The most underrated winter sun destinations (that are actually hot)

Best for: a smorgasbord of beaches

Average temperature in February: 27C/81F

Why go? Kerala is best known for its backwaters, but the state, which occupies a chunk of India’s western coast, is also dotted with paradise-like beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. It brags toasty temperatures at the start of the year. Varkala is enveloped by rusty red cliffs and, thanks to its popularity among backpackers, has a breezy bohemian energy, whereas Kovalam (made up of Lighthouse, Hawah and Samudra beaches) is a top spot for swimming conditions and water sports. Alleppey and Marari are on the quieter side, instead primed for lounging about on the unspoilt sands. 

Where to stay: Loftily perched on a teetering cliff edge, The Leela Kovalam has panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. 

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Best for: making fishy friends

Average temperature in February: 26C/79F

Why go? Yeah, Cape Town is cool, but Durban’s sprawling sandy coast is an excellent alternative for all your vitamin D needs this winter. The city is lined by long stretches of beach, from the famous and lively Golden Mile to smaller, lesser known coastal inlets. To turn your hand at fishing, head to Blue Lagoon, and to catch the surf, Suncoast (North) Beach is your best bet. Thompson’s Bay Beach is one of the prettiest (and safest for swimming) on offer, but if you’re after some proper adventure, you can cage-dive or snorkel with sharks at Aliwal Shoal. 

Where to stay: Sala Beach House is face to face with the ocean and a mere 5-minute drive from Thompson Bay Rock Pool. 

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Best for: upping your step count 

Average temperature in February: 18C/64F

Why go: The Canary Islands are synonymous with winter sun, and while we’re big fans of Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, we’d urge you to instead consider La Gomera. It’s the third-least populated Canary Island and has remained unmarred by signs of mass tourism, but is a brilliant destination if you’re looking to stretch your legs, or get out on two wheels – in fact, the island has a sprawling, 600km network of trails primed for you to explore. Keep an ear out for silbo gomero (the world’s only whistling language, spoken in the mountains), and be sure to sample some almagrote. 

Where to stay: Vallehermoso is a tiny village nestled cosily among the mountains in north La Gomera, where you’ll find rustic boutique hotel Tamahuche Hotel Rural, home to an authentic Spanish restaurant and a rooftop goat – yes, really.

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Best for: sleepy sunbathing

Average temperature in February: 30C/87F

Why go? A 30-minute drive north from the buzzy Máncora is its sleepier, slower-paced sibling, Punta Sal. The village is nestled on a beaming crescent stretch of Peruvian coast which enjoys scorching tropical temperatures and is primed for everything from a safe paddle with the little ones to venturing out for kite surfing. What’s more, thanks to a combination of warm and cold water currents, there’s a diverse array of marine life here, making a great snorkelling spot, too – plenty to keep you occupied once you’re done lounging. Oh, and be sure to head to the beach for sunset: it’s a spectacle of colour. 

Where to stay: Villa Romana Boutique Hotel is a stylish and rustic place to stay, a step back from the ocean but which still brags glorious sea views. 

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Best for: uninterrupted relaxation

Average temperature in February: 28C/82.4F

Why go? Its name translates to ‘Golden Buddha Island’ – and while it sounds like somewhere that’s surely been trampled by tourism by now, this Thai island remains blissfully under-the-radar compared to the likes of Phuket and Koh Samui. Head here and you’ll be greeted by unspoilt sandy beaches dotted with eco resorts and… not much else. Reaching the island is only really possible via local longtail boats through the mangroves, so while this is hardly an easy ‘fly and flop’ destination, it certainly ticks the boxes for off-the-beaten-track travel.

Where to stay: BABA Ecolodge is nestled among 22 hectares of dreamy coastal forest – contact the hotel to help you arrange your boat trip to reach the property. 

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Best for: aspiring (and established) surfers

Average temperature in February: 18C/64F

Why go? Once a sleepy fishing village, Taghazout has morphed into one of Morocco’s prime surfing destinations. For a hit of much-needed warmth, plus a chance to try out catching some waves, we’d highly recommend it. It’s littered with higgledy-piggledy houses, row boats and surfing hostels, and while it isn’t the hottest destination on this list, it still brags mild and sunny days. No matter your ability, Taghazout Surfing School offers surf lessons and guides that can be tailored to you or your group, so be sure to check it out. 

Where to stay: Ocean views, rooftop yoga sessions and rooms packed with local art? Munga Guesthouse has got it all. 

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Best for: a proper off-grid getaway

Average temperature in February: 29C/84F

Why go? With verdant rainforests looped by powdery gold beaches and absolutely no cars, Brazil’s Ilha Grande (or ‘big island’) is nothing short of a heavenly place to slip away for a blissful mid-winter break. Its disconnected ethos (there’s not only no traffic, but also very patchy mobile reception) means you’ll have nothing better to do than throw yourself into exploring the nature: your top snorkelling spots are famously at the Green and Blue Lagoons, but make sure to pack your hiking boots and tread the trails (many of which start from the end of Abraão beach). 

Where to stay: Right at the northern tip of the island is Paradíso Azul Retiro, a gleaming beachfront hotel tucked under the shadow of palm trees. 

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Best for: total nature immersion

Average temperature in February: 16C/61F

Why go? Travellers have cottoned on to the rich breadth of nature, views, sun and top-tier hiking that Madeira has to offer. But in the shadow of much-visited spots like Funchal and Ponta do Sol lies São Vicente, a lush green valley with a long black sand beach on the island’s northern coast. Use this as a base for exploring Madeira Natural Park, the rugged stretch of Madeira’s northern coast and enjoying the hiking-friendly mid-teen temperatures to thaw the winter blues. Note: hiring a car is pretty much essential.

Where to stay: Solar da Bica, tucked away in São Vicente valley, is more simple comfort than high-end luxury, but it does boast a lovely indoor pool, sauna and those stonking Madeira views you’ve been dreaming of. 

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