Portsmouth holidaymakers can swap the winter chill for 20°C sunshine just four hours from the UK

With darker evenings, chilly mornings and the familiar winter winds sweeping across the South Coast, many people in Portsmouth will already be dreaming of swapping their coats for sunglasses and a little sunshine.

And whether you're planning a few days away from the city or a longer escape from the British winter, finding warmer weather doesn't necessarily mean travelling halfway around the world.

New research from travel specialists eShores reveals that holidaymakers can enjoy temperatures of around 20°C just four hours from some UK airports, while those seeking serious tropical heat can head further afield for temperatures exceeding 30°C.

The research compares popular holiday destinations according to their average winter temperatures, helping Portsmouth and Hampshire residents decide where to travel based on how hot they like it.

For those looking to jet off from the South Coast, Southampton Airport is one option to investigate, while Gatwick and Heathrow offer additional departure possibilities for a wider range of destinations.

Madeira and the Canary Islands: Around 20°C

For Portsmouth residents keen to escape the winter chill without spending hours on a plane, Madeira could be an appealing choice.

The Portuguese island enjoys average winter temperatures of around 18–20°C, providing a welcome change from the cold winds and grey skies back home.

With beautiful coastal scenery, colourful villages, restaurants and walking trails, Madeira is particularly suited to travellers who enjoy sightseeing and exploring.

Flights from some UK airports take approximately four hours, making it an option for a shorter winter break, although the total journey will depend on the departure airport and connections.

The Canary Islands are another popular choice, offering average winter temperatures of around 20–22°C and UK flight times of approximately four and a half hours.

Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura offer beaches, restaurants, family attractions and scenic landscapes, making them suitable for couples, families and groups of friends.

For Portsmouth holidaymakers used to brisk walks along Southsea seafront during winter, the prospect of enjoying outdoor lunches and warm sunshine could be particularly tempting.

Cyprus is another possibility for those who prefer milder temperatures, averaging around 17°C during winter, with flights taking approximately five hours from the UK.

Dubai, Cape Verde and Egypt: Around 25°C

Anyone looking for weather warm enough to spend their days by the pool or on the beach may prefer destinations offering temperatures in the mid-twenties.

Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa, enjoys average winter temperatures of around 20–25°C.

With sandy beaches, coastal resorts and a relaxed atmosphere, it offers an opportunity to enjoy some winter warmth, approximately six hours from the UK by air.

Dubai is another option, with temperatures of around 23–25°C during the cooler months.

The city combines beaches with restaurants, shopping, family attractions and sightseeing, while UK flight times are approximately seven hours.

Egypt is also worth considering, with temperatures ranging from around 20–27°C depending on the region and time of year.

Its Red Sea resorts offer opportunities for snorkelling, diving and relaxation, as well as access to some of the country's historic attractions.

Barbados and St Lucia: Around 30°C

For Portsmouth holidaymakers wanting a more substantial escape from the British winter, the Caribbean offers much warmer temperatures.

Barbados can reach around 30°C during the winter months, while St Lucia typically experiences temperatures of 24–29°C.

Both destinations are known for their sandy beaches, tropical scenery and warm seas, making them attractive for those wanting to spend more time outdoors.

With approximate flight times of nine hours from the UK, they are better suited to longer holidays than quick weekend breaks.

Thailand, the Maldives and Brazil: Above 30°C

For anyone who believes a proper winter escape should involve serious heat, several long-haul destinations can offer temperatures above 30°C.

The Maldives averages around 31°C, making it an appealing option for travellers hoping for a relaxing beach holiday.

Thailand can reach around 32°C during the British winter, depending on the region, and offers everything from tropical beaches and island escapes to temples, markets and bustling cities.

Brazil can experience temperatures as high as 37°C in some regions, although the country's climate varies considerably depending on location and season.

Flights from the UK typically take around ten hours to the Maldives, 11–12 hours to Thailand and a similar length of time to parts of Brazil, with connecting journeys potentially taking longer.

Expert advice on finding the perfect winter getaway

Gavin Lapidus, company director at eShores, says choosing the right destination should be about more than simply finding the highest temperatures.

"Winter sun is not just about escaping the cold; it's about finding the destination that's right for the type of holiday you want. Some travellers are looking for a few days of sunshine close to home, while others want the consistently hot temperatures, stunning beaches and unique experiences that come with travelling further afield.

"What is great is that there are fantastic options at every temperature point, whether that's a long weekend in Madeira, a week in Dubai or a two-week tropical escape in Thailand. The key is matching your ideal climate to the kind of holiday experience you're looking for."

For Portsmouth residents planning to escape the colder months, comparing flights from Southampton, Gatwick and Heathrow could help identify the most convenient routes.

Gatwick and Heathrow offer a wider range of international connections, while Southampton may be convenient for certain European journeys.

However, travellers should check the availability of direct flights, the overall journey time and the average temperatures for their chosen destination before booking.

The flight times in the eShores research are approximate figures from UK airports rather than confirmed direct services from Portsmouth's nearest airports.

For more information about winter sun holidays, visit www.eshores.co.uk.