If you're anything like me—living in Northern England or somewhere equally cold—you’ve
probably caught yourself daydreaming about swapping your woolly jumper for a swimsuit every
time the thermostat drops below 10°C. Winter in Europe may bring snowy charm, but not
everyone is built for the cold. So if you're craving sunshine, sandy beaches, and 25+ degree
weather, you're in luck.
Let’s explore the best warm winter destinations in Europe and nearby—some of which are
surprisingly close, and others worth the long-haul flight.

�� Is There Really Anywhere Warm in Europe During
Winter?
Let’s get real—Europe isn’t exactly tropical in winter, but there are a few regions where you
can catch a tan without hopping too far. The southern tips of Spain, Portugal, and a few Canary
Islands offer mild temperatures and plenty of winter sun.
If you're looking for guaranteed heat, though, you'll want to look just outside Europe to places
like Thailand, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Maldives—some of the most sought-after
winter escapes for Europeans.

��️ Top Warm Winter Destinations in Europe (and Beyond)

���� Canary Islands, Spain – "Europe’s Winter Playground"
 Average Winter Temp: 20–25°C
 Why Go: This is probably the closest you’ll get to a tropical climate in Europe. Tenerife,
Gran Canaria (aka “Granka”—as Norwegians cheekily call it), and Lanzarote are winter
favourites among northern Europeans.
 Best For: Families, solo travellers, and retirees
 Activities: Volcano hikes, beach lounging, water sports, tapas

���� Algarve, Portugal – "Mild, Quiet, and Peaceful"
 Average Winter Temp: 16–20°C
 Why Go: With fewer crowds and stunning cliffside beaches, the Algarve is a relaxing
European option in winter. It’s not tropical, but it’s still warm enough to ditch the heavy
coat.
 Best For: Couples, photographers, and remote workers
 Activities: Coastal walks, seafood feasts, golfing

���� Andalusia, Spain – "Warm, Cultural & Budget-Friendly"
 Cities to Visit: Seville, Malaga, Granada
 Average Winter Temp: 15–22°C
 Why Go: Think flamenco, Moorish architecture, and sunlit plazas. Seville, in particular,
is known for its warmest winter temperatures of any mainland European city.
 Best For: Culture lovers and foodies
 Activities: Historic sites, tapas bars, museums

�� Warm Winter Destinations Just Outside Europe
Sometimes, you’ve got to go a little further for that true tropical warmth.

���� Thailand – "The Backpacker’s Paradise"
 Average Winter Temp: 28–32°C
 Why Go: Thailand is a go-to escape for Europeans who want heat, great food, and
affordable luxury. December to February is the best time to go—dry season, sunshine,
and beach-perfect weather.
 Best For: Everyone—from solo backpackers to luxury honeymooners
 Activities: Island hopping, street food tours, temples, diving

���� Mexico (Yucatán Peninsula) – "A Rising Star Among European Travellers"
 Destinations: Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen
 Average Winter Temp: 26–30°C

 Why Go: It's quickly becoming a favourite among digital nomads and younger
Europeans. Great beaches, historic Mayan ruins, cenotes, and food that'll blow your
mind.
 Best For: Adventure seekers and couples
 Activities: Snorkeling, jungle tours, day trips to Chichén Itzá

��️ Maldives – "The Honeymoon Dream"
 Average Winter Temp: 28–32°C
 Why Go: If budget isn't a concern, the Maldives offers postcard-perfect beaches, private
villas, and clear waters. It’s especially popular with newlyweds from Europe and Asia.
 Best For: Luxury seekers, honeymooners
 Activities: Snorkeling, overwater bungalows, spa treatments

��️ Bonus: Abuja, Nigeria – "Surprisingly Ideal for Young,
Solo Travelers"
 Average Winter Temp: 26–35°C
 Why Go: Abuja may not be the first place that comes to mind, but it’s modern, hotel-
rich, and full of cultural landmarks. For younger travelers without strong travel networks
yet, it’s a great intro to Africa.
 Best For: Cultural explorers and adventurous solo travelers
 Activities: National Mosque, Zuma Rock, arts & crafts markets

❄️ Places That Aren’t Warm in Winter (Just So You Know)
Let’s set expectations:
 Montenegro is scenic but cold and windy in winter.
 Most of Eastern Europe is freezing between November and February.
 Even Italy and Greece can get chilly depending on the region.

✈️ Travel Tips for Winter Sun Seekers
 Book early: Flights to warm destinations spike in price from November to January.
 Consider shoulder months like late October or March for fewer crowds.

 Use apps like Skyscanner and Google Flights to track price drops.
 Don’t forget travel insurance, especially for long-haul getaways.
 Pack light—but bring a light sweater. Even warm places get cool breezes at night.

�� Final Thoughts
If you’re not cut out for the cold and need your sun fix, there’s no shame in chasing the heat.
Whether you’re after something nearby like Spain or Portugal, or ready to go big with
Thailand or Mexico, there’s a warm winter destination waiting for you.
And hey, if you do end up in Gran Canaria—don’t worry. Norwegians may joke about it, but
they secretly love it too.