When the courses at home are frozen, waterlogged or closed, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands are only a few hours' flight away. A winter golf break in the sunshine is a chance to play on firm, dry fairways in shirt sleeves, sharpen your game before the new season and escape the grey for a week. Winter weather varies a lot between destinations, though: some are reliably warm, others mild with a chance of rain. Here is how the main winter-sun golf destinations compare.
Comparing the destinations
| Destination | Typical winter daytime temperature | Rain risk | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Islands | 20 to 23 °C | Low | Reliable warmth |
| Southern Spain | 15 to 19 °C | Moderate | Choice of courses |
| Algarve, Portugal | 15 to 18 °C | Moderate | Easy, varied golf trips |
| Cyprus | 16 to 19 °C | Moderate | Value and quiet courses |
| Turkey (Antalya coast) | 14 to 18 °C | Moderate to high in midwinter | All-inclusive golf resorts |
| Morocco | 18 to 22 °C | Low to moderate | Culture and golf |
| Tunisia | 15 to 18 °C | Moderate | Value |
| Egypt (Red Sea) | 22 to 25 °C | Very low | Guaranteed warmth |
Temperatures are typical December to February daytime highs; evenings are cooler.
The Canary Islands
The Spanish islands off the coast of north-west Africa enjoy spring-like weather all year. They are the warmest destination in Europe for winter golf.
- Tenerife has courses on the sunny south coast near Adeje and around the island, many with views of the volcano and the Atlantic.
- Gran Canaria offers golf in the south around Maspalomas and older courses near Las Palmas.
- Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have a smaller number of courses on volcanic, desert-like landscapes, and are often windy.
Good to know: the islands are breezy and the south coasts are drier and sunnier than the north. Some courses are hilly, so a buggy is useful.
Southern Spain and Portugal
Spain's Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz, and Portugal's Algarve, are Europe's most popular winter golf destinations, with dozens of courses within easy reach of each other. Winters are mild and mostly sunny, though a few days of rain are possible. Read our full guide to golf holidays in Spain and Portugal.
Good to know: this is peak season for northern European golfers, so tee times at the best-known courses can be expensive and hard to get.
Cyprus
The island has a handful of high-quality courses, mostly in the hills around Paphos, with views of the sea and mountains. It is less crowded than Spain or Portugal, with a relaxed pace and good food.
Good to know: winter can bring some rain, especially in December and January, and the higher courses can feel cool.
Turkey
The Antalya coast, and the resort town of Belek in particular, has a large concentration of championship-standard courses close to the airport, mostly attached to large all-inclusive hotels. Golf packages often represent good value.
Good to know: midwinter can be wet and cool. Late February to April, and October to November, are the best times.
Morocco
Morocco offers golf with a strong cultural flavour. Courses around Marrakech enjoy views of the Atlas Mountains, and the Atlantic coast around Agadir has milder, sunnier winters.
Good to know: desert mornings and evenings in Marrakech can be cold, so pack layers. Dress respectfully off the course.
Tunisia
Tunisia has a number of coastal courses near resort towns such as Hammamet, Port El Kantaoui, Monastir and on the island of Djerba. It is one of the best-value options.
Good to know: winters are mild but can be changeable; check course conditions before booking.
Egypt
The Red Sea resorts, such as Hurghada, El Gouna and Sharm El Sheikh, offer near-guaranteed winter sunshine and warm temperatures. Courses are few but often in dramatic desert and sea settings, and the trip can be combined with diving and snorkelling.
Good to know: it is a longer flight than the other destinations, and the desert climate means firm, fast conditions and strong sun.
Other options
- Madeira: a lush Atlantic island with clifftop courses and mild winters.
- Malta: a short-break option with limited golf but plenty of history.
- Southern Italy, Sicily and Crete: a handful of courses and mild, sometimes changeable winters.
For winter golf further afield, read golf in South Africa, golf in Mexico and the Caribbean and warm-weather golf destinations in the USA.
When to go
- November and early December: often still warm and good value, before peak prices.
- Late December to mid-January: the coolest and wettest time in the Mediterranean, and busy over the holidays. The Canary Islands and Egypt are the most reliable.
- February and March: longer days, rising temperatures and the peak of the golf season. Book early.
Practical tips
- Book tee times early. Winter is high season for golf in many of these destinations.
- Pack layers. Mornings can be cool, afternoons warm. A light waterproof is worth carrying; read our golf rain gear guide.
- Use the sun. Winter sun can still burn: wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Read our golf sunglasses guide.
- Shorter days. Sunset can be early in midwinter, so check the last tee time that allows you to finish.
- Handicap certificate. Many European courses require proof of a handicap. Read the World Handicap System explained.
- Clubs. Check your airline's rules, or hire clubs at the resort. Read travelling with golf clubs.
- Packages. Many resorts offer golf packages with discounted green fees and transfers. Read how to choose a golf resort.
Make the most of a winter trip
A winter golf break is the ideal time to work on your game before the new season. Book a lesson or two with the resort professional, spend time on the practice ground, and use firm, dry winter courses to practise your short game. Read golf schools and golf camps.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the warmest place in Europe to play golf in winter?
The Canary Islands are usually the warmest, with daytime temperatures around 20 to 23 °C. For guaranteed warmth further afield, consider the Red Sea coast of Egypt.
Is the Algarve good for winter golf?
Yes. Winters are mild and often sunny, with a wide choice of courses, though a few days of rain are possible.
When is the best month for winter golf in the Mediterranean?
February and March often offer the best balance of weather, daylight and course condition. November is good value.
Do I need a handicap certificate?
Many courses ask for one or for proof of club membership, and some have a maximum handicap. Carry your details.
Are all-inclusive golf packages good value?
Often, especially in Turkey and Egypt. Compare the green fees included, transfer costs and course choice with booking separately.
The bottom line
You do not need to wait for spring to play golf in the sunshine. For reliable warmth, head to the Canary Islands or Egypt; for choice, southern Spain and the Algarve; and for value, Cyprus, Turkey, Morocco or Tunisia. Travel in late winter for the best balance of weather and daylight, book early, pack layers, and use the trip to get your game ready for the new season. For more planning advice, read how to plan a golf trip.
For more winter options, read golf in Morocco and golf in Dubai and the Middle East.