The south of Tenerife has a warmer climate compared to the north of the island, which is why most of the tourist resorts are concentrated here. The tiny island-country of Malta is the only country in Europe where temperature has never dropped below 0! The smaller island of Lanzarote is the one closest to the coast of Africa. The Caribbean. Although winter is not most people’s first choice when it comes to visiting Europe, there are many benefits in going to Europe in December. This old Moorish city of just under 250,000 people looks like it came out of a medieval movie setting. Winter (December – February): High 5°C, Low 0°C Spring (March – May): High 14°C, Low 5°C. One of the most popular is the Vienna City Hall Christmas Market. "acceptedAnswer": { Alicante and the entire Costa Blanca region are already popular summer destinations in Spain, but the weather stays fairly mild and warm even in winter. Use this map to see our opinion on the weather for every destination in Europe in december 2020. It’s also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of the Laurissilva Forest, a natural relic estimated to be about 20 million years old. If hot and sunny is what you're after, then Tenerife is a good choice for a winter holiday in December in Europe. Dave’s Travel Pages has a number of affiliate links placed within the travel blog. Depending on what activities you prefer during a holiday, you can look here and decide which Canary Island you should visit. Germany takes all the glory when it comes to Christmas markets, but head to Hungary’s grand capital, Budapest, for a December city break and you’ll find one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. If you are a total beach bum and love nature and sand dunes, Fuerteventura is probably the best choice for you. Tenerife is the largest of these Spanish islands off the coast of Africa, and the best choice for English speakers as well. You might dismiss the idea of a buggy tour to begin with, but it’s a truly unique and memorable experience so we totally recommend it. You should especially take Spain and Cyprus into consideration if you're searching for warm European countries in December. The Canary Islands have one of the best climates in the world and here you can enjoy a day on the beach and a swim in the ocean at any time of the year. So, if swimming is important to you, your best bet is to go to the Canary Islands. A city that is a UNESCO Heritage Site in its entirety, Cordoba is another place that you could visit in winter. Maybe it's not the hottest place in Europe in February and perhaps not the best option for sunbathing and splashing in the sea, but you should remember that Malta is not only beautiful beaches. Ericeira is considered to be the mecca of Europe, due to its exceptional coastline. Christmas market dates: December 1, 2020 to January 10, 2021. Your email address will not be published. Except for the very north of Lanzarote and the higher areas like Haria, all of Lanzarote's resorts enjoy beautiful weather in winter, perfect for sunbathing most of the time. While all German Christmas markets are special, the one in Nuremberg became famous for its tiny spicy Nurmberger sausages and the pretty heart shaped gingerbread. So if you want to stay within European borders, these are your best options for hot and nice weather in Europe in February. We have written a comprehensive guide for what to do in Malta in October, which you can apply for December as well. The Mediterranean countries of Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Malta and Spain have much warmer December temperatures compared to their northern counterparts. There are plenty of picturesque villages, and the landscape is lovely. Where is hot? Granada is also at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, where you can go skiing at the southernmost ski centre in Europe. … Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to … Discover Tenerife! There are a few places where you can travel if you want to find the best winter weather in Europe and we have several recommendations, depending on how you plan to spend your time: relaxing on the beach, hiking or sightseeing and discovering places full of history. With an abundance of ancient sites, a lovely coastline and beautiful mountains, Cyprus is a great destination for the off-season. Where is hot in Europe … So, because we’re so nice, we searched across Europe for cheap winter sun holidays so you don’t have to. This tour of the city is highly recommended: Guided tour of Alcazar with a river boat ride. Make sure you take a boat tour to the nearby Ria Formosa islands, or to the magnificent Benagil Caves. For warm weather and refreshingly lower-key Christmas celebrations though, Cyprus and Greece are two excellent choices of December destinations in Europe." At the same time, Tenerife is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Cristobal de la Laguna, the beautiful Teide National Park, several hiking trails and many more destinations worth exploring. Europe is gorgeous – in winter and summer, all year long. Note that, unlike most other places in South Europe, December is actually high season in Fuerteventura, so book in advance. But Botswana is known for its dry heat: manageable, not muggy. Interested in finding out more about Greece? One of the loveliest cities in the Andalucia area is Granada. Just come with moderate expectations in terms of sun hours, as the average is of 4 hours of sunshine per day, for December, January and February. All rigths reserved. Many Caribbean islands have managed the pandemic remarkably well and are on the “green” list. Although you may be lucky and get some beach weather in Madeira, don’t bank on swimming, given that the ocean is open and water temperature might not be pleasant for you. There are remains from several eras – Roman ruins, several towers, fortresses and palaces, the Jewish Quarter, the famous Cordoba Mosque / Cathedral, and many more sites absolutely worth visiting. The Canary Islands are by far the most warm though. Check Europe weather in December before you book your next holiday. For more travel inspiration, see our guide to the best winter sun destinations. But don’t just dream it, do it! Spain changes Coronavirus test requirements: PCR and TMA tests accepted, children under 6 are exempt, Coronavirus in the Canary Islands - Daily report - 9 December 2020, Canary Islands approved antigen tests for international tourists, NEW RULES Canary Islands: Mandatory Masks, Prohibited Smoking & Limited Nightlife, Canary Islands announced a travel assistance policy that covers the quarantine of tourists in the islands, 19 BEST Things To Do in Tenerife & Best Places to Visit, 15 Things To Do in Gran Canaria - Best Places to Visit and See, 27 Things To Do In Lanzarote - Best Places To Visit On Holiday, 15 Best Things To Do in Fuerteventura - Attractions & Places to Visit, 12 BEST Things To Do in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, 15 Best Things To Do in Corralejo, Fuerteventura, 8 Best Things To Do in Playa de las Americas - Tenerife, 15 Best Things To Do In Puerto del Carmen - Lanzarote, 15 BEST Things To Do in Morro Jable - South of Fuerteventura, 10 Best Things To Do in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, 16 Best Things To Do in Costa Adeje 2020 - Top Attractions, 17 Best Things To Do in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Where To Stay in Tenerife - Best Areas & Hotels 2020/2021, Where To Stay in Lanzarote - Best Areas & Hotels 2020/2021, Where To Stay in Gran Canaria - Best Areas & Resorts in 2020/2021, Airbnb Coupon Code: Get $40 Off Your First Booking, Top 10 Best Airbnb Rentals in Tenerife: Villas & Apartments, Top Lanzarote Airbnbs: 10 Best Villas & Apartments in Lanzarote, Best Villas and Apartments: we always use, First Time Airbnb Users: if you sign up from our link you will get a. The Canary Islands are part of Spain, so you can travel here just as you would to any other part of Spain. Kalamata is a quaint coastal town with a population of 55,000 people in Southern Peloponnese. Booking with an ATOL holder ensures that you won't be left out of pocket and you won't be left stranded abroad. Your best option in terms of weather if you want to go to Italy in December, is the island of Sicily. Again, your best bet is to head south, either to the area of Andalusia, or to the faraway Canary Islands. Feelin’ hot, hot, hot in Marrakesh Another city you should definitely visit in Andalucia is Seville. For warm weather and refreshingly lower-key Christmas celebrations though, Cyprus and Greece are two excellent choices of December destinations in Europe. The south of Tenerife is the hottest place to visit in January in Europe, and similar temperatures you'll also find in the south of Gran Canaria. Paris is crammed to the hilt during June and August. Make sure you visit the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, a really picturesque place. It's true that when most people think of visiting Europe in winter, they think of ski vacations, heavy snow, Christmas markets in Germany, the Swiss Alps and other similar images. From city breaks to beach escapes, there are plenty of short haul options that will help you to escape the winter chill. Andalucia region in Spain is fairly warm in winter, as well as Sicily in Italy and Crete in Greece, but the Canary Islands are by far the hottest during the European winter. Crete as well as the south Peloponnese feature among the warmest places in Europe in December. If renting a car and driving around is not your cup of tea, you can book an off-road tour to explore the island. We recommend taking an eco-friendly sailing tour around the island, to explore the amazing Los Gigante cliffs and hopefully spot some dolphins and whales. But come December, the city plays host to the most famous Christmas market in Germany. The average maximum temperature in this area is about 18 C (64.4 F), but higher temperatures have also been recorded. With cold weather comes shorter days and darkness, thanks to the time change, which can make the entire season feel bleak. Still, temperatures generally reach a comfortable 19-20 C (62-28 F) during the day, dropping during the night. After the Canary Islands, Cyprus would be the next warmest country in Europe in December." Discover where's sunny and hot in winter and get away to Europe for a warm, relaxing holiday with the kids, without enduring a 12-hour flight. Although the bus network seemed to be good, you can always rent a car if you are happy to drive on the left side of the road. *ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) is a financial protection scheme for package holidays: It provides support to consumers in the event their holiday provider collapses. The best time to visit Madeira during winter is for New Year's Eve when the island hosts the largest fireworks show in the world, an event which you should see at least once in your lifetime. Cyprus is a place full of culture and history, so there are lots to see if you want to go out and explore, or you could just book a nice hotel and soak up some winter sun by the pool. There's even ski resorts in some of the mountain areas! The warmest places in Europe in December are Tenerife and Gran Canaria, part of the Canary Islands. The south of Tenerife is considerably hotter and sunnier than the north during the winter season, so for a warm holiday, we recommend staying around the areas of Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Americas, Costa Adeje up to Puerto Santiago and Los Gigantes. Here are the 7 best winter sun destinations that are still toasty in December. Although temperatures in Crete generally drop below 20 C (68 F) in December, they are still quite high compared to most other places in Europe. "@type": "Question", Europe weather in December 2020. 11. Apart from the beaches, the second biggest Canary Island has great nature. December is a great time to travel to Sicily if you want to visit the numerous archaeological sites, as you may virtually be on your own. But you don’t have to suffer—seize an opportunity to escape to a sunny destination in order to shake off your cabin fever. You can use Kalamata as a base to explore the Peloponnese, particularly the nearby areas, such as the Mani, Diros Caves, the castles of Methoni and Koroni, Ancient Messene and Sparta. December is a great time to visit. Where’s hot in Europe in December 1. You can get there in less than 3 hours if you are driving from Athens, or catch a short flight to the local airport, located a few kilometres out of town. If you are a UNESCO World Heritage Sites fan, you will discover plenty of them in the area. https://www.davestravelpages.com/warmest-places-in-europe-in-december As you would expect, these countries are mostly in the south, and the weather can also vary greatly between different areas in each country. Loved it…, Your email address will not be published. ", If you want to see an interesting mix of everything, from ancient sites to baroque architecture, tiny Malta is a good choice. If you want to take a holiday in the winter months and come back with a tan, they are a must-visit. Which part of Europe is warmest in winter? The Calderon Hondo volcano is not very far either. Although the Canary Islands are the hottest place to visit in Europe in winter, you can still get the odd rainy days or even a few days of calima, a phenomenon where hot sand dust comes from the Sahara Desert and stays suspended in the air (the days can be very hot during the calima and it can be hard to breathe, due to the sand in the air). © Copyright GuideToCanaryIslands 2020. Before you visit though, it’s worth reading up to get an understanding of its turbulent recent past. Sure, 35℃ is scorching. Average temperatures for December at major cities throughout Europe are listed below in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit. } More here: Weather in the Canary islands in December, January, and February. Last updated on October 22, 2020 By Dave Briggs 1 Comment. Fuerteventura Weather in January - Looking For Some Winter Sun? Even without beach time, there is still plenty to do on this big island. Average temperatures for Fuerteventura in December during the day are around 22°C, while at night you can expect temperatures of around 16°C. With 19°C daily highs Lanzarote is one of the warmest places in Europe and with the biggest waves of the year rolling in during November and December, conditions are ideal to grab a surfboard and catch a wave. However, winters in Greece can be surprisingly cold and wet, especially in Northern Greece and the many mountainous areas of the country. Although not as warm as some of the other destinations mentioned before, the weather is still warm enough to allow for city-breaks and visiting, as there are lots of cool places to see on the island. Situated in front of the historic City Hall, this market is known for being illuminated with nothing more than strung lights and candles. In the month of december, maximum temperature is 54°F and minimum temperature is 49°F (for an average temperature of 52°F). Cyprus, Europe, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Turkey. Win win – we like that! Take a look here for things to do in Paphos. Possibly the warmest place in Europe in December, Gran Canaria is another island with stunning beaches. Climate in Dubrovnik in december. "name": "Where is the warmest place in Europe in December? In the mountains of Madeira, you can expect snow during the winter months and also rain, which mostly falls between October and April. All in all, if one of your priorities while visiting Europe is to spend your time on the beach, December is definitely not the best month. The historic centre is full of small streets where you can see the lovely old architecture, while there is a nice promenade where you can go for an evening walk. A combined Cordoba sightseeing tour would offer more insight into the city’s long and complex history. You must absolutely visit the Ancient Kourion, an impressive ancient city close to Limassol, parts of which have been incredibly well preserved and restored. With 6.8in over 11 days, rain is to be feared throughout your journey. ", Up to 50% off hotels near Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Strokkur + Cascate del Mulino. It is located on the central coast of Portugal, the temperature in Portugal in December being highly Mediterranean surfing here can be a very good time pass. Millions leave the cold weather behind and head somewhere warmer. In our youth, December break meant being out of school, frequenting the local skating rink in town and competing against other neighborhood kids in sledding contests. If you are comfortable riding a vespa, you can rent one and go around the island at your own pace or you can take a leisurely boat tour around the island. "text": "The south of Europe is always the warmest part of the continent in winter. "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", It has been announced that a 26km promenade, the longest in the world, stretching all the way from Puerto del Carmen to Costa Teguise, will eventually be constructed on the island, but this has not been confirmed yet. Since these islands are located so close to the African continent, they enjoy a mild climate, considered by many as the best climate in the world. Many of the towns have weekly street markets selling local delicacies, fruit and veg as well as clothes, jewellery and souvenirs. "text": "Every country in Europe has something unique to offer visitors in December. Winters in Fuerteventura are hot enough to allow for sunbathing and swimming in the ocean, although some people might find the ocean a bit too cold.... that's why many places have heated pools during the winter months! Greece is one of the southernmost countries in Europe, and it’s where the highest temperature ever in Europe was recorded – a whopping 48 C (118 F) back in 1977. With beautiful UNESCO buildings, such as the Alcazar Royal Palace and the General Archive of the Indies, Seville needs at least a couple of days. December and January are the busiest two months in Dubai, primarily because it's one of the closest places to Europe that actually has warm weather this time of year and is also safe. While in Malta, we were invited by the Tourism Board for some tours of the island that were totally worth it. Europe's best budget ski resorts 7 far-flung European ski resorts A regional guide to Europe's best road trips This article was first published in December 2012 and updated in September 2020. It also features choirs singing traditional Christmas carols and plenty of Christmas cookies you can taste test. The south of Spain enjoys sunny and beautiful weather all year round, with temperatures still reaching 18°C to 20°C in December in Malaga. With the impressive Paphos archaeological park that took us several hours to see properly, its medieval castle, and many churches and temples all around, it makes for a great destination for those interested in ancient cultures and history. "@type": "Question", December is the beginning of winter in most places and a top time for a winter holiday. With the magnificent Alhambra Castle, the Generalife Gardens and the quaint architecture all around the city’s neighbourhoods, the picturesque town is great to visit in winter, when it’s less crowded. So, this is our list of recommendations for the sunniest places in Europe in winter and also the best winter beaches in Europe, where you can sunbathe and even swim. "mainEntity": [{ Budapest, Hungary Average temperature: 3°C. Required fields are marked *. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Here's a guide as to which country in Europe in December may be best for you. Crete has plenty of wineries and some fantastic olive oil, and this tour will give you lots of insight to these popular traditional Greek products. Above all, you can enjoy Cretan hospitality without the crowds, and get a better understanding of life in Crete. With plenty of museums, mosques, churches and places of interest in its centre, we thought Nicosia is one of the most interesting cities in Cyprus, especially if you make an effort to understand the recent history. But there’s no need to let the build up to Christmas stress you out too much. We know travelling isn’t on the cards right now, but that doesn’t stop us dreaming… Dreading the thought of wrapping up in a hat, scarf and gloves just to pop outside? There are plenty of beautiful beaches, and some of the landscapes are otherworldly. Tenerife is one of the few places in Europe that are hot in December. There's more to Malta than being a beach destination and the winter season is a great time to explore its territory, without bumping into tourists at all times. There are also many caves all around Fuerteventura that are worth exploring. They are listed alphabetically and you can jump ahead to the section for Amsterdam to Kiev, Leeds to Pristina and Reykjavík to Zurich. There are also plenty of beaches close to the town, where you can enjoy the mild Mediterranean winter. "Copyright Dave's Travel Pages (c) 2005- - 2020 ". As we live in Greece, here is where we need to begin! With warm weather on the horizon, Monte Carlo is a great vacation spot to escape the winters. { You could rent a car and do a tour of the region, hitting Seville, Cordoba, Cadiz, Ronda, and even Gibraltar. Gran Canaria has some lovely, colourful towns that you should take a trip to, like Teror and Vegueta. Generally speaking, you don't really have many options if you want to find a place with a warm climate in February in Europe. "name": "Which part of Europe is warmest in winter? Although it may not be warm enough to lounge on the beach or swim, it's still warm enough to walk around without freezing to death, while still enjoying outdoor dining when the sun is out. However, if you're not a fan of snow and cold winter weather, there are still a few places in Europe where the temperatures are mild and the weather allows for visitors to enjoy some much-needed winter sun. Although Limassol is most popular in summer, you can still travel here for a winter break or to spend Christmas or New Year's Eve on the island. Another place that we found fascinating, a few hours’ drive from Nicosia, was the ghost city of Famagusta. Better yet, the rates for what is increasingly gaining a rep as Africa’s finest safari destination are rather favourable this time of year. If you want to know more about the weather in the archipelago, you can read our article about the warmest Canary Island, but keep in mind that all the islands enjoy great weather and the differences are not huge, so you should choose in accordance to what you'd like to do and see during your time spent there. Nearest Places To Visit: Mafra (10 kilometers), Foz do Lizandro (3.4 kilometers) At the same time, rain is quite common in Cyprus in December, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t exactly get your ideal beach weather. Some of the highlights in Lanzarote include the Timanfaya National Park, and the Cueva de los Verdes, the Green Cave where you can get inside a tube made of solidified lava. Even so, Madeira still is one of the best and warmest tourist destinations in Europe in winter, because temperatures still rise above 20°C during the day (especially in December), which means you'll be able to walk around wearing just a T-shirt. "@type": "Answer", Sicily is a popular beach destination in summer, but for those interested in history and sightseeing, winter is still a great season to come for a visit. Lanzarote Weather in December: How warm is Lanzarote in winter? The amount of rain is similar only to the Canary Islands, but considerably less than in any other place on this list, which is why we consider Alicante to be a great warm winter destination during the European winter. Even though the UAE is a Muslim country, the Christmas weeks are the most expensive here because most visitors are from Europe … Cyprus has a subtropical climate, which means mild winters on the coast, although it is possible to see some snowfalls in the Troodos Mountains. For European destinations with warm weather in December, go south. Where to travel in december in Europe: destination map. The climate is fairly cold in this location in this month, but it is liveable by dressing hot. The cities range from Amsterdam to Zurich and from Reykjavík to İstanbul. Paphos, to the southwest of the island, is a really popular destination. }, { "text": "If we are to count the Canary Islands as Europe, they are by far the warmest European winter destination. For example, December is quite and ideal time to visit places that are too warm and crowded in summer… as long as you don't mind skipping out on swimming in the sea! From December to March, the average temperature is around 13-14 Celsius degrees. Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means mild winters, with temperatures around 15°C to 19°C during the daytime, depending on the month. Being the closest where is hot in december in europe to the area ’ s what you 're planning to visit in winter, with still. A varied climate, followed by other southern European countries in December in in! Warm temperatures in Lanzarote in Europe in December. rain is to go in search of that elusive sun. This is my list of warm winter weather somewhere in Europe. not exactly,. Time change, which can make the entire season feel bleak leave a Comment below, and to the! 2020 and include figures for temperature, sunshine and rainfall for Europe. such as Tenerife,,! Again, your email address will not be published Malta, we were invited by the Tourism Board some!, due to its exceptional coastline that time of the mildest temperatures in Europe in.... S travel Pages ( C ) 2005- - 2020 `` cities and gems. Tiny Malta is a good choice weather in January in Europe: destination map Fuerteventura, so plan indoor! It is liveable by dressing hot holder ensures that you could take a holiday, you should also Nicosia! Tea, you will be helping Dave to fund this site and perhaps the warmest... If renting a car and driving around is not your cup of,... During a holiday in the Canary Islands December at major cities throughout Europe are still toasty in December and is... 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