In search of Mexican waves … try the beaches near Cancun such as Isla Mujeres. — In search of Mexican waves … try the beaches near Cancun, such as Isla Mujeres. Photograph: Getty Images

Where to warm up: 10 winter sun travel destinations

This article is more than 6 years old

Here’s where’s hot right now … and we don’t mean trendy. We pick 10 mid- and long-haul escapes where the sun’s shining and the temperature is at least 23C

Note: all flight prices quoted here are for March departures

The Yucatan coast, Mexico

Currently 27C
Average high for March: 29C
Fly into Cancun for an escape on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula, where Mayan temples overlook azure sea and soft sand. Avoid Cancun itself and head south or north along the coast: take a look at our roundup of vibrant budget beach hotels and hostels, or inland for a tour of the “real Yucatán” that goes beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. Our readers have some useful suggestions too, with tips ranging from hidden cenotes to an underwater sculpture park.
Flights from Gatwick to Cancun from £305 return with Tui

Cuba

Currently 31C
Average high for March: 28C
It’s one of the most culturally vibrant destinations in the world and with a blend of rum, cigars and salsa, nothing shouts “exotic holiday” quite like Cuba. Independent travel around the island is cheap and accessible. Our guide has tips on getting around, and we’ve rounded up the best hotels, B&Bs and farmstays too. As the country develops, we’ve also spent time profiling the young people making waves in Havana – but even in the city you’re never far from a beach.
Flights from Stansted to Havana from £480 return with Eurowings

Cape Verde

Currently 24C
Average high for March: 24C
A set of volcanic islands off the north-west coast of Africa, Cape Verde is known for its blend of Portuguese and African culture. The islands have a proud musical tradition, which we’ve reported on, visiting the buzzing bars and cafes in Mindelo. The island of Boa Vista is a prime spot for windsurfing and boasts stunning beaches.
Flights from Gatwick to Boa Vista from £218 return with Tui

Sri Lanka

Currently 29C
Average high for March: 30C
The weather varies around Sri Lanka, with a rainy season in the west and south from May to September, and in the north and east between October and February. With that in mind, March is the a good time to visit for sunny weather across the island: it’s hot, mostly dry and there’s only a small chance of rain. We’ve got inspiration for planning an escape to the island, including the best new hotels, the best food, the best beach bungalows, and the beaches and sights to visit if you want to escape the crowds.
Flights from Heathrow to Colombo from £507 return with Qatar Airways

Florida

Cocoa Beach pier in Cape Canaveral, near Orlando. Photograph: Alamy

Currently 24C
Average high for March: 25C
Florida was hit badly by Hurricane Irma last autumn but the Sunshine State is back in business and remains a perennial winter favourite – whether you want to visit Disneyland or go on an adventure in its vast wetlands and backwaters. We’ve rounded up top hotels, beaches and, more recently, our readers’ have shared their favourite tips too.
Flights from Gatwick to Miami from £369 with Wow

Kerala, south India

A houseboat on the Kerala backwaters. Photograph: Alamy

Currently 31C
Average high for March: 33C
Head to south India for beautiful beaches and retreats and all the fresh coconut water and yoga you can shake a chakra at. Our recent instagram snapshots should be a enough to inspire you to book a flight. We’ve also rounded up its best budget beach stays – though it’s easy to find affordable accommodation once you’re out there – or for something different, book a houseboat or take a cruise through the state’s famous backwaters.
Flights from Heathrow to Kochi from £391 return with Gulf Air

The Canary Islands

Mirador del Río, a viewpoint on Lanzarote created by the local artist César Manrique. Photograph: Alamy

Currently 23C
Average high for March: 21C
At this time of year, the Canary Islands are a little more temperate than the more southerly winter sun destinations, but even in March you can enjoy warm sunny days, which rise to 24C and upwards from April. Head to Tenerife for mountains and wildlife that are a world away from the beach resorts, and great food. For an off-grid adventure, head to Isla de Lobos, off Fuerteventura, which boasts a magical volcanic landscape and zero tourist attractions.
Flights from Luton to Tenerife from £92, and £69 return to Fuerteventura, with Tui

Phuket, Thailand

Koh Tapu, near Phuket. Photograph: Alamy

Currently 30C
Average high for March: 32C
March is the last month of the true dry season in Thailand’s south-west – by the end of April expect a few more overcast days and showers. It’s home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches, a string of white pearls in the Andaman sea running from Phuket (loved by star DJ Goldie, no less) down to Malaysia. For inspiration, check out our guide to the Trang archipelago, with tips on where to visit to avoid the droves of tourists chasing a snap in Maya Bay.
Fights from Birmingham to Phuket from £329 return with Tui

Jamaica

Currently 28C
Average high for March: 27C
Jamaica’s tropical beaches and year-round hot weather make it another perfect escape from the cold European winter. For inspiration, have a read of our recent feature on chic Treasure Beach, as well as Ocho Rios, an easy-going port town on the opposite side of the island to Kingston. We’ve also got plenty on other islands in the Caribbean, from Barbados to the Gernadines.
Flights from Gatwick to Montego Bay from £309 return with Tui