17 Warmest Places in Europe in December
Wondering what the warmest places in Europe in December are? Here is my ultimate list of the 17 best destinations.
I absolutely love travelling in December. I’ve travelled to so many different destinations from Iceland to the Mediterranean and it’s one of my favourite times to explore Europe.
There’s so much variety. You can see Christmas markets in some countries and, in other places, it’s still warm enough to lie on the beach.
You don’t have the summer crowds, the temperatures are warm, but not unbearably hot, and, provided you avoid the Christmas/New Year period, the prices are super cheap. Plus, with temperatures in the low 20’s, in my opinion, it’s a fantastic time to visit Europe.
So, if you’re looking for the top warm European destinations in December, here are my favourites.
My Favourite Warm Places in Europe in December
✅ Gran Canaria: perfect for a sunny beach break – Book a trip here!
✅ Madeira: for unbeatable NYE fireworks – Book a trip here!
✅ Athens: great for museums and ancient history – Book a trip here!
1. Malta
Average temperature: 17°C
We actually visited this gorgeous little island for New Year’s Eve. It was also for my dad’s 60th birthday, so we killed two birds with one stone. The entire time we were there, the temperature during the day never got lower than 16°C.
We spent most of the day in t-shirts and jeans, wandering around the oceanfront promenades, going for walks along the clifftops, and visiting unique places like Popeye’s Village, which is super cute!
Malta is also such a hidden gem in Europe compared to many of the other destinations. Especially in the winter months (and despite visiting at peak New Year season), it has a distinctly peaceful vibe, especially in the evenings.
Plus, there’s such variety. You can explore beautiful beaches, visit amazing historical sites, go for cliff walks, explore cute old towns, and eat delicious food. There’s a pretty good nightlife scene in Valletta and it’s well worth taking a trip to Gozo from Malta, too.
All in all, we loved our time here and I really recommend visiting Malta in winter.
2. Tenerife, Spain
Average temperature: 21°C
This stunning Spanish island is easily one of the warmest places in December in Europe. In fact, it’s possibly the warmest place on this list.
Tenerife is located closer to Africa than it is to mainland Europe, hence the warm temperature all year round. It’s a fantastic place to get some winter sun and you almost definitely can laze around on a beach here in the middle of December!
But there’s plenty to do in Tenerife besides beaches. The volcanic landscapes are perfect for adventure activities like hiking and dirt biking, you can go swimming in the oceans, go on a boat trip, or wander around some of Spain’s prettiest towns and villages.
Plus, since December is the off-season, you won’t be paying nearly as much as you would for a peak summer trip! Win-win!
3. Malaga, Spain
Average temperature: 18°C
Another Spanish destination that is well worth a visit in December is Malaga. Located in southern Spain, this is a pretty busy city during the peak season. In the winter months, it’s still fairly popular, but you’ll find lower prices and smaller crowds, so it’s more enjoyable.
One of my favourite things about Malaga is partly the history, but also the close proximity to so many other gorgeous parts of Spain.
You’re just a short journey from Granada, Nerja, Ronda and so many other wonderful places along Spain’s south coast. It’s a great place to base yourself for exploring lots of these hidden gems.
Plus, the city itself is well worth exploring. Places like the Alcazaba are utterly beautiful and some of the architecture is superb. You can also explore the Christmas markets here, although it’s pretty weird seeing Santa Claus in warm weather!
4. Madeira, Portugal
Average temperature: 14°C
If you love the outdoors and beautiful hiking trails, I really recommend visiting Madeira. This tiny little Portuguese island is located off the coast of Africa and it’s possibly one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
It’s also become a pretty popular place to visit thanks to Instagram but visiting in the winter months takes away from a lot of that peak-season bustle. Plus, one of the best things about Madeira is that it’s the ideal place to be enjoyed year-round.
While it does get warmer in the summer, it maintains a fairly stable temperature all year round. Temperatures peak in August and September at around 21°C, but this is warm, not hot like you’d get in Tenerife.
With December weather a comfortable 14°C, it’s the ideal temperature to walk along the black sand beaches, chase waterfalls, and watch the famous sunrise at the Pico do Arieiro.
5. Rhodes, Greece
Average temperature: 16°C
If you want to visit a Greek island that’s the perfect combination of historical sites, beautiful beaches, and cute old towns, you have to visit Rhodes. This was the first place we ever visited in Greece and we had the best time.
If you visit Rhodes, there are two places that I definitely recommend seeing.
Rhodes Old Town is so pretty with cobbled streets, the historical Street of the Knights, and plenty of museums. You also have to visit Lindos further along the coast; it’s mostly known for the traditional whitewashed villages and hilltop Acropolis.
Of course, there are lots of other places to visit in Rhodes besides these two (like Seven Springs or a day trip to Symi), but if you only have time for 2 places in Rhodes, you have to visit these.
Other than that, it’s just a wonderful place to visit. You can explore cute towns, wander through alleyways, eat all the gyros, and see some of the most incredible beaches.
6. Cyprus
Average temperature: 18°C
It always surprises me how underrated Cyprus is. The island is located right underneath Turkey and has a wonderful blend of Greek and Turkish culture and history.
The history is one of the things I like most about Cyprus because there’s just so much of it! You can explore ancient tombs sunken deep into the earth, visit vast hilltop amphitheatres with stunning views, see the tiniest castle I think I’ve ever seen, and so much more.
Plus, because Cyprus is such a hidden gem, it’s a very affordable place to visit. And, if you decide to hire a car and drive out there, it’s much easier than most places in Europe because they drive on the same side of the road as we do here in the UK!
7. The Algarve, Portugal
Average temperature: 17°C
You really cannot beat Portuguese beaches, but I think they’re even better in December because they’re much less crowded. The Algarve is one of the best beach destinations in Europe.
It’s the combination of cute villages and towns (like Portimao), historic buildings, towering orange cliffs, and fantastic rock formations that makes it such a brilliant place to visit. Oh, and don’t forget Portuguese food. If you’ve never had Pastel de Nata or Cataplana, you’re missing out!
On top of this, compared to some of the other destinations on this list, The Algarve isn’t too expensive to visit at any point during December.
Whereas prices to visit Madeira skyrocket over New Year, the Algarve is still fairly affordable. And their New Year fireworks are pretty impressive. In my opinion, this makes it one of the best warm places to visit in Europe in December by far.
✅ These are some of my favourite places to stay in the Algarve
8. Valencia, Spain
Average temperature: 17°C
For a Spanish city break that’s a wonderful combination of history and culture, you’ll love Valencia. The city is located on Spain’s eastern shore and gets lovely warm weather throughout December.
One of the main draws to Valencia has got to be its museums. The famous City of Arts and Sciences is a great place to visit year-round, but it’s much less crowded in December.
On top of this, you can comfortably walk around the city, explore the historical sites such as the stunning Valencia Cathedral, and relax by the beaches.
You’ll also find lots of festive spirit here. The city has some great Christmas Markets, twinkling lights, and traditional events like the New Year’s Eve festival. Plus, don’t visit Valencia without trying their world-famous paella – it’s truly delicious!
It’s a great city break and I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in Valencia.
9. Athens, Greece
Average temperature: 15°C
Athens is one of the best places in Europe to visit if you love history. The entire city is basically an open-air museum. You can spend an entire day in Athens exploring historical sites, and admiring the famous Acropolis of Athens perched proudly on a hill in the centre.
It’s fairly mild in December which means the city is much more comfortable to explore compared to the summer months, where temperatures can easily surpass 30°C. Trust me, this makes walking up the hill to the Acropolis a fairly unpleasant experience!
As well as this, Athens has some fantastic Christmas markets and the New Year celebrations are spectacular with fireworks near the Acropolis.
You’ll need to spend at least 2 days in Athens, but, if you have time, 3 or 4 days in the city is perfect and will also allow you to take a day trip to the historic site of Dephi.
10. Lanzarote, Spain
Average temperature: 19°C
The second Canary Island on this list, Lanzarote is one of my favourite islands in Spain. The stunning landscapes are just so beautiful and I love the contrast of black sand beaches, red-tinged rocks, greenery, and the bright blue of the ocean.
The island’s otherworldly volcanic landscapes will give you breathtaking views and numerous hiking opportunities, particularly in Timanfaya National Park.
If you’d prefer to explore the beaches, I recommend heading to Playa Blanca or exploring the striking Papagayo Beaches.
Plus, there’s plenty of culture here too. Lanzarote’s charming villages, like Yaiza and Teguise, are adorned with festive lights and host traditional Christmas markets, providing a cosy holiday atmosphere, despite the summery sunshine!
11. Gran Canaria, Spain
Average temperature: 19°C
Another of the beautiful Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canaries and incredibly beautiful. This is another destination with year-round summer and you’ll find very pleasant weather in the high teens to low 20s throughout the winter months.
Since this is also a volcanic island, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy if you enjoy the outdoors and adventure.
You can bask in the sun on its beaches, and explore the island’s diverse landscapes, from the lush greenery of the north to the striking dunes of Maspalomas in the south. You can also do adventure activities like dirt biking, hiking, and boat trips.
The capital city, Las Palmas, hosts vibrant Christmas markets and festive events, so you can get your Christmas fix as well as a dose of Vitamin D!
12. Sicily, Italy
Average temperature: 15°C
This gem in the south of Italy is definitely one of the warmest places in Europe in December. Sicily is wonderful if you love food, wine, historical sites, or beautiful beaches. It’s a great blend of history and culture, plus it has that Italian charm which is hard to beat!
If you love historical sites, don’t miss the ancient ruins of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples and the stunning mosaics of Palermo’s Norman Palace.
Sicily is also full of cute towns with winding cobbled streets that are all covered in festive lights during December. Don’t forget to visit the markets where you can usually sample festive-themed Italian food like cannoli and arancini.
As well as the history and culture, there’s loads of natural beauty in Sicily. The island’s dramatic landscapes, from Mount Etna’s snow-capped peaks to the serene coastline of Taormina, are the perfect place for relaxing winter walks or an epic hiking adventure.
13. Nice, France
Average temperature: 14°C
For glitz and glam without the crowds, Nice is one of the best warm places to visit in Europe in December. Located in the south of France, the city is a popular destination throughout the summer months but the winter brings mild weather and a festive feel.
You can enjoy pleasant strolls along the iconic Promenade des Anglais. The city’s Old Town is covered in Christmas lights and it’s also the perfect month to explore Nice’s museums including the Matisse Museum and the Marc Chagall National Museum.
Additionally, the city’s proximity to the Alps means you can easily combine a coastal retreat with a day trip to the snow-covered mountains for a truly perfect winter escape.
14. Crete, Greece
Average temperature: 17°C
Crete is the largest and one of the most interesting Greek islands to visit. It’s also the furthest south, hence why it’s one of the warmest places in Europe in December.
There are two sides to Crete based on the two airports that you will typically fly into – Chania and Heraklion. Which side you visit will probably depend on what you’re into.
If you love history, head to Heraklion. This will put you close to the famous ruins of Knossos, one of the most important and impressive ruins in Greece. You’ll also be close to a fantastic archaeological museum and much more.
If you love nature, I recommend going to Chania. Here, you’ll be closer to the beautiful Samaria Gorge, one of the best walking routes in Greece and proximity to some of the island’s best beaches including Elafonissi Beach.
With temperatures hovering around 17°C, December is a wonderful time to visit Crete. While it might be too cold to get a tan, you can very comfortably explore all of the history and natural beauty that Crete has to offer.
15. Mallorca, Spain
Average temperature: 16°C
Instead of the Canary Islands, this time let’s head to the Balearics. Located further north than the Canaries (hence the cooler temperatures), this adorable island is so much more than the party scene it is made out to be.
Of course, I’m not denying the nightlife is good. If that’s what you’re into, you’ll love it here.
But as well as clubs and bars, there are also cute towns, historical cathedrals, the beautiful tram that trundles through the cute town of Soller, gardens, caves, and much more.
In my opinion, the off-season makes Mallorca much nicer as, once the beach clubs have closed, the island has a more peaceful atmosphere.
It’s also more affordable, and quieter, and the beaches here are also superb, although you may not want to swim in the water in December!
16. Antalya, Turkey
Average temperature: 16°C
Okay, admittedly, Antalya isn’t technically in Europe. However, it’s super easy to get to from many European countries so I thought I’d include it on this list. This was the first place I ever visited in Turkey and it’s such a wonderful place to visit.
Antalya is a fantastic city that’s a great mixture of history, culture, and beaches. The old town here is very historical with the fantastic Hadrian’s Gate right in the centre, plus the vast archaeological museum, the mosques, and even just the cute cobbled streets.
But then you also have so much natural beauty in Antalya. The pretty Duden Waterfalls plummeting into the sea are well worth seeing and don’t miss both Konyaalti and Lara beaches. In the winter months, these are much quieter, yet just as beautiful.
As well as this, the historical sites around the city are fantastic. We took a day trip to the ruins of Phaselis, the fantastic Mount Tahtali viewpoint and the city of Olympos, and they were all fantastic.
You can also visit Cappadocia from Antalya, another bucket list spot in Turkey.
17. The Azores, Portugal
Average temperature: 18°C
A beautiful destination for nature lovers, if you’re keen on hiking and stunning views, you should definitely visit the Azores. These tiny islands are located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean and are a haven of natural beauty.
The Azores are one of the warmest places in Europe in December, with temperatures in the high teens meaning you can comfortably explore the great outdoors. And there are so many stunning outdoor landscapes to explore.
You can chase waterfalls, climb lush mountains, walk through Lava Tubes, hike to epic viewpoints, go wine tasting, and swim in natural rock pools.
It’s honestly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, and such a unique destination to see in December.
What are the warmest places to visit in Europe during December?
Overall, some of the warmest places in Europe in December include the Canary Islands (Spain), Malta, and Cyprus.
👉 For more inspiration, check out the best places to visit in December.
What should I pack for a trip to Europe in December?
Although these destinations will be warm, the evenings can often get quite chilly. As such, I recommend packing layers including a light coat and a few long-sleeved tops. However, throughout the day, you’ll most likely be wearing a T-shirt.
Are there any special events or festivals in these destinations during December?
Yes, many of these places celebrate Christmas and New Year’s with festive events and, even though you may not think it, European Christmas Markets in warm weather are super fun!
Also, Madeira is famous for its spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display, although prices tend to rise significantly during this period because of its popularity.
Is it affordable to travel to these destinations in December?
Yes, travelling to these places in December is often much more affordable than visiting during the peak seasons. This can make December travel a great option for people on a budget who still want to see some of Europe.
But, I still recommend booking flights and accommodation in advance.
Final Thoughts on the Warmest Places to Visit in Europe in December…
Overall, I fully believe that December is one of the best times to explore Europe. You literally have the best of both worlds – skiing, snowsports, and Christmas markets in the northern part of the continent, and warm sunny beach days in the south!
It’s well worth visiting because you also have smaller crowds, cheaper prices, and the same stunning scenery. I love all of these places on this list, but I think I’d much prefer to visit many of them during December than in peak summer.
So, if you’re planning on travelling in December, I hope this article has given you plenty of inspiration.
👉 Haven’t completely decided on a trip date yet? Also, check out the warmest places to visit in January, the warmest places to visit in November, and the warmest places to visit in February in Europe.
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