12 Hottest Countries in Europe for Endless Sunshine

Are you looking for hot countries to escape to in Europe? Whether you want a coastal escape even in winter or are looking for a hot country to move to or retire in, there is something for you in Europe.

While some areas of these countries can get uncomfortably hot in summer, the good side is that they typically remain pleasantly warm even in winter or autumn. For this reason, savvy travelers choose to skip the summer crowds, the sweltering temperatures, and the high prices and visit during the low season in autumn and winter, many of which remain pleasant for outdoor exploration.

Whether you are after a beach holiday or just looking to escape the cold of winter, you will get your dose of warmth in these countries.

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12 Hottest Countries in Europe for Endless Sunshine

Greece 1/5

13 Most Beautiful European Villages for a Timeless Experience

Malta 2/5

Stretching Your Euros: Europe's 12 Best Value Beach Destinations

Spain 3/5

Italy 4/5

Cyprus 5/5

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Greece

5 0

Malta

4 1

Spain

4 1

Italy

5 0

Cyprus

4 1

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Table of Contents

Spain

Spain’s climate varies greatly, but most of it is influenced by the Mediterranean weather, especially in its eastern and southern coastal areas.

Daytime summer temperatures typically go above 86°F (30°C), making it perfect for spending your day soaking up in the country’s beaches.

The typical autumnal temperatures range from 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C) in many coastal areas, though they can be cooler in northern regions and at higher altitudes. If you are looking for a hot beach escape, especially in autumn, you may want to consider the Canary Islands, such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria, which experience days of sunshine even in winter.

The Costa del Sol region, especially Malaga and Marella, or the Balearic Islands like Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza, are also great hot destinations to escape cold weather in the rest of Europe.

Travel Tips

Try Local Tapas: Visit Restaurante el Camino for tapas and barraquitos.
Rent a Bike: If you’re in places like Costa Brava or Mallorca, renting a bike is a fun way to explore the coastline.

Greece

Greece is a great place to consider if you are looking for a hot escape at the peak of autumn or winter. Whether you are visiting Athens or one of its numerous islands, you will benefit from its southern location and Mediterranean climate.

Summer daytime temperatures may reach 95°F (35 °C) but typically settle at around 77°F (25 °C) in the evenings. In autumn, temperatures in Greece range between 59°F and 77°F (15°C to 25°C), depending on the specific region and month. Winter temperatures remain in the range of 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) in most areas, which is still pretty decent for outdoor exploration.

With these temperatures, you can comfortably Visit Athens, Santorini, Rhodes, or other Greek islands for a warm coastal escape, even when the rest of Europe is freezing.

Travel Tips

Visit Early in Autumn: Plan your trip for late September or early October when the weather is warm, around 25°C (77°F).
Explore Local Wineries: Book a guided tour in Santorini for €150 ($157) and sample wines like Nykteri, Assyrtiko, and Vinsanto.

Italy

Italy enjoys a diverse climate, with Mediterranean conditions prevalent along the coasts and southern regions. Italian summers, especially in the south, can get very hot. Depending on your location, summer temperatures play in the range of 64.4°C to 100.4°F(18°C and 38°C).

Autumn temperatures in Italy typically range from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C ) in many regions, which is still decent enough for holidays and even beach vacations.

If you are looking for hot destinations to try even in winter and autumn, your best bet would be along the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, or Sardinia. These destinations experience plenty of sunshine, even in winter and autumn.

Travel Tips

Rent a Car: If you’re visiting regions like Sicily or Sardinia, consider renting a car to explore at your own pace.
Explore Local Festivals: Plan your trip to Tuscany in September to enjoy wine festivals like Festa dell’Uva in Impruneta and Festa del Vino in Montecarlo.

France

France is a land of diverse landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and coastlines. With varied landscapes come diverse climatic conditions. For example, some areas, like the French Alps, are typically very cold and experience snowfall. That being said, southern France and coastal areas tend to be warmer, while northern regions typically experience cooler temperatures. Autumn temperatures in France usually range from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C ) in many areas.

Summer temperatures in the Northern region down to around the center of the country range from (60.8° F to 75.2°F) 16°C to 24°C, while temperatures in the southern and eastern parts of the country range between 60.8° F to 86°F (24°C to 30°C).

Regions like the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur), Provence, and Corsica experience very hot summers, pleasant autumns, and mild winters. These three regions make for very perfect destinations for winter and autumnal escapes.

Looking for warm cities to tour? Consider Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and the French Riviera, which have consistently warmer temperatures even in winter.

Travel Tips

Visit La Cité du Vin: Book a tour of Bordeaux’s wine museum for €22 ($23) to enjoy interactive exhibits and a complimentary tasting of wines.
Join Baking Classes: Take a French croissant baking class for €135 to learn how to craft authentic croissants at Maison Fleuret in Paris.

Cyprus

Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean, and its climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The island’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea helps moderate temperatures, keeping winters relatively warm.

Autumn temperatures in Cyprus typically range from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in many areas. Autumn is a pleasant time to visit the country and enjoy different outdoor activities.

On the other hand, summer in Cyprus can get hot , with temperatures ranging from 95 °C (35 °C) during the day and around 77 °F (25 °C) during the night.

If you want hot temperatures even in winter, excellent destinations to consider in Cyprus include Limassol, Paphos, or Larnaca, all of which offer amazing coastal escapes.

Travel Tips

Explore Troodos Mountains: Visit the largest mountain range in Cyprus and taste unique Commandaria wine at local wineries.
Visit Local Markets: Explore markets in Larnaca or Limassol for fresh olives, cheeses, and handmade crafts.

Malta

Valletta, the capital of Malta, receives an annual average temperature of 72.4 º F (22.3ºC). Any time of the year is always a good time to visit Valletta.

Malta is in the central Mediterranean and has a subtropical climate known for its hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The island experiences sunshine throughout the year, making it an attractive destination for visitors seeking warmth even in autumn and winter.

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Average summer temperatures remain around 71.6°F to 87.8°F(22°C and 31°C). Autumn temperatures range between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), making it ideal for exploration, especially when the rest of Europe is getting colder.

Besides Valletta, you can visit all-year-round hot destinations in Malta, including Sliema on the Northeastern coast of Malta and Mellieha, located on the northern part and known for its sandy beaches, including Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay.

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Travel Tips

Take a Ferry to Sliema: Enjoy harbor views and Valletta’s skyline on a short round-trip ferry ride for €2.50 ($2.60).
Join a Walking Tour: Learn more about Valletta’s history by booking a 3-hour walking tour for €20 ($21).

Portugal

Portugal is located in Southwestern Europe, and its south and central regions experience a Mediterranean climate. The summers are typically very hot and dry, while the winters remain comfortably mild.

The height of summer in Portugal sees temperatures as high as 84.2°F (29 °C). However, the country’s average for the entire season is usually around 78.8 °F (26 °C).

The winter temperatures range between 50°F to 59°F (10°C to 15°C) in coastal areas, while inland temperatures may be cooler. Cool, yes, but it’s still modest enough for exploration.

The southernmost region, the Algarve, is known to experience warm weather all year round. If you are looking for destinations you can visit all year round, consider Faro, Albufeira, and Lagos, as they experience very mild winters and plenty of sunshine.

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, enjoys a mild climate even in winter, making it a year-round destination. If you are into island life, consider exploring the Madeira archipelago, which offers fantastic coastal escapes.

Travel Tips

Try Local Food: Visit Restaurante O Catraio for its cataplana, arroz de marisco, and bacalao.
Visit Sintra: Take a short train ride from Lisbon to explore Pena Palace, with entry fees at €20 ($21).

Croatia

Croatia is one of the warmest countries in Europe, thanks to the Mediterranean conditions along its coastline, which somehow neutralizes the continental climate in its interior regions. The coastal areas, including the Dalmatian coast, benefit from their location on the Adriatic Sea, which helps moderate temperatures and keeps winters relatively mild.

Summer temperatures range on average from 78.8°F to 86°F (26°C to 30°C) on the country’s coastline, 71.6°F to 78.8°F (22°C to 26°C ) in the continental region, and 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C) in the mountain regions.

Autumn temperatures in Croatia typically range from 50°F to 68°F ( 10°C to 20°C) in many coastal areas, with warmer temperatures in the south. Inland regions may experience slightly cooler temperatures but generally remain comfortable for outdoor activities.

If you are looking for the perfect destination to escape to, consider Dubrovnik, Split or Hvar. These destinations offer numerous outdoor exploration opportunities, even in autumn or winter.

Travel Tips

Explore National Parks: Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park for tufa formations or Krka National Park for waterfalls.
Try Local Seafood in Split: Enjoy dishes like octopus, swordfish, and prawn paté at Šug Restaurant.

Albania

Located in the Balkan Peninsula, the country’s proximity to the Mediterranean is the reason behind its mild winters and hot summers; autumns remain pleasantly warm, in the ranges of 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C ) along the coast, with warmer temperatures in the south. While the inland temperatures may be cooler, the country generally remains warm for many outdoor activities.

Summers in Albania can get hot, with temperatures as high as 91 °F (33 °C) experienced at the season’s height.

If you are looking for a hot destination, Albania’s coastal towns of Saranda, Durres, and Vlora remain pleasantly warm for coastal escapes.

Travel Tips

Try Albanian Cuisine: Dine at Temi Albanian Food for traditional dishes like tavë kosi (baked lamb and yogurt dish) for ALL 600 ($6)
Visit Butrint National Park: Explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins at this UNESCO site for an entrance fee of ALL 1,000 ($11).

Montenegro

Montenegro’s warm weather can be attributed to its location on the Adriatic coast. The country’s temperatures are primarily influenced by the sea. Autumn temperatures in Montenegro typically range from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C) along the coast, with warmer temperatures in the south.

Summer temperatures vary greatly, from 68°F to 102.2° F (20°C to 39°C), depending on region

Some of the best destinations for sunseekers include Kotor and Herceg Novi, located on the picturesque Bay of Kotor, and Budva, known for its stunning beaches.

Travel Tips

Visit Durmitor National Park: Pay €5 ($5.25) to hike scenic trails or relax with a picnic by Black Lake.
Hike to Kotor Fortress: Pay the €8 ($9) entrance fee for a 30-minute hike along fortress walls, offering panoramic views of Old Town and the bay.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s climate varies depending on the region, but much of the country benefits from its location in southeastern Europe and proximity to the Black Sea. Coastal areas experience a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, while inland regions have a continental climate with colder winters.

Summer temperatures in Bulgaria hover in the range of 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).

Autumn temperatures hover in the range of 41°F to 59°F (5°C to 15°C) in many areas, which is way hotter than many regions in Europe. If you are looking to escape frigid temperatures from other places in Europe, some Bulgarian destinations include Varna, Burgas and Plovdiv, which remain pleasantly warm and manageable even in the peak of winter.

Travel Tips

Explore Plovdiv Old Town: Wander cobblestone streets, visit colorful houses, and tour Hindliyan House for 5 BGN ($2.68)
Visit Rila Monastery: Travel from Sofia to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a spiritual and cultural center for Bulgarians, with an entrance fee of BGN 8 ($4.29).

Turkey

Turkey, located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, benefits mainly from its extensive coastlines on the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas. The coastal regions remain pleasantly warm in autumn and winter. Autumn temperatures range from 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C) in coastal areas, with warmer temperatures in the south.

The summer temperatures play in the range of 77°F – 86°F (25 °C and 30°C)

If you are looking for warmer Turkey destinations to try, Antalya, Izmir, and Bodrum would be your best options, thanks to the consistent sun and pristine beaches they offer.

Travel Tips

Visit Ephesus: Don’t miss this well-preserved ancient city near Izmir, with an entrance fee of €40 ($44), and explore the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
Try Local Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at Yiğit Sofram Gözleme ve Kahvaltı. Make sure to try their famous yigit eggs breakfast set at TL 280 ($8).