As the UK's temperatures plummet and daylight hours shrink, the search for a reliable dose of winter sunshine intensifies. In response to this seasonal craving, airline easyJet has unveiled its definitive hotlist of warm-weather getaways for the coming months, revealing a clear winner that offers Caribbean-like beauty without the long-haul flight.
The Atlantic Champion: Sal, Cape Verde
Topping the chart is the island of Sal in Cape Verde, a subtropical archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. It has surpassed traditional favourites like the Canary Islands to become the number one destination for Brits seeking to escape the winter blues. The island's major advantages include a minimal one-hour time difference from the UK and a flight time of around six hours, effectively eliminating jet lag.
Sal boasts near-guaranteed sunshine, with average winter temperatures hovering between 24C and 25C from January to March, and around ten hours of daylight daily. Visitors can enjoy its famous white sand beaches and turquoise seas, alongside a vibrant culture. The local Creole music provides a soundtrack, while the cuisine—a fusion of Portuguese, African, and Brazilian influences—offers excellent value, with a meal for two costing approximately £30.
Affordable Escape: Packages and Runners-Up
The affordability of a trip to Sal is a key part of its appeal. easyJet is offering return flights to the island starting from just £93.49, with complete winter sun beach packages available from £320 per person. The destination is also being promoted as an ideal 'Work From Holiday' (WFH) location due to the convenient time zone.
Securing second place on easyJet's index is the Egyptian resort of Hurghada. Famous for its Red Sea coastline, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, it offers winter temperatures of 21C to 25C. The destination combines desert adventures—like quad biking in the Sahara—with beach relaxation, all at a budget-friendly cost where a pint of beer can be found for around £2.
The Canary Islands, a long-standing British favourite, took third and fourth places, represented by Gran Canaria and Lanzarote respectively. They continue to attract visitors with their volcanic landscapes, reliable climate, and distinct beaches—from golden sands to striking black shores.
Perfect Timing for a Seasonal Getaway
Kevin Doyle, easyJet's UK country manager, commented on the findings, stating: 'As temperatures at home begin to drop and the days get darker, now is the perfect time to book an escape to warmer climes.' He emphasised the airline's broad network, which offers a range of accessible and affordable winter sun destinations, from sub-Saharan islands to European cities, for those looking to chase the sun on a budget this winter.
The list also gave a notable mention to Djerba, an island off Tunisia's coast, which ranked highly for its white sandy beaches and palm-tree-lined vistas. The data confirms a strong British appetite for short-haul, reliably hot destinations that provide a stark contrast to the UK's winter weather, with value for money being a decisive factor.
