AIBU to ask which countries you've been to in Dec/Jan that is warm but not long haul?

[VeepVeep]

Thinking ahead to going away over Xmas and New year. Wondered if anyone had gone anywhere warm and beautiful over this period? And not long haul...

Not beautiful, but no long haul either - you're guaranteed good weather in the Canaries. Or how about Madeira?

Do you know anything about geography?!

Mrspear I think your reply is alittle rude, however I see your point.
It’s a good start to ask what you want most, a short flight ?? Or s warm climate??
I’d rather spend money on a good location in the sun with the compromise of longer flight. That’s just me though. Can’t have it all.

I went to Morocco for Christmas this year. Mornings are on the cool side, but as soon as the sun's out it's high twenties. Canaries are also a good bet, just got back from a week there with temperatures 22-27. Both are about four hour flights away.

People seem to love the Canaries. Lanzarote was windy in Feb for us and I didn't love the resort. South Africa is gorgeous and loads to do. Its a longer flight but there is only an hour time difference so you dont get the jet lag.

Cape Verde is worth a look.

We've been to the Canaries several times in winter.

We've had Lanzarote hot and sunny every day except one in mid December. A good choice because there's lots to do that's not weather dependant or can be done in less than optimum weather - caves, volcano park, Cesar Manrique house, water sports. We've also been in February and weather was not so good, but obviously it's hit and miss between about November and March. For all Canary Islands the southern sides have more reliable weather.

We've also had hot and sunny weather in the first week in January in Tenerife, but less great but still pretty good weather in another January and April. It's good to be in Canaries (or Spain in general on the evening of the 5th January as that is the Three Kings Day, with an evening parade.

If you just want to sunbathe in a resort hotel, and are set against long haul, Cape Verde might have more reliable weather.

I'd also say the Canaries, always been warm whenever I've been there in the winter and flight isn't too long at all.

South of Spain. Frequently 20 degrees in January. Lots of sun.

Second south of Spain, I went in December two years ago and it was lovely and sunny during the day, around 15-20 degrees.

Agree with Morocco!

Define warm. Portugal and South of Spain can be mild at that time of year, maybe highs of 15/16 which can feel warm if it's sunny and sometimes goes higher than that in some places (Algarve, Seville, Malaga etc) high teens or even low twenties. But cool or even cold at night. No guarantees of sun and warmth of course as they get winter rainfall.

In Portugal both Lisbon and Porto have free street parties. Funchal has a huge fireworks display, but I think they had heavy rain on the most recent New Year's eve. I don't think Spanish cities like Seville or Malaga do anything organised, it's more of a time to spend with family and friends.

If that's not warm enough then Canary Islands is probably the best short haul option as there are lots of budget airlines who fly there.

If you go to the Norwegian weather website yr.no and type in a place it will give you the average high and low temps for Dec and Jan under statistics.

I've not been but cape Verde is I believe warm then and a 5 hour ish flight?

Dubai is around 7 hours not sure if that counts as long haul

India? Gambia?

@MrsPear - why on earth are you asking me such a rude question?

Thanks all. I've been to Lanzarote - loved it. Went for two weeks to Morocco about 10 years ago, and liked but didn't love it. Madeira and elsewhere in Canaries worth looking at. Love the idea of South of Spain, actually. Cape Verde sounds intriguing.

I'm not against long haul but we are going long haul this summer - for the first time since we've had kids. I'm only thinking of booking another holiday in Jan as it's a big birthday. We quite often go without even one trip.

I went to Tenerife over New Year. The weather was superb. Wouldn't say the place is beautiful but pretty much guaranteed great weather.

Nerja in southern Spain is a lovely place. Fly to Malaga.

I was in Tenerife a year ago and it was lovely. A little chillier then if it was August but lovely for wandering and relaxing.

Tenerife and Cape Verde though Cape Verde was very chilly in the evenings.

I've got a little note in my holiday folder "need suntan cream in Portugal even in February". And I'm a person who tends not to use suntan cream in the UK.

Having been to several of the canaries this time of year, although they are lovely outside of the resorts, you may be disappointed if seeking “proper” warmth. Yes the daily max temps may predict low twenties but this is the afternoon peak, whereas mornings, evenings and nights typically feel decidedly cool being well down into the teens. The sea, and most swimming pools, are also likely to feel cool. Yet the same time the sun is strong so you may get unexpectedly burned in your cardigan. Biogeographically, the tropical vegetation derives as much from the absence of any properly cold weather, as any meaningful heat.

My two favourite options are

1. Barbados - 7h flight, direct and only a 5h time difference for amazing weather.
2. South Africa - longer flight but just 1Hr time difference and great weather

I believe the sea can be very rough in Cape Verde. Also read that a lot of the the pools, although 'heated' are pretty cold.

Israel is warm in Dec/Jan, Eilat being the warmest part, Dead Sea is nice. Further north cooler and maybe rain (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem). Netanya isn't so hot at that time of year.

One thing you might get in December is sand storms but it is unlikely you would be in one really

Tunisia...Egypt.. Marekesh.. Any balaric islands.... Turkey isn't bad that time of year either

Last few years we’ve worked our way around the middle east (sort of long haul) so Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhani and Oman. We also did Korea (definitely long haul and cold) and Singapore (long haul and hot).