The Sunniest Cities in Europe

While many areas in Europe remain under a seasonal gray spell, a handful of cities are already drenched in reliable spring sunshine. The holiday rental portal Holidu has gathered the latest data from World Weather Online to crown Europe’s true solar capitals in order to help travelers trade raincoats for sunglasses. 

Ranging from hidden gems such as Cartagena to timeless favourites like Málaga, this comprehensive guide reveals exactly where the ‘Golden Hour’ starts early, making it the ultimate blueprint for those planning their next sun-soaked escape.

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

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. 

• 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.
• Average temperature per month: 18.9ºC

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

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. This ranking was made using data from World Weather Online. The average number of sun hours per month in each city for the years 2009 to 2026 was extracted. With this data from World Weather Online, we then calculated the overall average number of sun hours per month using the average from each month of the year. The average temperature (via World Weather Online) was also collected as a secondary data point. The sun hours and average temperature were then normalized to a score out of 10 to determine the final ranking.