warmest

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

Europe’s warmest capital city in January has been revealed, offering a blissful winter sunshine escape for those in need of a vitamin D boost – and it’s only a 4-hour flight from the UK

As the British weather turns dreary and the Christmas frenzy sets in, the idea of escaping to a sunnier climate is undoubtedly enticing. There’s a European destination just four hours away from the UK that boasts a pleasant 16C in January.

Valletta, situated on the island of Malta between Sicily and the North African coast, has been unveiled as the warmest European capital to visit in January. The global booking platform, Omio, analysed temperature data across all of Europe’s capital cities to identify those predicted to offer a sizzling winter getaway, with Valletta taking the top spot.

With temperatures reaching 16C in January, Valletta provides an idyllic escape to start the year for those craving a dose of vitamin D, complete with clear blue skies and stunning views of the Mediterranean sea. The fortified city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to just over 5,000 residents, offering a unique charm that’s hard to come by elsewhere.

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Despite its small size, it draws in countless tourists each year with its golden Baroque architecture lining its quaint streets. Visitors can wander through the peaceful Upper Barrakka Gardens before marvelling at the breathtaking sea views from its military structures.

Popular attractions include the Valletta Waterfront, Grand Master’s Palace, and Barrakka Lift, each boasting its own unique appeal and considered a must-see for tourists. While Republic Street is a hub for shopping, dining, and culture, Strait Street is renowned for its narrow lanes and lively nightlife.

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Valletta boasts numerous attractions, with St. John’s Co-Cathedral standing out as a spectacular edifice from the 16th century. The capital’s naval and military heritage forms a crucial part of both Valletta’s and Malta’s character, with captivating historical tales at every turn.

Those keen to explore further can visit the Lascaris War Rooms, Saluting Battery, and the National War Museum. Outside Valletta’s boundaries, the wider Maltese archipelago, covering just 122 square miles, presents additional gems waiting to be discovered.

While the capital doesn’t feature its own beaches, there’s a wealth of popular coastal spots within easy reach across Malta. These include the renowned Blue Lagoon, Mellieha Beach, St Peter’s Pool, Ramla Bay, Golden Bay, Golden Sands Beach and Armier Bay Beach.

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Tourists have sung the praises of Malta’s capital, with one visitor writing on TripAdvisor: “Beautiful city. Wonderful monuments, beautiful weather. Good footwear for walking around aimlessly. Superb war museum worth visiting, very well done.”

Another traveller remarked: “Visiting it is even more beautiful than it appears from photos, videos and reviews. An incredible concentration of historical, artistic and cultural sites and riches makes it resemble a small Italy. Beautiful and very much alive, Valletta! Definitely worth a visit!” A third traveller shared: “Valletta, the smallest capital, but rich in history with its knights and its UNESCO heritage monuments. You enter from the square where the fountain of the newts stands out. Continue along the ancient walls on the right the parliament building designed by Renzo Piano and on the left a long staircase on top of which you can enjoy a spectacular view.

“City full of partly Arab styles, with narrow streets that go down and up! Characteristics are the closed balconies and their coloured doors, the terraces of the bars with small tables on the steps or on the small steps… a real treat! English phone booths and corners all to photograph! The Cathedral with the largest dome in Europe, but the real surprise is the co-cathedral. To visit in a day, at least.”

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