The Sunniest Cities in Europe

As the British summer fades and the clocks prepare to go back, a handful of European cities are still basking in dependable, year-round sunshine. Holiday rental portal Holidu has analysed the latest data from World Weather Online to reveal the cities where warmth and sunshine linger longest, the smartest bets for travellers chasing an autumn escape when summer refuses to end.

Spain dominates the ranking, taking 10 of Europe’s 15 sunniest cities, from the hidden gem of Cartagena to the timeless favourite of Málaga. With average monthly sun hours far outlasting those of northern Europe, these are the destinations where a September or October getaway still feels like high summer.

1. Cartagena, Spain | Sun score of 9.6/10

Cartagena continues to hold its crown with a staggering average of 282 hours of sunshine per month. This ancient “hidden gem” is tucked away in the southwest region of Murcia and has transitioned from a traveler’s secret to a must-visit for those looking to avoid the overcrowding of more commercial hubs.

• The Highlights: Beyond its unrivaled Vitamin D levels, visitors are increasingly drawn to the beautifully restored 1st-century BC Roman Theatre as well as the panoramic views from Concepción Castle.
• Average Temperature: 19.1°C
• Autumn weather: daytime highs around 27°C in September and 24°C in October, with the Mediterranean still a swimmable 24°C (Sept) and 22°C (Oct).

2. Malaga, Spain | Sun score of 9.4/10

Securing the second-place position is Malaga, with 277.8 average sun hours per month. As the gateway to the Andalusia region, Malaga bridges the gap between high-end cultural tourism and dependable Mediterranean weather. 

• verage temperature per month: 18.9ºC
• The Highlights: Don’t miss the Alcazaba, a stunning 11th-century Moorish fortress, or the world-renowned Picasso Museum in the heart of the city.
• Autumn weather: highs near 29°C in September easing to 24°C in October, and sea temperatures of about 22°C (Sept) and 20°C (Oct).

3. Seville, Spain | Sun score of 9.4/10

Rounding out the top three is the city of Seville, with an average of 271.5 sun hours per month. Known for its orange-scented streets and vibrant traditions, Seville is the heart of Flamenco culture, offering a radiant energy that is just as bright as its sunny days.

• The Highlights: Marvel at the Seville Cathedral (the largest Gothic cathedral in the world) or wander through the lush gardens of the Alcázar palace.
• Average temperature per month: 19.3ºC
• Autumn weather: one of the warmest on the list, with highs of roughly 32°C in September and a still-summery 27°C in October. Seville is inland — the nearest beaches are on the Costa de la Luz, about 90–100 km southwest.

4. Alicante, Spain | Sun score of 9.3/10

Fourth on the list, Alicante makes the case that the season never really has to end. The palm-lined Explanada, the golden sweep of Postiguet beach and the hilltop Santa Bárbara Castle stay busy well into autumn, minus the August crush, and it is one of the easiest sun-sure city breaks to reach directly from the UK.

• The Highlights: Climb to Santa Bárbara Castle for sweeping bay views, stroll the marble-mosaic Explanada de España, and unwind on the city-centre Postiguet beach.
• Average temperature per month: 18.5°C
• Autumn weather: highs of around 27°C in September and 23°C in October.

5. Murcia, Spain | Sun score of 9.3/10

Often overlooked in favour of its coastline, Murcia rewards autumn visitors with baroque architecture, a magnificent cathedral façade and some of Spain’s best-value tapas. The warm, dry climate lingers long past summer, and the Mar Menor lagoon beaches are only a short drive away when you fancy the water.

• The Highlights: Admire the baroque façade of Murcia Cathedral, take in the Belle Époque Real Casino de Murcia, and graze the tapas bars around Plaza de las Flores.
• Average temperature per month: 18.5°C
• Autumn weather: highs of about 30°C in September and 26°C in October. Murcia is inland — the nearest coast, the Costa Cálida and Mar Menor, is about 45 km away.

6. Catania, Italy | Sun score of 9.2/10

The sunniest non-Spanish city in the ranking, Catania sits between the Ionian Sea and the smoking peak of Mount Etna. Its UNESCO-listed baroque centre, buzzing fish market and volcanic-black streetscapes make it a dramatic autumn city break,  and a springboard for late-season Sicilian beach days.

• The Highlights: Wander the UNESCO-listed baroque centre around Piazza del Duomo, dive into the La Pescheria fish market, and take a day trip up Mount Etna.
• Average temperature per month: 18.6°C
• Autumn weather: highs near 29°C in September and 24°C in October.

7. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain | Sun score of 9.1/10

If you want to sidestep autumn altogether, Tenerife’s capital barely notices the seasons change. Backed by the lush Anaga mountains and fronted by the striking Auditorio de Tenerife, Santa Cruz pairs Canary-Island warmth with volcanic beaches and year-round Atlantic breezes.

• The Highlights: Take in the sail-shaped Auditorio de Tenerife, hike the ancient laurel forests of the Anaga rural park, and relax on the golden sands of Playa de Las Teresitas.
• Average temperature per month: 20.4°C
• Autumn weather: barely changes with the seasons,  highs of about 25°C in September and still 24°C in October.

8. Córdoba, Spain | Sun score of 9.0/10

Deep in the Andalusian interior, Córdoba stays gloriously hot into autumn, ideal for exploring the breathtaking Mezquita-Catedral, the flower-filled patios of the old town and the Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir without the summer heat haze.

• The Highlights: Step inside the extraordinary Mezquita-Catedral, cross the Roman Bridge at golden hour, and lose yourself in the patios of the old Jewish quarter.
• Average temperature per month: 18.6°C
• Autumn weather: among the warmest on the list, with highs of around 32°C in September and 27°C in October. Córdoba is inland, the nearest coast, the Costa del Sol, is roughly 160 km south.

9. Athens, Greece | Sun score of 8.8/10

Autumn is arguably the best time to see Athens: the light softens, the crowds thin and the Acropolis, Plaka’s tavernas and the Athens Riviera beaches all become far more comfortable. A rare capital city where you can pair world-class ancient history with a late-season swim.

• The Highlights: Climb to the Acropolis and Parthenon, wander the neoclassical lanes of Plaka, and take the tram down to the beaches of the Athens Riviera.
• Average temperature per month: 18.4°C
• Autumn weather: highs of about 28°C in September and 23°C in October.

10. Palma de Mallorca, Spain | Sun score of 8.7/10

Rounding out the top ten, Palma proves the Balearics are a year-round destination. Once the summer flights thin out, the Gothic cathedral of La Seu, the tapas bars of the old town and the coves along the coast are yours to enjoy at a gentler pace, with the Serra de Tramuntana on the doorstep.

• The Highlights: Marvel at the seafront Gothic cathedral of La Seu, look out over the bay from Bellver Castle, and escape into the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana.
• Average temperature per month: 18.3°C
• Autumn weather: highs of roughly 27°C in September and 23°C in October.

Other sunny spots in Europe

If none of these top 10 destinations tickle your fancy, fear not, as there is an abundance of other options for you to choose from. Perhaps the beautiful island of Majorca? Where sun, sea, sand and sangria can be enjoyed all day long. Holiday rentals in Majorca are gorgeous too, some boasting private pools, well-kept gardens and sea views – tempted?

Another great choice would be to head to Greece, where you will also be met with beautiful landscapes, fascinating history and some of the most mouth-watering food in Europe.

Interested in some more weather information?

You can also find on Holidu our research and information about the snowiest cities in Europe and the rainiest cities in Europe.

Methodology:

All European cities with more than 200,000 inhabitants were considered. The ranking is based on data from World Weather Online. For each city we extracted the average number of sun hours per month across the years 2009 to 2026, then calculated an overall monthly average from the figures for each month of the year. Average temperature (also from World Weather Online) was collected as a secondary data point. Sun hours and average temperature were then normalised to a score out of 10 to determine the final ranking. To show how warm each city stays into the autumn, we additionally drew on World Weather Online’s average daytime high temperatures for September and October.