When you think of ‘warm winter getaways', it's usually not European cities that come to mind.
Most people think of islands in the Caribbean, safaris in Africa, or over-water bungalows in the Maldives. However, Europe has some decently warm cities during winter, many more than you might have previously thought.
Just because it's winter doesn't meant you have to scratch Europe off your holiday bucket list. We've researched all the warmest places you can travel to in Europe during the winter months of December, January, February and March.
Why visit Europe in winter?
As you will see in the places mentioned below, a pattern starts to emerge. All of these European cities during the winter months are cheaper, less crowded, and free of sweltering 35+ degree weather, making it a great time of year to visit.
While everyone else is on a crowded beach in Cancun, you can be checking some insanely beautiful countries off your bucket list, and not freeze your buns off at the same time. Here are the warmest places with the highest temperatures to visit in Europe this winter.
The 15 WARMEST Places to Visit in Europe This Winter
1. Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands are a cluster of beautiful Spanish islands just off the coast of Morocco and only a 4 hour flight from London. These islands boast some of the warmest and sunniest weather in Europe during winter.
Which island should you visit?
You really can't go wrong with any of them, but the most popular are Tenerife, Grand Canaria, and Lanzarote. No matter where you end up be prepared for endless amounts of outdoor activities, sports, hiking and natural wonders.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 21°c – 70°f
January: 20°c – 68°f
February: 20°c – 68°f
March: 21°c – 70°f
2. Limassol, Cyprus
Not only is Limassol fairly warm throughout the winter months, but it's also a city that has the best of both worlds. You'll love the mixture of modern areas with the strikingly beautiful old town.
The narrow stone streets wind out from the old fishing harbour with buildings dating back to medieval times. Combine that with beaches, castles and Greek ruins and Limassol is a winter getaway you won't regret.
Any city in beautiful Cyprus will have similar temperate weather because of the island's location in the far east of the Mediterranean Sea.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 18°c – 65°f
January: 17°c – 63°f
February: 17°c – 63°f
March: 20°c – 68°f
3. Azores Islands, Portugal
The Azores Islands sitting along in the North Atlantic Ocean have been long referred to as “Europe's Hawaii” and it's not hard to see why. Waterfalls, volcanos, natural thermal pools, mountains, lush greenery and miles of beaches are just some of the similarities.
Many people haven't even heard of the Azores before and that's a good thing! Enjoy the unspoilt nature while you still can!
If you need to get out of the snow, fly into the Azores direct from New York in 5.5 hours, or from Lisbon in 2 hours.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 18°c – 65°f
January: 17°c – 63°f
February: 16°c – 61°f
March: 17°c – 63°f
4. Seville, Spain
Seville is officially the warmest city year round in continental Europe and winter is a great time to visit. While you might get caught in the occasional downpour, it's much better than trying to visit in summer when temperatures commonly reach over 40°C! Ouch!
Winter brings less tourists and much lower prices, with even some of the highest rated hotels coming down to under $100 a night.
You won't run out of gorgeous cathedrals, handsome museums and fine art shows to fill your days with.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 17°c – 63°f
January: 16°c – 61°f
February: 18°c – 65°f
March: 21°c – 70°f
5. Faro, Portugal
Faro is the southernmost city in Portugal and the perfect getaway spot for someone seeking quiet R&R time. It's a quaint and charming town offering an escape from the hustle and bustle, and has warm weather in winter unlike most of Europe.
Just like in Seville, tourist numbers are lowest in winter, but that doesn't mean there isn't lots to do. The winter season only bring around 5 days of rain each month, so there are still many sunny days to golf, beach walk, bird watch and cycle.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 17°c – 63°f
January: 16°c – 61°f
February: 17°c – 63°f
March: 19°c – 66°f
6. Gibraltar, UK
Many people have heard of the ‘The Rock of Gibraltar', but not as many could place it on a map. (Especially us North Americans!)
Gibraltar is a tiny 6 square kilometre British Overseas Territory, located on the tip of Spain, with views toward Morocco. It's been under British rule since 1713, but has exchanged hands many times before that.
While it's small, Gibraltar is a great winter vacation spot for it's mild climate and long list of things to do. You can explore over 150 caves, 50km of World War II tunnels, botanical gardens, take the cable car, or walk on the suspension bridge. You'll also be a stones throw from both Spain and Morocco to easily add some extra warm winter destinations to your trip.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 17°c – 63°f
January: 16°c – 61°f
February: 17°c – 63°f
March: 18°c – 65°f
7. Valletta, Malta
I honestly can't think of a more strikingly beautiful city than Valletta. It almost seems like it's out of a movie scene. In addition to Valletta's beauty, the capital city of Malta is also warm during winter, because of its location south of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea.
In fact all of Malta's cities will have similar warm climates, so don't scratch gems like Mdina, Rabat, or Zabbar off your list.
Valletta was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, and was just named the European Capital of Culture.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 17°c – 63°f
January: 16°c – 61°f
February: 16°c – 61°f
March: 17°c – 63°f
8. Crete, Greece
Escape the snow and head to Crete, the largest island in Greece.
If I'm being honest, Crete can be a little rainy during winter but that won't stop you from enjoying it's hundreds of miles of beaches. I'd rather be on a gloomy beach than in the freezing cold! Plus, if you get stuck inside, you can just eat delicious authentic Greek food all day long. Problem solved!
Visiting Crete in the winter opens up a different type of Greece than in the summer – one that is more relaxed, hospitable and charming. You won't have line ups, inflated prices, or cities overrun with tourists.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 17°c – 63°f
January: 15°c – 59°f
February: 16°c – 61°f
March: 17°c – 63°f
9. Palermo, Italy
Palermo is Italy's 5th largest city, and because it's located on the ‘rock' that the ‘boot' of Italy kicks on the map, it's also one of the warmest.
Thanks to the warm Sirocco winds that blow in from Africa, winters in Palermo are mild and have reach up to 20°C on some afternoons. This means you can enjoy everything from the unreal street food to the clear turquoise waters, all year long.
If you're a fan of ‘The Godfather', then Palermo is probably already on your bucket list.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 16°c – 61°f
January: 15°c – 59°f
February: 15°c – 59°f
March: 17°c – 63°f
10. Mallorca, Spain
The third entry for Spain on the list is dazzling Mallorca with its impossibly crystal clear waters. It's located in the cluster of islands off the east coast of Spain, and is usually synonymous with spring break parties, but Mallorca is more chill than the infamous Ibiza. Thanks to it's location in the Balearic Sea, the weather is warm and sunny all year round.
Since mass tourism has been on the island since the 50's, winter is the best time to go. You'll have all the world famous spas and hotels all to yourself, as well as over 3400 restaurants and 262 breathtaking beaches.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 16°c – 61°f
January: 15°c – 59°f
February: 15°c – 59°f
March: 17°c – 63°f
11. Toulon, France
Toulon isn't well known, but it's weather should be! It's the warmest city in France during the winter and it's also much more affordable than it's nearby neighbours. Close to Toulon you'll find Saint Tropez, Cannes and Monte Carlo, Monaco – all sharing the same mild winter weather.
Thanks to the mountains to the north of the city, the cold winter winds are kept away from Toulon, making winter relatively warm, dry and sunny.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 14°c – 57°f
January: 13°c – 55°f
February: 13°c – 55°f
March: 16°c – 61°f
12. Kotor, Montenegro
This spectacular fortified city looks exactly like it's from the pages of a children's story book. Hidden inside the protection of a winding bay, Kotor is an ancient walled city with a history spanning back to the Middle Ages.
Not only is Kotor quite mild for a country in the Balkans, but it's also one of the most affordable places on this entire list! Your budget will stretch 2-3x's here compared to warm European islands in the winter months.
A visit here during winter will be quiet and relaxed as most of the cruise ships won't return until spring. Use the cooler weather to hike, bike, jog and stroll around the old town and many fortifications throughout the city.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 13°c – 55°f
January: 12°c – 54°f
February: 13°c – 55°f
March: 16°c – 61°f
13. Sibenik, Croatia
Game of Thrones lovers will be all over this one! Sibenik is a charming old city along the Dalmatian Coast with lots of history to be discovered, but most recently was used as a filming site for the insanely popular series. Sibenik is much smaller and less crowded than other Croatian cities that have exploded in popularity due to GOT.
While highs of 12 and 13 aren't sweltering, it's sure warmer than the 0º freezing weather of nearby Baltic countries. Warm winds and waters from the Adriatic Sea keep Sibenik quite mild and tolerable during winter.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 13°c – 55°f
January: 12°c – 54°f
February: 12°c – 54°f
March: 16°c – 61°f
14. Istanbul, Turkey
Okay, so is Istanbul technically in Europe or Asia? Both! The city straddles both continents and has heavy influence of each culture throughout its streets.
Istanbul enjoys a moderately mild winter compared to the rest of Eastern Europe, but it's not going to be the place for sun worshipers. There is little sun during the winter, but that might give more time and freedom to explore the hundreds of attractions scattered throughout the ancient city.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 11°c – 52°f
January: 9°c – 48°f
February: 9°c – 48°f
March: 12°c – 54°f
15. Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
Located just off the coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly is the warmest place in England during winter. We actually stayed in Penzance (just on the main land before you get to these islands) in the winter and quite enjoyed the peacefulness and temperate climate of the area.
The North Atlantic Current keeps the islands warm throughout the winter months, making frost or snow extremely rare.
Visiting the Isles of Scilly is like taking a step back in time. Everything moves a little more slowly on these beautiful islands, as it should.
Average Daily Highs °
December: 11°c – 52°f
January: 10°c – 50°f
February: 10°c – 50°f
March: 11°c – 52°f
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Pin: Warmest Places in Europe
Me
Saturday 25th of February 2023
Why dont incude Durres,Albania?!
Ting
Tuesday 8th of November 2022
Very helpful, thank you!
Edie
Wednesday 6th of July 2022
Madeira should be number one and it isn’t even on your list.
Sean
Tuesday 6th of April 2021
The Canary Islands are NOT in Europe; they are off the coast of Africa. If you want to extend to extra-continental European regions, then Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guiane are fully French départements where the euro is used and you are in the EU.
Andy
Tuesday 22nd of November 2022
@Sean, they are in the EU. They are Spanish islands and using Ueo as well
Fernando Rafael da Silva Ribeiro Pinto
Sunday 22nd of November 2020
What about Madeira and Porto Santo