15 Top Travel Destinations in Europe Ranked from Worst to Best Based on Weather

The information below was provided based on information supplied from various meteorological sources.

While food and tourist attractions can make a holiday fun and exciting, bad weather can also ruin one. According to a survey conducted by the Telegraph, more than half of millennial travelers will consider weather as one of the most critical factors they consider when choosing a travel destination. Weather means a lot to different people, cold winters for instance can be great weather for skiers, while wavy seas can be an attraction to surfers. To a large extent, most tourists going to Europe will prefer countries with more sunshine and fewer rains. The following is a ranking of the top 15 tourist destinations in Europe based on weather.

15: Ireland

Unless you like rain, Northern Ireland may not be the best travel destination for you based on the weather. The Atlantic Ocean seems to be the most influencer of Irish weather but the country doesn’t suffer from extreme temperatures many other countries on the list suffer. Strong winds, thunderstorms, and cold northerly air masses tend to make the weather worse. Ireland is Europe’s second biggest country and it remains the wettest.

Average sunshine Hours: 2.5/10

Weather predictability: 1/10

Average rainfall: 4.5/10

Summer weather: 1/10

Winter conditions: 2/10

Weather diversity: 5/10

Final score: 16/60

14: United Kingdom

The UK is quite similar to Ireland when comparing weather conditions. There are the effects of polar fronts, tropical storms, and Eastern storms, hence the weather is quite predictable though there can be slight changes occasionally. Rain and wind are often an issue with popular tourist destinations like Western Scotland and Northern Wales. Scotland is regarded as the windiest country in Europe but the UK tourism seems to have adapted to these unfavorable weather conditions over the decades.

Average sunshine hours: 3.5/10

Weather predictability: 2/10

Average national rainfall: 3.5/10

Summer weather 3/10

Winter weather: 3.5/10

Weather diversity: 6.5/10

Final score: 22/60

13: Denmark

Denmark is a small country that nearly merges with Germany in the south and Sweden in the North. It comprises a coastal climate that generates mild, and damp winters alongside an unsettled summer. The rain here is more drizzles, unlike the ones in Western Scotland. There are often wind direction changes that can create some dramatic effects. You can expect more sunshine and clear skies in Denmark than in places like Sweden.

Average sunshine hours: 4.5/10

Predictability: 3.5/10

Average rainfall: 8.5/10

Summer weather: 5.5/10

Winter weather: 4/10

Weather diversity: 4/10

Final score: 30/60.

12: Norway

Most parts of Norway are characterized by maritime weather conditions, including mild winters and cool summers.

The Norwegian weather is influenced mostly by the North Atlantic Ocean, hence it has a warmer climate than its neighboring Scandinavian countries. The temperatures along the Norwegian coast during the winter months stay around Zero degrees Celsius. Temperatures may sink to below -20 degrees in the hinterlands and some places may reach -40 degree Celsius.

Oslo, the capital of Norway has an average temperature higher than the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. Snows can turn the Northern parts of Norway into the perfect skiing destination. Svalbard is one of the parts of the Northern parts of the country that offer great activities in the winter season.

Average sunshine hours: 2.5/10

Weather predictability: 4.5/10

Summer weather: 5.5/10

Winter weather: 5.5/10

Weather diversity: 9/10

Final score: 33/60

11: Poland

Poland is a huge country with a predominantly continental climate. This means the country witnesses a long and cold winter season and from warm to hot summer months. The maritime winter season is influenced by the icy north weather.

Fortunately, the average temperatures during the winter months vary from 2–4C degrees Celsius, and cities like Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot have become popular international holiday destinations. The average daytime temperature around the Baltic coast is 22C degrees during the summer months but those may waver between 12C and 17C degrees

Average sunshine hours: 4.5/10

Weather predictability: 5/10

Average national rainfall: 9.5/10

Summer weather: 6/10

Winter weather 2.5/10

Weather diversity: 5.5/10

Final score: 33/60

10: Switzerland

Switzerland has the highest altitude in Europe but it remains un-extreme in its weather patterns. The country’s favorable weather may also be the effect of its landlocked position where several countries protect it from the influence of adverse weather conditions. The sun can be hot on the mountains and the lowlands in the summer while the autumns can remain overcast and the winters can be very cold. The country has a reliable transport system even in the snowfall seasons.

Average sunshine hours: 4.5/10

Weather predictability: 4.5/10

Average national rainfall: 4/10

Summer weather: 6.5/10

Winter weather: 6.5/10

Weather diversity: 7/10

Final score: 34/60

9: Germany

Germany is characterized by a temperate and rainy climate with the wine-growing Southwestern region having great summers reaching 40C Celsius, and you can find Lavender, Pines, Almonds and Mediterranean trees thriving in the region. Keep in mind there is always a chance of rain in any season. Winters can be harsh in the eastern part of the country.

Average sunshine hours: 4.5/10

Weather predictability: 4/10

Average national rainfall: 8.5/10

Summer weather: 6.5/10

Winter weather: 4.5/10

Weather diversity: 7/10

Final score: 35/60

8: Croatia

Croatia’s weather is largely influenced by the Adriatic coast, generating a Mediterranean climate. The country also stands at the same latitude as Italy hence summer temperatures can vary from 26C and 30C degrees in the coastal areas while the inland regions can vary between 22C and 26C degrees. The colder seasons experience weather variations and Dalmatia region remains the warmest and the rainiest region in the country. The snow can be unreliable here, though Croatia remains a popular ski region.

Average sunshine hours: 6.5 /10

Weather predictability: 5.5/10

Average national rainfall: 4.5/10

Summer weather: 7.5/10

Winter weather: 6/10

Weather diversity: 7/10

Final score: 38/60

7: France

France is quite huge and remains one of the best travel destinations in Europe. The Nord areas and Pas-de-Calais can be quite rainy, while the wine and lavender regions of the east and South offer more favorable weather. France is surrounded by diverse seas that can impact the weather, the summer seasons can be sometimes torpid but fun-seekers will surely enjoy Paris and its neighboring cities.

Average sunshine hours: 6.5/10

Weather predictability: 5/10

Average national rainfall: 7.5/10

Summer weather: 7.5/10

Winter weather: 5.5/10

Weather diversity: 8/10

Final score: 40/60.

6: Portugal

Portugal is known for its beach-oriented, balmy, and wine-growing activities. The wind condition is great for surfing and it is a great country that gets more sunshine than many countries in Europe. The Algarve is known for its intense summer sunshine and heat hence its popularity as a tourist destination. The winter is predominantly popular in the North. Portugal’s weather is greatly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean while the Porto region is known for its windy and higher rainfall, especially in December.

Average sunshine hours: 7.5/10

Weather predictability: 5/10

Average national rainfall: 7.5/10

Summer weather: 8.5/10

Winter weather: 6.5/10

Weather diversity: 6/10

Final score: 41/60.

5: Turkey

Turkey is three times the size of the United Kingdom and varying climatic changes in different regions. The Western and Southern coasts are characterized by Mediterranean climates and in the hot summer, Lake Tuz in the central Anatolian steppe will dry up, and the micro-climates around the Sea of Marmara.

The Black Sea area remains the coldest in Turkey and generally, winters in the country can be cloudy with more rain than in many regions of Europe. The Cold Siberian winds can make the capital city-Istanbul unpleasant for tourists.

Average sunshine hours: 6.5/10

Weather predictability: 4.5/10

Average national rainfall: 9.5/10

Summer weather: 8.5/10

Winter weather: 5/10

Weather diversity 7/10

Final score: 41/50.

4: Greece

Mount Olympus, the highest peak can get very chilly but aside from the winter low temperatures, Greece remains one of the most travel-friendly European countries one should visit. The southern lowlands can be hot and dry during the summers and the Island regions are characterized by cool weather all year round except in the winter months.

The Mediterranean weather is predominant in Greece, with sea breezes offsetting the extremely high temperatures in the mid-summer months.

Average sunshine hours: 7.5/10

Weather predictability: 6/10

Average national rainfall: 8.5/10

Summer weather: 8.5/10

Winter weather: 6.5/10

Weather diversity: 6/10

Final score: 43/60

3: Italy

Italy is one of the oldest countries in human history, the northern region is topped by mountain peaks with some reliable snows. Rome and Florence are located in the Southern region which is characterized by cool weather alongside thunderstorms and an abundance of rain.

Sicily is another southern region with great weather moderated by the Mediterranean but its warmth can change to steamy heat in the summer. In 2021 for instance, Sicily recorded 48.8C degree temperature- the highest ever recorded in Europe. Italy is a region that will make one region or the other attractive to visitors all year round.

Average sunshine hours: 6.5/10

Weather predictability: 6.5/10

Average national rainfall: 7.5/10

Summer weather: 8.5/10

Winter weather: 7.5/10

Weather diversity: 7.5/10

Final score: 44/60.

2: Cyprus

Cyprus is characterized by an intense Mediterranean climate resembling some sub-tropical climate. Nicosia region often tops the news here with its average summer temperature reaching 40C and the summer season is quite long. Even in the winter months between December and February, it is common to have at least 6 hours of sunshine.

Rainfall can make winter a slog, especially around the Troodos Mountains. More than a million Brits visit Cyprus yearly and the Larnaca airport is constantly busy with flights from Northern Europe.

Average sunshine hours: 9.5/10

Weather predictability: 7.5/10

Average national rainfall: 9.5/10

Summer weather: 8.5/10

Winter weather: 6.5/10

Weather diversity: 5.5/10

Final score: 47/60

1: Spain

Spain is the second biggest country in Europe and when it comes to great weather, it beats the rest hands down. The country is located in Europe’s sunniest latitude, and it is constantly cooled by the Mediterranean while its diversity is brought about by its topography.

Spain has the second highest altitude in Europe, and its amazing climate makes it a great destination for producing wines, citrus fruits and olive oil. The Northern region and Galicia can be very cold but they appeal more to mountain climbers while springs in Andalusia and Murcia can be rainy. The sub-tropical canaries can be great for tourists in the summer just like the coastal regions.

Average sunshine hours: 7.5/10

Weather predictability: 7.5/10

Average national rainfall: 9.5/10

Summer weather: 8.5/10

Winter weather: 7.5/10

Weather diversity: 8.5/10

Final score: 49/60.