Mediterranean Sunny Destinations in Winter 2024

Geneva, Switzerland, 29 August 2024 – MSC Cruises invites guests to extend their holiday season into October, November and December with a wide range of Mediterranean sailings that still bask in sunny weather even on the approach to Christmas.

The Canary Islands, Madeira and Caribbean are already popular choices for guests looking for winter sun, but there are so many more options closer to home in the Mediterranean . From the charm of Southern France to history-rich destinations of Greece, MSC Cruises reveals the most sun-drenched Mediterranean destinations to help guests revel in summer weather late into the season.

Weather data* for Mediterranean destinations the cruise line calls in October, November and December shows that guests can expect to enjoy temperatures up to 28°C, with 295 hours of sunshine a month, with little to no chance of rain – and it’s the perfect time to experience some of the must-visit attractions with fewer people and a more relaxed atmosphere.

One of the highlights this winter is a new itinerary for MSC Sinfonia that includes Greece for the first time. The seven night sailing calls Bari (Italy), Piraeus (for Athens), Corfu (Greece), plus Izmir and Istanbul (Türkiye).

Discover the top destinations in the Mediterranean to extend your summer:

The winner – with 295 hours of sunshine: Izmir, Türkiye

Guests can keep their swimsuits and sunglasses on for the winter when it comes to this sunny destination in Türkiye which offers 295 hours of sunshine in October and an average of 25 sunny days a month throughout the winter months. Make the most of temperatures in their mid-twenties while wandering through cobbled streets, bustling bazaars and taking in Izmir’s centuries-old and UNESCO listed wonders.

Guests can experience Izmir as MSC Sinfonia calls to the port-city throughout winter, offering seven-night itineraries.

The runner up – with 275 hours of sunshine: Valencia, Spain

Guests can escape the winter blues for some Spanish sunshine in Valencia, a city that offers up to up to 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and an impressive 272 hours of sunshine in October alone. In the same month the average temperature is still sitting at around 25°C. In November and December when the majority of Europe sees temperatures fall the Spanish city maintains an average high of around 20°C and around 247 hours of sun. Guests can discover stunning architecture, stroll through its historic old town and the taste of the world-famous Valencian paella whilst sat outdoors enjoying the sunshine on a terrace with an iced drink.

MSC Fantasia, MSC Lirica and MSC Seaside all sail on itineraries that call Valencia between October and December.

Third place – with 272 hours of sunshine: La Goulette/Tunis, Tunisa 

Sun seekers looking for a reprieve from the cold can escape to the northernmost country in Africa, Tunisia. Boasting an impressive 272 hours of sun in October, an average high of 26°C (reaching up to 28°C) it’s the perfect weather to experience the abundance of natural beauty and exceptional archaeological sites. In November, with an average temperature of 21°C and 218 hours of sunshine, there’s an average of 27 sunny days a month all winter. With a wealth of attractions, from the UNESCO-listed Medina with its mausoleums and palaces to the remains of ancient Carthage, opt to see the sights or simply bathe in the glory of summer-like sun.

MSC Cruises has two ships calling to La Goulette, Tunis between October and December this year, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Fantasia, with a range of easy embarkation ports in Europe across Spain, France and Italy.

Honourable mentions: 

With an average of 265 hours of sun in October and around 220 hours of sunshine during November and December, Athens, Greece, makes for the perfect respite from the winter cold and grey, meaning guests can enjoy the milder weather and quieter sites as they visit the remains of the ancient Acropolis, the citadel perched on a rocky cliff, rising 150-metres above the city. MSC Sinfonia is offering seven-night itineraries calling to Athens’ port Piraeus through all of winter and MSC Splendida is offering 9-night itineraries from October to November this year.

History rich Valetta, Malta is one of the sunniest spots in Europe during the winter months and sees up to an impressive 263 hours of sunshine in October and over 209 sunny hours in November, closely followed Marseille, France, which boasts an average of 262 hours of sunshine in October and up to 239 hours per month during the remainder of the winter season. MSC World Europa calls to Valetta and Marseille this winter. MSC Fantasia, MSC Lirica also offer itineraries to Marseille.

*Weather data collated from World Weather API and Weather Forecast