Top 10 Warmest Places in Europe in December

As winter sets in, you're dreaming of sun and escape...but without going too far. Discover the warmest destinations in Europe for end-of-year celebrations in the sun! 

Christmas markets and snowshoes, that's not exactly your thing! This winter, you dream of sun, light, and warmth. We often think, wrongly, that in order to get the sun in winter, it is necessary to cross the globe.

But Europe actually offers many destinations where it is warm in winter, so a New Year's Eve in a t-shirt is entirely possible.  All places with warm weather in December in Europe are in the south of Europe - Spain, France, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta. 

Keep reading and find the warmest place in Europe in December that is ideal for you! 

If you're bored with the gray and slushy European autumn, and the coming winter generally lowers your mood, it's time to go on a trip, at least for a week. In this case, the Spanish island of Tenerife (Canary Islands) in the Atlantic Ocean welcomes you on board. 

December is a great time to visit Tenerife.  During the day, the thermometer ranges from 20 to 25 degrees. Sunny weather and pleasant temperature make Tenerife the warmest place in Europe in December. At night, the minimum temperature is +16-17 degrees; the maximum temperature is +22. 

Just remember that Tenerife is situated near one of the biggest deserts in the world, the Sahara, and sometimes the wind brings sand from the Sahara to the Canary Islands. This sand is so abundant that it hangs in the air and the air itself turns yellow. This natural phenomenon is called Calima. During Calima, the air temperature rises significantly.

December is a great month to sunbathe on the beaches of Tenerife. Water in Tenerife in December has an average temperature of +20-21 degrees, which is often warmer than night air temperatures by 1-2 degrees. In general, this is a comfortable enough temperature for swimming in the ocean. If you find the water cool, it makes sense to stay at a hotel with a heated pool - for example, Blu Paradise Costa Adeje. Consider the pools filled with seawater. 

Garachico has many lovely churches and small fairy-tale palaces that have preserved their distinctive aesthetic to this day. The chapel of San Roque, the former convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the old monastery of San Francisco, the castle of San Miguel, and the estate of El Lamero are some of the sights you should visit.  

Other great things to do in Tenerife are whale watching, hiking in the Anaga Rural Park or swimming in Tenerife's natural pools.

The tourist infrastructure in Tenerife is very developed. Therefore you will find on the island both luxurious 5-star hotels, as well as budget accommodation from 30 euros per night, such as the wonderful hostel Los Amigos Hostel Tenerife, which offers also private rooms. It's a place with a positive atmosphere where you can easily meet other travelers and have a good time! 

The weather in Tenerife in December is comfortable enough, so be sure to bring your swimsuit and summer clothes. As the warmest place in Europe in winter, Tenerife guarantees you pleasant days at the beach.  However, it gets pretty chilly when the sun goes down, and you'll need a sweatshirt, pants, sneakers, and a lightweight down jacket. 

If you want to spend Christmas in a warm place, look no further than Mallorca as Mallorca is one of the hottest places in Europe in December. The weather in December in Mallorca that reaches 17°C (62.6°F) during the day will allow you to explore the island with pleasant temperatures.

It might be a bit cold to swim in December with an average sea temperature of 16.2°C (61.16°F). However, you can still go to the beach and enjoy sunbathing. Some of the best beaches to visit on the island include Cala Formentor or Es Trenc. If you want to stay in a hotel with a heated pool, this hotel VIVA CALA MESQUIDA SUITES & SPA would be a good choice. 

There are many amazing things to do in Mallorca regardless of the season. However, winter time can be truly magical in one of the Balearic Islands.

When the Christmas lights switch on in the Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the island looks really beautiful. You will find plenty of Christmas markets or winter activities such as ice skating. Also, celebrating New Year's Eve in Mallorca will be an unforgettable experience.

There are many amazing activities on the island that you can do in the evening. You can visit the Astronomical Observatory of Mallorca and admire stars or watch the sunset at the beach. With plenty of beach bars on the island, you will enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Mallorca.

The best place to stay on the island in December is Palma de Mallorca. The capital of the island offers many amazing activities. On the 24th of December, you can see a spectacular light show on the facade of La Seu Cathedral. This masterpiece of architecture is a must see attraction in Mallorca.

Winter is also a perfect season for Christmas shopping in Palma de Mallorca. There are many luxury stores in the capital of the island such as Louis Vuitton or Escada. The most famous shopping street is Passeig del Born where you can find amazing stores and good restaurants. You can also wander around the narrow streets of Palma de Mallorca and admire this beautiful town.

During the day you can wear light clothes such as t-shirts. However, make sure to pack with you some warmer clothes for the evening. The temperature at the end of the day can be as low as 8°C (46.4°F). 

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The Portuguese island of Madeira enjoys a temperate climate all year round. This is evidenced by the lush, tropical vegetation on the island. The capital of Madeira, Funchal, is an ideal destination for a warm and sunny December trip. In fact, it is one of the busiest times for the island’s tourist industry. 

The weather will also allow you to explore Madeira’s scenic interior or to attempt one of the island’s famous levada hiking trails, some of which start on the outskirts of Funchal.

The average December temperatures in Funcal, Madeira are around 19 degrees but pack a jumper for cooler evenings and a raincoat for rainy days. Anyway, Funchal can also be considered the warmest place in Europe in December. Some days can be really warm and sunny, the maximum temperature can reach 22-24 degrees.

You can sunbathe in December but swimming in the sea or in unheated saltwater pools may be chilly. 

Sea temperature in Madeira in December, usually stays at 20 degrees. At the beginning of December, the water temperature is about 20 degrees and at the end of December it is 19 degrees. Most people will find bathing in such water cool, however, if you are hardy enough or you are lucky with the weather, swimming in the sea is quite possible. If you want a guaranteed swim in Funchal, here's a hotel with a heated pool - The Cliff Bay - PortoBay. 

The weather is good enough to explore the city on foot and to wander the city’s black and white mosaic streets or one of its leafy city centre parks.

Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers Market), the Se Cathedral, Church of St John the Evangelist or the Santa Clara Convent, all of which will be busy preparing for the Christmas celebrations. 

Tour the Palheiro Gardens or the Botanical Gardens. And take a stroll along Funchal’s marina promenade. Take the cable car to Monte to visit Monte Tropical Gardens, returning to the outskirts of Funchal by the traditional wicker toboggans (Carros de Cestos).

If you get a rainy day, visit CR7 (Cristiano Ronaldo’s trophy museum) or Sao Lourenco Palace. Enjoy wine tasting at Blandy’s wine lodge or try sugar cane juice at the production factory in nearby Calheta.  

One of the coolest things to do in Madeira is grabbing a car and cruising around the island. Trust me, driving in Madeira is a total breeze and a whole lot of fun!

Christmas is a big celebration in Madeira. Funchal’s Municipal Garden hosts a fun, Children's Winter Village including Santa’s Grotto. There is an outdoor Christmas market and live music events on the central Avenida Arriaga. The city is festooned with lights, decorations and decorated trees. 

However, New Year’s Eve is an even bigger celebration. Funchal hosts an enormous fireworks display which, in 2006, was recognised as the world’s biggest fireworks display by the Guinness Book of Records. Around 60 stations dotted around the city set off fireworks in an impressive co-ordinated display that lasts approximately eight minutes.

Suppose you plan to combine a beach holiday with outdoor activities - engage in hiking and go on excursions in Madeira. In that case, you need to take -  in addition to a bathing suit - comfortable sneakers, shorts, sweatpants, leggings, a lightweight jacket, a fleece jacket, a windbreaker, and a thermal T-shirt. 

Lively, bustling, fun, and never sleeping - or hot, sleepy all day and only coming to life at night? Seville may be so different, but it's a city that won't leave you indifferent. 

If you don't want to get burnt by the sun, spend half your vacation by the pool at a hotel waiting out the heat and siesta, but rather see the city and get a taste of its rhythm and flavors, come to Seville in December. 

Seville is one of the hottest cities in Spain. In the summertime, the city is so hot you can't hide anywhere from the heat.  Temperatures are around 40℃ in July and August. Because of it, it is impossible to spend daylight hours in the city. Seville is even called the 'Spanish Frying Pan". 

But in December, the daytime temperature is about 16-18 ℃. Sometimes it rains, about once every 5 days. The maximum temperature that can happen in Seville in December is 22 degrees. All in all, December is a great time to take lots of walks in the beautiful city of Seville and go on excursions. 

You can't swim in the sea near Seville in December because the water temperature is 16 °C.  If walking around town in a T-shirt and shorts can be considered sunbathing, then you can sunbathe. If you like to swim in the pool in the morning, then consider staying at the hotel in Seville with indoor pool - Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento. 

In December, travelers come to Seville to see one of the southernmost Christmas markets, one of the top 25 in Europe. From historic buildings to colorful neighborhoods teeming with life, to flamenco performances at every turn, Seville has plenty to see and do. 

Be sure to explore some of the city's most famous landmarks, like the Cathedral or the Alcázar, then check out the Golden Tower and the La Maestranza bullring. In the Cathedral, the largest Gothic temple in the world, the discoverer Christopher Columbus is buried.  

The Royal Alcázar is one of the oldest working palaces in the world. 

It is also worth visiting the district of Arenal, which is less than 10 minutes from the Cathedral. Near the Guadalquivir River, the city's backbone, one of the most typical neighborhoods of Seville awaits you. There you will have another encounter with history, in the Golden Tower, which now houses the maritime museum.

Visit another building symbolic of Seville: the La Maestranza bullring. Depending on the season, you might get a chance to see a bullfight.

Of course, no trip to Seville would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. Not far from the bullring, you will find some typical taverns. They serve excellent tapas, such as pescaito frito (small fried fish) or the famous Iberian Jamón. 

If you happen to have some extra time during your stay in this fantastic city, you may want to consider taking day trips from Seville. There are plenty of nearby attractions and destinations that you can explore and experience, so don't hesitate to plan out some excursions if you have the opportunity.

A significant advantage of Seville is the fact that there is a lot of budget accommodation. If you are watching your budget, I recommend staying in Seville in a wonderful hostel TOC Hostel Sevilla that offers both dorms and bright and clean private rooms at reasonable prices. 

Since the weather in Seville in December is quite versatile, pack different clothes in your suitcase. It may happen that during the day you will walk around in a T-shirt and in the evening you will wear a down jacket.  By evening the temperature drops to 8 ℃, so you will definitely need warm clothes. 

In Nice, located on the French Riviera, the sun shines all year round. In winter, Nice is one of the warmest cities in Europe in winter. While in summer Nice is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world, in winter it is especially pleasant.

If you are looking for the warmest place in Europe in December, just go to Nice. The city has a real microclimate and 2,694 hours of sunshine a year. Even in deep winter the temperature rarely drops below 10 degrees, and the rain usually falls in autumn or spring. 

This city is open to the sea and has an ideal micro-climate (mild temperatures with almost 300 days of good weather per year!). Its average annual temperature is 16°C. It is therefore not uncommon to have lunch in a t-shirt in December. 

The water temperature in Nice in December is +17 degrees. So this is not the time for swimming in the sea. But if the temperature during the day warms up to 15 degrees, you can spend time on the beach and bask in the sun. 

What can you do in Nice in December?

- stroll in the old town of Nice and enjoy the heated terraces of the cafés/restaurants

- walk on the 7 km long Promenade des Anglais and admire the blue sea

- go shopping in the small streets of the Old Nice or on the Jean-Médecin street (Zara, H&M, Fnac, etc)

- visit museums (Matisse museum, modern and contemporary art, Chagall, Villa Masséna, Château Grimaldi, Renoir museum,...)

- have a coffee on the Place Massena

- but also take the time to visit the surroundings of Nice and the French Riviera. 

- еhere is an excellent Christmas market in Massena Square in December. I suggest buying various handicrafts dedicated to Christmas holidays. By the way, you can see some good theatrical performances or take a ride on the observation wheel.

For centuries, Nice has attracted rich people from all over Europe, writers, artists and politicians. Nowadays, Nice is still the place where people come for luxurious vacations. But that does not mean that Nice is only for travelers who have a bank account with lots of zeros. There are also plenty of affordable places in Nice, such as a hostel Villa Saint Exupery Beach where you can stay in a private room at an affordable price. 

In Nice in December, it is comfortable to walk, wearing a thin down jacket and insulated sneakers.

Not many countries in Europe stay warm during the winter months; however,  Cyprus  still has pleasant temperatures and is worth visiting if you're looking for a quick getaway that's not too far off and catches some sun in winter. 

Cyprus is well connected to most countries in Europe and is quite compact to spend a week or so here.  The best way to get to Cyprus is to fly to the capital Paphos before exploring other parts of the country. 

One of the towns in Cyprus that has perfect weather, delicious traditional food and has some of the best beaches in the country is Limassol. 

In December, Limassol temperatures range from a high of 18 degrees to a low of 9 degrees which is a high of 64 Fahrenheit to a low of 48 Fahrenheit in December. So, as you can see, Limassol can claim to be in the list of warm places in Europe in winter. 

While temperatures may be pleasant during the day, the sea is still quite cold with the temperature of the water around 15 degrees. 

In December, the town of Limassol hosts a Christmas village and fair in the town. A Christmas wonderland village is also organised from November to January here. 

Most places tend to stay open for visitors in December in Limassol. Some of the things to do here and places to visit are Ancient Kourion, Aphrodite's Rock, Kolossi Castle, Limassol Marina and the promenade. 

Most attractions are free and open throughout the day; however, places like Ancient Kourion are available during a fixed time period and may tend to close early if there aren't many visitors; hence it's best to call and check in advance.

While it is quite delightful during the day and sometimes may even get a bit warm it is advisable to carry a scarf and a few layers like a cardigan and a light jacket for the evenings as it does tend to get chilly in the evenings, especially when it is windy.  

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Marbella, the city that people around the world know for its beaches and best cocktails, is best to visit in December. The weather in Marbella is sunny around December and has a festive vibe.

If you are looking for sunny and warm places in Europe to visit in December, Marbella makes a great choice.

The city sees an average temperature of 61°- 63°F ( 16℃- 17.2℃) in December and has a nice winter sun that makes it the perfect time to go out. At lunchtime, the sun burns quite a bit, especially on days when the temperature reaches December's high of 23 degrees. That's why Marbella can rightly be considered the warmest place in Europe in December. 

It is even possible to swim under the warm sun if you have a wet suit. Although the temperatures are around 16℃, the days are sunny enough for a sunbath.

The city is lively around December as the festive season is around the corner. People celebrate the Christmas holidays and prepare for New Year’s eve. The streets are decorated with bright fairy lights and surrounded with choirs of Christmas carols. 

Visitors can enjoy a lot of activities during this time in Marbella. You can start with a golf session at one of Marbella's golf courses. You can enjoy breathtaking views during the activity. After that, you can have a wonderful walk enjoying the promenade. Marbella has around 10 miles of the promenade. You can even relish it while riding a bicycle during the sunset. You might even find a lot of terraces along the way where you can take a break and enjoy the panoramic view. 

Travelers who would like to witness the festive side of the city should not miss exploring Plaza de Los Naranjos. The plaza is filled with orange trees that are loaded with fresh fruits during this time. The next must-do activity to enjoy the Christmas spirit is strolling around the historic center. The area enjoys Christmas lights and traditional chestnuts. 

You can also join the gathering at beaches to sing Christmas carols. 

You can pack a light jacket or fleece and pants or jeans for bottom wear. Also, pack extra socks as it may get chilly at night. If wondering where to stay in Marbella, you can consider Hotel San Cristobal for a peaceful experience. 

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Malta is another star on our list of warm countries in Europe in December. If you’re looking for a warm and sunny European city to visit in December, it is difficult to overlook Malta’s beautiful capital city of Valletta. 

Valletta is the smallest capital city within the European Union but what it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in history, culture and truly remarkable architecture. The entire city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks largely in part to the uniqueness of the city's architecture.

Nowadays however, Valletta has become a favourite European destination for those looking to escape the cold and head out for a warm European city break.  

The average temperature in Valletta in December sees a high of 17°/62°F and it regularly exceeds this throughout the winter. This makes it warm enough to explore in December without having to worry about being cold. 

While it is possible to swim directly in the bay of Valletta (this being a popular venture in the summer), there are unfortunately very few typical sandy beaches in Valletta itself. Instead, people often take the short bus ride to Mellieha Bay where there is a beautiful white, sandy beach. 

It’s still pretty warm throughout the day so shorts, t-shirts and summer dresses are appropriate. With that being said, in the evenings it can get a little chillier so when you are considering what to pack when visiting Malta, bringing something to keep yourself warm for the cooler evenings is a good idea.

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If you're looking for a warm-weather destination in December, Granada in the Southern Spain is a great choice. Granada is located in the south of Europe, in the warm and sunny region of Andalusia in the deep south of Spain. Its historical riches and stunning architecture will keep you entertained for days, while the winter weather is mild enough to leave your coat in your hotel room and wander around wearing just a warm sweater. 

Granada is also one of those places in Europe that are warm in December. The city temperatures average around 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit) in December and it feels much warmer during the many sunny days you'll experience in Andalusia, making it perfect weather to explore the city's charming streets and nearby Sierra de Nevada Mountains. 

In Granada itself there is no beach, but you can go to the sea coast, which is 60 km from the city. The weather there is much warmer than in Granada and you can sunbathe even in December. So be sure to bring a swimsuit if you want to relax on the beach. 

There are plenty of things to do in Granada in December or any time of the year. The city's famous UNESCO listed Alhambra Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain and is definitely worth a visit.

Other top attractions include the Cathedral of Granada, the Royal Chapel, and the old Arab bathhouse. During the low season, in December, amount of visitors drops significantly and you'll get to enjoy them without the usual crowds.

One of the best things to do in Granada is strolling around the Albacin neighbourhood. It's the oldest part of Granada - even older than the Alhambra palaces - and it has the most charming streets you could wish for. As it is located on a hilltop, you'll have to be prepared for some climbing. But the cobblestoned streets, the charming squares and beautiful monuments are definitely worth it.

Make sure to make a stop at one or two of the viewpoints as well. As Albacin is facing the Alhambra palace complex, this is where you'll have the best view of this famous UNESCO site.

If you don't mind enjoying some snow during your sunny Granada city trip, you might want to consider a one-day ski trip to the Sierra de Nevada. You can see the snowy mountaintops from almost every angle of the city and they are the best-known ski area in Spain.

In Granada you will find affordable accommodation with good standards where you can have a pleasant stay.

If you want to save money on lodging, check out the hostel Toc Hostel & Suites Granada, where you can stay in both dorms and stylish private rooms. And the great thing about this hostel is that you can meet travelers and digital nomads and find interesting company to explore the city. 

December in Granada is warm and sunny. At lunchtime you can walk around in a sweater or a hoodie, but in the evening or morning you will need a padded jacket. For a winter vacation in Granada you should also better put in a scarf and comfortable shoes. Those who intend to vacation in a ski resort should take to Granada appropriate clothing for skiing.

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A trip to Malaga in December is a brilliant idea as you can enjoy pleasant comfortable weather, sunshine and the atmosphere of a fairytale city decorated before Christmas. 

The highest daytime temperature in December can be + 20+ 24°C, while the minimum temperature at night drops to +12°C. 

Usually the daytime temperature in Malaga in December varies between + 17 + 21 C°.

It is quite warm and sunny in Malaga in December and the daylight hours are as long as 10 hours! Therefore, you can spend your days on the beach and sunbathe during lunchtime on warm days. 

The sea temperature in December is +16+17 degrees Celsius, so swimming is possible only in a wetsuit. 

Despite the fact that December is not the ideal time for a beach vacation in Malaga, there are many people on the beaches of Malaga. They come to sunbathe, picnic, spend time with their children, meet friends and play beach volleyball. 

December in Malaga is the best time for walking around the city, visiting museums, theaters and cultural sites. 

Be sure to visit the Picasso Museum in Malaga. Founded in Picasso's hometown, the museum offers comprehensive information about his life and work. 

Here you can see over 200 works by Picasso, which provide a pretty good overview of the artist's brilliant career. 

If you're looking for another must-see attraction in Malaga, don't miss the Malaga Fortress (Alcazaba). It's definitely worth a visit and is sure to leave you in awe.

The Moorish rulers of southern Spain built the Alcazaba Fortress in the middle of the 8th century on the ruins of a Roman fortification. This fortress is considered to be the best preserved Moorish citadel in Spain.

Inside the fortress there is a labyrinth of secret courtyards, open corridors and crenellated walls that offer incredible views of the sea and the city's rooftops.

There are many nice boutique hotels in Malaga, and if you are looking for a truly unique hotel in Malaga, you can consider staying in Palacio Solecio, a fantastic hotel in a former palace.  

Another unique place to stay in Malaga is Casa Eden, - a charming guesthouse that boasts stunning nature views and a rustic-chic atmosphere. This hidden gem offers an unforgettable experience, complete with breathtaking mountain vistas and a luxurious infinity pool perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Be sure to pack a mix of summer clothes and warmer layers like a windbreaker, light down jacket, and sweater.

The weather can be unpredictable, but with the right attire, you'll be ready to take on whatever comes your way. Whether you're strolling along the promenade or enjoying the warm temperatures during the day, you'll stay comfortable and stylish.

Don't miss out on the magic of Malaga in December – start planning your trip today!

Read also: 23 Warm Places In Europe In March For A Perfect Vacation