Where is hot in Europe in winter? December and January sun destinations

Average December temp: 18C/64F
Average January temp: 20C/68F

Your best bet for guaranteed winter sun in Europe is the Canary Islands. Winter is barely a concept in this beach-lined, sun-kissed Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwest Africa. Temperatures are highest in Tenerife, which is also the largest and most visited island, home to plenty of resort options if all you want is a sunbed at the poolside. However, there are actually seven main islands – La Palma is great for a laidback holiday, Lanzarote is a great place to see some nature and Fuerteventura is the place to be for water sports.

☀️ Discover the best things to do in Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria

Average December temp: 13C/55F
Average January temperature: 14C/57F

For some sea and sun, look no further than the Budva Riviera. There’s plenty of beachside walking space across 35 kilometres of Adriatic coast, and the clifftops offer stellar views. There are beaches for every mood: Mogren Beach for family-friendly facilities, Bečići for spacious sunbathing and Drobni Pijesak for crystal-clear cold water swimming. Budva is Montenegro’s nightlife hotspot in the summer, but the winter reveals a quieter, more peaceful side with empty beaches and a quiet Old Town – though the party scene comes alive once again for New Years.

Average December temp: 16C/60F
Average January temperature: 14C/57F

The Canary Islands may just take the crown for hottest European winter holiday, but Sicily is not far behind. Reaching highs of 17C in December, the island’s countless UNESCO spots can be pleasantly explored in just a t-shirt and jeans. You can witness ancient history at The Valley of the Temples, or hike to the medieval town of Erice in its quietest moments. City breaks are at their best in the winter months, when the crowds thin out, temperatures are pleasantly mild and you can take your time wandering through Sicily’s historic streets and piazzas without the intense summer heat. 

Some iconic dishes originated in Sicily, too – from arancini to cannoli to parmigiana di melanzane. Even if you just stay indoors in restaurants the whole time, you’re guaranteed at least one or two mindblowing meals.

Average December temp: 14C/57F
Average January temperature: 13C/55F

Nicknamed the pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is Croatia’s medieval darling. Its Old Town dates back all the way to the 9th century, and a walk along its city walls offers views across its traditional red rooftops. Whether it's hunting for Game of Thrones filming spots or hiking the Srd Mountain, there’s plenty of activities made better by cooler weather and quieter crowds. Plus, the nearby Lokrum Island, home to an abandoned monastery and a peacock-filled botanical garden, stays green all year with its lush pine trees. 

Average December temp: 13C/55F
Average January temp: 14C/58F

While not blisteringly hot, the southern stretch of Albania’s sumptuous coastline is a fabulous place to spend some time by the sea in winter. Resort towns like Sarandë and Himarë shine brighter without the summer crowds, and the already low prices drop further as many establishments close for the winter months. If you’re looking for some serenity and solitude with some winter sun to keep the sunglasses needed, the Albanian Riviera is a fabulous choice.

📍 Discover the best places to visit in Albania

Average December temp: 19C/66F
Average January temp: 18C/64F

Floating out in the Atlantic, Madeira is nicknamed the ‘island of eternal spring’, thanks to its green landscapes and mild weather, pretty much year-round. December is a perfect for getting out and hiking through dramatic mountain scenery, complete with waterfalls and serious views. Funchal, the capital, is home to bustling markets and a fun marina, and if you stroll the coastline you’ll find lots of little natural pools carved into the rocks for swimming (warning: a dip in these will still bite in December, balmy weather or not). 

📍 Our full guide to when to visit Madeira

Average December temp: 16C/61F
Average January temp: 17C/63F

Geographically part of the Middle East but culturally and politically European, Cyprus is known to experience up to 340 sunny days per year. While that will obviously fluctuate a little, the island country is a solid spot for some sunshine during the winter months. If you’re keen for a hit of culture alongside your sunbathing, head to Paphos, and if you’re looking for some good nightlife spots, we’d recommend Ayia Napa.

☀️ Discover the best things to do in Paphos

Average December temp: 14C/57F
Average January temp: 15C/60F

With an average of 300 sunny days a year, Malta contends with Cyprus for the title of Europe’s sunniest country. This Mediterranean archipelago has a load of variety when it comes to beaches: Golden Bay on Malta’s northwest coast is primed for activities like paddleboarding and kayaking, while spots like Mellieha Bay are more family-friendly thanks to its shallow waters. Ramla Bay on the island of Gozo boasts unique red sand, while Comino is home to Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon. You could always opt for a city break in Valletta, too. 

☀️ Discover the best beaches, places to visit, and things to do in Malta

Average December temp: 15C/59F
Average January temp: 14C/57F

One of Greece’s most scorching islands in the summer, Rhodes is a pretty reliable spot to head for some nice weather in the winter, too. It’s lined with sandy beaches – the ones in the east are sheltered and more family-friendly, the ones in the west have choppier seas and better cater to water sports. Base yourself in Lindos for easy beach access – there’s the town’s main beach, Pallas Beach and St Paul’s Bay Beach nearby – as well as a smattering of sunset-ready rooftop bars and even an ancient acropolis with glorious views.

☀️ Discover the best hotels and the best things to do in Rhodes

Average December temp: 13C/55F
Average January temperature: 16C/61F

One of the oldest cities in Europe, Cádiz remains relatively underrated in the travel world. It isn’t entirely clear why or how, as this gorgeous port city is just a quick train ride from Seville and has enough history and heritage to more than hold its own in an area full of the stuff. The stunning Catedral de Cadiz is the beating heart of the old city, with narrow streets jutting off in every direction, hiding restaurants (formal and informal), bars, shops, and nuggets of history. The ocean? Yeah, just a stone’s throw away.

Average December temp: 14C/57F
Average January temp: 15C/60F

Portugal’s southernmost region brags some of Europe’s most dramatic beaches, with coves, cliffs, and caves lining the country’s Atlantic coast. If you’re looking for beating hot sun at this time of year, it probably shouldn’t be your first port of call (though beaches like Praia da Arrifana do tend to be more sheltered from that open ocean wind), but water sports enthusiasts, this place is definitely for you. We even named Praia da Falésia the very best beach in Europe.

☀️ Discover the best things to do in the Algarve

Average December temp: 13C/55F
Average January temp: 16C/61F

Spain’s most famous stretch of coastline (which literally translates to ‘sunshine coast’) is another good option for mild temperatures to thaw you during the winter months. Marbella is the region’s largest hub, but spots such as Estepona and Torremolinos are some lowkey alternatives. After something a little different? You should check out Ronda, a hillside village on the edge of the El Tajo de Ronda gorge, or Casares, a settlement of lovely white-washed houses and winding little streets.

☀️ Discover the best beaches and cities to visit in Spain

Average December temp: 15C/59F
Average January temp: 16C/61F

Lampedusa, Italy’s southernmost point, is one of three little islands that make up the Pelagie Islands. It’s geographically part of Africa and it’s known for its lovely beaches. Spiaggia dei Conigli, aka Rabbit Beach, is arguably its most famous, but the island is characterised by little coves and bays, so there are plenty of more secluded spots to soak up some sun – just bring some walking-friendly footwear.

☀️ Discover the best islands and the best beaches in Italy