When December arrives, much of Europe becomes cold, grey, and rainy. However, that does not mean you have to spend the whole month wearing a heavy jacket. There are still several warm places in Europe in December where you can enjoy mild temperatures, sunshine, beautiful coastlines, and a more relaxed winter atmosphere.
In fact, some southern European destinations can feel surprisingly pleasant during December. While you probably will not get the same beach weather as in July or August, places such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Madeira, Cyprus, and Malta can offer a welcome escape from the cold.
Moreover, December can be a great time to visit these destinations because the summer crowds are gone, sightseeing is usually more comfortable, and accommodation can sometimes be cheaper outside the Christmas and New Year period.
So, if you are looking for warm places in Europe in December, here are eight destinations worth considering.
8. Seville, Spain
Seville is a great choice if you want to experience southern Spain without dealing with the intense summer heat.
In December, daytime temperatures can reach around 17°C, although evenings can be considerably cooler. Nevertheless, this is still much milder than the weather in many northern and central European destinations.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Seville in December is that the cooler weather makes sightseeing much more enjoyable. You can walk through the historic center, explore the beautiful Plaza de España, visit the Real Alcázar, and discover the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood without struggling with extreme heat.
Furthermore, Seville has an excellent food scene. You can stop for tapas during the day and enjoy traditional Andalusian dishes in the evening.
December also brings a festive atmosphere to the city. Streets and squares are decorated for Christmas, while local markets and seasonal events make the city feel especially lively.
Therefore, Seville is a particularly good option if you are looking for warm places in Europe in December but prefer culture, architecture, and food over beaches.
Average December high: around 17°C
Best for: Culture, food, architecture, Christmas atmosphere
7. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is another excellent destination for a mild winter escape.
Located in southern Portugal, the Algarve is famous for its dramatic coastline, golden beaches, cliffs, and charming coastal towns. In December, daytime temperatures can reach around 16–17°C, depending on the location and weather conditions.
Of course, this is not tropical weather. However, if you are trying to escape freezing temperatures, the Algarve can be a very pleasant alternative.
Moreover, December is much quieter than the busy summer season. Popular towns such as Lagos, Faro, and Albufeira feel more relaxed, allowing you to explore without large summer crowds.
The cooler weather is also ideal for coastal walks. You can spend hours enjoying ocean views, exploring small towns, or simply having lunch outside when the sun is shining.
Another advantage is that the Algarve works particularly well for road trips. You can rent a car and explore different parts of the coast at your own pace.
So, while you should not visit the Algarve expecting to swim every day, it remains one of the better warm places in Europe in December for travelers who want sunshine, nature, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Average December high: around 16–17°C
Best for: Coastal scenery, road trips, beaches, relaxing
6. Málaga, Spain
Málaga is one of the best mainland European destinations for a December city break.
Situated on Spain’s famous Costa del Sol, Málaga generally enjoys mild winters, with daytime temperatures often reaching around 17–18°C.
Because the summer heat has disappeared, December is actually a comfortable time to explore the city on foot. You can visit the Alcazaba, explore Málaga Cathedral, walk around the historic center, or relax along the waterfront.
Furthermore, Málaga has a fantastic combination of history, food, beaches, and city life. Even though swimming may not be the main activity in December, you can still enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.
The city also becomes particularly attractive around Christmas. Streets are decorated with lights, and the festive atmosphere adds another reason to visit during this time of year.
If you have several days available, Málaga can also serve as a base for exploring other parts of Andalusia.
As a result, Málaga is a strong choice for travelers searching for warm places in Europe in December who want a combination of mild weather and plenty of things to do.
Average December high: around 17–18°C
Best for: City breaks, food, culture, sightseeing
5. Malta
Malta may not be the warmest destination on this list, but it is still a great place for a winter escape.
Daytime temperatures in December can reach around 17°C, and sunny days can feel particularly pleasant.
More importantly, Malta offers far more than beaches. The island is packed with historic buildings, ancient sites, beautiful churches, coastal views, and interesting towns.
You can spend a morning exploring Valletta, visit the old streets of Mdina, enjoy lunch beside the water, and then discover some of Malta’s historic landmarks.
December also gives Malta a special atmosphere. Christmas decorations appear throughout the island, and many towns become beautifully decorated during the festive season.
However, keep in mind that rain and wind are possible. Therefore, Malta is better suited to travelers looking for mild weather and sightseeing rather than guaranteed beach conditions.
Overall, it is one of the most interesting warm places in Europe in December for travelers who want history, culture, food, and a little winter sunshine.
Average December high: around 17°C
Best for: History, culture, food, city breaks
4. Cyprus
Cyprus is another excellent destination if you want mild temperatures during December.
Coastal cities such as Paphos and Larnaca can reach around 18–19°C during the day. While the weather is not guaranteed to be sunny every day, pleasant winter days are common enough to make Cyprus an attractive December destination.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Cyprus during winter is that you can explore the island without the intense summer heat.
You can visit ancient ruins, walk along the coast, explore traditional villages, and enjoy Cypriot food in local restaurants.
Moreover, Cyprus is a great destination for a road trip. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore different parts of the island, from coastal towns to mountain villages.
Although swimming may not be comfortable for everyone in December, the mild temperatures are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Therefore, if you are searching for warm places in Europe in December and want a destination with beaches, history, nature, and good food, Cyprus is worth considering.
Average December high: around 18–19°C
Best for: History, road trips, beaches, sightseeing
3. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is one of the most beautiful destinations on this list and a fantastic choice for travelers who prefer nature over traditional beach resorts.
The Portuguese island has a mild climate throughout the year. In December, daytime temperatures can reach approximately 19–20°C, although conditions vary depending on the area and weather.
What makes Madeira special is its landscape. Instead of spending your entire holiday beside a resort pool, you can explore mountains, waterfalls, cliffs, forests, and dramatic coastal viewpoints.
The island is also famous for its hiking trails and levadas. These routes allow visitors to discover some of Madeira’s most impressive scenery while enjoying the mild winter climate.
Furthermore, Funchal has a particularly attractive festive atmosphere during December. Christmas decorations and lights make the city feel lively and welcoming.
So, if your ideal winter trip includes hiking, nature, good food, sightseeing, and comfortable temperatures, Madeira is one of the best warm places in Europe in December to consider.
Average December high: around 19–20°C
Best for: Nature, hiking, scenery, food
2. Gran Canaria, Spain
Gran Canaria is one of the strongest choices for travelers who want actual winter sunshine.
Located in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria enjoys significantly warmer weather than most of Europe during December. Daytime temperatures can reach around 22°C, especially in the southern part of the island.
Maspalomas is one of the most popular areas, thanks to its famous sand dunes, beaches, restaurants, and large selection of accommodation.
However, there is much more to Gran Canaria than resorts. You can explore mountain villages, drive through the island’s interior, visit viewpoints, or spend a relaxing day on the coast.
Moreover, the southern part of the island generally offers some of the best conditions for a winter holiday.
Another benefit is the variety of accommodation. Whether you want a large resort, a family-friendly hotel, or a quieter place to stay, there are plenty of options.
Consequently, Gran Canaria is an excellent choice if your main goal is to find warm places in Europe in December where you can enjoy sunshine, outdoor activities, and a beach atmosphere.
Average December high: around 22°C
Best for: Sunshine, beaches, resorts, outdoor activities
1. Tenerife, Spain
At number one, Tenerife is arguably the best choice if your priority is finding a genuinely warm European destination in December.
Like Gran Canaria, Tenerife is part of the Canary Islands and benefits from its location close to the coast of Africa. During December, daytime temperatures in the southern part of the island can reach around 22°C.
The south of Tenerife is particularly popular with winter travelers. Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, and Playa de las Américas offer plenty of hotels, restaurants, beaches, and activities.
However, Tenerife is not simply a place for relaxing beside a swimming pool.
You can explore Teide National Park, take a scenic drive around the island, discover smaller coastal towns, or go hiking through volcanic landscapes.
Furthermore, the island receives plenty of sunshine during winter, making it one of the most reliable choices for a European winter-sun holiday.
If you want to combine warm weather, beaches, nature, restaurants, and plenty of accommodation options, Tenerife is difficult to beat.
For that reason, it takes the number one spot among the best warm places in Europe in December.
Average December high: around 22°C
Best for: Beaches, sunshine, hiking, winter escapes
Warm Places in Europe in December: Quick Comparison
| Destination | December High | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Seville | ~17°C | Culture & food |
| Algarve | ~16–17°C | Coast & road trips |
| Málaga | ~17–18°C | City breaks |
| Malta | ~17°C | History & culture |
| Cyprus | ~18–19°C | History & sightseeing |
| Madeira | ~19–20°C | Nature & hiking |
| Gran Canaria | ~22°C | Beaches & sunshine |
| Tenerife | ~22°C | Winter sun & beaches |
Plan Your Winter Trip
Once you have chosen one of the best warm places in Europe in December, the next step is finding the right flights and accommodation. Comparing prices in advance can help you save money and give you more options, especially during the popular winter travel season.
✈️ Find the best flight deals: Compare flights and find convenient options for your winter trip around Europe.
🏨 Find your perfect accommodation: Compare hotels, apartments, and other accommodation options in the warm winter destination you want to visit.
Planning your flights and accommodation together makes it easier to organize your winter getaway, keep your budget under control, and focus on enjoying your trip.
More Winter Travel Ideas
If you’re looking for affordable places to escape the cold, you may also want to check out our guide to the Best Cheap Winter Destinations in Europe. It includes some of the best budget-friendly destinations for a winter getaway, while this guide focuses specifically on places where you can enjoy warmer weather in December.
Which Warm Place in Europe Is Best for December?
The best destination depends largely on what you want from your trip.
If your main priority is warm weather and sunshine, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the obvious choices. They generally offer the warmest conditions on this list and the best combination of beaches and winter sunshine.
On the other hand, Madeira is better suited to travelers who want nature and outdoor adventures. Its mountains, hiking trails, and dramatic scenery make it very different from a traditional beach holiday.
For history and culture, Malta and Cyprus are excellent choices. Both offer plenty of attractions while still providing relatively mild winter temperatures.
Meanwhile, Málaga and Seville are ideal for a city break. You can explore historic streets, enjoy Spanish food, and experience Christmas decorations without dealing with freezing temperatures.
Finally, the Algarve is a good choice if you want a quieter coastal getaway and do not mind temperatures that are mild rather than ho
Is Europe Warm in December?
Most of Europe is cold in December, particularly northern, central, and eastern Europe. However, southern Europe and the Atlantic islands can have much milder conditions.
The Canary Islands are generally the warmest option on this list, with daytime temperatures around 22°C. Madeira and Cyprus can also be pleasantly mild, while southern Spain, Malta, and the Algarve usually remain in the mid-to-high teens.
However, it is important to have realistic expectations.
Even in the warmest destinations, evenings can be cool, and December weather can change quickly. Therefore, packing layers and a light jacket is still a good idea.
The main advantage is that you can often spend much of the day outdoors comfortably while other parts of Europe are experiencing much colder weather.
Final Thoughts
Finding warm places in Europe in December is easier than you might think.
Although you should not expect summer temperatures everywhere, destinations such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Madeira, Cyprus, Malta, Málaga, the Algarve, and Seville can provide a welcome break from the European winter.
If you want the warmest weather possible, Tenerife and Gran Canaria should be at the top of your list. If you prefer nature and hiking, Madeira is an excellent alternative. Meanwhile, Malta and Cyprus are ideal for history and sightseeing, while Málaga and Seville work particularly well for a winter city break.
Ultimately, December can be a great time to explore Europe from a different perspective. Instead of staying home because of the cold, you can head south, enjoy some sunshine, discover new places, and make your winter holiday feel a little more like spring.
Before booking, however, check the latest weather forecast and compare flight and accommodation prices, especially if you plan to travel around Christmas or New Year’s when demand can be higher.
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