Your diary can look sunnier than the forecast if you aim a little further south this year.
Across Europe, travellers ask the same question: where can you actually count on winter warmth without a long haul? Time Out’s latest ranking points squarely at the Canary Islands as Europe’s safest bet, and the case is built on geography, not hype.
Why the Canary Islands top the winter sun list
This Spanish archipelago sits off the northwest coast of Africa, close enough to share a subtropical climate yet firmly in Europe for ease of travel. Winter days commonly reach 18–20°C, with long spells of blue sky, swimmable seas and very low rainfall on the southern coasts. Add frequent flights from the UK, family-friendly resorts and easy self-drive routes, and the islands pull ahead of the pack.
The Canaries combine 18–20°C winter afternoons, roughly 4–4.5 hour flights from the UK and no time difference in winter.
Time Out’s travel editors call the Canaries the continent’s hot-weather champion for good reason. South-facing beaches in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura stay sheltered from Atlantic fronts, while trade winds keep the air fresh. You can sunbathe, paddle, hike volcanic trails, and be back in your hotel for an early dinner on a seaside promenade.
Eight islands, eight moods
- Tenerife: Big, varied and sunny in the south. Resort hotels, family attractions and Teide National Park for high-altitude hikes.
- Gran Canaria: A miniature continent. Dunes at Maspalomas, a lively capital in Las Palmas, and quiet mountain villages inland.
- Lanzarote: Stark volcanic scenery, César Manrique architecture, and calm, kid-friendly beaches in Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.
- Fuerteventura: Windsports central. Strong breezes mean reliable surf, kites and sailboards, plus endless sands at Corralejo and Jandía.
- La Palma: Slower pace, pine forests and some of Europe’s clearest night skies for stargazing.
- La Gomera: Laurel cloud forests, ravines and well-marked trails; a walker’s retreat with a laid-back rhythm.
- El Hierro: Small, remote and sustainable by design, with top-notch dive sites and lava pools.
- La Graciosa: Barefoot charm north of Lanzarote; sandy tracks, a few guesthouses and unspoilt coves.
If your priority is guaranteed rays, head south on each island: the microclimate there usually means longer, warmer, drier days.
How warm is warm? Typical winter conditions
Conditions vary by island and exposure, but these ballpark figures show why the Canaries come first in Europe.
| Destination | Average daytime high (Dec–Feb) | Sea temperature | Rainy days per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenerife (south) | 20–22°C | 19–20°C | 3–5 |
| Fuerteventura | 19–21°C | 18–19°C | 2–4 |
| Lanzarote | 19–21°C | 18–19°C | 3–5 |
| Madeira (Funchal) | 17–19°C | 18–19°C | 8–10 |
| Albanian Riviera | 13–16°C | 15–16°C | 10–12 |
Figures are typical seasonal averages; local conditions shift with wind direction and altitude. In the Canaries, northern slopes and high ground run cooler and cloudier; the leeward south stays best for beach hours.
What to do when you land
Short, sunny days that still pack a lot in
Daylight lasts about 10–11 hours in mid-winter. Start with relaxed mornings on the sand, then switch to walks or drives while the light is soft. On Tenerife, a cable car whisks you near the summit of Mount Teide for otherworldly views. Lanzarote’s Timanfaya shows raw geology up close. Fuerteventura’s dunes at Corralejo feel like a pocket desert. La Palma’s Roque de los Muchachos delivers star-studded nights.
Families get calm seas in sheltered coves, aquariums and waterparks on the larger islands, and reliable playgrounds on seafront promenades. Active travellers find waymarked coastal paths, bike hire and plenty of surf schools that welcome first-timers.
Practicalities that make the Canaries easy
- Flight time: roughly 4–4.5 hours from London or Manchester to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura.
- Time zone: same as the UK in winter, so no jet lag.
- Getting around: good roads; affordable car hire; inter-island ferries and short hops by plane.
- Accommodation: everything from self-catering apartments to large resorts; winter sees strong availability outside school holidays.
- Food: Spanish staples with Atlantic seafood; plenty of affordable local taverns away from the main strips.
For the best beach weather, target the southern coasts: Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos (Tenerife), Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogán (Gran Canaria), Playa Blanca (Lanzarote), and Morro Jable or Costa Calma (Fuerteventura).
When to go and what to pack
December to February brings the highest contrast between the Canaries and the rest of Europe. Aim for late mornings and early afternoons for peak warmth. Clouds can roll in by late day, especially on windward sides.
- Pack layers: T-shirts for daytime, a light jumper for evenings, and a windproof for coastal walks.
- Sun protection: winter UV still bites; take SPF 30+, sunglasses and a hat.
- Footwear: trainers for trails; water shoes help on rocky coves and lava pools.
- Driving tip: mountain roads can be narrow; allow time and daylight. Teide’s high routes can close briefly after rare snowfall.
Runners-up worth your attention
Albanian Riviera
When crowds thin, stone towns like Himarë and the bays south of Vlorë show their colours. Expect cool but bright days, clear seas that look tropical but feel brisk, and lower prices at guesthouses and cafes. It suits walkers, photographers and travellers who value quiet over heat. For true beach hours, spring and early autumn beat mid-winter.
Madeira
Nicknamed the island of eternal spring, Madeira rarely chills, yet it lives with frequent showers and fast-changing skies. Garden lovers and hikers rate the levada paths that contour the hills. Funchal’s waterfront stays lively, and Christmas lights turn the city festive. If you like green scenery, mild temperatures and a relaxed pace, it’s a fine second choice.
If you want the highest odds of bikini‑friendly afternoons in Europe from December to February, head west to the Canaries.
Extra pointers to fine-tune your trip
Microclimates matter. If a morning looks grey, drive 20 minutes south or over a ridge and you can find sunshine. Check webcams before committing to a plan. Swimmers should target sheltered coves when Atlantic swell rises; hotel pools often stay heated. Food lovers can plot market lunches inland and seafood dinners on the coast to join the island rhythm.
Travelling with mixed interests? Split your base: two nights near dunes or a surf town for wind and waves, then three nights near a south-facing resort for beach time, and a final night in a capital like Las Palmas or Santa Cruz for culture. This simple shuffle balances sunshine, scenery and city life without long drives.
Are inter‑island ferries reliable in winter?