As winter settles in and the post-Christmas slump looms, travelers are clearly dreaming of blue skies rather than bleak ones. Global searches for “post-Christmas holiday” have jumped by 126% in the last month, while worldwide interest in “destinations for winter sun” has soared by 554% over the past year, signaling a huge appetite for short-haul escapes that offer light, warmth and a much-needed reset after December.
To help sun-seekers trade frostbite for vitamin D, global booking platform Omio has analyzed the average temperatures across every European capital, revealing the cities most likely to deliver a mood-boosting dose of winter sun in January 2026.
Europe’s Warmest Capitals in winter 2026
When Omio ranked Europe’s capitals by their average high temperature, two Mediterranean favorites emerged at the top: Valletta and Nicosia.
- Valletta, Malta (16°C highs)
Malta’s compact capital tops the winter-sun leaderboard, with average highs of around 16°C, bright blue skies, and sweeping Mediterranean views. Winter here feels more like early spring: think harbor strolls around the Port of Valletta, ferry rides to neighboring islands, and long, leisurely lunches above the coastline at renowned spots like the Panorama Restaurant. - Nicosia, Cyprus (16°C highs)
Matching Valletta’s sunshine credentials, Nicosia offers the same average January high of 16°C, making it one of Europe’s safest bets for genuinely warm afternoons and outdoor dining. Travelers can trace centuries of history, from the Venetian walls to the beautiful caravanserai of Büyük Han, making the most of Cyprus’ excellent transport links for easy onward exploration.
Just behind the frontrunners, several other capitals promise a sunlit start to the year.
Lisbon, Athens and Rome: Winter Sun with Culture
- Lisbon, Portugal (15°C highs)
With January highs around 15°C, Lisbon is one of Europe’s most reliable winter-sun destinations. Its pastel-colored streets, viewpoints, and culinary scene boast grilled seafood and iconic pastéis de nata, making it as attractive in January as in July – just with fewer crowds. - Athens, Greece (14°C highs)
Known for its mid-winter climate, Athens offers an average high of about 14°C, making it perfect for those who want sunshine paired with ancient history. Clear days are ideal for exploring the Acropolis and the city’s excellent museums. - Rome, Italy (13°C highs)
With an average high of 13°C, Rome offers perfect conditions for sightseeing. Enjoy golden-hour views and crowd-free visits to iconic sites such as the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.
Cooler, Culture-Rich Cities for a Softer Chill
For travelers who do not require tropical weather for a refreshing escape, cities like Madrid (10°C), Paris (8°C), and Brussels (8°C) provide a rich cultural experience without the extreme cold.
These cities prove that you don’t need heat to combat the January blues but simply a softer climate, atmospheric streets, and cultural experiences to dive into between walks.
Planning Your 2026 Winter-Sun Escape
With online search interests soaring and travel bookings likely to follow, January 2026 is shaping up to be the prime time for a winter reset. Whether you choose Valletta’s stunning harbor, Nicosia’s sunlit squares, Lisbon’s hilltop vistas, Athens’ ancient landmarks, or Rome’s radiance, Europe’s warmest capitals present an easy and convenient way to exchange post-Christmas gray for Mediterranean light.
