Where Is Warmest in Europe in December?
From Canary Island beach afternoons to Christmas markets under palm trees, discover where December feels wonderfully different.
December in Britain: it's dark before you've finished work, the washing never dries and every shop seems to be playing the same festive song. But elsewhere in Europe, people are eating lunch beside the sea, walking among flowering gardens and wondering whether to bring a jumper to dinner. The trick is knowing where Europe is actually warmest in December, and what kind of holiday that warmth will buy you.
Quick answer: The Canary Islands are among the warmest established European holiday destinations in December, especially the lower coastal areas of southern Tenerife and Gran Canaria, plus Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. For a milder, scenery-led break, look at Madeira. Cyprus, Malta, Málaga and the Algarve are better approached as pleasant sightseeing escapes than reliably warm beach holidays. If you mean mainland continental Europe only, southern Spain and Portugal are candidates, but expect noticeably cooler days than the Canaries.
There is a geographical wrinkle worth understanding: the Canary Islands and Madeira are European destinations politically, but sit in the Atlantic off north-west Africa. That helps explain their mild winter climate. This guide separates genuinely warmer weather from the places that are simply lovely to visit in December, then finds the experiences worth getting out of bed for.
How warm is Europe in December? Compare the evidence
Rather than promising temperatures from a brochure photograph, use long-term average daily maximum temperatures. These are typical daytime highs measured at specific weather stations, not a forecast, and certainly not a promise of sunshine from breakfast to sunset.
- Southern Tenerife: around 23°C at Tenerife South Airport in the Spanish meteorological agency's December climate normals. The south coast is a strong starting point for winter beach time.
- Lanzarote: around 22°C at the airport in AEMET's climate normals. Often bright and comparatively dry, although wind can change how warm you feel.
- Madeira, Funchal: around 21°C, according to Portugal's IPMA climate normals. Mild enough for café terraces, with substantially more December rain than some Canary Island locations.
- Cyprus and Malta: generally mid-to-upper-teens daytime highs around coastal towns, with rain and wind possible. Great for exploring; not a safe bet for summer-style sunbathing.
- Málaga and the southern Spanish mainland: generally mid-to-upper-teens daytime highs. Sunny spells can feel glorious, but mornings, evenings and cloudy days are still winter.
Why the numbers matter: some climate tables use different historical reference periods, so an exact decimal-point ranking between islands is misleading. Location matters more: sheltered low-altitude beaches can feel very different from mountains or an exposed northern coast. Read our guide to comparing holiday weather before trusting a single temperature icon.
What about the warmest place on mainland Europe?
If you mean the European mainland rather than European territories in the Atlantic, southern Andalusia and the Algarve are sensible places to investigate. Málaga offers city life and Costa del Sol day trips, while Faro and the eastern Algarve suit quieter coastal walks. They are not the same climate proposition as Tenerife in December. If temperatures are the deciding factor, don't let a photograph of a sunny Málaga café trick you into expecting July.
See where your December holiday search could lead
These four changing package-holiday examples are displayed in departure-date order. They come from TripsByDate's wider inventory, not a filtered list of December departures or a ranking of Europe's warmest destinations. Check the actual date, weather expectations, departure airport, inclusions and availability with the holiday provider.
LHR • 7 nights
AI · Skiline
BHX • 7 nightsHB · Skiline
MAN • 7 nightsHB · Neilson
GLA • 7 nightsHB · SkilineThe Canary Islands: the best starting point for proper December warmth
Think beach promenades, seafood lunches and perhaps a walk in a volcanic landscape before dinner. But the four major islands aren't interchangeable, and choosing the wrong resort for your interests can matter more than the difference between their average temperatures.
Southern Tenerife: resort sunshine with an astonishing mountain behind it
For a relatively warm December beach holiday, compare Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas. The south has a well-developed mix of hotels, restaurants and excursions. Los Cristianos can suit travellers who want a walkable harbour atmosphere; Costa Adeje offers a broad resort selection. But Tenerife's great trick is that you can swap the beach for Teide's volcanic landscape in the same trip. Take proper layers for altitude and check park and cable-car arrangements before you travel.
A better-than-another-sunbed day: wander the historic streets of La Orotava, or seek a traditional Canarian meal away from the seafront strip. For a sea outing, responsible whale watching off Tenerife's southwest coast can be memorable, although sightings and sailing depend on conditions. Our Tenerife winter guide helps compare resorts and activities.
Gran Canaria: beach weather, a real city and a Christmas scene made of sand
Southern Maspalomas, Meloneras, Puerto Rico and Amadores are worth comparing for sun-oriented stays. The big surprise is how different Las Palmas feels: an urban beach at Las Canteras, cafés and the historic Vegueta quarter make it an attractive city-and-coast alternative. Winter conditions may differ between the north and south, so choose your base deliberately.
December curiosity: Las Canteras has hosted a spectacular sand nativity exhibition, with huge sculpted figures created by artists. It is a seasonal attraction, not something you can assume happens on every visit, so verify the latest programme before making it the centrepiece of your trip. Add a local lunch of papas arrugadas and mojo for a very Canarian Christmas outing. See how to compare Canary Island holiday value.
Lanzarote: black volcanic vineyards and a holiday that looks like another planet
Lanzarote is a particularly good match for people who want manageable resort days and distinctive scenery. Compare Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise for different balances of restaurants, seaside walks and resort atmosphere. Then escape to La Geria, where vines grow in pits carved into dark volcanic soil and sheltered by curved stone walls. It is one of those places that makes you stop the car just to check you're seeing it correctly.
Don't miss the art-and-landscape creations associated with César Manrique, such as Jameos del Agua, or the volcanic scenery of Timanfaya. Popular attractions may require timed entry or advance planning. For food, look beyond international menus for grilled fish, local cheese and Canarian potatoes. December can also bring local festive music traditions, but check the current programme rather than expecting a concert on every evening. Explore Lanzarote in more depth.
Fuerteventura: huge beaches, wild coastlines and glorious breathing room
Want to walk along seemingly endless sand rather than spend the whole holiday in a hotel? Consider Corralejo, El Cotillo or the southern Jandía area. Corralejo's dunes provide an extraordinary landscape, while El Cotillo appeals to travellers who like small-town sunsets and easygoing restaurants.
The important catch: exposed Atlantic beaches can be windy, with dangerous waves and currents. Cofete, for instance, is best admired as a spectacular wild landscape, not casually recommended for swimming. The island can also involve long road journeys, so check the position of your hotel against the beach and villages you actually want to visit.
Madeira in December: slightly less beach weather, a whole lot more theatre
Madeira's December appeal isn't a competition to build the longest row of sunloungers. It's Funchal's lit-up streets, gardens, dramatic cliffs, festive food and astonishing landscapes. The south-coast climate can be pleasantly mild, but mountain weather can change rapidly. A hotel terrace and a high-altitude trail are two completely different forecasts.
Here's a truly local Christmas tradition: Madeira's early-morning Missas do Parto lead into gatherings with food and music. The official Madeira tourism Christmas guide describes pork sandwiches made with carne de vinha d'alhos, plus the atmospheric market night in Funchal. Traditional seasonal food is far more interesting than ordering the same hotel buffet you could eat anywhere.
Try a scenic cable-car ride, explore Funchal's gardens, or choose an appropriate levada walk. For hiking, check the official trail status and booking requirements: some routes are closed or restricted and classified paths may need advance reservations. For a completely different day, explore the quieter coast rather than packing every famous viewpoint into one coach tour. Our Madeira winter sun guide goes into more detail.
Cyprus, Malta and Málaga: not the hottest, but brilliant December alternatives
Cyprus: flamingos, ancient ruins and mountains that might have snow
Base yourself around Paphos for Roman mosaics, harbour walks and seaside restaurants, or Larnaca for a convenient city base. The unforgettable December possibility is Larnaca Salt Lake, where migrating flamingos winter as water returns to the wetlands. Visit Cyprus confirms the winter migration season, although birds are wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Bring binoculars and stay clear of sensitive habitat.
For an entirely different atmosphere, take a suitable trip into the Troodos villages for stone streets, handmade treats and mountain scenery. Upper areas can sometimes have snow, so dress for the mountain rather than the harbour. Cyprus isn't usually the warmest European answer, but it is a wonderful answer if your idea of a holiday includes history, walking and a long meze lunch. See our Cyprus guide.
Malta and Gozo: the festive city break with centuries underneath it
Picture Valletta's golden stone streets, the harbour ferry to the Three Cities, a warm pastizz and the freedom to duck into a fascinating museum when the weather turns. Malta's compact historic centres make it especially tempting for a shorter December break, though wind and rain can be part of the deal.
Look for the local Christmas character: village nativity displays and decorated churches add another layer to sightseeing, while Gozo can offer village-square celebrations and slower days. Events vary each season, so check the official Visit Malta events listings. Don't spend a three-night break trying to tick off three islands, five museums and every church bell on the map. One atmospheric evening in Valletta can be worth a whole spreadsheet of attractions. More in our Malta winter guide.
Málaga: the mainland choice for city pleasures and outdoor lunches
If you want to stay on the European mainland, Málaga offers art museums, an old town, coastal promenades, lively food markets and day trips to nearby Andalusian towns. A December afternoon on a terrace can feel like an enormous upgrade on British drizzle, but plan for cool nights and occasional wet days. Order local seafood, explore the Alcazaba and make time for the seafront neighbourhood of Pedregalejo. Come for culture and food, not a guarantee of T-shirt weather every morning.
Seven December experiences that make the sunshine feel even better
Our second image captures a bigger idea: December is not merely the month you visit these destinations, it can change what happens when you arrive. These are possibilities worth investigating, not fixed annual promises.
- Admire sand sculptures beside the Atlantic: investigate the seasonal sand nativity displays at Las Canteras in Gran Canaria, if they are running during your visit.
- Try a festive tradition with a very early alarm: Madeira's Missas do Parto combine religious tradition with food and community gatherings. Join respectfully, and check local arrangements.
- Eat December in Madeira: seek carne de vinha d'alhos, bolo de mel and local seasonal delicacies, with a walk through Funchal's festive streets afterwards.
- Find flamingos instead of Christmas robins: Larnaca's protected winter wetlands offer a completely different wildlife walk from a British park.
- Discover Malta's handmade nativity tradition: look for cribs, decorated churches and craft displays, especially if your dates overlap local events on Gozo.
- Swap a festive market for a volcanic vineyard: pair Lanzarote's La Geria with a local lunch and a village stroll. It's a memorable day even without a Christmas programme.
- Make one Christmas evening feel truly different: choose a seaside meal, a harbour walk or a small local performance rather than automatically booking another expensive organised excursion.
Reality check on the images: spectacular festive concerts, sand displays and village performances are not guaranteed every December or throughout the month. Equally, a sunny picture of a beach doesn't mean the sea is comfortable or safe for swimming. Let the actual seasonal programme and local conditions guide the details.
Your calendar could lead somewhere wonderful
See package holidays by UK departure date on TripsByDate, explore destinations you hadn't considered and compare the trips that actually fit your time off.
Find holidays by dateWhere should you go in December for your kind of holiday?
For couples: sunshine, beautiful food and no complicated timetable
Choose southern Tenerife for easy beachside evenings, Lanzarote for vineyards and extraordinary landscapes, or Madeira for festive Funchal and scenic viewpoints. If you love historic streets more than swimming, Valletta and Málaga can provide a wonderful romantic break. The secret is a walkable hotel near the restaurants and places you'll actually use. See our winter breaks for couples.
For families: good winter facilities beat a perfect weather photograph
The southern Canary Islands are often the strongest shortlist if swimming and resort convenience matter. Ask whether the actual children's pool is heated, whether clubs and slides operate during your dates, and whether the hotel beach is safely accessible. For children fascinated by history or wildlife, Cyprus's ancient mosaics and winter flamingos or Malta's forts and ferries could be even more memorable. Explore our family winter sun guide.
For friends: agree whether you want beach afternoons or packed evenings
Look at lively Tenerife resort areas for a social, easygoing break, or Málaga and Malta for bars, food and city exploring. Madeira's December celebrations may appeal to friends who enjoy atmosphere without spending every day by a pool. Confirm opening arrangements around Christmas itself and check that shared rooms contain the number of proper beds everybody expects.
For walkers and solo explorers: pick the place where getting out is easy
Funchal, Valletta, Málaga and Las Palmas each offer an approachable urban base with cafés and sightseeing. Madeira's hiking scenery is exceptional, but mountain routes need weather planning, suitable equipment and official trail checks. A central hotel may save you more time and transport than a remote room with a dramatic view.
How to find better value without guessing a magic booking day
December prices and availability can shift around school holidays, festive departures, flights and hotel demand. There is no honest permanent rule that one week, airport or destination will always be cheapest. Use these comparisons instead:
- Start with your actual dates. On TripsByDate, explore upcoming departures from your UK airport before deciding that only Tenerife or Madeira will do. The unexpected destination might be the interesting one.
- Compare the right climate, not just the lowest fare. If you require proper beach warmth, a cheaper Malta trip is not a substitute for a Canary Islands resort. If you want museums and meals, it might be better value for you.
- Try another reachable airport. Include driving, rail travel, parking and any overnight hotel before calling the alternative a saving. Our UK airport comparison guide helps.
- Check what December changes. Some resort restaurants, excursions and pools may have reduced winter operation. Meanwhile, festive events can make otherwise quiet cities unusually appealing.
- Count usable holiday time. A very late arrival and early return can shrink a short break. Compare transfers as well as flight schedules. Read why flight times matter.
- Verify the total package. Check baggage, transfers, board basis, room details and any mandatory charges. See our package holiday comparison checklist.
The cleverest approach is to separate your must-have from your nice-to-have. Maybe you need a heated pool, but don't care which island. Or perhaps you dream of Christmas in a beautiful old town and don't require the sea at all. Once you know that, searching becomes far more enjoyable.
Frequently asked questions about Europe's warmest places in December
Where is hottest in Europe in December?
The Canary Islands are among the warmest mainstream European holiday destinations, with southern Tenerife a particularly strong choice. Average daytime highs around Tenerife South Airport are roughly 23°C. Different islands, coasts and years vary, and some days will be cooler or hotter than the average.
Where in Europe is around 20°C in December?
Southern Tenerife, Lanzarote and other low-lying Canary Island areas commonly have December average highs above 20°C; Funchal in Madeira also averages about 21°C. That doesn't mean every hour or every day reaches 20°C. For a closer look, explore our warmest European winter destinations.
Where is warmest in mainland Europe in December?
Southern Spain and Portugal are sensible mainland options, especially around Málaga and the Algarve, but expect mild winter conditions rather than the warmth commonly found in the Canaries. Exact regional rankings depend on the weather station and climate reference period.
Are the Canary Islands warmer than Madeira in December?
Many Canary Island resort areas, particularly southern Tenerife, average slightly warmer and drier December conditions than Funchal. Madeira is still pleasantly mild and can be a fantastic choice for gardens, hiking, scenery and Christmas atmosphere. The best choice depends on what you'd like to do outdoors.
Can you swim in the sea in Europe in December?
Some people swim in the Canaries and Madeira in December, but Atlantic temperatures are cooler than summer, and waves, rip currents or wind can make particular beaches unsafe. If daily swimming is essential, choose a hotel with a confirmed heated pool and follow beach safety advice. See our winter beach holiday guide.
Where is best for a December holiday with children?
Southern Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer broad resort choice; Lanzarote adds volcanic experiences; Madeira offers festive lights and scenery; Malta and Cyprus can appeal to families who prefer history and exploring. Base your decision on child ages, safe swimming, seasonal hotel facilities and flight times.
Is December a good time for Malta, Cyprus or Málaga?
Yes, especially for historic sightseeing, local food and city or coastal walks, provided you accept the possibility of chilly evenings, rain and wind. They are not reliable destinations for a hot beach holiday, so choose them for what they do well.
How do I find a December package holiday without choosing a destination first?
Start on TripsByDate with your UK departure airport and available dates. Browse the different places on offer, then check the destination's December climate and the provider's actual booking details. It's a more open-ended way to discover a winter escape, rather than filling in the same destination search repeatedly.
Choose the December you actually want
For a stronger chance of sun-warmed beach afternoons, start with the Canary Islands. For atmospheric Christmas celebrations and extraordinary mountain scenery, consider Madeira. For flamingos, archaeology, harbours, pastries and splendid winter city walks, Cyprus, Malta and Málaga deserve a place on the shortlist even though they aren't the hottest options.
The best December holiday isn't necessarily the place with the biggest number on a weather chart. It's the one where you can imagine yourself enjoying a real day, from your first coffee to your last harbour stroll. Explore more December winter sun ideas and the full winter sun collection, then see which real departures catch your eye.
Less searching. More choosing. A brighter December.
Browse package holidays by departure date on TripsByDate, discover unexpected winter escapes and check the final details with the holiday provider.
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