Winter Sun in Europe: 12 Warm Destinations for the Winter

When the Netherlands is grey, wet and dark early for weeks on end, winter sun in Europe quickly sounds like 25 degrees, flip-flops and beach every day. That is not realistic everywhere, though. On Tenerife you can regularly find daytime temperatures around 22 degrees in January, while 16 or 17 degrees in Málaga, Alicante, Athens or Malta is a far more typical average. The latter can be wonderful for walking and lunching in the sun, but it is something different from a beach holiday.

That is why this guide compares not just destinations, but above all what you can realistically expect there in December, January and February. You'll see temperature, sunshine, flight time, budget and the chance of beach weather side by side. If you're mainly after a sunny city and temperature matters less, check out our guide to fun city trips in Europe. If you already know that you want at least 18 degrees, a maximum flight time of five hours, and nature as well as restaurants, MyTripMatcher can help you find destinations that fit.

Winter sun in Europe at a glance

The Canary Islands clearly stand out with their mild winter climate. Climate normals for Tenerife South give an average maximum temperature of 21.7 degrees and around 193 hours of sunshine in January. Athens and Marrakech are cooler, but can be attractive precisely because culture, food and lots of time outdoors matter more than the beach.

Madeira comes surprisingly close to Tenerife in terms of afternoon temperature: the climate norm for Funchal is around an average maximum of 20 degrees in January. Because of mountains and microclimates, though, the weather can vary far more locally than on a resort coastline.

One geographical nuance is worth making. The Canary Islands and Madeira belong administratively to Spain and Portugal but are not part of mainland Europe. For this guide we also make one deliberate exception with Marrakech: the city lies in Morocco and so outside Europe, but it is quickly reachable from the Netherlands and is often included by winter-sun seekers in the same search. We flag that explicitly, so you know when you're stepping geographically outside Europe.

What does "winter sun" actually mean?

Not everyone is looking for the same thing when they say they want to go "somewhere sunny."

15 to 18 degrees

This is especially pleasant for a city trip, walking, cycling and lunching outside on sunny afternoons. Think Alicante, Málaga, Seville, Malta, Mallorca or Sicily.

Do bring a jacket or jumper for morning and evening. It can turn chilly quickly, especially after sunset.

18 to 21 degrees

From these temperatures a winter trip starts to feel noticeably milder. Madeira falls into this category, while Marrakech can also feel distinctly milder than the Netherlands on sunny days. For a classic beach holiday, the gap with real summer heat remains large.

On sheltered days you can sit on the beach. That does not automatically mean swimming or lying around in swimwear for hours is comfortable.

21 degrees and warmer

For Dutch winter-sun seekers, Tenerife South and Madeira are the strongest European options in this comparison. Marrakech is the deliberate exception outside Europe: there, the winter sun can feel surprisingly close to a Southern European city break, even though the culture and atmosphere are clearly different.

Here too: 21 degrees with sun and little wind feels very different from 21 degrees with strong wind or cloud cover.

Which winter-sun destination suits you?

Start with what you expect from the trip. If you mainly want to lie by the pool for a week, there's little point comparing Seville with Tenerife. If you're after restaurants, museums and a few hours of sun a day, three hours less flying can matter more than five extra degrees.

Quick decision check

1. What minimum daytime temperature do you want, roughly?
2. How long do you want to fly at most?
3. Do you want actual beach, or mainly to be able to be outside?
4. Are you after a city, an island, nature or a resort?
5. Are you going for four days or a full week?
6. What's the budget per person?
7. How important is swimming?
8. Do you mainly want to relax, or also do a lot?

Are you travelling specifically with your partner and does atmosphere matter more than the highest temperature? Then our guide to a romantic weekend away can help. Travelling with girlfriends? Then location, room layout and different budgets tend to matter more; our guide to a girls' weekend is more relevant there.

The 12 best destinations for winter sun in Europe

The warmest European winter sun

Tenerife South - the strongest all-round winter-sun option

Tenerife South is one of the best choices when warmth really matters. In January the average daily maximum at Tenerife Sur Airport is around 22 degrees. December is even slightly milder at about 23 degrees, while February again comes out around 22 degrees. The south side is also notably drier and sunnier than parts of the north.

Winter weather: December around 23 degrees, January and February around 22 degrees during the day.

Getting there and staying: from Amsterdam you fly direct to Tenerife South in about 4 hours 45 minutes. Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos are logical bases for beach and dining.

Best for: beach, resorts, walking, Teide, and couples or families who want plenty of choice.

Budget: average.

Watch out for: the island has large climate differences. A sunny resort forecast for the south says little about the mountains or the north.

Athens - winter sun with culture front and centre

Athens isn't a beach destination in January, but that's exactly what makes it interesting. The city combines relatively mild winter days with museums, archaeology, long lunches and lots of life outdoors. Climate data for January puts the average maximum around 12 degrees, while February turns slightly milder. For a short cultural break that can be more appealing than a destination where you mainly want to lie by the pool.

Winter weather: in January average around 12 degrees during the day; February moves towards 13 degrees. Rain and sunny days alternate.

Getting there and staying: from Amsterdam you fly direct to Athens in about 3 hours 20 minutes. Plaka, Monastiraki and Koukaki are logical bases for a short city break.

Best for: culture, food, walking, archaeology and a city trip with milder winter weather.

Budget: average.

Watch out for: don't expect 20 degrees or beach weather. Athens is mainly interesting if you want to combine sun with culture and plenty of time outdoors.

Marrakech - winter sun with a small geographical wink

Marrakech officially isn't in Europe, but we deliberately include the city because for Dutch winter-sun seekers it's a logical extension of the search. In January the average maximum is around 17.5 degrees and around 19 degrees in February. Add plenty of sunshine hours, riads, markets, roof terraces and a completely different culture, and you have a short winter break that, in feel, takes a step outside Europe.

Winter weather: January average around 17.5 degrees during the day; February around 19 degrees. Evenings can be cool.

Getting there and staying: direct flights from Amsterdam to Marrakech are available; count on around 3 hours 45 minutes. Choose a riad in the medina for atmosphere, or Gueliz for more space and modern dining.

Best for: culture, markets, gastronomy, sunny terraces and a winter trip with a completely different vibe.

Budget: average to higher.

Watch out for: Marrakech doesn't belong geographically to Europe. It can be mild during the day, but mornings and evenings are noticeably cooler in winter.

Winter sun for nature and being active outdoors

Madeira - around 20 degrees, but not for a classic beach week

Madeira is a far stronger winter choice for walkers than for people who want to lie on a sunbed for seven days. The climate norm for Funchal gives an average maximum temperature of 20 degrees in January. At the same time, differences in altitude create strong microclimates: it can be mild and sunny along the south coast while clouds, wind or rain hang higher in the mountains.

Winter weather: mild, but more changeable than the Canary Islands. Sea water sits around 18 degrees in winter.

Getting there and staying: a direct Amsterdam-Funchal flight currently takes around 4 hours 20 minutes.

Best for: levadas, nature, viewpoints, gastronomy and active couples.

Budget: average.

Watch out for: don't count on guaranteed beach weather. Madeira is strongest when being outdoors matters more than sunbathing.

Cyprus - sunny winter days, but cooler than often assumed

Cyprus sounds like a very warm winter destination, but managing expectations pays off here. Along the coast around Limassol the average maximum in January is around 17 degrees. December sits around 18 and February also around 17 degrees. December and January bring on average around six hours of bright sun a day, but these are also the wetter months.

Winter weather: mild and reasonably sunny, but not a reliable 20-plus destination. Sea water sits around 15-17 degrees from January to March.

Getting there and staying: Larnaca is directly reachable; depending on schedule and flight you're looking at roughly four to five hours in the air.

Best for: walking, archaeology, nature and a quiet outdoor lifestyle.

Budget: average.

Watch out for: many pure summer resorts are quieter in winter. Check facilities before booking a coastal hotel.

Algarve - clifftop walks rather than beach days

The Algarve typically has afternoon temperatures around 15 to 18 degrees in winter. That's ideal for coastal walks, golf and road trips, but the Atlantic Ocean stays cool. Official Portuguese tourism information cites around 15-18 degrees for winter and sea temperatures of 15-19 degrees.

Winter weather: mild, alternating between clear days and rain fronts.

Getting there and staying: from Amsterdam you fly to Faro in about three hours. Lagos and Tavira are interesting if you value atmosphere over resort facilities.

Best for: walking, coast, nature, golf and rental-car trips.

Budget: average; sometimes attractive outside holiday periods.

Watch out for: if you mainly want to swim in warm water, this isn't the place. The Atlantic Ocean is cold in winter.

Combining sun and city

Málaga and the Costa del Sol - short flight, plenty of outdoor living

Málaga is no beach guarantee in January, but it is one of the most practical winter breaks. The climate norm gives an average maximum temperature of 16.8 degrees in January and 17.7 in February, with around 180 hours of sunshine a month. November is noticeably milder at around 20 degrees during the day.

Winter weather: around 17 degrees during the day in the depths of winter. Rain spells are possible.

Getting there and staying: from Amsterdam you fly in about three hours. The airport is also close to Málaga and the coastal towns.

Best for: restaurants, museums, the city, walking and a few sunny hours on a terrace.

Budget: average.

Watch out for: a photo of a sunny beach can be misleading: January is not a reliable month for an actual beach week.

Alicante and Costa Blanca - plenty of sun for relatively little travel time

Alicante has a dry winter climate, which makes it strong for a short break. January averages a maximum of 16.7 degrees and around 184 hours of sunshine. February sits around 17.4 degrees.

Winter weather: often suitable for walking outside during the day and sitting on sheltered terraces; evenings are cool.

Getting there and staying: from Amsterdam you fly around 2 hours 40 minutes. The airport bus gets you to the centre in about half an hour.

Best for: a short winter break, city, boulevard, restaurants and trips along the Costa Blanca.

Budget: lower to average.

Watch out for: sun doesn't automatically mean warmth here. On a January day of 16 degrees you'll still need a jacket the moment the sun disappears.

Seville - winter sun without beach ambitions

Seville is interesting precisely because no one has to pretend this is a beach destination. January has an average maximum of 16 degrees and around 183 hours of sunshine; in February the maximum climbs to just over 18 degrees.

Winter weather: mild afternoons, cool(er) mornings and evenings. December and January are among the wetter months.

Getting there and staying: a direct flight from Amsterdam takes around 2 hours 55 minutes.

Best for: tapas, architecture, walking, museums and couples looking for a city trip with milder weather.

Budget: average.

Watch out for: if you need at least 20 degrees, look elsewhere. Seville mainly wins on atmosphere and short flight time.

Malta - winter sun for culture, not for the beach

Malta gets plenty of sun, but January is still very much winter. Climate data over 1991-2020 give an average maximum of 15.7 degrees and around 5.4 hours of bright sun a day. December is a bit milder, averaging 17.1 degrees.

Winter weather: mild by Northern European standards, alternating between sun, wind and rain.

Getting there and staying: Amsterdam-Malta takes around 3 hours 5 to 10 minutes direct, according to the current schedule.

Best for: Valletta, history, restaurants, coastal walks and an active short holiday.

Budget: average.

Watch out for: the sea water and air are too cool in January to sell Malta as a reliable beach holiday.

Close by for a short winter break

Mallorca - Palma and the Tramuntana without the summer crowds

Mallorca mainly works in winter as an island break. Palma airport records an average maximum of around 15 degrees in January and just over 160 hours of sunshine. February barely differs; only in March does it become noticeably milder.

Winter weather: cool but regularly clear. In the mountains it can be considerably colder.

Getting there and staying: Amsterdam-Palma takes around 2 hours 25 minutes.

Best for: Palma, cycling, walking, gastronomy and a short island break.

Budget: average.

Watch out for: not all tourist facilities outside Palma are open in winter. Choose your accommodation with that in mind, unlike for a summer holiday.

Sicily - sunshine, food and cities rather than swimming

Sicily is a borderline case if you take "warm" literally, but strong if you want to combine mild winter days with food and culture. The island gets more than 2,500 hours of sunshine a year, and winters suit historic centres and gastronomy. The sea sits around 16 degrees in winter; the official swimming season runs mainly from May to October.

Winter weather: count on roughly 14-16 degrees rather than 20.

Getting there and staying: Palermo is directly reachable from Amsterdam and Rotterdam; the flight takes roughly 2.5 hours.

Best for: Palermo, markets, culture, food and road trips.

Budget: average.

Watch out for: this is a sunny winter trip, not a winter beach holiday.

Where is it warm in December?

December is a touch milder than January at many southern destinations. Tenerife, Madeira and Marrakech in particular are worth considering if you want to combine sun with mild temperatures. On mainland Europe, Málaga and Alicante remain more accessible for a short city break.

So the question of where it's warm in December has several answers. If you want a real chance of temperatures above 20 degrees, look mainly at Tenerife, and on some days also Madeira. If you want culture and mild afternoons, Marrakech, Málaga and Alicante are interesting alternatives.

The Christmas holidays can push prices up sharply. The Canary Islands, Madeira and Marrakech in particular are popular during this period with travellers wanting to escape the Dutch winter.

Where is it warm in January?

Within Europe and European holiday areas, Tenerife South and Madeira are the warmest options in January in this comparison. Marrakech is the deliberate exception outside Europe and sits around 17 to 18 degrees. Athens remains distinctly cooler, but can still be a strong city break thanks to culture and sunny days.

For a sun holiday in January where swimming and beach are the priority, even 21 degrees is no tropical guarantee. If you require at least 25 degrees and warm sea water, you'll usually need to fly further than Europe.

Where is it warm in February?

Climatologically, February closely resembles January, but you already see a small uptick at several destinations.

On Tenerife and Madeira the difference between January and February is small. On mainland Europe the days grow longer and afternoon temperatures slowly climb. Marrakech also turns milder towards February, while Athens remains attractive mainly as a cultural winter break.

Anyone searching for where it's warm in February should also factor in the spring school holidays: a climatologically attractive week can still be less appealing if flights and hotels happen to be much more expensive then.

And winter sun in November or March?

November and March are actually interesting months for anyone who can travel flexibly.

At Tenerife South, for example, the average maximum in November sits around 25 degrees. Marrakech is around 21 degrees, and Alicante and Málaga around 20 degrees. A clear Indian-summer feel is therefore more realistic in November than in January.

March works the other way round: days get longer and many European destinations creep towards spring. Tenerife South then averages around 23 degrees, Alicante around 19, and Málaga nearly 20 degrees. Marrakech moves towards the low 20s and can therefore be an interesting extra option.

If you're specifically looking for winter sun in Europe in November, you have considerably more room to manoeuvre than in the middle of January.

Winter sun in Europe, or fly further?

European winter sun is mainly worthwhile when you:

• don't want to fly longer than around five hours;
• want to be away for four days to a week;
• don't require tropical heat as a hard condition;
• value city, nature or walking just as much as beach;
• want to keep the trip logistically fairly simple.

Is 25 degrees or warmer a minimum requirement? Do you want warm sea water and several full beach days? Then destinations outside Europe come into view much faster.

You see this reflected in current search results for January, December and February too: monthly pages often compare European winter sun with destinations outside Europe, such as Egypt, Cape Verde, Marrakech and the Canary Islands. That's exactly why it's useful to make clear, within one guide, where the geographical line sits.

Beach weather or city trip?

What does a winter-sun holiday in Europe cost?

The amounts below are planning ranges per person, based on two travellers sharing a room. These are not live offers.

Factor in flight, accommodation and a standard transfer. Checked baggage, a rental car, lots of dining out and activities can push the amount up considerably. Current winter-sun packages also show large price differences depending on departure airport and travel date.

How to keep the price down

• Avoid Christmas and spring school holidays where possible.
• Compare several Dutch and nearby departure airports.
• Consider four or five nights instead of automatically booking a week.
• Compare apartment and hotel on total cost, including breakfast and parking.
• Only book a rental car for the days you'll actually use it.

A practical note for winter 2026/2027: double-check your departure airport especially if you normally fly from Eindhoven. Flight schedules may change this coming winter, so don't assume the airport you used last time.

How to pick the best spot for winter sun

• You mainly want warmth: Tenerife South, Madeira or Marrakech.
• You want sun and a city: Málaga, Alicante, Athens or Marrakech.
• You want walking and nature: Madeira, Tenerife or the Algarve.
• You don't want to fly too long: Mallorca, Alicante, Seville or Athens.
• You want a cultural winter trip: Athens, Seville, Malta, Sicily or Marrakech.
• You want a classic sun holiday: Tenerife South or Madeira.
• You want to be outdoors a lot but don't need to swim: Madeira, Málaga, Alicante, Athens or the Algarve.

That, in the end, matters more than simply pointing to the warmest destination. Four extra degrees have little value if you'd rather walk through a historic city than spend a week at a resort.

Let MyTripMatcher find your winter-sun destination

Maybe you already know you want at least around 18 degrees, a maximum flight time of five hours, and four or five nights. You want to eat well, be outdoors, and maybe go for a walk one day. What you don't yet know is whether that points to Tenerife, Madeira, Málaga or somewhere else.

That's exactly the kind of choice where it makes more sense to start from your preferences than from a destination.

With MyTripMatcher you can set things like temperature, budget, trip length, atmosphere, travel companions and maximum travel time side by side and explore matching options from there.

Fill in what matters to you for your winter trip and discover which destinations match what you're looking for.

Match your winter-sun destination

Frequently asked questions about winter sun in Europe

Which winter-sun destination will you choose?

With winter sun in Europe the choice ultimately comes down to more than the highest temperature. Tenerife may be climatologically stronger than Seville, but if you want three days of tapas, architecture and walking, Seville can still suit you far better.

So first work out how much warmth you want as a minimum, how many hours you're willing to fly, whether a beach is essential, and how much you want to spend. Then look at the month: November, January and March can feel quite different at the same destination.

Use that to make a shortlist of two or three options. Or enter your preferences into MyTripMatcher and discover which winter-sun destination matches how you actually want to get away this winter.

With Love, team MTM