When the grey clouds hang low over Germany and the temperatures drop, the longing for a place where the sun shines and jackets can stay in the closet grows strong. Luckily, you don't have to travel halfway around the world to find mild winters and warm summers. Europe is blessed with a number of cities that boast an enviable climate almost all year round.
Forget the winter blues! This guide will take you to the sunniest and warmest corners of Europe, where you can still enjoy a coffee outdoors in a T-shirt, even in November. We've compiled the top destinations for Vitamin D seekers, complete with weather facts and travel tips.
The Historic Fortress with 300 Days of Sun
The Maltese capital is one of the sunniest cities in Europe. Surrounded by the deep blue Mediterranean, Valletta offers a unique blend of rich history, baroque architecture, and an incredibly mild climate. The compact city, built on a peninsula, is perfect for exploring on foot.
The Islands of Eternal Spring
The Canaries are Europe's undisputed champion for perfect year-round weather. Thanks to their location off the coast of Africa, temperatures here rarely drop below 20°C (68°F), even in the depths of winter. Whether you prefer the beaches of Gran Canaria, the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, or the hiking trails of Tenerife, the climate is always on your side.
The Fiery Heart of Andalusia
Seville is known as the hottest major city on the European mainland. In summer, the city can become a veritable furnace, but its winters are enviably mild and often sunny. The city pulsates with life, with flamenco bars, bustling tapas restaurants, and magnificent Moorish architecture like the Alcázar palace.
Mediterranean Passion and Ancient History
The capital of Sicily is a melting pot of cultures. Vibrant markets, ancient ruins, and one of the best street food scenes in the world make Palermo a fascinating destination. The climate is typically Mediterranean: long, hot summers and short, very mild winters.
The Sun-Drenched Island of Aphrodite
Located in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus boasts one of the warmest winter climates in the European part of the Mediterranean. Even in January and February, temperatures here often climb to 17-18°C (63-64°F), and the sun makes regular appearances. Limassol combines a modern marina and a lively promenade with a charming old town.
The Floating Garden of the Atlantic
Madeira, much like the Canary Islands, is a year-round destination. This volcanic island is famous for its stunning, lush vegetation, hiking trails along the "levadas" (ancient irrigation channels), and its incredibly stable climate. It rarely gets too hot and almost never too cold.
You don't have to wait for summer to enjoy the sun. Southern Europe offers a wealth of destinations that are still warm and inviting when the heaters are on in Germany. Whether you're seeking the spring blossoms in Madeira, the autumn sun in Sicily, or the winter mildness of the Canary Islands, your sunny refuge is just a few hours' flight away. Smart, weather-oriented planning is the key to finding the perfect place at the perfect time.