Where are the top winter sun destinations to travel to this cold season?

For many, the words winter sun conjures images of dated all-inclusive resorts in Tenerife plastered all over the windows of high street travel agents. But what if we could change that idea? Put down your watered down Woo-Woo and go and explore the world this winter.

Verdict, in partnership with GlobalData Travel and Tourism, has put together a comprehensive list of where to get the best sun this winter.

Morocco

winter sun destinations - verdict

As an extremely fast-growing tourist destination, numbers of visitors to Morocco have soared over the last decade. Morocco boasts 300 days of sunshine a year and a vast coastline.

Both of which makes Morocco a perfect location for a sunny holiday, whatever time of year you choose to visit. The country’s Tourism 2020 vision also places emphasis on the development of the country’s seaside resorts, so expect Morocco to become a popular winter sun destination.

Gambia

winter sun destinations - verdict

The West African country has temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius in the winter months and long hours of sunshine. The Gambia offers golden and secluded beaches for those looking for a beach holiday in the winter.

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The country is also just a six-hour flight from the UK, making it an ideal location for British tourists looking for winter sun.

Colombia

winter sun destinations - verdict

Be sure not to judge Colombia based on what you’ve seen from the Netflix Narcos TV series. Colombia is now a safe and enjoyable tourist destination.

The country’s unspoiled Caribbean coast is a great place to catch some rays, and December and January are currently the most popular months of the year for international arrivals. Expect the tourism industry to grow, so get there quick and be ahead of the hype.

Sri Lanka

winter sun destinations - verdict

With eight Unesco World Heritage sites to explore and constant year-round temperatures between 25-30 °C, Sri Lanka is an absolute tourist paradise. The small island has an awful lot to offer sun worshippers looking for some winter sun.

Make sure you are aware of Sri Lanka’s two monsoon seasons, to make sure you don’t arrive looking for sun and find that the weather is worse than where you have just left. The country remains affordable and unspoiled by tourism.

Mexico

winter sun destinations - verdict

Mexico has long been a popular holiday destination for when the weather at home turns sour. As a result of this, October and November are the most popular months for international arrivals to Mexico.

Mexico offers winter holidaymakers a variety of options, including cultural trips or seaside resorts. Temperatures in holiday locations such as Cancun can reach 28°C in December.

Mauritius

winter sun destinations - verdict

The small island off the East coast of Africa is a picturesque winter escape. With temperatures averaging 27-28 ° C during December, January and February it is a perfect retreat from the cold.

The year-round location is famed for its white sand beaches and is already a popular and affordable destination for a winter holiday in the sun.

UAE

The United Arab Emirates with the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, despite January being the coldest month average temperatures are in line with a British summer.

Holidays in the United Arab Emirates, offer a rich experience of the Arab culture in the beautiful sand dunes whilst enjoying the long days of sunshine.

Qatar

winter sun destinations - verdict

Much like its UAE neighbour, winter in Qatar is relatively cool and comfortable, and with over ten hours of sunlight in the winter months, travellers are likely to find the climate pleasant compared to the sweltering summer months.

The country’s capital – Doha, makes a great alternative location to Dubai, with a long seaside promenade that curves around Doha Bay.

Mozambique

winter sun destinations - verdict

Mozambique’s tourism industry is fast growing With 1,430 miles of Indian Ocean coastline, national parks, maritime traditions and a culturally rich melting pot of people combine to create one of Africa’s most fascinating and enigmatic countries.

Jordan

winter sun destinations - verdict

Considering Jordan is mostly landlocked, it’s clear to see why it is not your typical winter beach holiday.

But, with sprawling deserts, ancient cities and access to the Dead Sea, the Middle Eastern country has a lot to offer tourists looking for an unconventional holiday.

Cuba

winter sun destinations - verdict

High season in Cuba is from December through to mid-April.

Therefore, the Caribbean island, with its all year round warm temperature, has long been a popular winter destination for tourists.