Manchester Airport has done the hard work of planning your escape a little easier again, sharing a list of 10 places you can fly to for a bit of last-minute winter sun.
The airport has selected destinations that involve plenty of vitamin D, beaches, and warm seas, even at this time of year.
And the best bit is that return flights start from just £30 per person.
The list of 10 winter sun escapes from Manchester covers everything from classic holiday destinations like the Canary islands, as well as more far-flung adventures.
There’s even a brand-new route to Thailand on the cards.
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So here are 10 last-minute winter sun escapes from Manchester Airport to help you beat those January blues.
Tenerife
You can fly to Tenerife from just £30 from Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Fausto Garcia Menendez
It’s one of Britain’s favourite holiday destinations, thanks to its reliable sunshine year-round and family-friendly attractions like the gigantic Siam Park water park.
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In January and February, temperatures sit around the low- to mid-twenties, which feels practically roasting compared to the UK, and there’s not a lot of rain to worry about either.
Younger travellers might want to head to Playa de las Americas for the nightlife, but there’s bags of things to do for families and for those looking for a quieter winter holiday too.
Fly with Ryanair from only £30pp*.
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Fuerteventura
All the climate wins of Tenerife, but generally a little quieter, Fuerteventura is another great place to jet off to for some winter sun.
The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so if you love nature and outdoors adventures, you’ll love it here.
It’s a paradise for marine and desert habitats – and outstanding beaches to unwind on once you’re done exploring too.
Fly with Ryanair from only £32pp*.
Paphos
Paphos offers a winter sun escape from Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Datingjungle
Cyprus has a very Brit-friendly climate in the off-season, with temperatures in the high teens but with plenty of sunshine.
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It’s much quieter (and cheaper) now than it is in the heat of the summer months, but the slightly cooler weather makes it the perfect time to explore the island’s great outdoors and historic sites.
Visit the ruins of Ancient Paphos and the Tombs of the Kings, then refuel on souvlaki and seafood.
Fly with Ryanair from only £38pp*.
Agadir
This has become a hotspot for tourists visiting Morocco, thanks to its pleasant year-round climate, wide beach, and seafront strips of restaurants and cafes.
In January, temperatures reach about 22 degrees, but it gets a little warmer than that as we head into February and March – you might just manage a day on the beach.
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There’s also the Museum of Arts, which explores the surrounding region’s Berber heritage, and a visit to the Souk El Had market will let you practice your haggling skills.
Fly with Ryanair from only £49pp*.
Sal
Cape Verde is another firm favourite for winter sun from Manchester, with a similar climate to the Canary Islands (it’s just a little south of them).
Sal is an island that’s part of the African nation, but almost has a Caribbean vibe.
Expect colonial architecture, waterfront barbecues, and palm tree-lined beaches.
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Fly with easyJet from only £134pp*.
Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. Credit: Unsplash, Karine Avetisyan
Sharm el Sheikh is the most famous and popular resort of Egypt’s bustling Red Sea coastline, and January is a great month to visit.
There’s comfortable temperatures around the low- to mid-twenties, blazing winter sun, and clear skies (though it does get chilly in the evening, it’s nothing like the Manchester weather).
This place is paradise for scuba diving and snorkelling too, with incredible diverse reefs just off the shore.
Fly with easyJet from only £237pp*.
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Montego Bay
Montego Bay in Jamaica. Credit: Unsplash, ROMAIN TERPREAU
Now we’re getting serious about our winter sun suggestions, and getting a long way from Manchester.
Montego Bay is Jamaica’s most-loved beach resort, with year-round temperatures of around 30 degrees and a gorgeous Caribbean atmosphere.
It’s the dry season right now, which means you can make the most of those white sands, turquoise waters, and mouthwatering food.
Fly with TUI from only £363pp*.
Cancun
Previously tarnished as being a Spring Break destination for American students seeking a wild party, Cancun has developed a more family-orientated reputation in recent years.
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There are more than 60 miles of golden sands in the surrounding Riviera Maya, plus water parks, historic sites like Chichen Itza, and amazing natural landscapes.
As for the weather – temperatures in January and February are similar to what you’d find in the Mediterranean in the height of summer. Toasty.
Fly with TUI from only £433pp*.
Bangkok
You can fly direct to Bangkok from Manchester and access Southern Thailand for witner sun. Credit: Unsplash, Sumit Chinchane
This is a brand-new direct route for Manchester Airport, with flights whizzing passengers straight to Bangkok for some winter sun.
We’re now linked to the world’s most-visited city, which is a vibrant and busy hub with great food and cultural wonders.
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But it also acts as a gateway to the islands and beaches of Southern Thailand, including Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Koh Samui.
Fly with Norse from only £598pp*.
Dubai
Dubai offers winter sun from Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Christopher Moreno Stokoe
It’s a lot of people’s dream destination (and a lot of people’s worst nightmare), but you can’t deny the weather in Dubai is pretty tempting at this time of year.
The impressive high-rise city also has some amazing white-sand beaches, and temperatures in the mid-twenties in January and February.
You can also escape into the nearby desert for a day in a 4×4 safari.
An iconic vintage train is set to pass through Greater Manchester this summer
Danny Jones
Calling all railway enthusiasts: another historic vintage locomotive is set to visit two Greater Manchester train stations this summer.
Whether you’re a passionate trainspotter or just a nearby resident curious to see what all the fuss is about, the cult favourite retro carriages will pass through the pair of Manc boroughs and surrounding areas early next month.
Despite an adjustment in the initial plans, locals will still be able to witness and board the train at multiple stops along the way in the Stockport (Reddish South station) and Rochdale areas.
So, if you consider yourself a bit of a ‘Francis Bourgeois’ figure, or a general public transport connoisseur, pay attention.
Designed by Sir Kenneth Granger and officially launched back in 1976, the fleet was named as such after the top speed of 125mph – simple as that.
Once again, it’s worth noting that the originally proposed route and stops have now been changed due to issues with Network Rail.
As a result of there currently being no standing approval to use the connection from Paignton to Bury on the East Lancs Railway line, they have been forced to change the start and terminus points.
Writing on the dedicated 125Group website, they say: “We are reviewing our options to start as close as possible to the advertised departure point, and it seems likely that Rochdale will become the start and finish point, with all other previous pick-ups retained.
“For those in the far south west, we are looking to see whether we can offer an Exeter to Paignton return – subject to availability of space. We will add this to the booking site shortly, although we may have to limit numbers sold until we are more certain of booking levels to Bristol and Exeter.”
Two 125s, including ‘The Mancunian Princess’, travelled through the SK region earlier this year.
They have reassured that the journey will still be going ahead and have simply advised those hoping to catch it to keep their eyes peeled on the website and their socials for the latest updates.
Kids’ tickets start from just a tenner, and standard passes for the full tour cost £99, with first-class the class option priced at £149 (there’s also a table for two supplement available for £50).
You can see the full map, find out more information, and grab your seats right HERE.
Bet the internet signal on this relic isn’t far off the current standard either, to be fair…
Andy Burnham extends Greater Manchester’s £2 bus fare cap across England
Emily Sergeant
Single bus fares are to be capped at £2 across England from next year, it has been announced.
Andy Burnham famously introduced this money-saving measure on the Bee Network here in Greater Manchester back in September 2022 when he was Mayor of the city region, and it’s proved to be a big success ever since, so it comes as no surprise that this would be something he would look to extend nationwide once he became Prime Minister.
It’s only his second full day in office, but in a bid to further help with the cost of living and give people the breathing space they need, Andy Burnham has now announced that millions of passengers nationwide will benefit from cheaper bus fares in 2027.
Backed by £400 million extra funding, the cap on fares will help millions of people across the country access affordable bus travel more easily.
The Government says this measure is aiming to ‘break down barriers to travel’.
For too long, people have said that cheaper transport isn't an option.
I don't accept that.
l've done it before and now I'm doing it again: a £2 cap on bus fares for millions across the country.
Currently, fares have been capped at £3 until the end of March 2027, but today’s move will stop prices jumping next spring and lower fares to £2 from January, as well as extending the cap until the end of 2027 to give local authorities more time to plan with confidence.
The bus fare cap comes alongside the first rail fare freeze in 30 years announced earlier this year, saving passengers £600 million, and commuters on some routes saving more than £300 a year.
Andy Burnham is extending Greater Manchester’s £2 bus fare cap across England / Credit: TfGM
“Good, affordable transport links are an essential,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“But for too long people have said that cheaper transport isn’t an option. I don’t accept that. I’ve done it before and I will do it again now – a £2 cap on bus fares for millions across the country.
“Lower fares will help people get to where they need to, giving them breathing space to help with the cost of living. As I said on my first day in office, I will build a country for everyone, everywhere. That means more connected communities, better access to opportunities, and a lighter load on people’s lives.”
The Government will consult on ways to award extra planning powers to Mayors to give them the final say over decisions on public transport in their areas.
These greater powers will help make sure local leaders have the tools they need to meet the needs of local people, and the Government will be consulting on these measures to make sure that they are designed in the best interest of local communities.
Daisy Jackson -
24th January 2026 
