As parts of Europe continue to experience prolonged periods of overcast weather, new data highlights a group of cities that offer consistently high levels of sunshine throughout the year. A study by Holidu, based on data from World Weather Online, identifies the continent’s sunniest urban destinations, providing a useful benchmark for travellers seeking climate reliability prior to their trips. The ranking evaluates European cities with populations exceeding 200,000, analysing average monthly sunshine hours between 2009 and 2026. Average temperatures were also included as a secondary factor, with both metrics normalised into an overall score.
Spain’s “Sunbelt” Cities Retain Top Global Honors for 2026
Topping the list is Cartagena, which records an average of 282 hours of sunshine per month alongside an average temperature of 19.1°C. Located in the Murcia region, Cartagena combines consistently strong weather conditions with a well-preserved historical landscape, including its Roman Theatre and elevated viewpoints from Concepción Castle.
Second place is held by Málaga, with 277.8 average monthly sunshine hours and an average temperature of 18.9°C. As a key city within the Andalusia region, Málaga offers a balance of stable weather patterns and established cultural infrastructure, including sites such as the Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum Málaga.
Seville ranks third, with 271.5 monthly sunshine hours and an average temperature of 19.3°C. The city remains one of Spain’s most significant cultural centres, with major landmarks including the Seville Cathedral and the Alcázar of Seville.
Spain dominates the overall ranking, accounting for the majority of the top positions. Other cities within the top 15 include Alicante, Murcia and Granada, all of which demonstrate consistently high sunshine averages.
Beyond Spain, southern European cities also feature prominently. Catania ranks sixth, while Athens appears in ninth position. Additional Italian cities including Palermo, Bari and Messina further reinforce the Mediterranean region’s overall climate advantage. Island destinations such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria also perform strongly due to their stable year-round conditions.
The findings reflect a broader trend in travel decision-making, where climate predictability is increasingly considered alongside cultural and logistical factors. Cities with consistently high sunshine levels are positioned as reliable options for travellers seeking favourable weather conditions without seasonal uncertainty.
You can find the complete top 30 ranking here.
Find out more on www.holidu.co.uk or visit Holidu’s social media platforms here:
www.instagram.com/holidu
www.instagram.com/lifeatholidu
www.linkedin.com/company/holidu
For more on the latest in lifestyle, culture and travel reads, click here.
