18 Best & Warmest Places in Europe in Winter for a Winter Sun Holiday
Escape the cold to one of the warmest places in Europe in winter for a much-needed dose of vitamin D.
There is no better feeling than warm sun and mild temperatures to break up the harsh winter days back home. Luckily, during the winter season, many European places welcome warm sunny days just calling for a visit.
Visiting Europe in winter is wonderful. During this season there are 1/4 of the tourists in summer, prices are lower, and the beauty is just as prominent. You can enjoy warm days full of culture and history that you cannot find anywhere else!
This post contains:
- The warmest place in Europe in December
- The warmest place in Europe in January
- The warmest places in Europe in February
Keep reading to discover a complete list of the warmest places in Europe in winter and get planning!
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In This Post
Overall Warmest Places in Europe in Winter
Short on time? The overall warmest places in Europe in winter are:
➡️ Tenerife, Canary Islands
➡️ Lanzarote, Canary Islands
➡️ Lagos, Portugal
➡️ Malaga, Spain
➡️ Paphos, Cyprus
Warmest Places in Europe in December
Below are the warmest and best places to visit in Europe in December. December is one of the warmest winter months in Europe and the best time to plan a winter getaway if you want to try and hit the warmest weather.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira, Portugal is one of the warmest places in Europe during December. With its subtropical climate, the island enjoys mild temperatures ranging from 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F).
The abundant sunshine and pleasant weather make it an ideal destination for those seeking warmth during the winter months.
Explore the beautiful landscapes of Madeira, from rugged coastlines to lush mountains, and indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking or water sports.
➡️ Read More: Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe
The island also embraces the festive season, with Christmas markets, illuminated streets, and a lively atmosphere. Escape the cold and enjoy a warm and sunny December getaway in Madeira.
| High | Low | Rain Fall Days | |
| December | 13°C | 7°C | 16 |
| January | 12°C | 6°C | 13 |
| February | 12°C | 6°C | 10 |
Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos is easily one of the best places to visit in Europe in December. It is located on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus as south as you can go in Europe.
This city is incredibly historic with its history dating back to Neolithic times. It is the perfect place to visit in winter to see famous ancient ruins of tombs, archeological sites, and more.
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 18°C | 10°C | 8 |
| January | 16°C | 8°C | 10 |
| February | 17°C | 8°C | 8 |
Gibraltar, UK
Gibraltar is an unexpected hidden gem located on the southern coast of Spain. It is one of the best places to visit in Europe in December for an exciting and very off-the-beaten-track winter sun holiday.
The most famous sight here is the Rock of Gibraltar which dominates the territory. But it is also home to a unique history and beautiful architecture.
Gibraltar is one of the warmest places in Europe in December and is also one of the warmest places in Europe in January and February. This makes it an ideal place to visit during all winter months.
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 17°C | 12°C | 7 |
| January | 16°C | 11°C | 6 |
| February | 17°C | 11°C | 7 |
São Miguel, Portugal
São Miguel is a beautiful island sitting almost in the middle of North America and Europe in the North Atlantic Sea.
It is part of the Portuguese Azores archipelago and is easily one of the best places to visit in Europe in December. São Miguel is a place of beauty with its lush flora, thriving marine life, volcanic landscapes and more.
You can also find various hot springs on the island offering a calming getaway after a stressful winter. This is not only one of the warmest places in Europe in winter but also one of the most beautiful.
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 15°C | 11°C | 13 |
| January | 14°C | 9°C | 12 |
| February | 14°C | 9°C | 10 |
Sicily, Italy
Sicily is a historic and beautiful Italian region located at the southern end of Italy. This is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and a top travel destination year-round.
During the winter season, you can expect mild temperatures, but smaller crowds making explorations much more enjoyable.
Expect breathtaking beaches, magical villages, and a plethora of ancient ruins and archaeological sites. All this combined makes it one of the best places to visit in Europe in December.
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 13°C | 7°C | 17 |
| January | 12°C | 5°C | 18 |
| February | 12°C | 5°C | 17 |
Antalya, Turkey
Antalya is a resort city located in Turkey. It is one of the best places to visit in Europe in December for warm weather, stunning views, and a unique holiday experience.
Situated along the world-famous Mediterranean Sea you can expect turquoise water and beautiful beaches.
Antalya is also one of the warmest places to visit in Europe in winter for all the winter months!
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 17°C | 6°C | 8 |
| January | 15°C | 5°C | 9 |
| February | 16°C | 6°C | 7 |
Lagos, Portugal
Lagos, Portugal is one of the warmest places in Europe in winter and a top winter holiday destination for Europeans and internationals alike.
Located in Portugal’s world-famous Algarve region, Lagos is one of the best and most beautiful cities to spend a winter holiday in.
With its unique orange-hued cliffs, small charming town, and endless beaches Lagos is one of the best places to visit in Europe in December (and year-round)
| High | Low | Rainfall days | |
| December | 19°C | 9°C | 14 |
| January | 16°C | 8°C | 14 |
| February | 16°C | 9°C | 14 |
Warmest Places in Europe in January
Discover the best places to visit in Europe in January. Below you will find the warmest place to visit in Europe in January for the perfect post-Christmas holiday.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is a Spanish island off the coast of West Africa. It is the largest of the world-famous Canary Islands and offers amazing temperatures year-round.
With highs of 20°C, you can put your winter hats away and enjoy some much-needed beach and sun time! This vibrant island is known for its beautiful beaches, resorts and many festivals!
Tenerife is actually the warmest place in Europe in January and if high temperatures and little rain are what you seek then this is perfect.
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 21°C | 16°C | 5 |
| January | 20°C | 15°C | 4 |
| February | 20°C | 15°C | 3 |
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Lanzarote is another island that is part of Spain’s Canary Islands and the warmest place in Europe in January.
With its year-round high temperatures and little rain, it is the perfect place to plan a winter sun holiday in Europe. A visit to Lanzarote will offer a more different and exciting holiday with its volcanic landscapes and unique terrain.
Head to Lanzarote in December, January or February as the temperatures for all these months are very warm and sometimes surpass the highs!
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 21°C | 14°C | 3 |
| January | 21°C | 13°C | 2 |
| February | 20°C | 13°C | 2 |
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands sitting in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Italy.
This is one of the best places to visit in Europe in winter to see and experience the raw beauty this island holds. With its limestone mountains, rocky shores, and bright blue waters Majorca is a paradise travel destination.
In the summer months, Majorca is packed with tourists. So much so, that exploring can get a little uncomfortable. However, in the winter you can see and experience everything without hundreds of others surrounding you.
Read More: Best Girls Trip Destinations in Europe
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 16°C | 8°C | 5 |
| January | 16°C | 7°C | 5 |
| February | 15°C | 7°C | 5 |
Valletta, Malta
Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is one of the warmest places in Europe during January. With average temperatures ranging from 12°C to 16°C (54°F to 61°F), it offers a mild and pleasant winter climate.
Enjoy the sunny days and approximately 6 hours of sunshine per day, perfect for exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Take leisurely walks along the scenic coastlines, soak up the stunning views, and immerse yourself in Valletta’s festive atmosphere with traditional events and celebrations.
Valletta provides a warm and inviting escape from the cold European winters, making it an ideal destination for January.
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 17°C | 11°C | 8 |
| January | 17°C | 9°C | 8 |
| February | 16°C | 8°C | 7 |
Malaga, Spain
Malaga is a charming and beautiful city located in the South of Spain. With Spain being the warmest place in Europe in January on the mainland of the continent it is a great option if you don’t want to travel too long and far to reach your destination.
Known for its beaches, old town, and mix of Moorish and Renaissance architecture, Malaga is a place you will not want to miss.
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 17°C | 9°C | 5 |
| January | 17°C | 8°C | 5 |
| February | 17°C | 8°C | 4 |
Warmest Places in Europe in February
Puglia, Italy
If you’re craving a winter escape that lets you enjoy some sunshine and mild temperatures, Puglia is where you need to be. Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, this southern region is one of the warmest places in Europe during February.
💡 INSIDER TIP: February is a great time to dive into local life. You’ll find fewer crowds at popular sites and can enjoy seasonal festivals and special winter dishes.
In a nutshell, if you’re looking to escape the winter chill of northern Europe, Puglia in February is a fantastic choice. With its mild weather, fewer tourists, and rich cultural offerings, it’s a destination that’s warm in both temperature and welcome.
| Month | Highs | Lows | Rainfall Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 14-16°C (57-61°F) | 6-8°C (43-46°F) | 9 |
| January | 13-15°C (55-59°F) | 5-7°C (41-45°F) | 10 |
| February | 14-16°C (57-61°F) | 6-8°C (43-46°F) | 8 |
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is an Italian island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the warmest places in Europe in winter and offers a wide range of things to do during this season.
In fact, most of the top things to do are best done during the colder season like hiking its many beautiful trails!
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 15°C | 6.6°C | 15 |
| January | 14°C | 5.5°C | 14 |
| February | 15°C | 5.8°C | 14 |
Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy is one of the warmest places in Europe during February. With average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F), the city enjoys a mild winter climate.
February offers approximately 6 hours of sunshine per day, providing an opportunity to explore Rome’s iconic landmarks and soak up its rich history.
Enjoy outdoor dining in the charming piazzas, experience the vibrant café culture, and witness the early signs of spring with blooming flowers throughout the city.
Rome in February provides a delightful combination of pleasant weather, cultural treasures, and an inviting atmosphere for a warm and memorable European getaway.
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 13°C | 5°C | 8 |
| January | 12°C | 4°C | 7 |
| February | 14°C | 4°C | 7 |
Seville, Spain
Seville is one of the very few cities on this list that are not seafront cities! Located inland, Seville is a beautiful city in Spain with plenty to do and see.
With temperatures reaching 18°C in February, Sevilla is easily one of the warmest places in Europe in winter and the ideal place to visit to escape the cold harsh winter days.
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 17°C | 8°C | 6 |
| January | 16°C | 6°C | 6 |
| February | 18°C | 7°C | 5 |
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is located in one of Europe’s most underrated countries: Montenegro. This Mediterranean gem is full of beauty and wonder and is easily one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
It is also one of the warmest places in Europe in winter with highs increasing to over 13°C in February!
| High | Low | Rainfall Days | |
| December | 13°C | 3°C | 14 |
| January | 12°C | 2°C | 10 |
| February | 13°C | 3°C | 9 |
Travel Insurance
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Your winter sun holiday waits!
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