Warm Places in Europe in December

Winter in Europe typically means low temperatures, as well as snow based on the country is your destination. Here are the top 10 Warm Places in Europe in December for you.

But, if you’re an enthusiast of snow and frigid winter temperatures There are some areas in Europe where temperatures are moderate and the weather permits people to take advantage of the much-needed winter sunshine.

We have covered in detail What to Pack for Europe in our separate post where you can get the idea about top Travel Camera, Travel Purse and other things which you need for your trip.

Top Warm Places in Europe in December

We are aware that some like us are desperate to find some warmth and winter weather in Europe. If that location is close to the ocean or beach and the sea, then that’s the best!

There are several locations where you can go in order to experience the most pleasant winter weather in Europe and we offer a variety of suggestions, based on the way you want to relax at the beach, walking or exploring and visiting places that are full of historical significance.

This is our recommendations of the most sun-soaked spots in Europe during winter, and the most beautiful winter beaches in Europe that allow you to relax and sunbathe. Keep in mind the importance of UV-protection important even in winter. Don’t overlook the importance of protecting your skin!


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The Canary Islands – the hottest spot to go to in Europe in winter. December through February

The Canary Islands have one of the most pleasant climates in the world. Here you can relax for a few hours at the beach and dip in the sea at any season. They Canary Islands are part of Spain which means that you can travel to them like you do to any other region in Spain.

1. Tenerife, Canary Islands

playa de las americas in spain - Warm Places in Europe in December
Warm Places in Europe in December – Photo by Eimantas Juskevicius on Pexels.com

If you’ve never been to one of the Canaries and do not have a favourite yet We suggest you choose Tenerife as well as Gran Canaria as the ideal destinations to spend a winter vacation.

South of Tenerife is significantly more sunny and hot than the north in the winter months and, therefore, for a pleasant vacation, we suggest staying within the regions that include Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Americas, Costa Adeje all the way until Puerto Santiago and Los Gigantes.

Tenerife South has a warmer climate than the north area of the island. This is the reason why the majority of tourist attractions are situated in this area. It is still warm enough to reach 20 degrees in most instances. You will see more pictures from Tenerife during December to get an idea of what the weather is typically.

TenerifeAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
December22.8 (73.0)16.5 (61.7)30 (1.19)46
January21.7 (71.1)15.2 (59.4)17 (0.65)26
February22.0 (71.6)15.0 (59.0)20 (0.78)27

Tenerife in winter , December January, February, December

  • The warmest month December
  • Most precipitation: January
  • The most hours of sunlight in a day Febr.

2. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Fuerteventura - Warm Places in Europe in December
Fuerteventura – where to go in Europe in december

The Canary Islands are located very close to the coast of Morocco, with Fuerteventura being the island closest that is located on that of the African continent.

The winters are in Fuerteventura can be hot enough to allow bathing in the sea, but certain people may consider the ocean to cold …. this is the reason why many resorts have heated pools in the winter months!

Corralejo as well as Caleta de Fuste are the most sought-after resorts in Fuerteventura however, the southern region of the island also has stunning beaches, and can sometimes get a little more sun in winter months, which is why you should take a look at booking a vacation with Costa Calma or Morro Jable.

FuerteventuraAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
December22.0 (71.6)15.9 (60.6)26 (1.02)36
January20.6 (69.1)14.7 (58.5)14 (0.55)36
February21.0 (69.8)14.8 (58.6)16 (0.63)27

Fuerteventura during winter months – January, December, and February

  • The warmest month Dec
  • The most quantity of rainfall: December
  • The most hours of sunlight each day January
  • Most rainfall: January

3. Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Warm Places in Europe in December
Warm destinations in December in Europe

Winter is regarded as the high time in Canary Islands. Canary Islands, due to the fact that lots of residents from north Europe as well as the UK are drawn to the Canaries for a couple of months in December and March or April, taking pleasure in the winter sunshine and hot temperatures in the Canaries.

Other than the north region of Lanzarote and the areas higher such as Haria the majority of Lanzarote’s resorts are blessed with stunning winter weather, ideal for relaxing on the beach most of the time. Playa Blanca would be our choice for winter, as it is less windy compared to other resorts, however, our absolute favorite hotel within Lanzarote is Puerto del Carmen, due to its vibrant party atmosphere and nightlife.

LanzaroteAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
December21.8 (71.2)15.4 (59.7)29 (1.15)56
January20.7 (69.3)14.0 (57.2)17 (0.65)37
February21.3 (70.3)14.3 (57.7)18 (0.72)37

Lanzarote in winter – December, January, February

  • Warmest month: December
  • The most quantity of rainfall: December
  • The longest hours of sunshine in a day February and February

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4. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Warm Places in Europe in December
the warmest city in europe in December

The southern part of Gran Canaria is probably the most sweltering area in Europe from Decemberthrough January and February

If you’re interested in learning what the climate is like patterns in the archipelago, look up our article on the most pleasant Canary Island, but be aware that all islands experience amazing weather and the differences aren’t significant, so it is important to select in line with your preferences for what you want to accomplish and observe while there.

South of Gran Canaria is definitely hotter than the north. when winter sun is what you’re looking for, seek out accommodation in the regions in Maspalomas as well as Puerto Rico, instead of Las Palmas and the mountainous regions.

Gran CanariaAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
December22.2 (72.0)16.2 (61.2)31 (1.22)56
January20.8 (69.4)15.0 (59.0)25 (0.98)36
February21.2 (70.2)15.0 (59.0)24 (0.94)37

Gran Canaria in winter – January, December, and February

  • The warmest month Dec
  • The days with the least rain: January and February
  • The most hours of sunlight each day January

Even though it is true that the Canary Islands are the hottest destination for a trip in Europe during winter, it is possible to experience wet day or some weeks in calima which is a phenomenon in which hot dust of sand comes out of the Sahara Desert and stays suspended in the air (the days can be quite hot during the calima , and it is often difficult to breathe because of the sand that is suspended in the air).

Depending on the type of you like to do during your vacation, take a take a look at this page and decide what Canary Island you should visit.

5. Malaga, Spain

beach canopy lot - Warm Places in Europe in December
Warm European countries in December  – Photo by JarosÅ‚aw MiÅ› on Pexels.com

Alcazaba de Malaga on a warm winter’s day

The southern part of Spain has beautiful and sunny weather throughout the year, with temperatures still reaching 18 degrees to 20 degrees at the end of December Malaga.

While it might not be warm enough to lay at the shore or to swim but it’s sufficient to walk around and not get chilly and still enjoy outdoor dining whenever the sun shines.

Going to Malaga in winter time means less tourists than during summer months, lower rates for lodging and flights and less crowded tourist spots. You can rent a car and drive around the area, including Seville, Cordoba, Cadiz, Ronda, and even Gibraltar.

Of all cold winter days in Malaga February appears to be the most appropriate option with the most extreme average temp at 17.7degC (63.9 degrees Fahrenheit) and just 60 millimeters of rain spread across five days. There aren’t major variations in terms of temperature, however December usually gets the most rainfall, with up to 100 millimetres for the whole month.

MalagaAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
December17.5 (63.5)8.9 (48.0)100 (3.94)75
January16.8 (62.2)7.4 (45.3)69 (2.72)66
February17.7 (63.9)8.2 (46.8)60 (2.36)56

Malaga during winter – December January, February

  • The warmest month: December and February
  • The highest quantity of rainfall: December
  • The longest hours of sunshine in a day The months of January and February

6. Limassol, Cyprus

Warm Places in Europe in December
Limassol – Places in Europe that are hot in December

Cyprus is a subtropical country with a mild climate, meaning mild winters along the coastline however, it is possible to observe precipitation of snow in the Troodos Mountains.

In the daytime, temperatures could remain between 19 and 20 degrees during December and in February and January, which means you are able to put away your heavy jacket at home, and take the light jacket for evenings.

While Limassol is the most sought-after destination in summer, you may still go to the city for a winter vacation or even to celebrate New Year’s Eve and Christmas at the beach. Cyprus is among the most popular destinations in Europe during wintertime, with more than 3200 hours of sunshine along the coast.

The most sought-after places to visit in Cyprus comprise Paphos, Limassol and Aya Napa.

Cyprus is a country that is full of history and culture and there’s plenty to do if you’re looking to discover the island or stay in a luxurious hotel and enjoy some winter sun at the pool.

In spring, there’s a wonderful carnival celebration in Limassol which is very well-known in Cyprus.

LimassolAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
December18.9 (66.0)10.1 (50.2)100 (3.93)96
January17.6 (63.7)8.8 (47.8)87 (3.41)96
February17.8 (64.0)8.5 (47.3)67 (2.63)77

Limassol in winter, the months of December and January and February

  • The warmest month December
  • The most quantity of rainfall: December
  • The longest amount of sunlight in a day February

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7. Madeira, Portugal

aerial view of houses on the mountain - Warm Places in Europe in December
warm places to go in Europe in december – Photo by Andrea Zanenga on Pexels.com

Madeira is an Portuguese archipelago that lies within the Atlantic Ocean, just 250 miles to the north of Tenerife.

Madeira is Madeira has a Mediterranean climate, though the weather may differ between islands or even between one region of Madeira to the next similar to the Canary Islands.

The mountains in Madeira there is a chance to experience snow during winter and rain, which typically is experienced between the months of October and April.

Out of all the locations that we’ve listed in our report, Madeira stands out as the place with more rain during December with approximately 13 rainy days each month.

Yet, Madeira still is one of the most pleasant and warm places to visit in Europe during winter months, as temperatures are still above 20 degrees Celsius in the daytime (especially during December) and you’ll be walking around in a T-shirt.

The most ideal season to travel to Madeira in winter is during New Year’s Eve, when the island hosts the biggest fireworks display on earth, something you must visit at least once in your life time.

MadeiraAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
December20.7 (69.3)15 (59.0)115 (4.53)135
January19.7 (67.5)13.7 (56.7)74 (2.92)125
February19.7 (67.5)13.4 (56.1)83 (3.27)106

Madeira in winter, December, January and February

  • The warmest month December
  • The most quantity of rainfall: December
  • The most hours of sunlight in a day February

8. Alicante, Spain

Warm Places in Europe in December
Hottest places to visit in Europe in December

Alicante and the Costa Blanca region are already well-known places to visit during summer in Spain however, the weather remains cool and pleasant even in winter.

Although the average temperatures in Alicante between December and February is around 17-18 degC, the most appealing aspect of the climate in Alicante is that the rain falls less frequently than other destinations listed on this list.

The amount of rainfall is similar to that of Canary Islands, but considerably smaller than any other location on this list. This is the reason why we consider Alicante to be an excellent location for a warm winter getaway during the European winter. Alicante is also included in our suggestions to be one of the top locations to enjoy some winter sunshine throughout Spain.

We have also shared an in depth post about spending your Summer in Spain which you can check out.

AlicanteAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
December17.7 (63.9)7.4 (45.3)22 (0.87)45
January17.0 (62.6)6.7 (44.1)21 (0.83)46
February17.6 (63.7)7.1 (44.8)20 (0.79)36

Alicante in winter -December, January, February

  • The warmest month January and December
  • The most quantity of rainfall: December
  • The longest hours of sunshine each day Between January and February

9. Malta

Warm Places in Europe in December
Malta – warm places December Europe

Of course, we can’t discuss warm weather in the cold winter days of Europe without including that tiny, tiny island called Malta.

Malta has an Mediterranean climate, meaning mild winters with temperatures of 15°C to 19degC during daytime, according to the month.

Although it isn’t so warm as the other places mentioned earlier However, the weather is adequate to allow trips to the city and sightseeing, and there are plenty of amazing spots to explore on the island.

It’s much more Malta than a mere tourist destination for the beach and winter is the best time to discover its territory and avoid bumping into tourists at any time.

Malta is home to around 3000 hours of sun each year, and it is nearly guaranteed you a pleasant holiday, even if temperatures might not be as hot like the other locations previously mentioned.

MaltaAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
December17.1 (62.8)11.6 (52.9)109 (4.3)105
January15.6 (60.1)9.9 (49.8)99 (3.88)106
February15.6 (60.1)9.4 (48.9)60 (2.37)76

Malta in winter: December January, February, December

  • The warmest month December
  • The most quantity of precipitation: December
  • The longest hours of sunshine in a day The months of January and February

Warm Places in Europe in December

10. Sicily, Italy

Warm Places in Europe in December
Sicily – Warm Places in Europe in December

Sicily is a sought-after holiday destination during the summer months, however for those interested in the past and culture the winter months are an excellent time to visit to Sicily for a trip.

Although the temperatures are among the most low on this list, you will still have a pleasant temperature of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius in the day that is quite acceptable for European winter.

Come with moderate expectations regarding terms of the hours of sun because the average is 4 hours of sunlight per day for January, December and February.

SicilyAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
December16.8 (62.2)6.7 (44.1)86 (3.38)94
January15.8 (60.4)5.3 (41.5)75 (2.94)94
February16.4 (61.5)5.4 (41.7)53 (2.07)74

Sicily in winter from December, January, and February

  • The warmest month: December and February
  • The most quantity of rainfall: December
  • The most hours of sunlight in a day Very similar to the winter and summer months.

Warm Places in Europe in December

11. Greece in December

Warm Places in Europe in December
Greece – Warm Places in Europe in December

Since we are in Greece and we live in Greece, this is the place to start! Greece is among the most southern countries in Europe and is where the highest temperature within Europe was recorded at the record-breaking 47 C (118 F) back in 1977.

But the winters within Greece can be quite cold and humid, particularly within Northern Greece and the many mountainous regions across the entire country. There are ski resorts too in some mountains!

I’ve been spending christmas in Athens several times in the past, and although it’s warmer than in the UK It’s definitely not shorts and T-shirts weather!

There are regions in Greece in which temperatures are moderate and people can take a dip all year. Crete and the southern Peloponnese are among the most warm regions in Europe during December.

Warm Places in Europe in December

12. Crete in December

Crete - Warm Places in Europe in December
Crete – Warm Places in Europe in December

While temperatures in Crete typically fall to below 20 C (68 F) in December, they are very high in comparison to other regions in Europe.

The towns along the coast generally have cooler weather than mountain towns. Although swimming isn’t difficult, and some residents are active all year however, the temperature of the ocean and the general weather conditions are likely to not be a good choice for the majority of people.

Keep in mind that Crete is the wettest month. Consider carrying a waterproof pair of footwear and clothing. Crete is a warmer temperatures at this time of year.

If you don’t have time to go to the beach, there’s still many things to see and do this huge island. There are numerous archeological sites like Knossos.

There is also hiking available or stroll through the picturesque townships in ChaniaHeraklion, Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos, and enjoy the delectable Cretan food.

In addition, you will be able to be a part of Cretan hospitality and hospitality, without crowds and gain more insight into life in Crete.

What to do in Crete in December

If you’re planning to Crete at the end of December you can go on an olive oil and wine tour. Crete has a variety of wineries as well as some of the best olive oil. This tour will provide plenty of information about these famous ancient Greek products.

More information here: Full day wine tour.

If you are renting a vehicle and driving around isn’t your style You can take an off-road excursion to discover the island. We’ve travelled parts of the beautiful road in the summer, and we highly recommend it. There are many picturesque towns, and the scenery is beautiful.

More details here: Full day Land Rover Tour of Crete

Warm Places in Europe in December

13. Southern Peloponnese – Kalamata in December

Southern Peloponnese - Warm Places in Europe in December
Southern Peloponnese – Warm Places in Europe in December

Kalamata is a picturesque coastal town with 55,000 inhabitants located in Southern Peloponnese. It is accessible in under 3 hours if you drive from Athens or catch an easy flight to the airport which is just within a few kilometres of town.

Kalamata and the area around it are full of things to do. It is possible to use Kalamata as a starting point to explore the Peloponnese and its surrounding regions, like The Mani, Diros Caves, the castles of Methoni and Koroni, Ancient Messene and Sparta.

In the town, you can take a look at The Kalamata castle, a number of museums as well as an abundance of bars, cafes and restaurants all over the beach that runs along the length of the town.

If you’re looking for some insight into the region’s cuisine, take a look at a food tour. Kalamata olive oil can be believed to be among the finest in Greece but don’t tell this to an Cretan!

More information here: Kalamata Food Tour

Are you interested in learning the more information about Greece? Take a look at these travel suggestions and awesome places to visit within Greece.

Warm Places in Europe in December

The warmest regions to be in Europe during December TENERIFE as well as GRAN CANARIA

View of the ocean in Gran Canaria, one of the hottest destinations in December in Europe

If you’re searching for warmer regions in Europe in December, check out this list. Particularly, you should consider Spain or Cyprus into consideration when seeking warm European countries during December.

Apart from being the Canary Islands, which form an archipelago part of Spain there aren’t many places to enjoy hot conditions in December across Europe. Because the islands are near to the African continent, they have mild weather, which is regarded by many to be the best climate anywhere in the world.

Information on the weather conditions in December on the Canary Islands

  • The warmest vacations during the month of December Europe: Tenerife & Gran Canaria
  • The smallest amount of rainfall in the month of December Fuerteventura
  • The best places to travel in the month of December Europe to enjoy sunshine: All four Canary Islands and Limassol, Cyprus
DecemberAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
Malaga, Spain17.5 (63.5)8.9 (48)100 (3.94)75
Limassol, Cyprus18.9 (66)10.1 (50.2)100 (3.93)96
Madeira, Portugal20.7 (69.3)15 (59)115 (4.53)135
Alicante, Spain17.7 (63.9)7.4 (45.3)22 (0.87)45
Malta17.1 (62.8)11.6 (52.9)109 (4.3)105
Sicily, Italy16.8 (62.2)6.7 (44.1)86 (3.38)94
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands22 (71.6)15.9 (60.6)26 (1.02)36
Lanzarote, Canary Islands21.8 (71.2)15.4 (59.7)29 (1.15)56
Tenerife, Canary Islands22.8 (73)16.5 (61.7)30 (1.19)46
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands22.2 (72)16.2 (61.2)31 (1.22)56

The warmest spot to be in Europe during January TENERIFE

A hot day in January at Siam Park in Tenerife, our favorite winter place for a warm trip

The majority of places in Europe are buried in snowfall in the beginning months of winter, however not the ones we would recommend to you. Here’s a list with warm destinations to visit in January across Europe.

Information about the winter weather in the Canary Islands

  • Where is hot in January in Europe: Tenerife
  • Most precipitation in January Fuerteventura
  • The sunniest spot within Europe at the beginning of January Lanzarote
JanuaryAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
Malaga, Spain16.8 (62.2)7.4 (45.3)69 (2.72)66
Limassol, Cyprus17.6 (63.7)8.8 (47.8)87 (3.41)96
Madeira, Portugal19.7 (67.5)13.7 (56.7)74 (2.92)125
Alicante, Spain17 (62.6)6.7 (44.1)21 (0.83)46
Malta15.6 (60.1)9.9 (49.8)99 (3.88)106
Sicily, Italy15.8 (60.4)5.3 (41.5)75 (2.94)94
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands20.6 (69.1)14.7 (58.5)14 (0.55)36
Lanzarote, Canary Islands20.7 (69.3)14 (57.2)17 (0.65)37
Tenerife, Canary Islands21.7 (71.1)15.2 (59.4)17 (0.65)26
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands20.8 (69.4)15 (59)25 (0.98)36

The warmest spots to be in Europe for February TENERIFE and FUERTEVENTURA

Fuerteventura is one of our top recommendations if you’re wondering where to go in February for some winter sun

Do you think of going on a trip to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a warm location? In general you won’t have many options to locate a destination with an arid climate during February within Europe. Like in earlier months The Canary Islands are your best choice to avoid winter coats and boots. If you’re looking to remain within European borders then these are the top alternatives for hot and sunny temperatures in Europe in February.

Information on February’s weather on the Canary Islands

  • Warm European locations during February Tenerife (and all of the Canaries)
  • Most rainfall in the month of February Fuerteventura
  • Where is it sunny throughout February Europe: All 4 Canary Islands & Limassol, Cyprus
FebruaryAverage
High degC (degF)
Average
Low degC (degF)
Rain
mm (inches)
Rain
Days
Average
Sun Hours
Malaga, Spain17.7 (63.9)8.2 (46.8)60 (2.36)56
Limassol, Cyprus17.8 (64)8.5 (47.3)67 (2.63)77
Madeira, Portugal19.7 (67.5)13.4 (56.1)83 (3.27)106
Alicante, Spain17.6 (63.7)7.1 (44.8)20 (0.79)36
Malta15.6 (60.1)9.4 (48.9)60 (2.37)76
Sicily, Italy16.4 (61.5)5.4 (41.7)53 (2.07)74
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands21 (69.8)14.8 (58.6)16 (0.63)27
Lanzarote, Canary Islands21.3 (70.3)14.3 (57.7)18 (0.72)37
Tenerife, Canary Islands22 (71.6)15 (59)20 (0.78)27
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands21.2 (70.2)15 (59)24 (0.94)37

There is a reason that when people think about visiting Europe during winter, they are imagining ski holidays and heavy snowfall markets, market days for Christmas in Germany as well as The Swiss Alps and many other similar images.

As you can observe it is true that even within Europe you will find areas where you can escape the frigid weather and snow without needing to travel far. It’s the Canary Islands. Canary Islands, although not geographically part of the European continent, are an extremely accessible hot place to enjoy winter sunshine in Europe and, if this is your first time to visit the Canaries we suggest selecting one of the four bigger islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura or Lanzarote.

Warm Places in Europe in December


This was our in detail post about Warm Places in Europe in December. If you are looking for top places to explore in Europe in December then you can check our other post.

Do let us know if you enjoyed reading this post, Some more post for your help around planning your trip in Europe.



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