Where to Skydive in Winter 2026–27: 9 Sunny Destinations

Where to skydive in winter? Wherever the sun shines, the sky stays clear and the aircraft fly every day: Morocco, southern Spain, Portugal's Algarve, the Canary Islands, Dubai, Arizona, Florida and the southern hemisphere. While northern Europe waits for spring, these 9 destinations give you freefall in the middle of winter. This 2026–27 guide compares them month by month, from December to April, with sourced figures for temperature, rainy days, daylight, opening periods, altitude and published prices.

The short answer. Yes, and winter is actually a glorious season to skydive, as soon as you head south! In Beni Mellal, Morocco, PACMA jumps every day from 5 December 2026 to 4 April 2027: exit at around 4,000 m, about 50 seconds of freefall facing the snow-capped Atlas, afternoons of 18–20 °C and a tandem for €250. Seville, the Algarve, the Canaries and Dubai also fly through the winter.

Can you skydive in winter? Yes, and the sky is often clearer

Yes, with a real bonus: the view. A winter skydive follows the same safety rules, uses the same equipment and runs the same way as a jump in July. Three things change: the air is fresher at altitude, the days are shorter and, in northern Europe, cloud and wind are more frequent. Further south, cool, dry winter air often gives superb visibility: on a clear day the horizon stretches for miles and the snowy peaks stand out sharply beneath your canopy.

Cold at altitude: real, but brief

In the standard atmosphere, air cools by about 6.5 °C for every 1,000 m. The Beni Mellal airfield sits at around 470 m, so at 4,000 m it is roughly 23 °C colder than on the ground. On an 18 °C January afternoon, expect around −5 °C at the aircraft door, and it feels sharper at 200 km/h.

The good news: freefall only lasts about 50 seconds, and the canopy ride takes you down through steadily warmer air. With two thin layers under the jumpsuit we provide, you're all set, and the adrenaline does the rest. Our altitude temperature calculator works it out for any ground temperature, and our guide on what to wear skydiving, even in winter covers the outfit.

Shorter days, but longer than in London

A jump plane only flies in daylight, with a margin for the last landing. Less daylight means fewer lifts, so slots fill up faster. A pleasant surprise for Europeans: on the shortest day, Beni Mellal enjoys over two hours more daylight than London, and the days lengthen quickly from January.

Times calculated with the NOAA solar algorithm, to within a few minutes, in Morocco's usual legal time (GMT+1). During Ramadan (roughly 8 February to 9 March 2027, estimated dates), Morocco usually switches to GMT: take one hour off the times shown. For comparison, on 21 December the day lasts about 8 h 15 min in Paris and 7 h 50 min in London.

For you, that boils down to two simple tips: arrive at the time you are given and, if you have the choice, book a morning slot. That way you get the longest possible day by the runway.

Cloud and wind: the real decision-makers

It is not the cold that stops a skydive, it is cloud and wind. You need to see the ground to be dropped in the right place, and the wind has to stay within the limits set for students and tandems. Northern European winters stack up low cloud, rain and storms: London averages 11.5 rainy days in January, against 5 in Beni Mellal. To see how a chief instructor decides whether to fly, read our guide to skydiving weather conditions.

Why most northern European dropzones close from November to March

Because the sky won't cooperate. According to NOAA's 1991–2020 normals, London Heathrow gets around 55 hours of sunshine in December and 61 in January, with 11 to 12 rainy days a month; Paris, 56 to 59 hours. Few jumpable days means few customers, so many centres scale back or close.

Several factors add up:

• Weather: low cloud, rain and wind make jumpable days rare and unpredictable.
• Aircraft economics: a jump plane is expensive to fly. With few customers and plenty of cancelled days, it makes more sense to send it for maintenance or put it to work elsewhere.
• Staff: many instructors and pilots head off themselves to work where the weather is good.

That is exactly what makes our season so strong: our partner Vertical T'Air, a skydiving centre in Arcachon, France, brings its Pilatus aircraft and part of its team to Beni Mellal for the winter, and many French skydivers and instructors spend the season in Morocco. The result: a lively dropzone, experienced teams and a summer atmosphere in the middle of January. Already licensed? Our guide to winter dropzones when your home DZ is closed compares budgets. Want to learn to jump solo? See how to do an AFF skydiving course abroad this winter.

6 things that make a good winter skydiving destination

Before comparing countries, here is the checklist our instructors use when advising a traveller. Six simple criteria, and you can choose your destination with confidence.

Two points from experience. Altitude really does change freefall time: a tandem from 3,000 m gives about 30 seconds, from 4,000 m about 50 seconds. And the headline price doesn't tell the whole story: check whether video is included, whether there is a weekend or weight surcharge, and how much it costs to get to the dropzone.

The 9 winter sun destinations, compared

The prices below are published prices checked on the centres' official websites on 18 October 2026; they may change. Climate data are the official 1991–2020 normals (WMO, published by NOAA, and IPMA for Faro).

1. Morocco: 4,000 m facing the Atlas, for €250

Morocco brings together everything you want from a winter skydive: sunshine, a friendly price and a spectacular backdrop, with the snow-capped peaks of the Middle Atlas below your canopy. In Beni Mellal, the average January high is 18 °C and there are around 5 rainy days a month. PACMA jumps there every day, from the first weekend of December to the first weekend of April. Full details in our Morocco section below.

2. Southern Spain: Seville

Andalusia draws plenty of skydivers in winter. Skydive Spain, near Seville, lists a tandem at €285 from 4,600 m. Seville averages around 202 hours of sunshine in January, with 16 °C in the afternoon and 6 rainy days. Mornings are chilly, afternoons pleasant.

3. Costa Brava: Empuriabrava

Skydive Empuriabrava offers its tandem from 13,500 ft (about 4,100 m) from €299, plus an "early bird" winter deal from November to March at €239 from 9,000 ft (minimum 3 people, 9 am, Wednesday to Friday). Winter there is noticeably cooler than in Andalusia: 14 °C in the afternoon in January at Girona, with nights close to 0 °C.

4. Portugal: the Algarve

Skydive Algarve, in Portimão, lists a tandem at €219 from 15,000 ft (about 4,600 m). In Faro, IPMA records a January afternoon average of 16 °C. The coastline is stunning, but December is the wettest month of the year: 90 mm and 7 rainy days on average.

5. Canary Islands: ocean mildness

The Canaries are the mildest European destination in this comparison in January: 21 °C in the afternoon and 16 °C at night at Gran Canaria airport, with barely 3 rainy days and around 192 hours of sunshine. Tandem skydiving is offered in the south of Gran Canaria, near Maspalomas: check prices, weight limits and the calendar on the centre's website when you book. The scenery is coastal, with no snowy peaks.

6. United Arab Emirates: Dubai

Dubai is the warmest destination on the list: 24 °C in the afternoon in January and around 253 hours of sunshine. Skydive Dubai runs two sites. Over the Palm, a tandem costs AED 2,199 without footage and AED 2,749 with video and photos; at the Desert Campus, AED 1,899 and AED 2,199. The centre says you can typically book one to three months ahead. We have a full comparison of the two: Skydive Dubai or Morocco.

7. United States: Arizona

In the Sonoran Desert, Skydive Arizona in Eloy lists winter hours of 7 days a week, 7:45 am to 5 pm (or sunset), weather permitting. In Phoenix, the average January high is 20 °C, with fewer than 3 rainy days. Tandem price: check the centre's website.

8. United States: Florida

Skydive Sebastian, on Florida's Atlantic coast, lists a tandem at $219 from 13,500 ft and opens 7 days a week in winter (closed Wednesdays and Thursdays only from 15 May to 31 October). In Orlando, it is 22 °C in the afternoon in January, with around 5 rainy days. From Europe, both Arizona and Florida mean a transatlantic flight and a 5 to 8-hour time difference: a great option if you're already holidaying there.

9. The southern hemisphere: summer on the other side of the world

In December it is summer in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina, and their dropzones are in full swing. The drawback is obvious: 15 to 24 hours of flying, a big time difference and a budget on a different scale from a skydive in Morocco or Spain.

At a glance

Rainy days: average number of days with at least 1 mm of rain, rounded.

Focus on Morocco: Beni Mellal, 4,000 m facing the Atlas

Picture it: the Pilatus door opens at 4,000 m, the Tadla plain spreads out below you and the snow-capped peaks of the Middle Atlas sparkle in the sun. That's an everyday scene in our winter season. PACMA, the Parachute Air Club du Maroc, was founded in 2000 by Karim Zaz and Omar Benizi and moved permanently to Beni Mellal airport in 2003. The dropzone overlooks the Tadla plain at the foot of the Middle Atlas: that's the view in the photo at the top of this page.

The jump in numbers.

The season. The club is open every day of the winter season, from 8:30 am to 6 pm. For 2026–27, it runs from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 4 April 2027. One Pilatus flies all season, with a second joining at busy times.

The team. You jump with confidence: PACMA is a club approved by the French Parachuting Federation (FFP), with qualified instructors, an automatic activation device on every parachute and weather decisions made by the chief instructor. Omar Benizi, president and chief instructor, has been jumping since 1975.

Prices. A tandem skydive costs €250 (2,500 MAD for Moroccan residents), and video and photos €100 (1,000 MAD). A licensed skydiver jumps from 4,000 m for €27 (290 MAD): everything is on our page for licensed skydivers.

Requirements. No experience needed: just come as you are and your instructor takes care of everything. The tandem weight limit is 90 kg dressed. We ask for a medical certificate confirming you are fit to jump; if you don't have one, you can see the club doctor on site (200 MAD). The minimum age and all conditions are on our tandem skydive page.

On site. A lunch buffet is served under the Moroccan caidal tent by the runway (70 MAD). Friends and family are very welcome: they soak up the sun and watch you land, camera in hand.

Our instructors' tip. The best light on the Atlas often comes late in the afternoon, when the snow on the peaks turns golden. But morning slots leave more room to reschedule if the weather plays up: if you're only coming for the day, book the morning.

Month by month, December to April: where it's sunny, where it's open

From December to April, there is always a sky to jump in. December and January are the safest months in Morocco, the Canaries and Dubai. February and March make Spain and Portugal more reliable. April brings the restart in Europe and the end of the PACMA season on 4 April 2027. The two tables below give the official 1991–2020 normals for each month, with London as a point of comparison.

Average afternoon highs

Rainy days per month (at least 1 mm)

Sources: WMO 1991–2020 normals published by NOAA (Beni Mellal, Marrakech, Seville, Gran Canaria, Dubai and London Heathrow stations) and by IPMA (Faro). Beni Mellal's month-by-month normals are also on our Beni Mellal weather page.

Skydiving in December

December is the trickiest month in Europe: peak rainfall in Faro (7 days) and Seville (6.5 days), plus the shortest days. Morocco, the Canaries and Dubai are the safe bets. At PACMA, the season opens on Saturday 5 December 2026, with an average afternoon high of 19 °C in Beni Mellal: the perfect way to end the year in the sun, at 4,000 m. The Christmas holidays are the busiest period: book as soon as your dates are fixed.

Skydiving in January

January is the coldest month everywhere, but also one of the driest in Morocco: 3 rainy days in Marrakech, 5 in Beni Mellal. It's often when the Atlas has the most snow, so the view under canopy is at its most spectacular. Expect chilly mornings (around 3 °C at night in Beni Mellal) and afternoons of about 18 °C: a very good month for skydiving in January.

Skydiving in February

Winter softens, with 20 °C in the afternoon in Beni Mellal, and the days gain more than 30 minutes of light compared with December. Spain and Portugal become more reliable. In Morocco, Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February 2027 (estimated date, set by the sighting of the moon): bear it in mind for restaurant and shop opening hours in town. European half-term holidays fill the weekends quickly.

Skydiving in March

March is excellent across southern Europe and Morocco: 23 °C in the afternoon in Beni Mellal, already 12 hours of daylight by the end of the month, and still snow on the peaks. Dubai starts to heat up (29 °C). It's also a good month for licensed jumpers who want to rack up jumps before their home dropzone reopens.

Skydiving in April

April is spring, with 25 °C in the afternoon in Beni Mellal. European dropzones reopen gradually and the PACMA season ends in style on Sunday 4 April 2027, the last day of jumping (closed from the Monday). If you're aiming for the end of the season, book early: online booking is open until 4 April 2027.

Who's open, and when?

Every dropzone abroad sets its own calendar: always check its website before booking flights.

Which winter destination suits you?

For a first skydive on a sensible budget with mountain scenery, Morocco ticks every box: €250, 4,000 m, the snowy Atlas and a 2-hour drive from Casablanca. For the iconic city shot, Dubai. For maximum warmth without mountains, the Canaries. If you're already in the United States, Arizona or Florida. Find your profile below, and your winter skydive is already half booked.

Planning a proper skydiving trip? Our winter skydiving trips to Morocco page costs out three sample trips, line by line.

How to get to Beni Mellal this winter

Beni Mellal is a 2-hour drive from Casablanca airport and 2 hours 30 minutes from Marrakech, across the landscapes of the Tadla plain. The dropzone is on Beni Mellal airport itself. It isn't "just outside Marrakech": treat yourself to a day trip or, better still, a weekend at the foot of the Atlas.

Routes, car hire and where to stay nearby: it's all on our page on getting to Beni Mellal.

When to book and how to combine a skydive with a winter sun holiday

Book as soon as your travel dates are fixed for Christmas, New Year and February half term; a few days to two weeks is often enough for the rest of the winter. Schedule the jump early in your trip and travel with peace of mind: if the weather calls for it, PACMA moves your jump free of charge to another date in the season or gives you a credit note. You lose nothing.

When to book

• Christmas and New Year: the most sought-after slots of the season. Our ideas for the festive period are in our guide to New Year in Morocco.
• February half term: same logic, weekends go fast.
• Outside the holidays: a few days to a week or two ahead is often enough. Groups should plan earlier: group rates apply from 10 people and must be booked 6 days in advance.
• End of season: online booking is open until 4 April 2027.

Combining a skydive with a holiday: our three tips

1. Schedule the jump early in your stay. If the weather forces a delay, you'll still have days left to jump. It's the most useful tip in this guide.
2. No scuba diving the day before. Jumping after a dive exposes you to decompression sickness: Skydive Dubai, for example, won't refund a customer who has dived in the 24 hours before their jump. Leave at least that long.
3. Think about the journey. From Marrakech or Casablanca, a day in Beni Mellal means an early start. A night on site makes everything easier.

In Morocco, a skydive fits naturally with Marrakech, the desert or the snow in the Atlas: weather by region and sightseeing ideas are in our guide to Morocco in winter. And if it's for someone else, a skydiving gift voucher makes an unforgettable present: it is valid for the season, with the date printed on it.

Ready to swap grey skies for the Atlas? Pick your date and book your tandem skydive in Beni Mellal: €250, 50 seconds of freefall and memories for life. The season opens on 5 December 2026.