Where to get some winter sun

If you're not quite ready to pack the flip flops away for another season, it's time to get on the internet and start searching for your winter sun destination. But what can you expect from different locations as the last dregs of summer are rudely interrupted by torrential rain and less-than-balmy breezes? Take a look below for your definitive winter sun weather guide, with suggestions courtesy of gransnetters themselves

Greece

Stick to the south and the islands for the best weather during September and October, where the sea is still warm enough to swim in. Rhodes, Santorini and Crete are good bets as temperatures tend to remain in the 20s throughout September and October.

Average temperature: Highs of 26°C in September and 21°C in October.

Average flight time: 3 1/2 hours

Average rainfall: 6 days per month

Gransnetters recommend: "If you can go in [early autumn] there are lots of bargains out there. I have just seen a week half board at a lovely hotel on a Greek island, £300 off." suzied 

"I love Greece in September and I'm planning to do my bit to help the Greek economy in late September. The weather is perfect, the sea is warm and the food suits me very nicely." Iam64

"Thassos for us next week. We went to Santorini last year which was absolutely stunning." katyk

Cyprus

Cyprus is a very popular winter sun destination, with most choosing to visit the Paphos side of the island. Temperatures tend to stay pretty high here, but don't rule out the odd spot of rain here and there.

Average temperatures: 24°C in September and 21°C in October, with averages of 18°C in November. 

Average flight time: 4 1/2 hours.

Average rainfall: 1 day in September rising to 3 days in October and 5 in November.

Gransnetters recommend: "We booked a last minute deal to Cyprus last year and had a lovely week for half price in a 5* hotel." suzied

"For what it's worth, I am in Cyprus right now and it's a sizzling 38 degrees..." Marmight

Menorca

Menorca's lovely hillside views and sandy beaches make it a great place for some autumn sun. Be prepared for a few showers though, as average rainfall per month is slightly higher than other featured destinations.

Average temperatures: 23°C in September, 20°C in October but falling to 15°C come November 

Flight time: 2 1/2 hours

Average rainfall: 10-13

Gransnetters recommend: "I think Menorca and Ibiza are still very pleasant at this time of year (I especially like Menorca)." Eloethan

Portugal

With its varied activities, soft sandy beaches and warm climate, Portugal remains a very popular destination with winter sun seekers.

Average temperatures: 23°C in September, 19°C in October and 16°C in November.

Flight time: 2 1/2 hours

Average rainfall: 5, 8 and 7 days in September, October and November respectively.

Gransnetters recommend: "Portugal is about as warm and as cheap as you can get this time of year. The Algarve is lovely, people are reserved but nice, and with the current Euro exchange rate accommodation and food should be reasonable." tigger

Madeira 

This island off Portugal is ever popular for its hiking trails, spectacular nature and gardens. And the weather is warm enough to enjoy it all without being stifling - perfect!

Average temperatures: 23°C, 21°C and 19°C are average temperatures for September, October and November respectively.

Flight time: 4 hours

Average rainfall: 9-12 days per month from September to November

Gransnetters recommend: "I can really recommend Funchal in Madeira. Stay there and explore the whole small island, or nearer to home, Nerja in Spain."

Tenerife

The largest of the canary islands, Tenerife's climate stays warm and sunny very late into the year, so it's the ideal place to get some winter sun that's a bit more predictable. Sun worshippers should stick to the south of the island for higher temperatures. 

Average temperatures: 23°C in September, 22°C in October and 20°C in November. Temperatures can still reach highs of 21°C in December though.

Flight time: 4 1/2 hours

Average rainfall: 1 day in September, 4 in October and 5 in November. 

Gransnetters recommend: "The Canary Islands - I've only been to Tenerife (Puerta de la Cruz - we had good weather and really liked it, but I believe it can be rainy in that area)." Eloethan

Do you have a failsafe winter sun destination? Let us know on the thread.

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Images: Shutterstock