Where are the five warmest holiday destinations in Europe right now?

Want last minute autumn sun? These are the best holiday destinations to visit

If you’re thinking about booking some late autumn travel this year, then these are the warmest holiday destinations in Europe right now

With the UK weather delivering the most typical of UK weather right now, it’s no surprise that more than 8,000 Brits are currently searching for “winter sun" holidays every month on Google. But, where is the best place to travel to for late autumn sun that doesn't come with a side of torrential rain or freezing sea temperatures? Wonder no more, as Visit Cascais has crunched the numbers to work out the top five late autumn holiday destinations in Europe:

Top five sunniest locations between Nov & Dec:

1. Valletta, Malta

With the average max sea temperatures sitting in the low 20s through to December, Malta is the ideal holiday destination for those wanting to enjoy sea swimming through to the end of the year. Malta proudly has more than 230 sunny days every year (that means it’s sunny more than 63% of the year!), and has average max outdoor temps of 19 degrees celsius over the months of November and December.

Average flight time from the UK: just over 3 hours
Average max outside temps in Nov + Dec: 19 degrees celsius
Average max seawater temps in Nov + Dec: 22 degrees celsius
Best beach nearby: St Elmo Bay, Valletta

(Photo by joseph buhagiar on Unsplash)

 

2. Lisbon (and Cascais), Portugal

Portugal’s capital of Lisbon and surrounding Cascais region also celebrate year-round sun, and average temperatures of 17 degrees celsius through the end of the year. Bernardo Barros, President at Visit Cascais says: “With 226 sunny days every year, and average temperatures nearing 20 degrees at the end of the year, Portugal is the perfect destination for Brits looking to escape their dreary weather and bathe in the remainder of our Southern European sun! Cascais is Portugal’s hidden treasure, and it has everything the British traveller is looking for: sun, excellent food, pristine beaches, and plenty of culture too!”

Average flight time from the UK: just under 3 hours
Average max outside temps in Nov + Dec: 17 degrees celsius
Average max seawater temps in Nov + Dec: 19 degrees celsius
Best beach nearby: Praia do Tamariz, Cascais

(Photo by Jeroen den Otter on Unsplash)

 

3. Athens, Greece

Athens shares similar temperatures as Lisbon, but with the bonus of ever-so-slightly warmer sea temperatures for those keen on a city break with a twist. While most travellers will think of historical sights and Greek ruins when they consider Athens, there are a number of public beaches just out of the city that are perfect additions to a city break itinerary. This city also has the most sunny days recorded, with 268 sunny days in 2020 (almost 75% sun!).

Average flight time from the UK: 3 and a half hours
Average max outside temps in Nov + Dec: 17 degrees celsius
Average max seawater temps in Nov + Dec: 20 degrees celsius
Best beach nearby: Glyfada Beach, Glifada

(Photo by Constantinos Kollias on Unsplash)

 

4. Rome, Italy

Rome is another city-break destination with lovely lesser known local beaches that reach average highs of 21 degrees celsius towards the end of the year. In fact, the local sea temperatures are expected to be warmer than the outside temperatures, so if you’re looking for a city break with a side of swimming, that’s only a few hours away, Rome is your best bet!

Average flight time from the UK: just under 3 hours
Average max outside temps in Nov + Dec: 15 degrees celsius
Average max seawater temps in Nov + Dec: 21 degrees celsius
Best beach nearby: Tibidabo Beach, Roma

(Photo by Vinicius "amnx" Amano on Unsplash)

 

 

5. Tirana, Albania

Albania’s capital of Tirana also reaches average highs of 17 degrees throughout November, but with slightly chillier sea temps. With flight times just over 4 hours from the UK, it’s also the furthest destination on the list, but does still promise average temperatures of 15 through the rest of the year, as well as some incredible soviet-era sights once in the historic city.

Average flight time from the UK: just over 4 hours
Average max outside temps in Nov + Dec: 15 degrees celsius
Average max seawater temps in Nov + Dec: 15 degrees celsius
Best beach nearby: Beach of Durrës, Durrësit

(Photo by Douglas O on Unsplash)

 

Top 5 sunniest locations Nov & Dec

#	Country	Capital	Sunny Days 2020	Nov Temps (high)	Dec Temps (high)	Average over Autumn (inc Dec)	Closest Beach	Sea Temps Nov	Sea Temps Dec	Average over Autumn (inc Dec)
1	Malta	Valletta	232	21	17	19	St Elmo Bay, Valletta	23	20	22
2	Portugal	Lisbon	226	18	16	17	Praia do Tamariz, Cascais	20	17	19
3	Greece	Athens	268	19	14	17	Glyfada Beach, Glifada	21	18	20
4	Italy	Rome	208	17	13	15	Tibidabo Beach, Roma	22	19	21
5	Albania	Tirana	213	17	12	15	Beach of Durrës, Durrësit	16	13	15

When we look at the destinations with the highest average temperature over the next three months, it’s clear to see Southern Europe is the go-to destination for that warming winter sun, and not-too-cold waters too. With averages between 17 and 21 degrees in each of these cities, there’s never been a better time to chase the sun and book a last-minute escape to Europe - especially as Covid restrictions continue to relax, and travelling becomes a lot smoother than in recent months.