Summary: Research by eSIM provider Holafly shows Bradford ranks 10th in the UK for winter sun-related searches, with 1,286 searches per 100,000 people — almost 5,000 searches during the winter season.

Bradford winter sun searches show the city is among the UK towns most eager to escape cold weather for warmer destinations. New analysis of Google search trends covering the last three winters finds Bradford in tenth place, registering 1,286 winter sun-related searches per 100,000 residents — amounting to nearly 5,000 searches over the winter period.

How Bradford compares across the UK

Although smaller than many major urban centres, Bradford’s per-capita interest in winter sun indicates a strong local appetite for warmer short breaks during the colder months. The research highlights that residents there are actively searching for ways to trade chilly weather for sunshine.

Other UK cities also show high levels of sun-seeking search activity. Edinburgh and Coventry rank particularly strongly on a per-capita basis, demonstrating that both large and mid-sized cities are looking abroad for winter warmth.

  • Bradford: 1,286 winter sun-related searches per 100,000 people (~5,000 searches)
  • Edinburgh: 1,931 searches per 100,000 people; the city records 258 hours of winter sunshine
  • Coventry: 1,641 searches per 100,000 people (high per-capita rate despite smaller population)

Source and methodology

The study was conducted by Holafly, an international eSIM provider, which examined Google search trends over the past three winters. Analysts focused on common search queries such as "beach holidays," "where is hot in February," and "winter sun destinations" to measure local demand for warmer breaks.

What this means for the travel industry

Growing winter sun interest could reshape demand patterns for airlines, tour operators and accommodation providers. Destinations that reliably offer winter sunshine may see increased marketing attention and booking activity from UK travellers, while local providers in colder UK cities could promote off-season packages and wellbeing breaks.

Popular winter choices remain Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands, but the study also points to interest in alternatives such as Malta, Morocco and Egypt — destinations that can provide reliable warmth and potentially lower competition during winter months.

Travel search on mobile showing winter sun destinations from the UK including Spain and Morocco
Local interest in winter sun is reflected in increased online searches for warmer destinations during the colder months

Tips for travellers planning winter sun breaks

  • Book early: Secure flights and accommodation ahead of peak demand to avoid last-minute price rises.
  • Consider alternative sunny destinations: Look beyond the usual spots to find better value and fewer crowds.
  • Be flexible with dates: Midweek travel and non-peak dates can offer lower fares.
  • Choose culturally rich accommodation: Opt for places that provide local experiences in addition to sun and sea.
  • Budget for additional charges: Factor in potential local levies or visitor fees in your total cost.

Why this matters (So what?)

The data signals a clear shift in UK traveller behaviour: many residents are actively searching for winter sun escapes. For travellers, this trend means increased options but also potential competition for flights and rooms. For industry stakeholders, the pattern points to opportunities to tailor winter offerings, promote emerging sunny destinations and manage capacity to meet growing off-season demand.

Planning ahead and considering less obvious sunny destinations can help travellers secure better value and experience fewer crowds, while travel businesses should monitor search trends to align marketing and capacity decisions with evolving consumer preferences.