Where is warm in December, January and February in Europe?

Do those winter woes have you feeling chilly? You don’t need to venture far to set your sights on warmer horizons. With lower costs, fewer crowds, and plenty of sun, there can be lots of benefits to escaping for some winter sun. Discover the best places to visit for warm weather in December, January, and February without leaving Europe.

You can find bright beaches and wonderful weather in southern Europe. Head to southern Greek islands like Crete to enjoy temperatures ranging from 15°C to 17°C between December and February, or to Mediterranean Spain hotspots like the Costa del Sol for between 17°C and 18°C on the mercury. If you’re looking to sun-seek this chilly season, be sure to look at our favourite winter sun destinations.

If you’re looking for warm, winter sun in December in Europe, then Mediterranean Spain and Malta are made for you. Here are two destinations to explore: 

Malaga, Costa del Sol, Spain 

Malaga and its 15 sunny beaches sit on the Costa Del Sol, located in southern Spain near Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea. While you won’t get the highs of a Spanish summer, temperatures can reach an average daily maximum of 18°C through December. 

Malaga offers wind-sheltered beaches, beautiful resorts and old towns filled with Mediterranean character. It’s also a favourite location of British expats, so you can easily find familiar culture and home comforts and have an easy time adjusting to local life.

Valletta, Malta  

Valletta is the capital of Malta, an island-nation in the Mediterranean Sea, beautifully situated on the Sciberras Peninsula. With an average daily maximum temperature of 17°C through December, it’s a perfect location for winter sun. If you’re tired of the snow, then you’re in the luck – there hasn’t been any recorded instances of snowfall since 1962. Not bad for December. 

Malta’s beaches are idyllic – while they gain the attention of those looking for sun and sand, they remain peaceful. When you’re not exploring the city or dining on the salt-tinged waterfront, you can visit treasures such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

The best warm places in January in Europe can be found in Cyprus and the Canary Islands. You’ll be able to enjoy warm, southern European living without the surge of summer tourism.

Tenerife, Canary Islands  

In January, the Canary Islands can see average highs of 21°C – so you can leave the big coats behind when you’re packing. However, as a Spanish archipelago tucked just off north-western Africa in the Atlantic, the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, can see sporadic storms so consider a waterproof, just in case.

As part of Spain, the Canaries, including Tenerife, are an outermost region of the EU – these are islands geographically distant from the European continent but part of the EU. And when talking about holidays and travel, Tenerife is considered ‘Europe’.    

Tackle volcanic peaks, lush green wilderness, and black sand beaches when you visit Tenerife. Whether beaches are your thing, adventure, or water sports, Tenerife has it all – even in the heart of winter.

Paphos, Cyprus  

Not only is Cyprus a stand-out summer holiday, but it’s also a perfect destination for winter sun-seekers. Nestled in the East Mediterranean, Cyprus is blessed with January highs of 17°C degrees – or about 17.5°C in Paphos, where the shores are pleasant and waiting. Rainstorms can strike, so be sure to bring a backup plan for those sporadic showers.

Heralded as the birthplace of Aphrodite, Paphos’ streets hold much history. With archaeological hotspots ranging from Roman Villas to ancient tombs, the storied Old Town and plenty of coastal beauty, there’s something for every type of holidaymaker.

Some of the warmest places in Europe in February include Greece and Portugal, making them the perfect destination to avoid some of Britain’s bitterest months.

Crete, Greece 

The Greek Island of Crete is a vibrant destination for sun-faring Brits year-round, but it also holds a quieter side. Whether you’re thinking active or peaceful, one thing Crete does offer is sun, even in the depths of winter. With an average daily max temperature of 15°C in January and February, Crete may not be blistering but it’s a warm escape from the British weather. Expect sun daily, but there’s a high chance you’ll experience rainfall for at least a bit of your stay.

Crete’s known for its beaches and nightlife, but there’s so much more to be found among the valleys and gorges that mark much of the island’s wilderness. From festivals to fishing, there’s no shortage of things to find and do.

Madeira, Portugal 

On Madeira, the main island on a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, average daily temperatures can reach around 19°C in February. Rain often comes in short, concentrated bursts, with an average of 73mm of rainfall in February. 

Geographically, Madeira is closer to Africa but it is part of Portugal. Because of this, Madeira is an outermost region of the EU – islands and archipelagos geographically distant from the European continent but part of the EU. Madeira is considered ‘Europe’ when it comes to holidays and travel.  

Also known as the Garden of the Atlantic, Madeira is famed for its lush vegetation. It’s a versatile island, with something to offer every traveller. If you want a touch of wilderness, culture, beachside relaxation and city living you’ll find it all here.

Now you’ve got some food for thought about where to go for your winter sun, it’s time to sort your holiday spends. Sainsbury’s Bank offers over 50 different currencies, from euros to Turkish lira. 

A Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card is another option. Load up your card with £50 worth of your chosen currency and away you go – there’s no credit or debit card fees either.