6.11.2015

Two of the most crucial questions when choosing a holiday are “where should I go?” and “what will I see when I arrive?”. These are twin queries which drive our wanderlust, sending us forging to distant corners of the planet in search of everything from pyramids to polar ice. But sometimes travel questions can be less cerebral. And there is nothing wrong with the enquiry “how warm will it be in my chosen destination?”, not least as the summer raises its head and you start to dream of snoozing away a few days amid weather of your liking.
Here we attempt to settle this latter issue by splitting Europe (and a dash of North Africa) into three temperature brackets and four time slots. The equation is simple: the places that you might consider if you prefer holidays to be relaxed events backed by days at your preferred temperature – and the months in which you should travel to enjoy them. All suggested locations are within five hours’ flying time of UK airports, and all the statistics used are researched from the detailed online resource weather2travel.com.
There are, of course, several caveats to these potential getaways. Summer holidays during June and September can be dogged by inconvenient clouds and showers. Countries that, by repute, are chilly more often than sunny – like Denmark and Sweden – can revert to type in July and August. Weather which leaps over the tipping point of 30C can be just as restrictive as a week of thunderstorms – where the sun is too ferocious for lunches al fresco, and any visits outdoors should be accompanied by a thick layer of Factor 30.
However, for the most part, the results below map out a continent (and a bit) along the seismic lines of “hot”, “very hot”, or “that’s hot enough, thank you”. Let the summer commence...

June

19C-24C

Corsica
France’s largest Mediterranean island rarely loses its cool entirely thanks to its mountain-laden interior, but basks in pleasing warmth in June. Corsican Places (0845 330 2059; corsica.co.uk) rents out villas in this Gallic escape zone – including Villa Terra Vecchia, a three-bedroom retreat with pool, near Porto Vecchio in the traditionally hotter south. A seven-night package, flying from Heathrow to Figari on June 14, costs £1165 a head for two with car hire – or £399 per person if the villa is booked to its maximum capacity, six.
Sea temperature: 20C
Daily hours of sunshine: 10

France’s largest Mediterranean island rarely loses its cool (Photo: AP/Fotolia)
Tenerife
Bathed in Atlantic breezes, the biggest of the Canary Islands is an excellent choice for unexcessive sunshine in June. Prestige Holidays (01425 480 400; prestigeholidays.co.uk) sells breaks at Spa Villalba, a four-star hotel, pitched on the southern slopes of Mount Teide, which is perfect for those who want to hike the pine forests that swaddle the great volcano – before the mercury really rises. A seven-night trip, flying from Heathrow to Tenerife South on June 17, costs from £582 per person (two sharing), including breakfast. For the best hotels in Tenerife, see:telegraph.co.uk/tenerifehotels
Sea temperature: 21C
Daily hours of sunshine: 9

25C-29C

Ibiza
The most southerly of the three biggest Balearic Islands, Ibiza hits its summer stride early – with temperatures veering into the upper 20s as soon as the club season starts. Of course, the “White Isle” dispenses relaxation as well as nightlife. Abercrombie & Kent (0845 618 2205; akvillas.com) offers luxury retreats such as La Viola – a villa with a 20-metre infinity pool which houses up to 10 above the curve of Cala Moli, on the south-west coast. It is still available this month from £6460 a week. BA and easyJet fly to Ibiza. For the best hotels in Ibiza, see: telegraph.co.uk/ibizahotels
Sea temperature: 21C
Daily hours of sunshine: 10

Ibiza hits its summer stride early (Photo: AP/Fotolia)
Kefalonia
The Greek summer can be infernal at peak intensity – but is a well-adjusted friend to the largest of the Ionian Islands in June. Kefalonia is a wonder, home to the glories of Petani, Myrtos and Antisamos Beaches, and winsome outposts like Assos and Fiskardo. Ionian Island Holidays (020 8459 0777; ionianislandholidays.com) offers escapes to Villa Luna, a tiny hideaway near the latter, which sleeps up to four. A seven-night stay here, flying from Gatwick on June 20, starts at £699 a head (two sharing), with car hire and transfers.
Sea temperature: 22C
Daily hours of sunshine: 11

30C+

Rhodes
So close to the Turkish mainland that Dalaman is almost tangible, the largest member of the Greek Dodecanese archipelago sizzles throughout the summer, the sun shining hard on the rocks of the ancient acropolis at east-coast Lindos. Olympic Holidays (020 8492 6868;olympicholidays.com) offers getaways to the Lindos Royal Village Hotel – a four-star with swimming pools, tennis courts and beach access. A seven-night all-inclusive stay, flying from Gatwick on June 13, starts at £642 a head (two sharing) – with transfers.
Sea temperature: 23C
Daily hours of sunshine: 13
Marrakech
Morocco’s endlessly eulogised city of markets and mysticism keeps its head above the 30-degree mark through all four months of summer – and makes for a mini-break where a tan is all but guaranteed in June. Kirker Holidays (020 7593 1899; kirkerholidays.com) dispenses three-night sojourns at the elegant Four Seasons Marrakech – which preens in manicured grounds next to the Jardins de la Menara. A three-night stay costs from £1124 per person (two sharing) including direct flights, breakfast, transfers and private city tour. For the best hotels in Marrakech, see:telegraph.co.uk/marrakechhotels
Sea temperature: N/A
Daily hours of sunshine: 11

Marrakech keeps its head above the 30-degree mark through all four months of summer (Photo: AP/Fotolia)

July

19C-24C

Sweden
The Scandinavian summer – bright nights and welcoming temperatures – finds its feet in July. And does so with gusto in the Koster Islands – a tiny archipelago 100 miles north of Gothenburg in the Skagerrak Strait. Car-free, these birdlife havens proffer gentle days of hiking and cycling. A six-night self-catering break in July, at the four-star Hotel Ekenas on South Koster, costs from £960 a head, including flights from Heathrow to Gothenburg, train and ferry transport – through Simply Sweden (01427 700115;simplysweden.co.uk). For where to stay in Sweden, see:telegraph.co.uk/swedenguide
Sea temperature: 14C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
Austria
The Alpine realm revels in blue skies and even-handed heat in summer. Austria plays its part at Saalbach-Hinterglemm – a hiking oasis which is easily accessed from Salzburg. Inghams (01483 345 743; inghams.co.uk) sells holidays at the Hotel Alpine Palace in Hinterglemm – a five-star, with indoor and outdoor pools, which makes a fine base for days of wandering on foot. A seven-night half-board break for a family of four, staying in a suite, flying from Gatwick to Salzburg on July 8, starts at £1172 a head – with transfers.
Sea temperature: N/A
Daily hours of sunshine: 7

Salzburg, Austria (Photo: AP/Fotolia)

25C-29C

Croatia
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast – 300 sand-edged miles along the Adriatic – shimmers in the July haze, whether you head to Zadar in the north or Dubrovnik in the south. James Villas (0800 074 0122; jamesvillas.co.uk) sells escapes to Villa Tereza – a four-bedroom stone property at Cavtat, near the latter, whose grounds frame a pool and a 15th century chapel. It is available in July from £1969 per person with two sharing, including car hire and flights from Gatwick to Dubrovnik – or from £954 a head at total capacity (eight people). For where to stay in Croatia, see:telegraph.co.uk/croatiaguide
Sea temperature: 24C
Daily hours of sunshine: 10
Provence
The high-summer weather is as reliable in the most fabled portion of the Gallic south as the citrus fragrances which drift across it – whether you are in busy Marseille or gentler Aix. French Country Cottages (0345 268 0796;french-country-cottages.co.uk) offers La Belle Maison, a three-bedroom villa at Visan, 35 miles north of Avignon, that works well for families with its large pool. It still has availability in July – from £2149 per week. Avignon and Marseille are linked to London by Eurostar (03432 186 186; eurostar.com). For the best hotels in Provence, see: telegraph.co.uk/provencehotels
Sea temperature: 21C
Daily hours of sunshine: 12

Avignon, France (Photo: AP/Fotolia)

30C+

Bodrum
This increasingly chic Turkish town is steadfastly wed to the Thirties for most of summer, its historic sites – its 15th century castle; the remains of the Tomb of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – pinned under a cloudless sky. Destinology (01204 821 169;destinology.co.uk) proffers holidays at the five-star Marmara spa resort, which lies just north-east of the centre. A seven-night sojourn, flying direct from Gatwick to Bodrum on July 12, starts at £957 per person (based on two sharing), including breakfast. For the best hotels on the Turquoise Coast, see: telegraph.co.uk/turquoisecoasthotels
Sea temperature: 23C
Daily hours of sunshine: 14
Cyprus
Divided it may be, but the two halves of Cyprus – an island so near to Lebanon that its weather is more Middle Eastern than European – are united in blazing summer conditions. Sovereign (01293 733 279;sovereign.com) deals in holidays to west-coast Paphos, and suggests the Hotel Almyra – with its pools and children’s clubs – as a family-friendly option. A seven-night stay, flying from Gatwick on July 18, including breakfast and transfers costs £1247 a head for two adults – or £1096 per person for a family of four. For the best hotels in Cyprus, see:telegraph.co.uk/cyprushotels
Sea temperature: 26C
Daily hours of sunshine: 12

The weather in Cyprus is more Middle Eastern than European (Photo: AP/Fotolia)

August

19C-24C

Denmark
The north of Zealand – the largest of Denmark’s islands, which hosts Copenhagen on its east flank – is a (nonetheless sunny) refuge from summer at its fiercest. Danish Holiday Homes (0045 7199 3026;danishholidayhomes.com) has properties all across this serene slice of Scandinavia, including a three-bedroom house (ID: 29560077) half a mile inland in the northerly fishing town of Gilleleje. It is available for the week starting August 22, for €762. British Airways (0844 493 0787; ba.com) flies to Copenhagen from Heathrow. For the best things to do in Denmark, see:telegraph.co.uk/denmarkguide
Sea temperature: 17C
Daily hours of sunshine: 7
Guernsey
The second biggest of the Channel Islands does woozy summer days without breaking the thermometer, and August is a fine time to tackle its perimeter. Macs Adventure (0141 530 4002; macsadventure.com) sells a self-guided “Guernsey Coastal Path” walking tour which covers the full 40 miles in seven days, starting and finishing in the capital St Peter Port – from £545 per person in August, including hotels with breakfast, maps and bag transfer. Aurigny (01481 822 886; aurigny.com) flies to Guernsey from six UK airports. For the best hotels in Guernsey, see:telegraph.co.uk/guernseyhotels
Sea temperature: 17C
Daily hours of sunshine: 7

St Peter Port, Guernsey (Photo: AP/Fotolia)

25C-29C

Tuscany
Northern Italy’s most perfumed region embraces the upper Twenties in August, both in the piazzas of Florence and along 250 miles of Mediterranean shore. Tuscany Now (020 7684 8884; tuscanynow.com) can arrange holidays at La Trappola, a cottage which gazes at the sea near Porto Ercole, in the very south-west corner of Tuscany. It sleeps up to six, and still has open weeks during August – from £3323 for seven nights. It is easiest to fly into Rome, 90 miles to the south-east, via BA, easyJet or Jet2 (0800 408 1350; jet2.com). For the best hotels in Tuscany, see:telegraph.co.uk/tuscanyhotels
Sea temperature: 26C
Daily hours of sunshine: 9
Mallorca
The giant of the Balearic archipelago is so much more than Magaluf – all craggy might in the northerly peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana, and Hispanic culture in the capital Palma. But August on Mallorca is about sunbathing on beaches such as the crescent which lights up Alcudia. Mallorca Farmhouses (0800 121 8992; mallorca.co.uk) offers stays at nearby Finca Las Martorell – which has three bedrooms, a pool and a table tennis table. A week’s break in August costs from £2198 in total (£486 a head for six people). BA flies to Palma. For the best hotels in Mallorca, see:telegraph.co.uk/mallorcahotels
Sea temperature: 25C
Daily hours of sunshine: 10

Mallorca is so much more than Magaluf (Photo: AP/Fotolia)

30C+

Andalusia
From the beaches of the Costa del Sol to the Moorish history of Granada, Andalusia mops its brow during August – providing suitable sunshine for those desperate for such heat. Red Savannah (01242 787 800;redsavannah.com) has a raft of villas in the region – like El Refugio, which, perched in the village of Canillas de Aceituno, is convenient for both Malaga and Granada. It sleeps six and comes with a pool and day beds. A week in August starts at £3483 (£581 per person at full occupancy). BA dashes to Malaga from Heathrow.
Sea temperature: 23C
Daily hours of sunshine: 11

Granada, Spain (Photo: AP/Fotolia)
Malta
Often (unfairly) dismissed as a bargain bolthole, Malta is awash with heritage befitting its position as a Mediterranean crossroads. It also bakes in August – when a cultural tour, letting you dip in and out of cool buildings, may be the best of all things. Cox & Kings (020 7873 5000;coxandkings.co.uk) sells a six-night “Malta In Luxury” trip which visits the Crusader-built capital Valetta and the medieval citadel Mdina. The jaunt is available as a private tour – from £980 a head in August, including flights, transfers and breakfast. For the best hotels in Malta, see:telegraph.co.uk/maltahotels
Sea temperature: 26C
Daily hours of sunshine: 11

September

19C-24C

Slovenia
This diminutive Balkan state may be able to claim a mere 29 mile miles of coastline – but every inch fringes the Adriatic, retaining a pleasant glow well into late summer. Balkan Holidays (020 7543 5555; balkanholidays.co.uk) proffers breaks at the Kempinski Palace Portoroz – a five-star hideaway with spa, gourmet restaurants and pool complex, near the photogenic town of Piran. A seven-night stay in September costs from £815 per person (two adults sharing), including breakfast, transfers and flights from Gatwick to Ljubljana. For where to stay in Slovenia, see:telegraph.co.uk/sloveniaguide
Sea temperature: 23C
Daily hours of sunshine: 7
Basque Country
Spain’s north-east corner dazzles via the artistry of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, soft beaches at Bakio and Lekeitio, and culinary thrills in San Sebastian. Its summer heat has also faded enough by September to make hiking plausible. Inntravel (01653 617 002; inntravel.co.uk) sells “The Three Faces of Green Spain”, a nine-night self-guided tour which walks the region (and Asturias and Burgos) – from £898 a head in September, with half-board lodging. easyJet (0330 3655000; easyjet.com) flies into Bilbao from Stansted.
Sea temperature: 20C
Daily hours of sunshine: 6

25C-29C

Sardinia
Italy’s off-west-coast outcrop is vastly dependable for hot weather, but cools its heels slightly in September – enough to make cycling through its scenic grandeur an advisable pursuit. Exodus (0845 287 1069; exodus.co.uk) runs an eight-day “Cycling In Sardinia” group jaunt which makes unflustered progress through the flatlands of the south-west – ticking off the likes of Portixeddu and the islet of Sant’Antioco. A departure is slated for September 26 – from £1199, with flights to Calgiari and breakfast. Bike hire is £70 extra. For the best hotels in Sardinia, see:telegraph.co.uk/sardiniahotels
Sea temperature: 24C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8

Sardinia cools its heels slightly in September (Photo: AP/Fotolia)
Essaouira
Tucked north of Agadir on Morocco’s Atlantic lip, Essaouira has traditionally been hard to reach – but, as of May, has been tied to the UK by a direct easyJet flight from Luton. It is still revelling in high summer during September. Kuoni (0800 092 4444; kuoni.co.uk) sells escapes to the four-star Le Medina Essaouira – a beachside retreat and spa well placed for those hoping to absorb late-season sunsets. A seven-night stay, flying out on September 13, starts at £652 per person (two sharing) – including breakfast and transfers.
Sea temperature: 21C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
The Algarve
Portugal’s lower edge is a loyal devotee of summer sunshine – easily accessible via Faro, and home to unpretentious resort towns like Carvoeiro and Albufeira. The region is also home to a wealth of golf courses. Your Golf Travel (0800 043 6644; yourgolftravel.com) offers tee-time adventures at the five-star Pestana Vila Sol Golf & Resort. A seven-night break in July costs from £375 per person (two sharing), including four rounds and accommodation with breakfast. BA, easyJet, FlyBe and Jet2 all serve Faro from the UK. For the best hotels in Tuscany, see:telegraph.co.uk/algarvehotels
Sea temperature: 20C
Daily hours of sunshine: 12

30C+

Tunisia
Anyone hoping to indulge their Indiana Jones fantasies can do so in Tunisia in September – when the many Roman and Carthaginian sites simmer at 30°C. Despite March’s terror attack in Tunis, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) still sees the North African country as safe to visit. Audley Travel (01993 838 445; audleytravel.com) touts a 13-day “Grand Tour of Tunisia”, which splices the remarkable Roman amphitheatre at El Djem with the beaches of Djerba. The per-person price of £2,960 includes international flights.
Sea temperature: 25C
Daily hours of sunshine: 9
Marmaris
Those keen to leave their summer trip until as late as possible, but still toast themselves, can depend on Marmaris – which rarely dips into the Twenties Celsius between June and September. Neilson (0333 014 3351;neilson.co.uk) tips its hat to the south-west corner of Turkey by selling weeks at the Adakoy Beach Club. This sporty oasis has facilities for waterskiing, wakeboarding and kayaking. A seven-night stay, flying from Birmingham on September 5, costs from £740 a head (two sharing) – including transfers and most meals. For the best hotels on the Turquoise Coast, see: telegraph.co.uk/turquoisecoasthotels
Sea temperature: 25C
Daily hours of sunshine: 11

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