Who says sunny getaways have to happen in summer? While we're Christmas shopping and scraping ice off windshields, Europe's southernmost points and islands have a different definition of winter.
Although it's not exactly 30°C, it's still t-shirt weather compared to the grey skies of the UK and Ireland.
Plus, many destinations blend festive celebrations with warmer weather. Imagine Christmas markets under palm trees or New Year fireworks without frozen fingers.
If you're among the sun-seekers wondering where is hot in December in Europe, this guide will take you through the warmest and cheapest December escapes.
Note: Temperatures are based on typical daytime high averages for December.
Where Is Hot In December In Europe? By Country
Spain: The Canaries and Costa del Sol (16°C–24°C)
Benalmadena beach in Málaga averages about 5 to 6 hours of bright sunshine per day in December / Adobe Free Stock / Valery Bareta
Geographically closer to Africa than Europe, Spain's Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote, are some of the hottest destinations in December in Europe.
With daytime temperatures between 22°C and 24°C even in midwinter, you can expect golden beaches, volcanic hiking trails, and plenty of sunshine.
Back on the mainland, southern Spain also stays pleasantly warm. Along the Costa del Sol, average December highs reach around 16°C–18°C, with clear blue skies and long, sunny afternoons.
Málaga is the region's standout city. It's known for its lively food scene, the Picasso Museum, and the Alcazaba fortress overlooking the harbour.
From Málaga, it's easy to explore Seville or Córdoba, where daytime temperatures often hover in the high teens.
Portugal: Madeira and the Algarve (19°C–20°C)
Views along Madeira's Vereda do Larano coastal hiking trail, which is open to hikers all year-round / Adobe Free Stock / IBRESTER
Portugal enjoys some of Europe's most reliable winter sunshine. Madeira, sitting in the Atlantic off Africa's northwest coast, averages 19–20°C in December. Perfect for scenic coastal walks and wine tasting in Funchal.
The Algarve stays pleasantly warm too, often reaching the high teens. Expect quiet beaches, affordable hotels, and a relaxed pace; ideal for a peaceful pre-Christmas break.
Cyprus (17°C–19°C)
Ruins and history are waiting to be explored in Paphos Archaeological Park, Cyprus / Adobe Free Stock / Grispb
Cyprus mixes Mediterranean warmth with plenty of winter sunshine. Coastal resorts like Paphos and Limassol hover around 18°C by day, meaning you can still sit outside for lunch without a jacket. Inland villages celebrate Christmas with markets, music, and meze.
Over in Ayia Napa, December brings mild weather, with daytime temperatures around 15–18°C. Some beachside venues and clubs may be closed or have shorter hours. But it's a good time for sightseeing and experiencing cultural events, such as Ayia Napa Marina's Christmas celebrations.
Malta (16°C–17°C)
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, a domed cathedral overlooking Valletta, Malta / Adobe Free Stock / Aerial Film Studio
Between Sicily and North Africa, Malta enjoys average highs of 17–18°C in December. It's compact, English-speaking, and full of character.
Festive traditions run deep, as locals build intricate Presepju (nativity scenes) for neighbourhood competitions, and the island lights up with Christmas markets.
Stay for New Year and you'll catch Valletta's harbour fireworks, often watched in T-shirts rather than scarves.
Greece (16°C–18°C)
Travelling off-peak means you'll get to enjoy places like Crete's Georgioupolis town, minus the summer crowds / Adobe Free Stock / Jurek Adamski
While northern Greece cools down in winter, the southern islands and Crete stay surprisingly mild and often warmer than much of mainland Europe. December temperatures typically hover between 16°C and 18°C, making sightseeing quieter without the summer crowds.
On Crete, locals celebrate the season with open-air markets, traditional sweets, and the glow of Christmas lights along Venetian harbours. In Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos can be explored comfortably in a T-shirt, and Greek Orthodox Christmas on 7 January extends the festive season well into the new year.
Over on Rhodes and the Peloponnese, you'll find bright blue skies, quiet beaches, and warm Mediterranean hospitality. Winter here feels more like early spring; calm, sunny, and effortlessly restorative.
Italy: The Beautiful South (15°C–17°C)
Noto in Sicily, Italy, where temperatures hover at around 17°C in December / Adobe Free Stock / dudlajzov
Southern Italy delivers winter warmth that feels impossible from a British perspective. Sicily and Sardinia often hit the high teens in December and might push 20°C, if you're lucky.
Italian Christmas traditions shine in the south. The Feast of St. Lucia in Sicily and Boxing Day celebrations in Sardinia offer authentic festive experiences, minus the frost.
France: The French Riviera (13°C–16°C)
Palombaggia beach, a beautiful section of Corsica's coastline, can offer a warmth haven in December / Adobe Free Stock / pkazmierczak
Even in December, parts of southern France feel a world away from Paris' winter chill. Along the French Riviera, Nice averages around 14°C with clear skies and a festive buzz.
Over on Corsica, temperatures often sit between 14°C and 16°C, with rugged coastlines, palm-lined promenades, and quiet villages bathed in golden light. Christmas markets here come with a Mediterranean twist; mulled wine by the sea and pastries that taste better without gloves.
Where Is Hot In December In Europe? By City
Valletta, Malta
Temperature: ~17°C.
Why go?: This UNESCO fortress city comes alive with Christmas lights reflecting off grand harbours. Winter sun illuminates baroque architecture while street cafes stay busy with locals and tourists.
Ajaccio, Corsica
Temperature: ~14°C.
Why go?: Pastel harbours meet cliffside walks in Napoleon's birthplace. The island pace slows down in winter, making it perfect for peaceful escapes with guaranteed sunshine.
Cádiz, Spain
Temperature: ~17°C.
Why go?: This ancient port city buzzes with tapas taverns and festive parades. Atlantic sunsets paint the sky while temperatures keep terraces busy well into evening.
Cagliari, Sardinia
Temperature: ~17°C.
Why go?: Colourful hillside lanes wind down to the sea. Warm seaside walks replace crowded summer beaches.
Heraklion, Crete
Temperature: ~17°C.
Why go?: History lovers can explore the Palace of Knossos by day and sunny squares by night. Greek Orthodox Christmas (7 January) extends the festive season beautifully.
Palermo, Sicily
Temperature: ~16°C.
Why go?: Chaotic markets overflow with winter citrus. Golden piazzas host impromptu street food festivals. Mount Etna provides a dramatic backdrop to Sicilian Christmas traditions.
Where Is Hot And Cheap In December? Budget Picks
You can save a few Euros while enjoying some autumn sun / Adobe Free Stock / Edita.
Want the warmth without the wallet damage? These hot European destinations deliver serious value in December.
La Palma, Canary Islands: The greenest Canary offers hiking, stargazing and temperatures around 20–21°C. Accommodation costs plummet after Christmas.
Lesser-known Madeira towns: Skip Funchal for places like Machico or Calheta. They have the same subtropical climate but half the price tag.
Gozo, Malta: Malta's quieter sister island offers identical temperatures, just with lower costs.
Fuerteventura's quieter villages: Venture beyond resort areas for authentic Canarian life at backpacker prices.
Hot Holiday Destinations In December For Every Traveller
Sun worshippers: Tenerife's Playa de las Americas, Gran Canaria's Maspalomas and Fuerteventura's endless dunes offer guaranteed sunshine and swimmable seas. Hot holidays in December are perfect for sunbathers.
Food and drink lovers: Madeira's bolo de mel and fortified wines are well worth travelling for. Enjoy the winter citrus and mezze platters that Cyprus has to offer. The fresh seafood and regional cheeses in Azores are said to be extraordinary.
Adventure seekers: Trek across Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes. Hike Crete's Imbros Gorge (which is open year-round, weather permitting), or explore the hiking trails around the Palace of Knossos.
Digital nomads: Las Palmas offers reliable Wi-Fi and coworking spaces. Santa Cruz de Tenerife provides urban energy. Funchal delivers mountain views to explore after a hard day's work.
Five Tips For Booking Cheap Hot Holidays In December
Lying by a pool in the sun is possible in December in Europe / Adobe Free Stock / KOTO
1. Swap Christmas Chaos For Early December Calm
Travel in the first two weeks of December to avoid peak festive prices and crowded airports.
2. Embrace Lesser-Known Winter Sun Spots
Sometimes, it's a good idea to skip the obvious spots. Instead, target places like Madeira, Cyprus's Akamas Peninsula, or southern Crete for better deals and fewer crowds.
3. Look For Flight Sales On Boxing Day
Many airlines launch major sales right after Christmas. You might pick up a bargain on next winter's holiday or bag a spontaneous New Year escape.
4. Bundle Flights And Hotels For Bigger Savings
Holiday packages become significantly cheaper in winter. Destinations chase tourists in the off-season with aggressive pricing. So take advantage!
5. Consider A Festive City And Beach Combo
Fly into cheaper nearby cities with budget airline options. Connect to your beach destination and potentially save hundreds on flights.
Stay Connected On Your Trip: Why Travel eSIMs Make Sense
Whether you're posting cocktail photos or calling family from the beach, you'll need reliable data for your December travels.
That's where eSIMs from Airalo come in. With a travel eSIM, you can say goodbye to swapping plastic SIM cards, hunting for dodgy free Wi-Fi and worrying about roaming bills.
Instead, buy your data online in minutes, ready to use as soon as you land.
Browse your options, choose your data package and get online quickly and conveniently here.
FAQs: Where is Hot in December in Europe?
1. Where is the warmest place in Europe in December?
The Canary Islands consistently deliver the warmest December temperatures, often reaching 22–24°C. Cyprus and southern Turkey also offer excellent warmth, with temperatures around 17–19°C.
2. Can you sunbathe in the Canary Islands in December?
Absolutely. December temperatures regularly hit the low twenties. Pack factor 30 and expect genuine beach weather, especially in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
3. What's the cheapest warm destination in Europe in December?
The Canary Islands, lesser-known Madeira towns such as Machico and Calheta, the Maltese Island Gozo and Fuerteventura's quieter villages have the potential to offer good value to holidaymakers in December.
4. Where's warmest in Europe for Christmas?
Malta, the Canary Islands, and Cyprus are typically the warmest places in Europe over Christmas. Combine festive celebrations with sunshine and head to Christmas markets under palm trees and carol services in t-shirts.
5. What's the best travel eSIM for Europe?
eSIMs for Europe from providers like Airalo offer comprehensive coverage across warm December destinations. Look for country plans for Spain, Italy, Greece, Malta, Cyprus or whichever winter sun paradise you're heading to.
