Warmest Places in Europe in Winter: Where It’s Actually Mild (By Month)

Looking for winter sun in Europe? These are the warmest destinations in December, January and February, based on my real travel experience (and climate data).

Europe is gorgeous year-round. But once winter arrives, most travellers assume it’s all grey skies, freezing temperatures and heavy coats.

That’s only half the story.

While much of continental Europe slips into cold, short days, there are still places where you can walk along the coast in a T-shirt, sit outside at a café in January, or even swim in the ocean on a lucky afternoon.

And the best part? You don’t need to fly halfway across the world.

If you’re not into skiing, snowstorms or wearing five layers just to go outside, there are genuinely warm places in Europe in winter — destinations with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and that slower, off-season charm that I personally love.

After road-tripping through Sicily in January, spending winter weeks in the Algarve, visiting Malta twice in the colder months, and exploring Tenerife when most of Europe was freezing, I’ve found the spots that actually deliver.

If you’re looking for the warmest places in Europe in winter, whether in December, January or February, these are the destinations that offer the best chance of sunshine and mild temperatures.

If you’re visiting Europe in winter, you might also want to read my guide on the best European cities to visit.

Before you go anywhere: if you’re planning a longer winter escape, I always sort out travel medical insurance first. I’ve recently started using SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance Essential plan, which covers me across multiple countries on one policy.

Here’s where to go in Europe for winter sun (and what “warm” really means).

If snow isn’t your thing, and all you want to do is spend winter in Europe but also enjoy the sun, here are my best recommendations.

Looking for spring warmth instead? Here are the warmest places in Europe in March.

Where to Go in Europe in Winter for Sun — My Top Picks

If I had to pick one: the Canary Islands for guaranteed warmth, Malta for culture without the crowds, and the Algarve if you want dramatic nature and road trip vibes.

• Warmest overall: Canary Islands
• Best mix of warmth + culture: Cyprus
• Best city + sun combo: Andalusia (Spain)
• Best for hiking: Tenerife / Madeira
• Most “real Europe” vibe: Sicily / Malta
• Best affordable winter escape: Algarve (Portugal)

What “Warm” Actually Means in Europe in Winter (Honest Answer)

Let’s first clarify what warm means in Europe during winter. 

I will not list any kind of tropical destinations, because Europe is located too high on the globe. Unfortunately, in continental Europe, you will not find any of the tropical latitudes. 

But (and here is the secret), Europe also has some overseas territories that are located in the subtropical Atlantic zone.

The big takeaway here is that you shouldn’t expect blazing hot beaches, because we don’t have that during winter in Europe, even in these warm destinations. 

These hidden gems (not so hidden anymore; Europeans have been spending winters there for the past 50 years) often offer spring-like climates, and on some days, beach days. 

Can You Have a Beach Holiday in Europe in Winter? (Real Talk)

Yes — but only in specific places, and only if you adjust your expectations. Here’s the honest answer.

In general, we’re talking about temperatures of around 20°C (68°F) and a mild climate. 

I’m referring to islands in Southern Europe, and more specifically, to the Canary Islands (Spain) or Madeira (Portugal). 

The Mediterranean regions have subtropical climates, and there are a few islands in the Mediterranean Sea worth visiting during winter. 

Overall, from my personal experience, these warmer places in Europe are perfect to visit during winter if you enjoy sightseeing, but you might also need a light jacket during evenings. 

And since we will be talking about islands (Europe has plenty of these holiday islands), each one is unique, with its own microclimate (sometimes several microclimates on the same island), so it’s important to set realistic expectations. 

If you’re truly lucky, you might get a beach-appropriate day even during winter in these locations, but most likely, it will be T-shirt weather, not really swimming weather. 

Safety during your Winter escape

One thing I never skip when planning a winter trip across multiple countries is travel medical insurance, and I’ve recently started using SafetyWing.

Their Nomad Insurance Essential plan covers 180+ countries, costs around $2/day, and you can even buy it after you’ve already left home, which is exactly what you need when hopping between warm winter destinations like the Canary Islands, Malta or southern Spain over a couple of weeks.

It also covers emergency medical costs and travel emergencies like lost luggage or delays, which matter more than you’d think until something actually goes wrong abroad.

If you’re planning a similar winter escape, see exactly what’s included with SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance Essential plan here.

Warmest Places in Europe in Winter: Temperature Comparison by Month

I will not try to fake it and say all these locations have a tropical vibe, where you instantly escape any trace of cold weather once you land there. 

Here are the statistics on average daylight temperature and rainy days for each month and location, so you know exactly what to expect. 

These averages are based on historical climate data. Actual weather varies by microclimate, especially on islands like Tenerife and Crete.

Note that all temperatures are in Celsius, because that’s how we measure temperature in Europe. 

For reference, 20°C =  (20°C × 9/5) + 32 = 68°F.

Warmest Places in Europe in December (Temperatures + Sunshine)

Warmest Places in Europe in January — Best Options When It’s Coldest

Warmest Places in Europe in February — Where Spring Starts Early

The Warmest Places in Europe in Winter (Full List With Details)

I know that some of these temperatures don’t look encouraging for some, but having been to these places makes me pretty confident about recommending them. 

I am not a person who seeks a tan whenever I see a beach. So if you’re like me, like the weather but are more into activities like nature and hiking, then you will love all these locations in Europe.

So if you are looking for warmer places in Europe during winter, you have several options. You may have heard about these places, so let’s dig right in. 

Canary Islands (Spain)

For many decades, the middle class of Western European countries have fled to the Canary Islands to enjoy a tropical breeze during the harsh European winter.

Can’t blame them. 

They loved it so much that over the years, each of the big islands in the Canarian archipelago has built its own international airport. 

Tenerife, the largest island of the archipelago, has 2 international airports, although you can easily drive around the entire island in about 3 hours or so, depending on the traffic.

I visited Tenerife in January, and this is the dream all Europeans are after. The feel of the warm summer breeze on your cheeks, while you sip on a beer by the pool that overlooks the ocean. 

Or you skip the pretentious resort and spend your days on the beach, swimming in the ocean. Yes, Tenerife (and the Canary Islands) is warm enough, even in January (the middle of the European winter). Or you can rent a car, go hiking, explore ruins, and so much more.  I’d rent a car to explore properly. I use DiscoverCars to compare prices.

The best part is that it takes less than 4 to 6 hours to get there from Europe (depending on your origin). 

Flying low-cost for under 6 hours to escape a European blizzard and land somewhere warm enough to swim? 

Yes, this place does exist in Europe, and it’s the Canary Islands. 

No wonder the Spaniards are so proud of their country. 

Oh, and I have to add that the food is so good and the culture is similar to other European places (it is Spain after all), making it the ultimate destination if you want a warm place in Europe in winter. 

I enjoyed my time in Tenerife so much that I completely understand why so many Germans and Britons choose to buy a holiday home and retire there. 

Things to do in Tenerife

• Hike in Teide National Park in a T-shirt
• Whale watching from Los Gigantes
• Swim in natural lava pools

If you’re considering Tenerife specifically, here’s my full Tenerife in January guide with details on weather, where to stay, and driving tips.

Madeira

Madeira is a small archipelago of two inhabited islands that belong to Portugal. The issue with Madeira is that it is a small island, and the airport is often regarded as one of the most difficult approaches in the world (you need to go see what I’m talking about). 

But if you don’t have a fear of flying, you will definitely enjoy the landing in Madeira.

As for the island of eternal spring, I think the name says it all. There are hiking trails that blow your mind and beautiful villages and beaches that will make you want to stay in Madeira forever. 

Winter in Madeira feels like a soft European spring. You won’t get tropical heat, but you will get mild temperatures, dramatic green landscapes and perfect hiking weather without the summer crowds.

And that’s exactly why Madeira shines during winter.

Things to do in Madeira

• Explore Funchal’s Old Town
• Go Whale & Dolphin Watching
• Climb to Pico do Arieiro (you’ll be above the clouds)
• Hike a levada trail (this is what Madeira is truly famous for)
• Drive the coastal roads and stop at viewpoints every 10 minutes

If you love nature, dramatic landscapes and active holidays, Madeira in winter is hard to beat.

It’s not a “lie by the pool” destination. It’s a “wake up early, chase views and breathe fresh Atlantic air” kind of place.

Check out my Madeira travel guide to see what I’m talking about.

Azores

Another Portuguese archipelago is the Azores. Some call it the “Hawaii of Europe”, and honestly, when you see photos of the volcanic lakes and dramatic green cliffs, you understand why.

The Azores have a more tropical, rainy vibe compared to the Canary Islands. It’s lush, wild and unpredictable. Think misty crater lakes, waterfalls, geothermal hot springs and dramatic Atlantic views.

Winter temperatures hover around 16–19°C during the day. That’s mild, but not beach weather. It can feel fresh, especially with wind and humidity. So if your goal is sunbathing in a swimsuit, this isn’t your winter escape.

But if you love moody landscapes, hiking in dramatic nature and fewer tourists, the Azores might actually be perfect.

I haven’t visited the Azores yet (it’s on my list), but based on climate data and traveller reports, winter there is better suited for active, nature-focused travel than for chasing guaranteed sunshine.

Things to do in the Azores:

• Visit Sete Cidades crater lakes
• Soak in geothermal hot springs (especially magical in cooler weather)
• Go whale watching
• Hike volcanic trails with ocean views
• Explore lava caves
• Drive around São Miguel island for constant viewpoint stops

The Azores are not the warmest winter destination in Europe (but they might be one of the most dramatic).

Southern Spain (Andalusia)

Spain has so much to offer that it’s almost unfair to limit it to one region. But if we’re talking about warm places in Europe in winter, Andalusia deserves a serious mention.

Being in the far south of the Iberian Peninsula makes a real difference during winter. Daytime temperatures often sit between 16–20°C, and on sunny days, it can genuinely feel warm.

But Andalusia isn’t just about the weather. It’s about atmosphere.

You walk through orange-tree-lined streets in Seville in February, and suddenly winter doesn’t feel like winter anymore. You sit outside for tapas at lunch. You drink coffee in the sun. You don’t rush inside because you’re cold.

And yes, parts of Andalusia face the Mediterranean (like Málaga, Marbella, Nerja or Almería), which helps keep winters milder compared to the Atlantic side.

I visited Seville in February and absolutely loved it. It felt alive, elegant and relaxed. All without the suffocating summer heat.

Things to do in Andalusia

• Visit the Alhambra in Granada
• Explore the Alcázar in Seville
• Wander the old town of Córdoba
• Walk along Málaga’s waterfront promenade
• Drive the white villages route (Pueblos Blancos)
• Eat tapas outdoors in January (yes, outdoors)

Algarve (Portugal)

On the other side of the Iberian Peninsula is Portugal, and its southernmost region, the Algarve, is one of the most visually dramatic coastlines in Europe.

Think golden limestone cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic. Hidden coves. Endless coastal walks. Light that looks like it belongs in a painting.

I spent a full month in the Algarve in February and March a few years ago, and I still think about going back every winter.

In summer, the Algarve is packed. It’s one of Europe’s classic beach destinations. But in winter? It’s a completely different place.

Most tourists are gone. Many houses are holiday homes sitting empty.

Entire beaches feel like they belong to you. You can walk for kilometres along the cliffs without seeing more than a few people.

Yes, the Atlantic water is cooler than the Mediterranean. But on sunny winter days, temperatures can easily reach 18–20°C.

I even tried bodyboarding there in February. I bought a wetsuit and stayed in the ocean for hours. And on calmer days, I swam without it. It wasn’t tropical — but it also wasn’t unbearable.

The Benagil Cave boat tour is worth booking in advance, even in winter.

Renting a car is essential here. Check DiscoverCars for the best prices. I wrote a guide about car renting in the Algarve. The magic of the Algarve is in moving between small towns and hidden beaches.

Things to do in the Algarve

• Walk the cliffs at Ponta da Piedade (Lagos)
• Explore Benagil Cave (by kayak or boat)
• Drive the coastline from Lagos to Sagres
• Visit the old town of Faro
• Watch sunset at Cabo de São Vicente (Europe’s southwestern tip)
• Try surfing or bodyboarding (with a wetsuit!)

Malta

Malta was my first island in the Mediterranean Sea, and I loved it so much after visiting Malta in January, that by March I was back, trying to get a job and move there. 

Unfortunately, a lot of foreigners do the same, so the jobs offered weren’t what I was looking for at that moment. But I understand why most people love Malta so much. 

It’s warm, you can wear a T-shirt in January (most days), and there are no crowds of people visiting during winter. A guided tour on your first day in Valletta genuinely saves hours.

To be completely honest, I’ve also met a few others who told me Malta wasn’t to their liking, but I put that down to the personal taste of people. Also, they haven’t visited during winter (as most people do).

And I would not recommend visiting Malta anytime else than during the European winter. It gets crowded, expensive, and it’s simply annoying to have too many people on such a small island. 

Things to do in Malta (in winter)

• Explore Valletta at your own pace (no cruise ship crowds)
• Walk the Three Cities and enjoy the quiet harbour views
• Visit Mdina, the “Silent City” (it truly feels silent in winter)
• Take a boat to Gozo and drive around the island
• Walk along the Dingli Cliffs at sunset
• Swim (if you dare) in St. Peter’s Pool or Għajn Tuffieħa
• Visit the Hypogeum or the Megalithic Temples
• Enjoy long lunches with wine and zero rush

Sicily (Italy)

Wow, what a place. As always, the place with the best food and most intriguing history is in Italy (although Sicily used to be its own thing). 

I loved my road trip in Sicily in January, and I think this would be my top recommendation if culture and history are what drive you the most. 

Weather-wise, January is tricky in Sicily. It can be warm, perfect for sunbathing. Or you can experience that very rare rainy week of the entire winter (I got the latter). 

But I loved it, I ate the best food. Explore places at my own pace and drive all around the island. 

Sicily is simply stunning, and if you’re into a road trip vibe, then I think it will be really hard to beat Sicily. 

Things to do in Sicily (in winter)

• Road trip around the island (Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse)
• Explore the Valley of the Temples without the summer heat
• Visit Mount Etna (yes, even in winter — sometimes with snow on top)
• Wander the streets of Palermo and eat everything in sight
• See the mosaics in Monreale Cathedral
• Walk around Ortigia in Syracuse at golden hour
• Visit Cefalù and enjoy a quiet beach stroll
• Eat cannoli. Then eat more cannoli.

Cyprus

Cyprus is like a smaller version of Sicily. It’s big enough to offer gorgeous coastal landscapes, but also mountain villages. It can rain a bit, but it can also shine a lot. 

I did a road trip in Cyprus in January and was able to see all the major cities (and a few coastal attractions and villages) in just a few days. 

Food was also out of this world, as it is all around the Mediterranean. 

Cyprus feels slightly more off-the-radar than Sicily or Malta, which makes it perfect if you want Mediterranean warmth without the heavy tourist feel.

Things to do in Cyprus

• Explore Paphos Archaeological Park (ancient mosaics + sea views)
• Drive through the Troodos Mountains villages
• Walk along the Limassol and Paphos seafront
• Visit Nicosia (the last divided capital in Europe)
• Swim or relax at Fig Tree Bay (if you get lucky with the weather)
• Visit the Tombs of the Kings
• Eat everything: halloumi, souvlaki, mezze, fresh fish

Crete (Greece)

Crete is another island in the Mediterranean that has stolen the hearts of Europeans for decades. Many buy (or even build) their dream holiday home here and then quietly retire to a slower, sunnier life.

And I get it.

Crete is big. Much bigger than Malta, for example. That means more variety — beaches, mountains, villages, cities, and long scenic drives.

The weather is great, and until November you can swim comfortably in the sea. During winter, you can still get lucky with sunny days and empty beaches that feel almost private.

There will always be some rainy days in Crete during winter, but you also have the Alkyonides Days in January (usually), which means you get around 7–10 days of unexpectedly warm, clear weather, sometimes even over 20°C.

Like any island, Crete has microclimates. If winter sun is your priority, choose the eastern or southern side for slightly drier and warmer conditions.

I think Crete is perfect for nature lovers and anyone who enjoys slow travel — long walks, local food, and taking your time.

Things to do in Crete

• Visit Balos Lagoon or Elafonissi Beach (even in winter, they’re stunning)
• Explore Chania Old Town
• Drive through the White Mountains (Lefka Ori)
• Hike Samaria Gorge (check seasonal access)
• Visit Knossos Palace near Heraklion
• Explore small villages in the south (like Loutro)
• Eat everything: dakos, fresh seafood, Cretan olive oil

Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Southern Europe

Europe is diverse and unique. 

I travel because I am a very curious person. I’m not just seeking a warm place for the winter. I want a region that offers culture, some historical context to discover, and the option to walk on a beach barefoot. 

I’m not into any winter sports, so my goal for the past few years has been to explore Europe and find those warm spots in Europe, while most of the continent is under snow. 

And as it turns out, there are options for warmer holidays in Europe during winter, if you don’t want to fly all across the world to the Southern Hemisphere. 

Of course, one of my favourite reasons to visit Europe during winter is the lack of crowds. 

Everyone thinks that Europe is cold and ugly during the winter months. And except for those Christmas enthusiasts and skiing addicts, the summer crowds have pretty much disappeared from most places. 

Don’t worry, it’s not empty anywhere, ever. Europeans travel all the time, even in winter. They know about these warmer spots. The Brits and Germans know how to escape the cold in Europe.

Another reason is that winter is the cheapest time to visit southern Europe (including accommodation).  

Of course, it skyrockets during the winter holidays (who doesn’t love Christmas? Or a new destination for New Year’s?). 

But right after that, everyone is broke and back at work. So you can enjoy these popular holiday spots in southern Europe without crowds. 

And I have to tell you my little secret. I intentionally avoid southern Europe during warmer seasons, because they get crazy expensive and crowded. 

To be honest, southern Europe is also extremely hot (like unbearably hot) during summer, and I don’t really get the appeal. 

In my opinion, as someone who always aims to travel to 20°C (68°F) destinations (chasing the forever spring vibe), there’s no other time to explore the south of Europe than during winter. 

The winter sun in Europe hits differently when you’ve just escaped a snow apocalypse back home.

Warm Places in Europe in December vs January vs February

Winter is a harsh time for many European countries. 

But not all places are the same during winter. 

In fact, if you travel to the extremities of Europe during winter, you will find a very different setting in those locations. 

And of course, if you come from any of the Nordic countries to the south of Europe during winter, it will suddenly feel like spring or even summer for you. 

But let’s break down what to expect in each month in Europe’s warmest winter destinations.

December 

December is usually not as cold as you might think. The Mediterranean Sea is still swimmable for a lot of people (especially those used to the cold water). 

So if you come from central or Northern Europe, December in Crete will feel like spring. 

December tends to be mild, almost all years. Sure, a lot of people think they want snow for Christmas, but all we really want is snow in the mountains and clean streets to be able to drive. 

And most Decembers are rather dry, with lots of sunny days and spring-like temperatures. 

My only personal issue with December is that a lot of people get holidays at the same time, so prices increase in these southern European places, because suddenly everyone wants a bit of that December sun. 

January

January is the coldest month. We genuinely all hate it and for good reason. Days are really short in January in most of Europe, so a southern, warmer place is a dream for most of us. 

Even in these warmer places in Europe, it won’t be really warm in January, except for some days, and of course, we don’t include the Canary Islands here. 

If swimming is what you want to do, then without a doubt, choose Tenerife in the Canary Islands in January.

But January is the quietest month to travel to the southern parts of Europe and also the cheapest because there isn’t a lot of demand. 

For me, January is definitely a winner. It’s warmer than it is back home, it’s cheaper than in any other time of the year, and it’s crowd-free. 

February

February smells and feels like spring. This is when things start to pick up; tourists start to show up in some of these locations (not too many, though). 

Some say February is the saddest month, but I disagree. I really like February because it’s still cheap, crowd-free, but with more sunny days and longer days. 

Final Thoughts: Best Warm Winter Destination in Europe

Now that I think about it, none of these winter months is that bad. 

If the weather is your issue, then you have plenty of options to move to, travel to, and just skip the European winter, while still in Europe. 

I have done a gorgeous road trip in Sicily in January, which was an absolute dream, and I would do it again anytime. 

Algarve stole my dream in February, and Malta made me want to move there (also in January). 

For me, winter in Europe isn’t the worst time of the year. 

Winter is the best time to explore really cool islands and parts of Europe that I wouldn’t want to go to any other time, because of the crowds and prices.