Discover the 8 European Countries With The Best Weather Year-Round 

Landscape with Sant Angelo village, coast of Ischia, italy
© Serenity-H/Shutterstock.com

Written by Erin Whitten

Published: November 4, 2023

Share on:

Advertisement


Seeking a European destination where the weather is delightful year-round? Look no further. These eight countries offer a wonderful climate that ensures a pleasant trip, regardless of the season.

These 8 European countries have the best weather year-round.

1. Spain

Panoramic aerial view of Gran Via, main shopping street in Madrid, capital of Spain, Europe.

Spain’s climate diversity shines, offering a range of weather that promises year-round enjoyment and stunning scenes.

©Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock.com

Spain’s variety in climate zones makes it a top choice for year-round pleasant weather. Regions such as Andalusia and the Balearic Islands enjoy a Mediterranean climate, with summers being hot and dry, and winters mild and rainy. Cities like Seville and Granada are sunny for most of the year, with coastal areas benefiting from refreshing breezes. The Canary Islands offer a subtropical climate, with temperatures rarely falling below 62°F (17°C) even in winter.

2. Portugal

Peneda-Geres National Park

Portugal basks in over 300 sunny days yearly.

©iStock.com/Sergey_Peterman

Known for its abundant sunshine, Portugal sees over 300 sunny days per year. The Algarve region, in particular, experiences hot summers and mild winters, with average winter temperatures around 59°F (15°C). Lisbon, the capital, also enjoys a Mediterranean climate, perfect for exploring its historic streets and architecture nearly all year long.

3. Italy

National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise (Italy)

From Italy’s alpine north to its warm Mediterranean south, areas like Tuscany enjoy temperate climates with hot summers and mild winters, ideal for exploration.

©ValerioMei/ via Getty Images

Italy’s climate ranges dramatically from the alpine conditions in the north to the warm Mediterranean weather in the south. Regions like Tuscany and Lazio have a temperate climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Coastal areas benefit from the sea’s moderating influence, providing enjoyable temperatures for beach and countryside visits.

4. Greece

Aerial view on Athens, Greece

Greece’s extended summer and Mediterranean climate feature hot days and mild winters.

©sborisov/iStock via Getty Images

With one of the longest summer seasons in Europe, Greece is synonymous with sunshine. It boasts a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, especially in popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos. The mainland also enjoys pleasant weather, enhancing the experience of visiting ancient ruins and vibrant cities.

5. Malta

Gozo island - Malta

Malta shines with over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually.

©Dragan Adoroarte/Shutterstock.com

With over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Malta’s climate is among the most reliable in Europe, featuring hot summers and mild winters. Winters are short and mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 50°F (10°C), allowing for year-round enjoyment of the island’s historic sites and landscapes.

6. France

Eiffel Tower and spring tulips on Field of Mars, Paris, France

France delights with diverse climates, from the sunny French Riviera’s mild winters to the warm summers of Corsica.

©Vladislav Zolotov/iStock via Getty Images

France’s climate varies, but regions like the French Riviera and Corsica enjoy a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. Nice is famous for its sunshine, receiving over 2,700 hours annually. Winter temperatures rarely fall below 50°F (10°C), making it a sought-after destination for milder weather.

7. Cyprus

Landscape with Fig Tree Bay in Protaras, Cyprus

Cyprus, a sun-drenched island, boasts long summers and short, mild winters,

©Serenity-H/Shutterstock.com

As one of Europe’s hottest countries, Cyprus offers lengthy summers and short, mild winters. The island enjoys around 320 sunny days each year, with coastal summer temperatures regularly exceeding 86°F (30°C). Winters are brief, maintaining mild conditions perfect for exploring beaches, mountains, and archaeological sites.

8. Croatia

Krka National Park

Croatia’s Adriatic coast promises sunny days with hot summers and gentle winters.

©iStock.com/anshar73

Croatia’s Adriatic coast is renowned for its beautiful weather, featuring hot summers and mild, wet winters. Historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split also offer some of the country’s best weather. The coast benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring plenty of sunshine for enjoying beautiful beaches and clear waters.

Summary of the European Countries With the Best Weather Year-Round 

RankCountryClimate TypeAverage Winter TempAverage Summer TempHighlights
1.SpainMediterranean62°F (17°C)86°F (30°C)Diverse climates, sunny, mild winters, Balearic and Canary Islands
2.PortugalMediterranean59°F (15°C)82°F (28°C)Consistently mild, Algarve’s 3,000+ hours of sunshine, Porto and Lisbon
3.ItalyVarious45-59°F (7-15°C)77-95°F (25-35°C)Rich history, varied climate zones, from Alpine to Mediterranean
4.GreeceMediterranean55°F (13°C)92°F (33°C)Islands, sunny and mild winters, extended summer
5.MaltaMediterranean59°F (15°C)88°F (31°C)Smallest EU country, consistent warmth, historic sites
6.FranceVarious45-50°F (7-10°C)75-85°F (24-29°C)Riviera’s mild climate, diverse regions from coast to mountains
7.CyprusMediterranean57°F (14°C)92°F (33°C)Warmest EU member, long summers, mild winters, beaches
8.CroatiaMediterranean48°F (9°C)86°F (30°C)Adriatic coast, mild winters, warm summers, historic sites


Share this post on:
About the Author

Erin Whitten is a writer at A-Z Animals, primarily covering dogs, food, and travel. She earned her BA in Communications and Digital Media from Arizona State University in 2019. A resident of Massachusetts, Erin enjoys hanging out with her shelter cat Azula and taking photos of other animals.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.