Escaping the January blues has never been easier now that you have these warm destinations to choose from, so let’s take a look.
Even if you love the winter or call yourself a snowbird, there may be times when you crave some Vitamin D. Luckily, in Europe, there are a small handful of destinations that remain relatively warm and sunny even in the winter months.
Without even knowing, you may be located just a short flight away from one of these glorious warm destinations, so why not treat yourself to a winter break?
Let us inspire you with the top ten warmest countries in Europe in January.
10. Gibraltar – a British overseas territory
While Gibraltar is an overseas British territory, we couldn’t possibly put the UK as an entry as most regions are freezing in January.
Gibraltar has lovely weather in January, experiencing high temperatures of around 16 C (60.8 F) and lows of 11 C (51.8 F).
9. Monaco – a mild January escape
January signifies the coldest month of the year for Monaco, but average temperatures sit around 13 C (55 F), so it still makes for a nice, mild break, especially if you’re coming from a country that sits around 0 C (32 F) averages in January.
8. France – Corsica and the French Riviera
While France may not be as warm as some other parts of Europe in the deep winter, the island of Corsica, known for its rugged mountain landscape, is one of the best choices for escaping the January blues.
Don’t forget places like The French Riveria and nearby Monaco for other mild options with average January temperatures of 13 C (55.4 F). Indulge in delicious French street food and admire the coast here in January.
7. Turkey – Alanya is the place to go
While some parts of Turkey can be cold, it is good to remember that this is a vast country with varied temperatures. As such, it’s one of the warmest countries in Europe in January.
The region around Alanya is one of the best places to visit in the winter months, especially in January, when the daily temperatures are a mild 16 C (60 F), which is an excellent escape from the cold days in other parts of Europe.
6. Italy – escape to the Italian winter sun
The islands of Sardinia and Sicily are great places to visit for their mild winter climates and the variety of things to see and do in both regions.
People are drawn to the Italian islands because of the gorgeous beaches, rugged landscape, rich culture and mild, sunny days, so what else is there to consider? Grab the ferry to Sardinia or Sicily for a warm January escape.
VISITING MAINLAND ITALY IN JANUARY? Check out our guide to the best activities to do in Venice in January.
5. Greece – with a variety of sunny spots
Many people opt for a trip to the Greek islands when the deep winter sets in, and some popular warm places include Crete, Corfu, Zakynthos and the mainland area of the Peloponnese.
With great food and wine and average daily temperatures of around 15 C (59 F) on certain islands, Greece has never been a better choice for a warm January getaway.
Whether you’re escaping to the islands for a party holiday or a romantic getaway, Greece is a great choice this January.
4. Cyprus – an often-overlooked winter destination
Cyprus is one of the warmest countries in Europe, a destination that many people overlook, yet it features all the best aspects of a January sun holiday.
It has a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and beautiful sunny days, and you can expect comfortable temperatures of around 17 C (62 F) daily.
3. Portugal – stunning beaches and lots of sun
Portugal is a trendy destination for those searching for beautiful landscapes, great wine and winter sun, and the beaches in the Algarve are some of the best in Europe.
The Portuguese Island of Madeira is also an excellent option for an island getaway if you are looking for mild winter temperatures and rugged and wild surroundings. January temperatures average around 15-17 C (59-62.6 F).
2. Malta – a quickly accessible island
The island of Malta is one of the warmest countries in Europe in January, with average temperatures of between 16-18 C (61-64 F), which are perfect for enjoying the coastal villages, hiking and sightseeing. Malta is easily reachable from Europe, so some winter sun is just a short flight away.
1. Spain – one of the warmest countries in Europe in January
If jetting off to a far-flung island is not on the cards and you would prefer something a little more central, then you should consider Spain, which has many hours of sunshine and warm temperatures in January.
The Costa del Sol or Costa Brava are ideal for beach fun, with 21 C (69.8 F) average temperatures.
The Canary Islands are one of Europe’s warmest spots all winter. Days might be short during winter, but you can expect lovely temperatures of 20 C (68 F) and above, so a tan in January won’t be out of the question.
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