If the dark, cold days of a UK winter have you dreaming of sunshine, a leading travel expert has mapped out the perfect escape plan for the first half of 2026. Rob, a seasoned holiday professional, has pinpointed six ideal destinations, offering a sun-drenched retreat for every month from January to June.
Escape the Winter Chill: January to March
For those desperate to flee immediately after the festive season, January's top pick is Tenerife. Rob highlights that the Canary Island offers significantly warmer climes than the UK during this month, with the added bonus of fewer crowds, making it a peaceful winter sun haven.
When February's freeze grips Britain, Rob suggests heading to Marrakech, Morocco. He describes the city as "perfect" before the summer heat arrives. Travellers can enjoy atmospheric rooftop dinners while the UK contends with rain and low temperatures.
March calls for a trip to Las Vegas, though Rob notes this requires a more substantial budget. With average temperatures around a pleasant 22°C, it's a world away from the UK's early spring. For those watching their spending, he suggests cheaper alternatives like Malta or Madeira.
Spring and Early Summer Sunshine: April to June
According to Rob, April is the ideal time to visit Rome. The Italian capital hits a "sweet spot" this month, being warm enough for a gelato but cool enough for extensive exploration without the overwhelming peak-season crowds. "Rome is at its best when the locals outnumber the tourists," he remarked.
For a May getaway, the expert recommends Antalya on Turkey's Turquoise Coast. While the UK might be tentatively welcoming summer, the season is in full swing here. Rob points out a significant financial incentive: an all-inclusive holiday in Antalya during May can cost half the price of the same trip in July.
Looking ahead to the start of the British summer, June should be reserved for the Greek island of Rhodes. Rob called it a "no-brainer" choice, as the island is hot yet not unbearable, and its beautiful beaches are still lovely and less crowded just outside the absolute peak season.
Plan Ahead for the Best Deals
This strategic month-by-month guide from a travel professional underscores a key piece of holiday advice: timing is everything. By targeting the shoulder seasons or specific sweet spots for each destination, travellers can secure better weather, fewer tourists, and more competitive prices. For sun-seekers hoping to brighten up the start of 2026, early planning based on these insights could lead to the perfect escape from the UK's grey skies.
