A recent study by the booking platform Omio analysed temperature data across European cities to reveal which ones have the warmest weather. The cities of Nicosia and Valletta were named the hottest capitals to visit in January 2026, with an average temperature of 16C.

The beautiful city of Valletta, in Malta, has highs of 16C in January, “bright blue skies and Mediterranean sea views,” making it one of the best warm-weather escapes just a few hours from most UK airports. The experts said: “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.” 

A holidaymaker who recently visited Valletta described the city as “the Caribbean in Europe” on Tripadvisor. 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 has average January highs of 16C. The travel experts said: “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.” Just behind were the cities of Lisbon, Athens and Rome.