When the cold, dark days of winter descend upon the UK, many Brits seek a sunny escape to recharge and find some warmth. And it seems they have their eyes set on some very specific destinations. The Canary Islands reign supreme as the top choice for winter sun this Christmas.
According to aviation experts, the Canary Islands are the clear winner for UK travellers seeking a sunny getaway between December 20th, 2025, and January 4th, 2026. With over 3,600 scheduled flights during this period, the Canaries leave other warm-weather destinations in the dust. This analysis, conducted by OAG, a leading aviation data provider, examines the flight schedules from UK airports to popular winter sun spots, ranking them by flight frequency over the festive season.
But here's where it gets interesting: the data reveals a strong preference for destinations that offer not just warm temperatures, but also well-established air connections from the UK. And the Canary Islands tick both these boxes, dominating the UK winter sun travel scene.
The Canaries' appeal is undeniable, with a staggering 3,685 scheduled flights from the UK during the holiday window. This is more than three times the volume to the second-placed destination, the United Arab Emirates, which sees 1,006 flights. Morocco comes in third with 952 flights, followed by Egypt on 796 and Cyprus with 348. Even long-haul favourites like Barbados (240 flights), Mexico (146 flights), and Cape Verde (138 flights) make the top 10, showcasing the diversity of choices for UK travellers.
When it comes to specific airports, Tenerife Sur takes the crown as the busiest winter sun hub within the Canary Islands. With 1,495 flights from UK airports during the study period, Tenerife Sur (TFS) stands out as the gateway to sunshine for many Brits. Lanzarote (ACE) follows closely with 1,003 flights, while Gran Canaria (LPA) and Fuerteventura (FUE) contribute 628 and 559 flights, respectively. These numbers highlight the deep-rooted popularity of the Canary Islands among British holidaymakers at Christmas.
On the UK side, Manchester Airport emerges as the leading departure point for sunshine breaks in the archipelago, with 523 flights to the Canary Islands over the festive season. London Gatwick, known for its role as a major leisure carrier base, comes in second with 461 flights. This concentration of flights offers travellers in northern England and the Midlands a wide array of options when planning their end-of-year escapes.
The analysis also sheds light on the continued allure of the Middle East and North Africa. Dubai International (DXB) remains the most popular long-haul choice, with 776 flights scheduled from the UK, making it the only non-European destination among the top winter sun airports. In North Africa, Marrakech (RAK) leads the way with 460 flights, followed by Hurghada (HRG) on 278, Sharm El-Sheikh (SSH) on 276, and Agadir (AGA) on 258. These figures suggest a preference for medium-haul journeys that strike a balance between flying time, cost, and warmer climates.
Funchal (FNC) in Madeira also makes a strong showing with 245 flights, indicating a steady interest in the Portuguese island's mild climate and stunning Atlantic scenery. While it receives fewer flights than the main Canary gateways, its inclusion in the top group highlights its appeal as a quieter, more tranquil alternative for those seeking a peaceful festive getaway.
So, where do British sun seekers flock to for their Christmas escapes? Here's a rundown of the top airports for winter sun:
- Tenerife Sur (TFS) - 1,495 flights
- Lanzarote (ACE) - 1,003 flights
- Dubai International (DXB) - 776 flights
- Gran Canaria (LPA) - 628 flights
- Fuerteventura (FUE) - 559 flights
- Marrakech (RAK) - 460 flights
- Hurghada (HRG) - 278 flights
- Sharm El-Sheikh (SSH) - 276 flights
- Agadir (AGA) - 258 flights
- Funchal (FNC) - 245 flights
For travellers planning their own winter sun adventures, these findings offer valuable insights into demand and availability. The high flight frequencies to the Canary Islands, Dubai, Morocco, and Egypt indicate strong competition and a wide range of options on routes that cater to various preferences, from beach holidays to family-friendly resorts. At the same time, destinations like Barbados, Mexico, and Cape Verde show that many UK travellers are also open to long-haul or emerging locations over Christmas.
As airlines adapt their schedules to meet seasonal demand, the pattern revealed by OAG's data suggests that the pursuit of December sunshine continues along well-trodden paths, even as new destinations gradually gain traction. For now, UK holidaymakers continue to seek warmth and sunshine in the south and west, with the Canary Islands firmly holding onto their title as Britain's favourite winter escape.
And this is the part most people miss: while the Canary Islands may be the top choice, the diversity of destinations on this list showcases the evolving nature of winter sun travel. So, what do you think? Are you surprised by these findings? Do you prefer the well-established paths or are you more inclined to explore emerging destinations? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion on winter sun travel!
