Where is hot in December in Europe? Not beach-in-a-heatwave hot, but warm enough for T-shirts at lunchtime, coastal walks in the sun, and dinner on a terrace. While northern Europe sits under gray skies, the Canary Islands, Madeira, Cyprus, Malta, and the far south of Spain, Italy, and Greece stay surprisingly mild.
Here is where to find the warmest weather in Europe in December, by country and by city, plus budget picks and tips for booking a winter sun break.
Temperatures below are typical average daytime highs for December. Expect cooler evenings everywhere.
Where Is Hot in December in Europe? By Country
Spain: the Canary Islands (21–23°C) and the Costa del Sol (17–18°C)
The Canary Islands, off the coast of northwest Africa, are the warmest part of Europe in December. Tenerife and Gran Canaria have beaches, volcanic hikes, and plenty of sunshine, and the sea is still around 20°C. On the mainland, Málaga and the Costa del Sol are mild and sunny, perfect for city breaks and coastal walks.
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Portugal: Madeira (20°C) and the Algarve (17°C)
Madeira, in the Atlantic, has a subtropical climate with lush gardens, levada walks, and famous New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal. The Algarve is cooler but sunny, with quiet golden beaches and dramatic cliffs.
Cyprus (18–19°C)
Cyprus is one of the sunniest places in Europe in winter. Paphos and Limassol are mild and sunny, ideal for exploring ancient sites and harbor towns. Many beach clubs in Ayia Napa close for the season, so base yourself in a town that is lively year-round.
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Malta (17–18°C)
Malta is compact, English-speaking, and full of history. December is quiet and mild, with Christmas cribs and lights in Valletta and the villages. See our list of the best winter sun destinations for more ideas.
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Greece: Crete and Rhodes (16–18°C)
Northern Greece gets cold, but Crete and the southern islands stay mild. Expect quiet harbors, ancient sites without crowds, and local tavernas. Some island hotels close in winter, so choose larger towns such as Chania or Heraklion.
Italy: Sicily and Sardinia (15–17°C)
Southern Italy offers mild days, baroque towns, and excellent food. Palermo, Syracuse, and Cagliari are great for winter city breaks.
France: the Riviera and Corsica (13–15°C)
Nice and the Côte d'Azur stay bright and sunny, with seafront walks and Christmas markets. Corsica is quiet and wild in winter.
Where Is Hot in December in Europe? By City
- Las Palmas, Gran Canaria: around 22°C, with a city beach.
- Funchal, Madeira: around 20°C.
- Limassol, Cyprus: around 19°C.
- Valletta, Malta: around 17°C.
- Heraklion, Crete: around 17°C.
- Cádiz, Spain: around 17°C.
- Málaga, Spain: around 17°C.
- Palermo, Sicily: around 16°C.
- Cagliari, Sardinia: around 16°C.
Where Is Hot and Cheap in December?
- La Palma and La Gomera, Canary Islands: Quieter, greener islands with great hiking and lower prices than Tenerife.
- The Algarve, Portugal: Off-season hotel deals and empty beaches.
- Sicily, Italy: Low season prices and excellent, affordable food.
- Cyprus: Good-value hotels and long sunny days.
Tips for Booking a Hot Holiday in December
- Travel in early December. Prices rise sharply in the weeks around Christmas and New Year.
- Look beyond the big resorts. Smaller islands and towns are cheaper and more authentic.
- Watch for Boxing Day sales for trips in the new year.
- Pack layers. Days can be warm, but evenings drop to around 10°C in many places.
- Stay online. Hopping between countries? The egoViet Europe eSIM covers more than 30 countries with one plan.
Planning further ahead? See where is hot in November in Europe and the best places to travel in Europe in January.
FAQs: Where Is Hot in December in Europe
What is the hottest place in Europe in December?
The Canary Islands, with average highs of around 21–23°C. Madeira is the next warmest, at around 20°C.
Can you swim in the sea in Europe in December?
In the Canary Islands and Madeira, the sea is around 19–20°C, which is fine for a swim. Elsewhere in the Mediterranean, it is around 16–18°C, which is bracing.
Is Malta warm in December?
It is mild rather than hot, with highs of around 17°C and lots of sunshine. It is great for sightseeing but too cool for most beachgoers.
Where is warm in Europe for Christmas?
The Canary Islands, Madeira, Cyprus, Malta, and southern Spain are the warmest places in Europe over Christmas.