Malta

A study by booking platform Omio has analysed temperature data across European cities to find which have the warmest weather in January 2026

A fresh analysis from travel booking site Omio has crunched temperature figures for European destinations to pinpoint which cities boast the warmest climate.

Nicosia and Valletta have been crowned the toastiest capital cities to escape to in January 2026, both enjoying average temperatures of 16C.

Malta’s stunning capital, Valletta, sees the mercury climb to 16C throughout January, offering “bright blue skies and Mediterranean sea views,” positioning it as an ideal warm getaway that’s only a short flight from British airports.

Travel specialists noted: “Whether wandering the historic harbour of the Port of Valletta, taking the ferry to neighbouring islands, or dining above the coastline at the famous Panorama Restaurant, Valletta’s winter days feel more like early spring.”

One recent visitor to Valletta gushed about the destination on Tripadvisor, dubbing it “the Caribbean in Europe“. He said: “We recently had the pleasure of visiting Valletta, Malta’s enchanting capital, and what an experience it was! I felt compelled to share the magic we encountered on this journey, especially for those planning their first visit to Valletta.

“As we wandered the streets of Valletta, we were surprised to find that the city had a Caribbean-esque vibe, an intriguing blend that made our exploration even more fascinating. The narrow streets, historical buildings, and the laid-back atmosphere added an unexpected but delightful twist to our trip.”

Nicosia in Cyprus also boasts average January highs of 16C. The travel gurus explained: “Cyprus’ capital is the continent’s strongest bet for warm afternoons, al fresco dining and long strolls, where travellers can walk through centuries of history, from the iconic Venetian walls to Büyük Han.

“With direct transport connections and smooth onward travel, Nicosia offers an effortless mid-winter reset for travellers craving daylight and mild weather.”

Top 10 European cities with the warmest temperature in January

1. Valletta, Malta
2. Nicosia, Cyprus
3. Lisbon, Portugal
4. Athens, Greece
5. Rome, Italy
6. Madrid, Spain
7. Dublin, Ireland
8. Vienna, Austria
9. Paris, France,
10. Brussels, Belgium

Brits looking for cheap holidays in 2026 may want to check out Loveholidays latest deals which includes some winter sun breaks under £150pp in January and February

January can be a gloomy month, and it helps to have something to look forward to. If you’re looking for an inexpensive break in early 2026, loveholidays currently have a sale on that includes winter sun escapes for less than £150 per person.

The bargains on offer include short breaks to Portugal, Malta, and sunny southern Spain, with dates between January and March. While you may not get the same intense heat as the summer, these are great spots to enjoy sunny days and mild spring weather.

These bargain breaks could even be the perfect last-minute gift for those difficult to buy for people who already have everything they need. Loveholidays are also offering packages with deposits from £19 per person and pay monthly plans.

Here are some of the package deals on offer for those dreaming of winter sun in the New Year.

Algarve, Portugal

Portugal’s Algarve can be packed during the summer, but early in the year it’s much more peaceful and laidback. Mild days reach about 16C in January and February, and you’ll enjoy six hours of sunshine to top up your vitamin D. While there can be rain, it’s generally short showers that pass quickly.

Loveholidays’ current Portugal offers include four nights at Muthu Clube Praia Da Oura, flying from London Gatwick, which comes in at £119 per person for February dates. Or there’s a package offering four nights at Vilamoura Golf Apartments, flying from East Midlands, from £129 per person in January.

Malta

The island of Malta has long been a winter sun favourite thanks to its 16C weather and five to six hours of sunshine a day in the early months of the year. Loveholidays have a package that includes four nights at Xemxija Bay Hotel in St Paul’s Bay, flying from London Gatwick, from £129pp in March.

Spring is a great time to visit Malta and enjoy its cultural attractions. Explore the historic cities of Valletta and Mdina, which include medieval buildings and fascinating museums. The island has some of the most ancient religious sites on Earth, including Ħaġar Qim, a megalithic temple complex which dates back as far as 3600–3200 BC.

Spain

Spanish resorts such as Benidorm are still buzzing in the winter months, and while it’s not usually the weather to lie on the beach, there’s still plenty of sunshine and fun to be had. Stay at the Benidorm City Olympia for four nights, flying from Manchester, from £139 per person in February.

If you prefer the quieter parts of Spain, try Costa de la Luz, which is a great place to experience authentic Andalusian culture. Coastal Cádiz has a lovely mix of sandy beaches and culture, and one offer includes four nights at Hipotels Gran Conil & Spa, flying from Bristol, priced at just £149 per person in February.

Prices are subject to availability and may change. Find more package holidays in the loveholidays sale.

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