15 Sunniest Cities in Europe

In this article, we will take a look at the 15 sunniest cities in Europe. If you would like to skip our discussion on the impact of climate change on the European economy, you can go to the 5 Sunniest Cities in Europe.

The devastating effects of climate change and global warming were felt within Europe during the summer of 2023. Deadly floods in Greece, wildfires in Tenerife, and extreme heat in Southern Italy were all witnessed during that time. Climate change is also affecting the travel industry in Europe. A survey by the European Travel Commission revealed that 14% of the respondents found extreme weather events to be a primary concern, marking an increase from the 7% reported in a previous survey. This is especially concerning since the travel and tourism industry accounts for 10% of Europe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Europe is home to some of the most visited destinations in the world. In fact, the continent accounts for 51% of all international arrivals as of 2019.

According to a study conducted by the Joint Research Center, climate change has the potential to shift tourism patterns within Europe. The projections within the study show that a rise in temperature by 3°C or 4°C will lead to a reduction in tourists by approximately 10% for the southern coastal regions, which include the sunniest countries in Europe. On the other hand, northern coastal regions will witness an increase of 5% in the aforementioned scenario. The study showed that the highest gains (more than 5%) should be witnessed by Germany, Finland, Denmark, France, Ireland, the UK, Sweden, and the Netherlands. On the flip side, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal shall experience the highest losses above 5% if temperatures rise.

Apart from the coasts and sunniest places in Europe, winter sports, Europe’s iconic mountain ranges, and ski resorts would also have to face the effects of climatic change. Half of the ski resorts in Europe are at high risk of snow scarcity by 2100 if temperatures rise by 2°C, while 98% of the ski resorts will face the risk if the temperatures rise by 4°C. This threatens the winter sports industry, which generates about 10 billion euros per year and employs 1.5 million people annually across the continent during an average season. Cultural heritage, a cornerstone of European tourism, is also under threat.

Rising sea levels and coastal erosion endanger historical sites and landmarks. In Venice, Italy, iconic structures like St. Mark’s Square are experiencing more frequent flooding events due to rising sea levels, with the city estimated to be completely underwater by 2100 if no action is taken. Thus, climate change not only damages the cultural heritage of Europe but also endangers a major attraction for tourists. Travel-related companies like Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ:ABNB), Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE), and Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ:MAR) stand to be significantly impacted by such changes.

Hence, there is a need for more sustainable and green practices within Europe’s travel industry. Embracing sustainable practices like reducing energy and water consumption in hotels by 20% by 2030 (as set by the EU’s Green Deal) and promoting eco-friendly transportation options like electric vehicles can significantly reduce the industry’s environmental footprint. Responsible waste management, such as reducing single-use plastics by 50% by 2025 (as outlined in the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive) and promoting responsible tourism practices among travelers, can further contribute to a more sustainable future.

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Our Methodology

For our list of 15 sunniest cities in Europe, we have ranked the cities in terms of average annual sunshine duration. This widely utilized measure effectively indicates the level of sunlight in a given location. The average annual sunshine duration is calculated by adding up the monthly average sunshine hours for each place. The data has been sourced from data.world. The 15 sunniest cities in Europe have been ranked in ascending order of the average annual sunshine hours.

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15 Sunniest Cities in Europe

15. Istanbul, Turkey

Average Annual Sunshine Hours: 2218

Istanbul has a transitional Mediterranean climate characterized by cold winters and hot, humid, and sunny summers. Although the city does not witness a lot of sunshine during the winters, its summers are quite sunny. The location of Istanbul, particularly the city being near the black sea and humid Balkan peninsula, has a great impact on its weather. July is the sunniest month in Istanbul. During this month, sunny weather is witnessed 69% of the time, on average.

14. Skopje, North Macedonia

Average Annual Sunshine Hours: 2339

Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital and biggest city, experiences mostly clear and warm summers as well as cold, snowy, and partly cloudy winters due to its marine west coast climate. The weather is usually sunny during the summer but not during the winter. The sunniest month in Skopje is August, when the sun shines 71% of the time, or 318 hours on average. However, the city also has its fair share of rainfall every year, including rainy periods in the typically arid months.

13. Rome, Italy

Average Annual Sunshine Hours: 2473

With its predominant Mediterranean climate and slight elements of continental climate, Rome experiences mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The city experiences this sort of climate due to its location on the Mediterranean Sea. This ancient city receives good sunshine throughout the year, especially during spring and summer. July is the sunniest month in Rome, with an average of 332 hours of sunshine. However, it is not so sunny in Rome during the winters, which are often gray and cloudy.

12. Yerevan, Armenia

Average Annual Sunshine Hours: 2473

The capital city of Armenia, Yerevan, has hot summers and cold winters, with temperatures falling below freezing point. It is located at the lowest altitude in the country. Due to its altitude, Yerevan has a dry continental climate, which is responsible for the hot summers. July is the sunniest month in the city. Around 353 hours of sunshine, on average, are witnessed during July in Yerevan. However, during the winter, the sun does not shine often.

11. Podgorica, Montenegro

Average Annual Sunshine Hours: 2481

The climate of Podgorica, the largest and capital city of Montenegro, can be categorized as transitional Mediterranean as it is a blend between a humid subtropical climate and a hot Mediterranean climate. The city experiences four distinct seasons. The air in Podgorica is humid throughout the year. The winter is mild, with sunny and rainy days. On the other hand, summer is hot and sunny. The sunniest month is July when the number of sunshine hours is 348.

10. Tirana, Albania

Average Annual Sunshine Hours: 2544

Tirana is Albania’s largest city. It is located near the Mediterranean Sea on the plain of Tirana, and it has a Mediterranean climate due to its geographic position. Tirana is one of the sunniest cities in Europe. It witnesses mild, rainy winters as well as hot, sunny summers. During the summers, the weather gets really hot as the city is not directly on the coast. July is the sunniest month in Tirana.

9. Barcelona, Spain

Average Annual Sunshine Hours: 2591

Barcelona is another European city with a Mediterranean climate. The city has mild winters and hot summers. The skies are mostly clear year-round, with decent sunshine during both winters and summers. July is the sunniest month in Barcelona, with 311 hours of sunshine. The city is a popular destination for many tourists, contributing to the operations of various travel-related companies such as Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ:ABNB), Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE), and Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ:MAR).

8. Madrid, Spain

Average Annual Sunshine Hours: 2769

Madrid is among the sunniest capital cities of Europe and one of the sunniest cities in Spain. It enjoys about 350 sunny days on a yearly basis. It has hot summers, but the humidity levels are not very high. Winters are mild and rainy in Madrid. Meanwhile, spring and autumn are pleasantly warm. With 350 hours of sunshine, July is Madrid’s sunniest month.

7. Lisbon, Portugal

Average Annual Sunshine Hours: 2806

The capital city of Portugal has a Mediterranean climate. Lisbon’s weather is mild year-round due to the city’s location in southwestern Europe and the influence of the ocean. During the summer, the weather is almost always sunny. However, alternating periods of cloudy and sunny weather can be seen in Lisbon during winter. It is sunnier in July than in other months, with 352 hours of sunshine.

6. Marseille, France

Average Annual Sunshine Hours: 2836

With more than 2800 hours of sunshine during the year, nearly 8 hours of sun on average in a day, and about 170 days of sunny weather, Marseille is the sunniest city in France. It has very few days of low sunshine. The weather is hot and mild during the summer, with occasional rain during autumn and winter due to the city’s Mediterranean climate.