1

Generally speaking, the further south you go, the warmer it will be. I should note that no European countries really have "warm" temperatures in the winter. I've been to southern Greece (Crete) and southern Spain in the heart of winter. It can be very pleasant (15 degrees, maybe), but it can also be quite chilly. You definitely won't be lounging on the beach. Best case, you may have a few days that it's pleasant enough to sit outside in a cafe during the day. Keep in mind, though, that some places can be damp and rainy during the winter. I know some people who went to Istanbul in January, and it rained nearly the whole time. With all that said, weather can vary considerably from day to day, year to year, hour to hour.

Personally, if you were trying to escape winter, Europe wouldn't be my first choice. How about northern Africa like Egypt and Morrocco? Or if you're starting in Canada, how about Central or South America?

Dave

2

If you want to see sun and a lot of European tourists, go to Egypt, Canary Islands or Ilhas do Cabo Verde.

As to Europe, Cyprus is among the best: for the moment (noon), it's cloudy, the temperature is 15 degrees centigrade and it may got a little colder in the next days. The weather in Southern Turkey, Southern Greece, Malta and Andalucia is quite the same. It rains in Lebanon, Syria, Croatia, Italy, France and most of Spain. In most mediterranean countries, you will have a continuos change of rain, strong winds and sun in the next weeks.

3

Even Spain in the south isn't so warm. Greece? Weather is likehere in Northern California not warm. Even North Africa is cold then.

When we go on Winter holidays we head for SE Asia where it is perfect dry weather and not too hot. I don't like the cold and Europe in the Winter is not fun forthis California girl-been there done that several times on business.

4

Malta is not bad. We've had frequent days with sun and 20 degrees in December, and it usually doesn't rain a lot. However, it's definitely not beach time

5

Europe? Are you nuts? Head south, my friend. No jet lag, either. Practice your Spanish!

6

Another vote for the Canary Islands. Some of the islands have more than just beaches.

7

Does it really make sense to answer to a 9 months old thread?

8

Um, actually it's almost FOUR years old.

9

And I HAVE been to South America since then!!!

10

Actually since climate changes aren't that significant, a thread about weather remains valuable.

Ruth