditional island life
• South west coast for Le Morne Brabant and Black River Gorges National Park

Top tip: The best beaches in Mauritius are found along the island’s north coast

Flying time: Direct flights from UK to Mauritius take from 12 hours

Where to stay: Heritage Awali, Deluxe Room (2 adults, 2 children) all-inclusive from £446pn

READ MORE: Find a perfect family escape at Heritage Awali Resort in Mauritius

Florida is sunny end-to-end in winter

6. Florida: everyone’s favourite for family winter sun holidays

Why go? Plenty of warmth and calm weather are just two reason reasons to have a winter sun holiday in Florida with kids. As well as temperatures sitting at about 25° most days and you can expect up to eight hours of sunshine. Orlando and its many, many theme parks is big pull for families. But don’t ignore the lovely Gulf Coast for barrier islands, beaches and fun cities.

Miami and Palm Beaches are glossy and packed with winter activities for kids. And if you’ve a moment left, try the Everglades National Park or a mini family road trip from Key Largo to Key West.

Where to find winter sun in Florida?

• Orlando for theme parks and family villa holidays
• Gulf Coast for white sand beaches and islands like Captiva and Sanibel
• The Everglades National Park for gators and airboat tours
• Key West for Dry Tortugas National Park
• Miami for Little Havana and South Beach

Top tip: Don’t forget to book early, Florida is always popular during UK school holidays

Flying time: Direct flights from UK to Florida take from 9 hours, 45 minutes

Where to stay: The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach, Luxury Room (2 adults, 2 children) from £323pn

READ MORE: 10 top reasons for a family holiday in St. Pete-Clearwater

Athirappilly waterfalls, Kerala, India

7. Kerala: 10 hours of sunshine a day and temperatures of 30°

Why go? Kerala in southern India has almost no rain in winter, average daily temperatures of 30° and the sun shines for about 10 hours a day. Perfect weather in the South Indian region that’s known for its captivating waterways and traditional houseboat holidays as well as lovely Malabar Coast beaches.

Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, the Ghat Mountains are in Kerala and it’s also home to Periyar National Park – known for its excellent tiger reserve.

Where to go in Kerala?

• Kochi for its mix of charming old town and lively harbour city
• Kerala Kuttanad for family holidays aboard traditional houseboats
• Malabar Coast for winter sun on beautiful beaches
• Periyar National Park for tigers
• Munnar for historic tea plantations

Top tip: Head to Mararikulam for best beaches in Kerala

Flying time: Direct flights from UK to Kerala take from 9 hours, 45 minutes

Where to stay: Taj Kumarakom Resort, Luxury Villa (2 adults, 2 children) from £388pn

READ MORE: The best family holidays are all about sharing unforgettable experiences

Colony of penguins on Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town

8. South Africa: family winter sun holidays with soul

Why go? South Africa should be top of every winter sun wish list for families. With daily average temperatures of 26° and up to 11 hours of sunshine a day, the weather’s great for beaches.

Although, winter’s also good for family safaris in Kruger National Park or marine safaris on Durban’s Dolphin Coast. And it’s the perfect season for a road trip along the dramatic Garden Route – or at least far enough along to see the boisterous Boulder Beach penguins.

Where to go for winter sun in South Africa?

• Cape Town for Table Mountain National Park and Robben Island
• Western Cape for the Garden Route, Boulder Beach and Cape of Good Hope
• Limpopo for Kruger National Park
• Durban for beaches and the Dolphin Coast
• Port Elizabeth for Addo Elephant Park

Top tip: There’s only a two hour time difference between UK and South Africa which means no jet lag

Flying time: Direct flights from UK to South Africa take from 11 hours, 40 minutes

Where to stay: The Hyde All-Suite Cape Town, Deluxe Suite (2 adults, 2 children) from £179pn

READ MORE: The best destinations for holidays with children of every age, and stage

Luxor, Egypt

9. Egypt: winter sun with ancient history and fabulous beach resorts

Why go? Dry heat, cloudless skies and average daily temperatures of 25°C put Egypt firmly into the top 10 pick of winter sun destinations. Try Luxor for the spectacular Valley of the Kings, sailing on the Nile and 10 hours sunshine every day.

Or head to the Red Sea and lively beach resorts like Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh for water sports, luxury family hotels, diving and more endless sun in winter.

Where to go in Egypt?

• Luxor for the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple and Nile cruises
• Hurghada for Red Sea beaches and resort hotels
• Sharm El-Sheikh for luxury family resorts, kids clubs and water sports
• Marsa Alam for resort beaches, coral reef diving and sea turtles
• Dahab for world-class diving on the Gulf of Aqaba

Top tip: Look for small group, family tours to see the monuments at Luxor with kids

Flying time: Direct flights from UK to Egypt take from 5 hours, 30 minutes

Where to stay: Barceló Tiram Sharm, Family Room (2 adults, 2 children) all-inclusive from £162pn

READ MORE: The best family hotels in the world recommended by parents who know

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