While much of the US braces for snow and gray skies, travelers are already booking their winter escape. New data reveals which destinations will be the hottest spots for sun-seekers in 2025/26.
According to new booking insights from Away Holidays, a UK-based luxury holiday booking site, destinations such as the Maldives, Morocco, Thailand and Dubai top the list of most-booked winter getaways for the upcoming season.
More People Are Searching for a Winter Escape
While summer is the prime time to travel for many, searches for winter getaways have doubled in the past year.
Travelers are increasingly seeking the sun abroad to avoid the dreaded winter blues. Gianni, Product Director at Away Holidays, explains, “January is becoming the new July… People are now prioritising experiences that offer sunshine, rest and a break from the winter slump.”
Top Winter Sun Getaways
The Maldives has emerged as the most popular winter sun destination on Away Holidays’ list. This small island country experiences slightly cooler temperatures and occasional showers in winter, and resorts often lower their prices. Yet average highs still reach 82°F (28°C) between December and March.
Morocco ranks second, offering pleasant winter sun, with an average of 68°F (20°C) in cities such as Marrakech and Agadir. Winter visitors can swap gray skies for souks, desert adventures, and seaside escapes all in one trip.
Thailand rounds out the top three on the list, a clear favorite among travelers. With temperatures of 80–86°F (27–30°C), the winter is a peak time to visit as it marks the end of rainy season. Beaches in Phuket and Koh Samui, Bangkok’s markets, and Chiang Mai’s cultural offerings draw millions of visitors.
Asia Appeals to the Masses
Aside from Thailand and the Maldives, Dubai and Malaysia round out the top five.
Dubai delivers guaranteed winter sunshine, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 70s (mid-20s °C) between November and February. Its mix of beach resorts, luxury shopping, fine dining, and attractions like the Burj Khalifa make it one of the most accessible and glamorous winter destinations.
Malaysia is also highly sought-after. The west coast, including Langkawi and Penang, enjoys warm and dry weather throughout winter. Travelers enjoy a blend of beach escapes, rainforest hikes, and rich cultural experiences.
Europe’s Mild Escapes
Southeastern European Greece and Turkey make their debut in the top seven, respectively, capturing the attention of sun-seeking travelers.
While Europe is not known for hot winters, Greece’s mild Mediterranean climate during the season is ideal for enjoying the quieter towns and islands without the summer crowds.
Turkey’s southern coasts may be a touch warmer and drier, with resorts such as Antalya seeing highs of 59–68°F (15–20°C) in winter. Comfortable temperatures make it a good season for sightseeing and cultural trips.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. With seven years of teaching experience and a background in educational content, she specialises in creating clear reference resources about countries, geography and global topics.