Where Is Hot in January in Europe: Top 12 Destinations for 2026

Key takeaways

Southern Europe offers surprisingly warm escapes in January, with temperatures ranging from 60–75°F (16–24°C) across Spain, Portugal, and the Mediterranean Islands. The Canary Islands and Cyprus deliver Europe's warmest winter weather, while coastal regions provide mild sunshine perfect for exploring without summer crowds. January travelers enjoy lower prices, quieter landmarks, and authentic local experiences—and Going members regularly save on flights to these sun-soaked destinations.

For the warmest winter weather:

• Canary Islands (Spain): Europe's warmest destination with 70–75°F (21–24°C), year-round sunshine, and perfect conditions for beaches, hiking, and family resorts across Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.
• Cyprus: Mediterranean warmth reaching 65°F (18°C), ancient Roman ruins in Paphos, seaside cafés in Limassol, and comfortable outdoor dining under sunny skies.
• Madeira (Portugal): Spring-like 68°F (20°C) weather, dramatic volcanic cliffs, lush botanical gardens, and excellent hiking with whale watching opportunities.
• Costa del Sol (Spain): True "Coast of the Sun" with 68°F (20°C) highs, seaside walks, al fresco dining, world-class golf courses, and lively Marbella beaches.

For Mediterranean Island escapes:

• Malta: Golden limestone streets of Valletta, peaceful Gozo hiking trails, 60–65°F (16–18°C) temperatures, and stunning coastal views with historic architecture.
• Sicily (Italy): Off-season charm with Palermo's markets, Valley of the Temples, Mount Etna exploration, and authentic Italian cuisine in 55–65°F (13–18°C) weather.
• Crete (Greece): Southern Greece's best winter weather at 57–65°F (14–18°C), crowd-free archaeological sites, cozy mountain villages, and scenic coastal drives.

For coastal Spanish warmth:

• Andalusia (Spain): Cultural landmarks meet golden beaches at 60–67°F (16–19°C)—explore Malaga's museums, Seville's tapas bars, and Almeria's views of Africa.
• Algarve (Portugal): Over 300 days of sunshine yearly, 64°F (18°C) cliff walks, world-class golfing, and relaxed coastal villages with consistently warm weather.

Warmest destinations in Southern Spain

1. Andalusia

Southern Spain stays pleasantly warm in January, especially along the Mediterranean coast. Andalusia combines cultural landmarks, golden beaches, and vibrant city life—all without the summer crowds. Málaga offers mild weather around 65°F (18°C), perfect for exploring the Picasso Museum or strolling along La Malagueta Beach. Seville, though cooler, brims with charm: Orange trees line its streets, and tapas bars hum with locals. Meanwhile, Almeria and Gibraltar deliver sunshine and views of both Europe and Africa.

• Average temperature: 60–67°F (16–19°C)
• Best for: Culture lovers, foodies, couples
• Main airports: Málaga–Costa del Sol (AGP), Seville (SVQ)
• Average Going deal: $531 roundtrip

2. Costa del Sol

True to its name, "Coast of the Sun", Costa del Sol is one of Europe's best winter beach escapes. The weather is warm enough for seaside walks and al fresco dining, with average highs near 68°F (20°C). Marbella and Nerja maintain a lively vibe even in January, with beach cafés and boutique hotels offering off-season discounts. Families can enjoy day trips to Ronda or Gibraltar, while golfers flock to the region's scenic courses.

• Average temperature: 63–70°F (17–21°C)
• Best for: Families, golfers, relaxed sunseekers
• Main airport: Málaga (AGP)
• Average Going deal: $534 roundtrip

3. Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote)

The Canary Islands boast Europe's warmest winter weather, averaging 70–75°F (21–24°C). Each island offers a unique vibe: Tenerife is perfect for hiking and family resorts, Gran Canaria balances beaches with nightlife, and Lanzarote captivates with volcanic landscapes. With year-round sunshine and excellent flight connections, the Canaries are Europe's ultimate January escape.

• Average temperature: 70–75°F (21–24°C)
• Best for: Beach lovers, families, winter hikers
• Main airports: Tenerife South (TFS), Gran Canaria (LPA), Lanzarote (ACE)
• Average Going deal: $561 roundtrip

Mediterranean Island escapes

1. Cyprus

Cyprus offers Mediterranean warmth mixed with ancient history. In Paphos, you can explore Roman ruins under sunny skies, while Limassol blends seaside cafés with a lively old town. With temperatures around 65°F (18°C), it's one of the few European spots where you can comfortably eat outdoors in January.

• Average temperature: 62–68°F (17–20°C)
• Best for: History buffs, couples
• Main airport: Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO)
• Average Going deal: $476 roundtrip

2. Malta

Malta combines stunning coastal views, historic architecture, and winter sunshine. Valletta's limestone streets glow golden in the sun, while Gozo's hiking trails offer peaceful views of the Mediterranean. The island's mild temperatures make it ideal for sightseeing and dining outdoors.

• Average temperature: 60–65°F (16–18°C)
• Best for: Culture enthusiasts, solo travelers
• Main airport: Malta International Airport (MLA)
• Average Going deal: $530 roundtrip

3. Sicily, Italy

Sicily's off-season charm lies in its mix of culture and cuisine. Families can explore Palermo's markets, the Valley of the Temples, and Mount Etna without summer heat. Expect sunny days and cool nights—perfect for exploring coastal towns and enjoying authentic Italian food.

• Average temperature: 55–65°F (13–18°C)
• Best for: Food lovers, cultural travelers
• Main airport: Palermo (PMO) or Catania (CTA)
• Average Going deal: $581 roundtrip

4. Crete, Greece

Crete's southern position gives it some of Greece's best winter weather, with temperatures that remain surprisingly mild. Its mountain villages stay cozy while coastal areas bask in sunshine, and Heraklion's archaeological sites are nearly crowd-free—a stark contrast to the summer tourist rush. January in Crete offers an authentic glimpse of Greek island life. Families can enjoy local cuisine, coastal drives, and mild hiking trails without the Mediterranean heat.

• Average temperature: 57–65°F (14–18°C)
• Best for: Families, cultural explorers
• Main airport: Heraklion (HER)
• Average Going deal: $632 roundtrip

Warm Portuguese destinations

1. Algarve

Portugal's Algarve region enjoys over 300 days of sunshine yearly—and that includes a healthy number of days in January. Expect highs around 64°F (18°C), perfect for cliff walks, golfing, and relaxed coastal villages. January is ideal for exploring the region's natural beauty without summer crowds. The mild temperatures make it comfortable for hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail or exploring the historic streets of Tavira and Silves.

• Average temperature: 60–65°F (16–18°C)
• Best for: Couples, retirees, nature lovers
• Main airport: Faro (FAO)
• Average Going deal: $504 roundtrip

2. Madeira

This volcanic island offers spring-like weather all year. In January, average highs hover near 68°F (20°C), and the island's dramatic cliffs and botanical gardens are at their greenest. The mild climate makes it perfect for hiking, whale watching, and exploring Funchal's vibrant markets. Madeira's unique geography creates a microclimate that keeps temperatures stable and comfortable. The island's botanical gardens bloom even in winter, creating colorful terraces that cascade down volcanic hillsides.

• Average temperature: 66–70°F (19–21°C)
• Best for: Hikers, couples, foodies
• Main airport: Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC)
• Average Going deal: $440 roundtrip

Related reading:

• Best places to visit in Portugal
• How to plan a trip to Portugal
• What to eat in Portugal

Other Mediterranean warm spots

1. Southern France (Nice, Marseille)

The French Riviera stays bright and mild through winter, offering a sophisticated escape from northern Europe's gray skies. Nice's Promenade des Anglais and Marseille's Vieux-Port (Old Port) are perfect for sunny strolls, with clear skies and dramatically fewer crowds than the summer crush. The region's famous light—the same luminosity that attracted Matisse and Chagall—takes on a softer quality in winter, making it ideal for photography and outdoor dining at surprisingly reasonable prices.

• Average temperature: 55–63°F (13–17°C)
• Best for: Couples, art lovers
• Main airport: Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE), Marseille Provence (MRS)
• Average Going deal: $505 roundtrip

2. Southern Italy (Naples, Amalfi Coast)

Southern Italy offers mild weather and incredible food in January. Naples is ideal for history lovers, while Amalfi's quiet winter towns—like Positano—offer postcard-perfect scenery without crowds. January in Campania means authentic experiences at local prices. While beaches aren't swimming-warm, coastal walks reveal dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and medieval watchtowers that summer crowds often miss.

• Average temperature: 55–65°F (13–18°C)
• Best for: Couples, food lovers
• Main airport: Naples International (NAP)
• Average Going deal: $532 roundtrip

3. Turkish Riviera (Antalya)

Antalya's Mediterranean climate keeps it sunny year-round. The Turkish Riviera—stretching from Antalya to Fethiye—combines rich history with natural beauty. January temperatures make it perfect for exploring sites like Perge, Aspendos, and Side without the scorching summer sun that can make midday sightseeing unbearable. Winter also brings great hotel deals and peaceful beaches, making it one of Europe's most budget-friendly warm destinations. 

• Average temperature: 60–68°F (16–20°C)
• Best for: Budget travelers, history enthusiasts
• Main airport: Antalya Airport (AYT), but deals more frequent into Istanbul Airport (IST)
• Average Going deal: $623 roundtrip

What to expect from "warm" European destinations in January

While you won't find tropical heat, southern Europe's 60–70°F (16–21°C) averages make January ideal for exploring without crowds. Expect crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and cool evenings. Pack layers and enjoy cheaper accommodation, quieter landmarks, and authentic local experiences.

The Mediterranean isn't summer-hot, but it's comfortably warm for outdoor activities—walking tours, coastal hikes, open-air dining, and sightseeing minus the sweltering heat. Beach lovers can still enjoy seaside strolls, though swimming depends on your cold tolerance except in the warmest spots like the Canary Islands.

Finding flight deals to warm European destinations

The best flight prices appear when you book early or stay flexible, especially for January getaways. This month is a shoulder season in Europe, so deals are common. Learn when it's cheapest to buy flights and how to spot mistake fares for even bigger savings.

Going members receive personalized alerts when prices drop from their home airport, making it easy to catch deals to warm European destinations. Setting up fare alerts means you'll never miss a chance to escape winter at the right price.

Tips for winter sun holidays in Europe

Looking for a warm escape in January? Choose southern or island destinations for the most reliable warmth. The Canary Islands, Cyprus, and Madeira offer the best weather guarantees, while coastal Spain and Portugal provide excellent value with pleasant temperatures.

Book open-jaw flights if visiting multiple countries to maximize your itinerary. Avoid peak holiday weeks in early January for better prices on both flights and accommodations. Consider travel insurance, or check your coverage through credit cards, in case of weather disruptions, and sign up for Going to receive personalized deal alerts for your home airport. Pack layers since mornings and evenings can be cool even in southern Europe's warmest spots.