Best Places to Travel in Winter 2026–2027: Sun, Surf & Snow
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When the clocks change and the mornings turn dark across northern Europe, most of us start dreaming of somewhere else. Maybe it's a warm beach where you can surf in boardshorts in January, a yoga deck overlooking the Atlantic, a snowy village lit up for Christmas, or simply a cheap flight to sunshine that gets you out of the drizzle for a week. Winter 2026–2027 — roughly December 2026 to February 2027 — has a version of all of those.
The tricky part is choosing. The “best” winter destination genuinely depends on what you're after: reliable sunshine, snow and Christmas markets, world-class surf, a proper wellness reset, lively nightlife, or the lowest possible cost. This guide compares around a dozen destinations that consistently deliver in these months, with real weather figures, honest budget ranges, and practical advice so you can match a place to your trip rather than the other way round.
We run surf and yoga trips ourselves, so Morocco and Taghazout get plenty of attention here — but you'll also find tropical escapes, European short breaks, and a couple of snowy options for anyone who actually wants winter, just done well.
Quick comparison table
Approximate figures for December 2026–February 2027. Temperatures are typical daytime highs. Daily budgets are per person excluding flights, and cover accommodation, food, and local getting-around. Prices change with season, demand, and exchange rates, so treat these as planning estimates.
| Destination | Avg winter high | Best for | Approx daily budget | Flights from Europe | Best period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taghazout, Morocco | ~22°C | Surf & yoga | £35–80 | 3–4 hrs, direct to Agadir | Dec–Feb |
| Marrakech, Morocco | ~19°C | Culture & short breaks | £40–90 | 3–4 hrs, many direct | Dec–Feb |
| Tenerife, Canary Islands | ~19–22°C | Reliable winter sun | £50–100 | 4–4.5 hrs, direct | Dec–Feb |
| Madeira, Portugal | ~18°C | Hiking & couples | £50–100 | 3.5–4.5 hrs, direct | Dec–Feb |
| Algarve, Portugal | ~16°C | Mild, cheap, quiet | £45–90 | 2.5–3 hrs, direct | Dec–Feb |
| Cape Verde | ~25°C | Beach & warmth | £50–110 | 5–6 hrs, direct | Dec–Feb |
| Egypt (Red Sea) | ~22–24°C | Diving & value sun | £40–90 | 4.5–5.5 hrs, direct | Dec–Feb |
| Sri Lanka (south) | ~30°C | Surf, wildlife, wellness | £30–70 | ~11 hrs, 1 stop | Dec–Mar |
| Thailand | ~31–33°C | Nomads & long stays | £30–70 | ~11–12 hrs, 1 stop | Dec–Feb |
| Bali, Indonesia | ~30°C | Yoga & digital nomads | £30–70 | ~16–18 hrs, 1 stop | Dec–Feb (wet) |
| Costa Rica | ~31°C | Adventure & surf | £60–120 | ~11–13 hrs, 1 stop | Dec–Apr |
| Lapland, Finland | ~ −7°C | Snow & Christmas | £120–250 | 3.5–4 hrs, seasonal direct | Dec–Feb |
Detailed destination guides
1. Taghazout, Morocco — the winter surf-and-yoga capital
If there's one place that sums up what winter travel can be, it's Taghazout. This small fishing village north of Agadir has grown into one of Europe's favourite cold-season surf bases, and for good reason: the Atlantic keeps pumping through winter, the sun keeps shining, and a two-hour flight difference from the Canaries means you're in a completely different culture.
Typical weather (Dec–Feb): daytime highs around 22°C, dropping to roughly 9–12°C at night, with very little rain and around 39% sunny days in December. The water sits near 18°C, so a 3/2mm wetsuit is comfortable.
Best activities: surfing is the headline — Anchor Point, Panorama, and the beginner-friendly beach breaks at Tamraght and Imsouane are all within reach. Beyond the waves, expect sunrise yoga, hammam and spa afternoons, argan-oil cooperatives, and day trips to Paradise Valley or the Souss-Massa national park.
Best areas to stay: Taghazout village for the surf-camp scene, quieter Tamraght or Aourir for a mellower vibe, and Agadir if you want big-resort comforts and an airport ten minutes away.
Approx daily budget: £35–80 per person. Surf-and-yoga camp packages often bundle accommodation, breakfast, lessons, and board hire, which can work out better value than piecing it together.
Suggested duration: 7 nights is the classic surf-week; 10–14 nights if you're improving or working remotely.
Best for: surfers of every level, yoga travellers, solo travellers wanting an instant social scene, and couples after sun without a long-haul flight.
Advantages: short flight, low cost, consistent waves, a strong solo-friendly community, and genuine Moroccan culture nearby.
Disadvantages: chilly evenings, patchy hot water in cheaper guesthouses, and busy line-ups at the famous points on good swells.
Practical tip: book a grand taxi or a pre-arranged transfer from Agadir airport (roughly 45 minutes) rather than hunting for one on arrival, and agree the fare first.
Planning a surf week here? [Check surf camp availability]