Target Keywords: weather in Europe, European climate by country, summer and winter in Europe, best countries for mild weather, expat weather guide Europe
Introduction: Why Weather Matters When Moving to Europe
For anyone considering a move to Europe—whether for work, study, or retirement—understanding the climate is essential. Weather not only affects your comfort, lifestyle, and health, but also determines housing costs, clothing needs, transportation, and even social culture. Some countries offer long, sunny summers; others are known for icy winters and magical snowy landscapes.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll explore the weather patterns of European countries across all seasons—focusing especially on the differences between summer and winter. Whether you’re dreaming of mild Mediterranean breezes or snow-covered alpine villages, this guide will help you choose the right European destination based on climate.
1. Western Europe
🌞 Summer Weather
Western Europe generally experiences warm, pleasant summers with moderate humidity.
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France: Southern France (e.g., Nice, Marseille) offers dry, hot summers (~30°C/86°F), while Paris stays milder (~25°C/77°F).
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Belgium & Netherlands: Mild summers (~22°C/71°F) with occasional rain. Excellent for those who dislike extreme heat.
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Germany (West): Temperatures average between 20°C and 28°C (68–82°F) in cities like Cologne and Frankfurt.
❄️ Winter Weather
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France: Winters are cold in the north (0–5°C / 32–41°F), but southern areas remain mild and sunny.
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Netherlands & Belgium: Damp and chilly winters, with temperatures hovering around 0–6°C (32–43°F) and frequent overcast skies.
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Germany: Snow is common in rural areas, especially near the Alps.
Best for: Expats seeking a moderate climate with seasonal variation.
2. Northern Europe
🌞 Summer Weather
Surprisingly, summer in Northern Europe can be beautiful—long days with plenty of daylight.
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Sweden & Finland: In July, temperatures can reach 20–25°C (68–77°F). The "Midnight Sun" in the Arctic Circle offers 24-hour daylight!
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Denmark: Pleasantly warm (~22°C / 72°F), with lower humidity than Southern Europe.
❄️ Winter Weather
Winters here are long and dark.
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Sweden, Finland, Norway: Snow covers the ground for months. Daylight can be as short as 3–4 hours.
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Denmark: Milder than its neighbors, but still experiences snow and temperatures around -2 to 3°C (28–37°F).
Best for: People who enjoy snowy winters and long summer days. Not ideal for those affected by lack of sunlight.
3. Southern Europe
🌞 Summer Weather
If you love hot, sunny days, this is your paradise.
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Spain: Southern cities like Seville and Cordoba can exceed 40°C (104°F) in July. Coastal areas like Barcelona are more moderate (~30°C).
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Italy: Very hot in the south and central regions (~35°C/95°F), more comfortable in northern cities like Milan.
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Greece & Portugal: Similar trends—hot inland, breezy on the coast.
❄️ Winter Weather
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Spain & Portugal: Winters are mild, especially in the south (~10–15°C / 50–59°F).
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Italy: Northern Italy gets cold and even snowy; the south remains relatively warm.
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Greece: Mild but can get rainy, especially in the islands.
Best for: Expats wanting year-round sun or escaping cold winters.
4. Eastern Europe
🌞 Summer Weather
Eastern European summers are warm and increasingly popular among digital nomads.
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Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary: Summer temperatures hover around 25–30°C (77–86°F) with occasional thunderstorms.
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Bulgaria & Romania: Hotter, often reaching above 35°C (95°F).
❄️ Winter Weather
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Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia: Very cold with heavy snow, often -5 to -15°C (23–5°F).
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Balkans (Serbia, Bosnia): Cold but less extreme, though mountainous areas see heavy snow.
Best for: Budget-conscious expats who enjoy distinct seasons.
5. Central Europe
🌞 Summer Weather
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Austria & Switzerland: Comfortable summers in cities (20–28°C), cooler in the Alps.
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Germany (South): Pleasantly warm, perfect for nature lovers and hikers.
❄️ Winter Weather
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Austria, Switzerland, Southern Germany: Ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Cold but picturesque, with average temps of -5 to 5°C (23–41°F).
Best for: Nature lovers, winter sports enthusiasts, or those seeking a fairytale winter.
6. The British Isles
🌞 Summer Weather
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United Kingdom & Ireland: Cool and often unpredictable. Average summer highs are just 18–22°C (64–72°F). Plenty of rain, especially in the north and west.
❄️ Winter Weather
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UK & Ireland: Winters are grey, wet, and rarely snowy. Temperatures rarely fall below 0°C (32°F), except in Scotland.
Best for: People who prefer mild climates year-round and don’t mind rain.
Climate Comparison Table: Summer & Winter by Country
| Country | Avg. Summer Temp | Avg. Winter Temp | Rainfall (Annual) | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 30–40°C | 10–15°C | Low (except North) | Rare (South) |
| Germany | 20–28°C | -5 to 5°C | Moderate | Common |
| Sweden | 20–25°C | -5 to -20°C | Moderate | Heavy (North) |
| UK | 18–22°C | 0–5°C | High | Rare |
| Greece | 28–36°C | 8–15°C | Low to Medium | Rare |
| Poland | 25–30°C | -10°C or lower | Medium | Common |
| France | 24–32°C | 3–8°C | Moderate | Some |
| Italy | 28–35°C | 5–10°C (South) | Medium | North Only |
Tips for Expats: How to Prepare for Europe’s Climate
☑️ What to Pack
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Winter: Layered clothing, thermal wear, waterproof boots, gloves.
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Summer: Breathable fabrics, sunblock, hats, and comfortable walking shoes.
☑️ Housing & Heating
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In colder countries, ensure your rental includes efficient heating and insulation.
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In Southern Europe, air conditioning is essential during summer months.
☑️ Mental Health & Weather
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Lack of sunlight in Northern winters can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Consider vitamin D supplements or a sun lamp.
Conclusion: Choose the Climate That Fits Your Lifestyle
Europe offers an incredible range of climates—from the Arctic chill of Finland to the Mediterranean warmth of Spain. Whether you prefer sunshine year-round or snow-filled winters, there’s a European country that matches your ideal lifestyle. Understanding the seasons, temperatures, and weather quirks will help you not only survive—but thrive—as an expat in Europe.
Start with your personal preferences:
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Do you love the sun? → Consider Spain, Italy, or Greece.
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Do you want winter sports and snow? → Explore Austria, Switzerland, or Poland.
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Prefer balance and mild seasons? → Try France, Germany, or the UK.
No matter where you land, embracing the local climate will become a cherished part of your European experience