If you’re plotting a move for sunshine, mild temperatures, and a low-drama climate, start by checking day-to-day and long-range forecasts on
WhatWeather.today. It’s a fast, clean site where you can compare cities across seasons and spot the microclimates that make all the difference when you’re choosing a new home.
How we defined “best weather”
“Best weather” means different things to different people, but for living (not just vacationing), most of us want a stable, comfortable range that’s easy on energy bills and daily routines. Here’s the criteria used for this list:
Year-round livability: Fewer temperature extremes, with comfortable days and nights most months.
Sunshine: Plenty of bright days for mood and outdoor life, balanced with enough rain to keep air quality and water supply healthy.
Humidity and wind: Moderate humidity that doesn’t feel swampy, and winds that cool rather than batter.
Predictability: Fewer severe events like hurricanes, monsoon floods, or deep freezes.
Microclimates and choice: Within the country, a variety of regions so you can match climate preferences—dry and sunny, breezy coastal, mild highlands, etc.
No country nails “perfect” weather everywhere, all the time—but the 10 below offer sizable areas where the climate is reliably comfortable, with real cities and services to support long-term living.
Portugal
Portugal blends Atlantic breezes with Mediterranean warmth, delivering one of Europe’s most pleasant year-round climates.
Where the weather shines:
Algarve (Lagos, Faro, Tavira): Among Europe’s sunniest corners with roughly 3,000+ sunshine hours a year. Winters are mild (8–17°C), summers comfortably warm (20–30°C), and rain is modest (~500 mm/year, mostly Nov–Mar).
Lisbon Coast (Cascais, Oeiras): Around 2,800 sunshine hours annually. Winter highs near 15°C, summer highs around 28–29°C, cooled by sea breezes.
Madeira (Funchal): Subtropical and spring-like all year—roughly 19–26°C most months—ideal if you want gentle temperatures and greenery.
What to expect:
Rain falls mainly in winter on the mainland; summers are dry and bright.
Inland areas can spike above 35–40°C in heatwaves, but the coast stays much milder.
Weather watch-outs:
Atlantic winter storms can bring windy, rainy spells to the north and center.
Occasional summer wildfires inland.
Why it’s great to live: Easy-going, sunny, and walkable coastal towns reduce the need for AC or heating for a good part of the year. If you want mild, sunny Europe without harsh winters, Portugal is hard to beat.
Spain
Spain’s variety means you can pick your sweet spot—from “eternal spring” islands to sunlit Mediterranean cities.
Where the weather shines:
Canary Islands (Tenerife South, Gran Canaria South): Year-round 18–26°C, very low rainfall (often under 200–300 mm annually in the south), and 3,000+ hours of sun. Trade winds cool summers.
Costa del Sol (Málaga, Marbella): Around 3,000 hours of sun per year, winter highs ~16–18°C, summer highs ~30–32°C. Rain mostly Oct–Apr (roughly 450–600 mm/year).
Alicante/Almería: Very dry, very sunny—excellent for those who prefer low humidity and little rain.
What to expect:
The Mediterranean coast is bright and dry most of the year; inland summers get hot.
The north (Basque Country, Galicia) is green but wetter and cooler.
Weather watch-outs:
Calima (Saharan dust) occasionally affects the Canaries and southeast coast.
“Gota fría” storms can hit the east coast in autumn with intense rainfall.
Why it’s great to live: You can choose mellow island spring weather year-round or classic Mediterranean warmth with vibrant urban life—Spain offers both, with abundant sunshine.
Greece
Greece offers long, dry summers, bright winters, and varied island microclimates.
Where the weather shines:
Crete (Chania, Heraklion): Mild winters (10–17°C), warm summers (24–30°C), roughly 2,800+ sunshine hours, and reliable dry summers.
Cyclades (Paros, Naxos): Breezy, sunny summers; winters are short and relatively mild. The meltemi winds keep summer heat in check.
Peloponnese (Nafplio, Kalamata): Mediterranean classic—olive groves, blue skies, and manageable humidity.
What to expect:
Rain concentrated Nov–Mar; summers dry and clear.
Coastal areas stay much milder than the interior.
Weather watch-outs:
Summer heatwaves can push highs above 35°C in some areas.
Meltemi winds can be strong on Aegean islands—great for sailors, less so for flimsy umbrellas.
Why it’s great to live: A generous number of sunny days, low winter severity on the coasts, and the option to find breezier or more sheltered islands makes Greece a climate-lover’s dream.
Italy
From the Ligurian Riviera to Sicily and Sardinia, Italy’s best-weather regions are Mediterranean and mellow.
Where the weather shines:
Sicily (Palermo, Catania): Winter highs ~14–16°C, summer highs ~28–31°C; sunshine around 2,700–2,800 hours; rainfall ~450–650 mm/year.
Sardinia (Cagliari, Alghero): Bright, dry summers, mild winters, and around 2,700–2,900 sunshine hours.
Ligurian Coast (Sanremo): Known for mild winters and warm summers thanks to sheltering mountains and maritime influence.
What to expect:
Southern Italy and the islands deliver the steadiest sunshine and driest summers.
Northern lowlands can be humid in summer and chilly in winter; lakes (Garda) create gentle microclimates.
Weather watch-outs:
Heat spikes in peak summer, especially inland.
Autumn can bring short, intense rain episodes.
Why it’s great to live: If your perfect day is warm without extremes, with a long outdoor season for cafe life and swimming, southern Italy and the major islands deliver.
Malta
Malta is small but mighty when it comes to dependable Mediterranean weather.
What the climate looks like:
Around 3,000+ sunshine hours per year.
Winters: 12–17°C with periodic rain (about 500–600 mm/year, mostly Oct–Mar).
Summers: 24–31°C, dry and sunny, with sea breezes. Sea temps hover ~15–26°C year-round.
Best places for comfort:
Coastal areas everywhere are close—Sliema and St. Julian’s for urban convenience; Mellieħa and Gozo for a quieter pace and breezier hilltops.
Weather watch-outs:
Humidity can be noticeable in shoulder seasons.
Occasional windy winter storms and saline air—choose good window seals and ventilation.
Why it’s great to live: A compact island with remarkably consistent weather, minimal temperature swings, and a long swimming season—perfect if you want sun without long drives.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s microclimates mean you can choose your own version of paradise—from dry tropical coasts to springlike highlands.
Where the weather shines:
Central Valley (San José, Escazú, Heredia, Atenas): “Eternal spring” feel, with many areas sitting around 18–27°C most days. Dry season runs roughly Dec–Apr; green season May–Nov features afternoon showers.
Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Liberia): The driest region—lots of sun in the dry season, hot days (often 30–34°C) tempered by Pacific breezes.
What to expect:
Two seasons rather than four: Dry and green. Coastal humidity is higher; elevation brings cooler nights and more comfortable days.
Annual rainfall varies widely: Under ~1,500 mm in dry zones to well over 3,000 mm on the Caribbean slope. Central Valley sits roughly around 1,500–2,000 mm with frequent afternoon showers in the rainy months.
Weather watch-outs:
The Caribbean side is wetter year-round.
Tropical downpours and occasional storms; landslides in mountainous areas.
Why it’s great to live: Pick altitude to dial your preferred temperature. Many expats land in the Central Valley for its comfortable, consistent days and easy city access.
Mexico
From mild highlands to sun-soaked coasts, Mexico gives you a menu of living climates.
Where the weather shines:
Central Highlands (Guadalajara, Lake Chapala/Ajijic, Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende): Springlike most of the year. Expect daytime highs around 22–28°C, cool mornings, and a summer rainy season (roughly Jun–Sep) with afternoon showers. Guadalajara sees roughly 800–1,000 mm/year of rain, mostly in those months.
Baja California Sur (La Paz): Desert sun with low humidity most of the year—winter highs around 22–25°C, summer can get hot (30–35°C+), but it’s dry and breezy.
Pacific Coast (Puerto Vallarta): Warm and humid, but tempered by sea breezes; dry from Nov–May, with rainy afternoons Jun–Oct.
What to expect:
Elevation = comfort. Many inland cities at 1,500–2,000 m enjoy mild days and cool nights.
Coastal humidity varies—Baja is dry; the Caribbean and tropical Pacific are humid.
Weather watch-outs:
Hurricanes can affect the Caribbean and Pacific coasts in season.
Mexico City has a mild climate but struggles with air quality; smaller highland cities avoid this.
Why it’s great to live: You can tailor climate by picking altitude and region—mild highlands for all-day comfort or a dry, sunny coast with winter warmth.
Colombia
Colombia’s equatorial latitude plus dramatic topography gives you “choose-your-climate” living.
Where the weather shines:
Medellín (the “City of Eternal Spring”): Typically 17–28°C year-round thanks to ~1,500 m elevation. Rain comes in two peaks (roughly Apr–May and Oct–Nov), totaling about 1,500–2,000 mm/year, often as afternoon showers.
Coffee Region (Pereira, Manizales, Armenia): Lush, mild, and green with springlike days; slightly cooler at higher elevations.
Rionegro/El Retiro (near Medellín): Cooler nights and less humidity than Medellín proper, appealing if you like crisp evenings.
What to expect:
Temperature is largely a function of altitude, not season.
Sunshine alternates with cloud and showers; comfortable air temperatures are the star rather than endless blue skies.
Weather watch-outs:
Periods of heavy rain can trigger landslides; choose neighborhoods with solid drainage and slope stability.
Coastal lowlands (Cartagena) are hot and humid—fun for beach weekends, not always ideal for everyday living.
Why it’s great to live: If you prioritize comfortable temperatures over maximal sunshine, Colombia’s Andean cities offer near-ideal daily living weather without winter or summer extremes.
South Africa
South Africa’s southern coast delivers some of the world’s most livable weather, with Mediterranean and ocean-moderated climates.
Where the weather shines:
Cape Town and the Cape Winelands: Mediterranean climate—wet winters (roughly 7–18°C) and dry, sunny summers (16–28°C). Cape Town boasts around 3,000+ sunshine hours per year. Rainfall averages ~500–600 mm annually, concentrated in winter.
Garden Route (Mossel Bay, George, Knysna): Known for a “mild everything” climate—temperate year-round with rainfall spread through the year; fewer extremes than other regions.
What to expect:
Summer sea breezes and very bright days; winters bring green hills and cozy rainfall.
Water temperatures are cooler on the Atlantic side, warmer as you move east.
Weather watch-outs:
Summer winds in Cape Town (the “Cape Doctor”) can be strong.
Periodic drought cycles—water-wise living is a plus.
Why it’s great to live: Long, radiant summers without tropical humidity, and mild winters that rarely bite hard—ideal for outdoor lifestyles, wine country weekends, and beach days nearly year-round.
Australia
Stick to the coastal cities and Australia offers some of the world’s most reliably pleasant weather patterns.
Where the weather shines:
Perth: Among the sunniest major cities on Earth (~3,200+ sunshine hours/year). Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers (17–31°C) tempered by the afternoon “Fremantle Doctor” sea breeze; mild winters (8–19°C) with moderate rain (~700–800 mm).
Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast: Subtropical and warm—winter highs around 20–23°C, summer around 28–30°C. Rain mostly in summer thunderstorms; winters are bright and dry.
Sydney: Temperate oceanic; winter highs ~16–18°C, summer highs ~26–28°C, plenty of sunshine (~2,600 hours/year) and year-round beach days.
What to expect:
Massive country, many climates—tropical in the far north, Mediterranean in the southwest, temperate in the southeast, arid in the interior.
Coastal breezes moderate heat in most populated areas.
Weather watch-outs:
Heatwaves and bushfire risk in summer in some regions—choose suburbs with good air quality and emergency readiness.
Summer humidity in the subtropical east; tropical north has distinct wet/dry seasons.
Why it’s great to live: If you want big-city amenities with beach weather for much of the year, Australia’s coastal capitals deliver balanced, outdoor-friendly climates.
How to pick your personal best-weather match
Mind the microclimate: Within the same metro, hilltops can be breezier and cooler than valleys; a few kilometers inland can mean less fog and lower humidity than a beachfront strip.
Track the shoulders: Visit in late spring or autumn to see how a place feels outside “hero” months. You’ll learn how windy, humid, or rainy it gets when tourists aren’t there.
Check seasonal patterns, not just averages: Look at sunshine hours, rainy-day frequency, and nighttime lows. Two places with the same daytime high can feel completely different if one has muggy nights.
Verify extremes and anomalies: Ask locals how often heatwaves, dust events, or heavy storms really hit—and how long they last.
Use
WhatWeather.today to compare cities side by side, scan 7–14 day forecasts, and get a feel for month-by-month comfort before you lock in a lease.
Final thoughts
Perfect weather is personal—but the countries above give you a high chance of loving the climate without fighting daily extremes. Portugal and Spain bring world-class Mediterranean sunshine; Greece and Italy add island breezes and long summers; Malta packs dependable sun into a compact package; Costa Rica and Colombia let you “dial in” a springlike feel via elevation; Mexico’s highlands are mild and friendly; South Africa offers bright Mediterranean summers and mellow winters; and Australia’s coastal cities deliver long beach seasons and city convenience.
Wherever you’re leaning, do a reality check before moving:
Spend at least two weeks in your preferred season and a week in the “opposite” season.
Confirm typical wind, humidity, and rainy-day frequency for your exact neighborhood.
Look up local hazards (heatwaves, fires, floods) and prep accordingly.
The right climate makes everyday life easier, cheaper, and happier. Start exploring the places that fit your version of “perfect”—and let
WhatWeather.today be your quick, reliable companion as you narrow your list.