Sal in Cape Verde has taken first place in the Easyjet Winter Sun Index, beating the Canary Islands on temperature and sun. Jenny Southan reports

Sal in Cape Verde has been named the best destination for winter warmth in a new ranking from Easyjet, which compares popular short- and medium-haul escapes for travellers hoping to avoid the darkest months of the UK winter. The Easyjet Winter Sun Index places the Atlantic island ahead of familiar favourites including Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, thanks to its higher temperatures, strong sunshine levels and short time difference with the UK.

According to the index, Sal records average winter temperatures of between 24ºC and 25ºC from January to March, when the UK typically sees daytime highs of around 6ºC to 8ºC. The island also benefits from between eight and ten hours of sunshine a day and very low rainfall during the same period. With a flight time of around six hours from the UK and a time difference of just one hour, Easyjet describes Sal as offering Caribbean style conditions without the long journey or jetlag.

The Easyjet Winter Sun Index ranks destinations using a range of measures designed to reflect both climate and practicality. These include average winter temperatures, daily sunshine hours, rainfall levels, time difference with the UK, typical costs of food and drink and how easy it is to reach each destination from multiple UK airports. The analysis focuses on the core winter travel period between January and March.

Hurghada, on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, takes second place in the ranking. The resort area scores highly for winter sunshine, with between nine and ten hours of sun per day and typical temperatures ranging from 21ºC to 25ºC . Easyjet highlights Hurghada’s low costs, with a pint priced at under £2 and meals for two averaging around £26, alongside its clear waters and access to desert landscapes inland.

The Canary Islands remain firmly established as reliable winter sun options, with Gran Canaria and Lanzarote ranked third and fourth. Both islands offer winter temperatures of around 20ºC to 22ºC and are on the same time zone as the UK, making them easy choices for short breaks or longer stays. Gran Canaria is noted for its varied beaches and established resorts, while Lanzarote stands out for its volcanic scenery and darker sand beaches.

Agadir in Morocco follows in fifth place, offering winter temperatures of up to 23ºC and direct flights from the UK. Further down the list are Fuerteventura and Tenerife South, reinforcing the Canary Islands’ reputation as dependable winter destinations even if they no longer claim the top spot.

Beyond beach resorts, the Easyjet Winter Sun Index also highlights destinations that combine warmth with culture. Djerba, off the southern coast of Tunisia, ranks eighth, with winter highs of 16ºC to 18ºC . The island is known for its Mediterranean coastline, palm-lined beaches and traditional markets, appealing to travellers who want milder temperatures alongside sightseeing.

Seville places ninth and is identified as the warmest city in continental Europe during winter. With temperatures reaching up to 22ºC , the Andalusian capital offers an alternative to beach holidays, combining mild weather with historic architecture, plazas and a strong food and drink scene. Paphos in Cyprus completes the top ten, with winter temperatures of 17ºC to 19ºC and a two-hour time difference from the UK.

THE WINTER SUN HOTLIST

Alongside the rankings, Easyjet has pointed to the affordability of winter travel, with return flights to Sal starting from £93.49 and winter sun beach packages available from £320 per person. Package prices typically include flights, hotel accommodation, luggage and transfers.

Kevin Doyle, UK country manager at Easyjet, says: “As temperatures at home begin to drop and the days get darker, now is the perfect time to book an escape to warmer climes. Easyjet’s unrivalled network and package holidays offer a broad range of winter sun destinations across Europe and beyond that are easily accessible and affordable for those looking to chase the sun on a budget this winter.”

The airline says the index reflects growing demand for winter breaks that offer dependable sunshine without long haul travel. With Easyjet flying millions of passengers from the UK each year across Europe, North Africa and nearby island destinations, the ranking underlines how short haul routes continue to play a central role in winter travel plans.