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Dreaming about your next holiday? You’re not the only one. In fact, it’s basically a British rite of passage that in January – when the days are still long, cold and dreary – that it’s time to book your first trip of 2024. And thanks to the recent drop in temperature to practically Arctic climes, we have never been more desperate to escape to a hot country and feel the sun’s warm rays on our faces.
So, if you’re anything like us, you’re frantically Googling the best sunny holiday destinations to make winter feel like a distant memory. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the top three holiday destinations with warm weather year-round you *must* visit in 2024.
Which means, fellow chilly Brits, it’s time to get booking. One of the main advantages of booking a holiday in January? All the New Year discounts offered up by travel agents and tour companies. Our pick of the best deals this year has to be First Choice, who are letting you save £100 on bookings over £1,000, £250 on bookings over £2,500 and £350 on bookings over £3,500*. As if we needed another excuse.
Here are the top 3 holiday destinations with consistently warm, sunny weather in 2024…
This verdant Indian Ocean island is famed for its white-sand beaches, rugged landscape and rich, lively culture – and, of course, its spectacular year-round sunshine. Here, there are only two seasons: summer (warm and humid, between November to April) and winter (cooler and drier, between June and September), with May and October commonly known as transitional months. Though the winter months are cooler, the temperature difference is relatively small, with the average winter temperature hovering around 21°C (in summer, it’s 24.7°C). Of course, lazing on the sugar-cane beaches all day is a huge draw, but don’t miss the world-class marine life, fascinating museums, jaw-dropping landscape ideal for hiking, and the delicious melting pot of African, Asian and European cuisine influences. Mark Twain once said that ‘heaven was copied after Mauritius’, and after your sun-soaked holiday here, you’ll see why.
Where to stay: Seapoint Boutique Hotel – this charming adults-only hotel is tucked away on the northern tip of the island, perched right on the beach with a huge, beautiful infinity pool just a stone’s throw from the ocean. There are three restaurants to choose from, two of which have breathtaking ocean views, and an impressive spa. Most rooms have views of the ocean, too.
Holidays starting from £1,707 per person.
If you’re longing for an affordable winter sun getaway to warm your bones and blow away the cobwebs, Turkey is one of your best bets in Europe. The country’s year-round climate makes it an increasingly popular destination with UK holidaymakers, although the days of sunshine varies by region. The warmest, sunniest days are, of course, found in summer, but Antalya and the surrounding areas are often hailed as some of the best winter sun destinations. Temperatures in July and August hover around 30°C, and the sea is inviting year-round, never dipping below 15°C. Here, in Turkey’s most famous resort town, when you’re not sunbathing on one of its pristine beaches – including Konyaalti Beach and Damlataş Beach – perched on the azure Mediterranean Sea, marvel at historical monuments and get your boogie on thanks to the buzzy nightlife scene.
Where to stay: Paloma Grida – situated in pretty Belek on the Turkish Riviera – is around a 40-minute drive from Antalya. The five-star enormous luxury hotel overlooks a stunning Blue Flag beach and has four swimming pools and an impressive seven restaurants to choose from. Sip cocktails in the ocean-view bar or try your hand at jet-skiing or sailing at the water sports centre.
Holidays starting from £1,807 per person.
No list of the best sunny destinations would be complete without the incredible Maldives. Thanks to its location near the equator, the Maldives boast a tropical climate which is consistently hot and humid throughout the year. Rainfall is at its lowest between January and April when there are also the longest hours of sunshine, but expect a sometimes-wet monsoon season between May and October. That being said, sunny spells are often interspersed with these short bursts of tropical rainfall and temperatures are still pleasantly warm. During June and July, when the winds are higher, you’ll find keen surfers and similar watersports enthusiasts flocking to the islands, while divers enjoy the pristine visibility of the dry season (January to March). However, a more diverse marine life can be found in the wet season. Essentially, this stunning cluster of islands has something for everyone year-round.
Where to stay: Kurumba Maldives – there’s something for everyone at this out-of-this-world five-star resort in the North Malé Atoll, where daily temperatures rarely drop below 27°C. Unwind with an open-air massage, explore the underwater world with a snorkelling or diving trip, dance to live music every night, and enjoy mouthwatering food at one of the resort’s seven spectacular restaurants. Perfect for a family vacay or a romantic getaway.
Holidays starting from £1,884 per person.
Save £100 per booking when you spend £1,000 or more, save £250 per booking when you spend £2,500 or more, or save £350 per booking when you spend £3,500 or more. Only one of the discounts is applicable per booking. The £100 and £250 offers are valid on bookings made until 29 February 2024; the £350 offer is valid on bookings made until 31 January 2024. The discount is valid on package holidays departing between 1 May 2024 and 31 October 2024. For full terms and conditions, please visit firstchoice.co.uk.
