Spring is when the difference between north and south in Europe is at its most tempting. In March, the north is still grey and cold, while parts of the south are already warm enough to eat outside. By May, the whole continent wakes up, and the best places combine long days, green landscapes, few crowds and comfortable temperatures. This guide goes month by month.
Temperatures are typical daytime highs from long-term averages, rounded. Individual weeks can be warmer or cooler.
March: warmth is still in the far south
In March, reliably warm weather is found mainly in the far south and south-west:
- Canary Islands: around 22–23 °C, sunny and fresh. The most reliable choice.
- Cyprus: around 19–21 °C, with rain becoming rarer through the month.
- Madeira: about 19–20 °C, mild but changeable.
- Andalusia and the Algarve: Seville and Málaga about 19–21 °C, Faro about 18–19 °C. Beautiful when sunny, but Atlantic weather systems still pass through.
Further north around the Mediterranean, in Malta, Sicily and Crete, March is typically 16–18 °C: mild and bright on good days, with some showery spells. Great for walking and sightseeing.
Tip: March days lengthen quickly. The equinox gives every place in Europe around 12 hours of daylight, and the south still has more sun on average.
April: the sweet spot begins
April is the start of the best season in much of southern Europe:
- Seville and Córdoba: about 23–24 °C, with orange blossom and green countryside. Easter and the April fair make Seville busy.
- Málaga and the Costa del Sol: about 21–22 °C.
- Lisbon and the Algarve: about 20–21 °C.
- Malta and Crete: about 20–21 °C, with the countryside full of wildflowers.
- Cyprus: about 24–25 °C, already warm enough for some sunbathing.
- Mallorca and Valencia: about 19–21 °C, excellent for cycling and walking.
The sea is still cool, typically 16–18 °C, so it is a month for exploring rather than swimming. Spring is also ideal for hiking: the heat has not yet arrived, and the landscape is at its greenest. See coastal walks with reliable sun.
Watch out for: UV is already high in April in the south, and the cool breeze makes it easy to underestimate. See the UV index explained.
May: almost everywhere is good
May is arguably the best month for a sunny trip anywhere in Europe:
- The southern Mediterranean (Andalusia, Sicily, Malta, Crete, Cyprus) reaches about 24–28 °C, with long sunny days and no summer crowds yet. Inland Andalusia can occasionally approach 30 °C.
- The northern Mediterranean (Côte d'Azur, Tuscany, Dalmatia, northern Greece) is typically 21–24 °C and pleasantly fresh.
- Portugal's Atlantic coast is about 20–23 °C, with the fresh sea breeze keeping it comfortable.
Surprise: the north in late May
In late spring, northern Europe can be much sunnier than its reputation. Days are long, 17–18 hours around the Baltic by the end of May, and high-pressure spells are common. Around the Baltic, May and June are among the sunniest months of the year, and the coasts and islands often get the most sun, because the cool sea suppresses clouds (see microclimates).
The catch is temperature: coastal highs are often only 14–18 °C, as the sea is still cold. Perfect for walking and cycling, less so for beach days.
Choosing where to go in spring
- For guaranteed warmth in March: the Canaries.
- For a city break in April: Seville, Lisbon, Valletta, Athens.
- For hiking in April and May: Crete, Mallorca, Madeira, the Algarve, the Amalfi coast.
- For the first swim of the year in May: Cyprus, southern Crete, southern Spain. The sea is typically 19–21 °C by late May.
- For a nearby sunny weekend in late May: your own region's coast or islands on a high-pressure weekend.
Spring weather quirks
- Changeable weather: spring is a transition season, and cold spells can reach far south. Easter in Mallorca can be 25 °C or 14 °C and windy. Check the forecast about a week out.
- Cool evenings: even when afternoons are warm, nights are often 10–15 °C, and much colder inland. Pack a warm layer.
- Sea fog: coasts, especially on the Atlantic and in the north, can be foggy on warm spring days while it is sunny inland.
How SunFinder helps in spring
Spring weather is exactly the kind where comparing forecasts pays off. A high-pressure system can make a nearby coast brilliantly sunny while a front sits over the south. SunFinder compares the forecast at your home with every place within your travel range, so you can see whether it is worth heading south or whether the sun is closer. Try the next seven days within 4 hours' drive.