Mild Winter Cities in Europe: Where to Go If You Have Asthma (and Don’t Want to Freeze)

As winter settles in across northern Europe, we always start thinking about where we can escape the worst of the cold — but without venturing too far. Our situation is a little specific: we have family in southern Portugal and love the dry, sunny climate there, especially because it’s great for the asthma we’re dealing with. But realistically, driving from the Netherlands to the Algarve isn’t exactly a casual winter weekend getaway.

So this year, we started looking closer to home for mild-weather winter destinations in Europe. Ideally places we can drive to, with better air quality than the rainy Atlantic coasts, and without needing to fly to the Med. And definitely no North Sea windchill, thank you very much.

Here’s what we found — and a few cities we’re seriously considering visiting this winter.

1. Montélimar or Avignon, France

• ☀️ Mild and dry winter climate

• 🚗 ~10–11 hours from the Netherlands

• 🌿 Asthma-friendly: low humidity, low pollution (outside of big cities)

Southern France doesn’t just mean the Riviera. Once you pass Lyon heading south, you hit a different climate zone entirely — drier, sunnier, and way more pleasant in winter. Avignon and Montélimar are charming, culturally rich towns in the Rhône Valley, and even in January they often have blue skies and daytime temps around 10–13°C. Perfect for a relaxed, breath-easy winter break.

2. Liguria, Italy (Savona, Finale Ligure, or even Sanremo)

• ☀️ Sheltered by the Alps, sunny Mediterranean vibes

• 🚗 ~11–13 hours from the Netherlands

• 🌬️ Coastal, but not overly humid in winter

We’re much less familiar with Italy in winter, but after doing a bit of research, Liguria seems like a solid bet. It’s not too far, it’s definitely milder than inland northern Italy, and places like Savona or Sanremo can feel springlike even in February. Plus: Italian food. Always a win. And the region’s air quality is surprisingly good for the season.

3. Narbonne or Perpignan, France

• ☀️ Mediterranean sun with a Catalan twist

• 🚗 ~11–12 hours from the Netherlands

• 💨 Known for dry, windy winters (which some people with asthma love — others don’t)

These towns are tucked into the Languedoc-Roussillon region, close to the Spanish border. While the wind (like the Tramontane) can be strong, it also helps keep the air clean and pollen-free. It’s definitely drier and sunnier than the Atlantic coast, without being too warm or remote. If you’re curious about the French Mediterranean but don’t want to commit to a full-on Riviera trip, this area’s a great middle ground.

4. Ljubljana, Slovenia

• 🌫️ Some fog in winter, but air quality is decent and the cold isn’t brutal

• 🚗 ~12–13 hours from the Netherlands

• 🌄 Bonus: Alpine views and surprisingly affordable prices

We’re much less familiar with eastern Europe in general, let alone in winter. But Ljubljana kept coming up as a friendly, compact, and livable city even in the colder months. It does get chilly — think -5°C to +5°C — but nothing extreme. And while some valleys can trap smog, Ljubljana itself is well-managed and surrounded by nature.

5. Bolzano, Italy (South Tyrol)

• 🏔️ Mountain air without Arctic temps

• 🚗 ~10–11 hours from the Netherlands

• 🍎 High altitude, low humidity, and some of Europe’s cleanest winter air

If we could design the perfect winter climate for asthma, this region might be it. Cold? Yes — but mostly dry cold, and rarely below -10°C. Bolzano’s nestled in a valley, so it’s protected from harsh winds, and the surrounding area is dotted with wellness resorts and spas. The only catch: there can be some fog or inversion in the deep valleys, so pick a spot with a bit of elevation for clearer skies.

Places We’re Skipping (For Now)

• Atlantic France (Brittany, Normandy): Too wet. Too grey. Too much mold.

• The Baltic Coast (Germany to Estonia): We’re assuming the worst here — cold, damp, and not great for the lungs. (If someone knows otherwise, please do tell us!)

• Northern Finland: Absolutely pristine air quality — until pollen and dust season kick in. But let’s be real: -25°C and “stay indoors if you have asthma” warnings? We’re not ready for that kind of winter warrior life.

Final Thoughts

In the end, we’re looking for the sweet spot: mild but not damp, driveable from the Netherlands, and easy on the lungs. France and northern Italy are winning for now, but we’re open to discovering more underrated winter-friendly cities in central or eastern Europe.

Got tips? Know a gem we missed? Let us know! We’re always looking for that perfect blend of sunshine, clean air, and proximity.