Where's hot in December? The best holiday deals this winter including seven nights in Madeira from £399pp

MOST Brits have had little chance to escape the UK for a summer holiday this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late.

Travellers keen to chase the sun down south can hot-foot it to a wide selection of destinations that stay warm well into winter or are blessed with a tropical climate all year round.

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Closest to home, a big dose of vitamin D is virtually guaranteed in the Canary Islands, which have long been a winter sun favourite for Brits.

You can currently bag packages to Tenerife with TUI from £239pp this December, or from £583pp all inclusive if you fancy spending Christmas on the beach.

But this year, newcomer Cape Verde could steal its spot as the top winter sun destination with interest in the islands peaking since the last travel update.

Deals with TUI to the islands start from £599pp all inclusive for a week’s holiday this December.

While short-haul sun is limited in winter, there are some amazing options if you’re willing to go further afield.

After the year we’ve had, consider treating yourself to a trip to the idyllic Caribbean islands or Mexico’s Caribbean coast around Cancun, where the tropical sun keeps temperatures balmy all year round.

TUI has trips to Cancun from £799pp, while BA Holidays will whisk you away to Jamaica’s Montego Bay from £674pp.

Alternatively for affordable long-haul sun, fly east to Asia and settle on a stunning Thai beach.

Popular with beach-lovers, TUI has packages to the stunning Krabi province in the south of the country from £878pp in December.

Or for something abit different, consider jetting down to South Africa and basking in Cape Town’s natural glory, with deals this December from £623pp.

We’ve found six of the best hotspots that offer a great antidote to the winter blues:

  • Average temperature: 30.4C

Cancun has everything you could want for a dreamy family break.

The tourist mecca on Mexico’s Caribbean coast is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters and tasty Mexican food.

A lot of the resorts around the city's "hotel quarter" offer great all-inclusive deals and provide entertainment day and night.

Just two hours’ drive from Cancun, you’ll also find the ancient Mayan temple of Chichen Itza, or explore the stone ruins at Tulum overlooking the ocean to the south of Cancun.

  • TUI 7 nights all inclusive at Riu Yucatan, Mexico in December from £799pp

  • Average temperature: 29.5C

World-famous for its music and culture, Jamaica is also stunningly beautiful, with lush mountains and waterfalls providing a natural backdrop to its golden coves and strips of platinum sand.

If you want to laze on a beach, cocktail in hand, we suggest you head to Jamaica.

The average high on the island in December is 29C, and you’ll stay nice and warm in the evenings, which only cools to 22C.

  • BA Holidays 7 nights at Legends Beach Resort in December from £674pp

  • Average temperature: 22C

Canary Island Tenerife is a popular destination for sun seekers throughout the year – and December is no exception.

Just a four hour flight away from the UK, it's the ideal location if you're looking for winter sun closer to home.

In December, the average high temperature in Tenerife is a pleasant 22C, so don’t forget to pack your beach gear.

  • TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical 7 nights self catering in December from £239pp or all-inclusive from £412pp
  • Jet2 Holidays 7 nights self catering in December from £284pp

  • Average temperature: 19.8C

If you are on the lookout for something different this winter, the beautiful South African city of Cape Town offers a break that has everything, plus it’s still amazing value.

The temperature tends to hover around 20C degrees in December.

It's a great destination for couples, with everything from vineyards to natural beauty spots such as Table Mountain to enjoy and explore.

  • Expedia has holiday packages to South Africa from £623pp
  • BA Holidays has holidays to Cape Town this December from £1079pp

  • Average temperature: 26C

South of the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde shares the Canaries’ dry climate but it’s even hotter, with temperatures hovering in the mid-twenties throughout the UK winter months.

Only a six hour flight from the UK, the islands offer a happy medium between a short flight to the Canaries or a longer trip to the tropics.

Beach hotels abound on the two most popular islands of Sal and Boa Vista, with TUI offering all-inclusive packages this December.

  • TUI Hotel Riu Touareg 7 nights all-inclusive in December from £599pp

  • Average temperature: 29C

Brits in the know have been wintering in tropical Thailand for decades thanks to its amazing climate, stunning palm-tufted beaches and great-value accommodation.

Now the country has been green-lighted for travel this winter, holidaymakers can once again book trips to its range of beach destinations – from Krabi and Phuket to Ko Samui and Pattaya.

  • TUI has 7 nights in Krabi this December from £878pp
  • BA Holidays has packages to Thailand this December from £772pp

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