10 Hot Places in December in Europe that will Keep You Warm

As winter chills most of Europe, travelers seek warm places to travel in December. Southern Europe still offers mild weather and sunshine even in winter, especially on coastlines and islands. Our guide highlights the hot places in December in Europe, with practical tips for international travelers for a seamless journey.

Table of Contents

• Warm Places to Travel in December
• Done with Europe? Step in the USA
• Tips for Traveling Warm Winters
• Explore the Best of Europe with the Airhub
• Starting Your Warm December Trip
• FAQs

Warm Places to Travel in December

If you are wondering: where is hot in December in Europe? December spots are largely on the Mediterranean rim. Coastal cities and islands bask in winter sun. Spain’s Canary Islands remain especially warm. The entire southern coast of Spain (Andalusia) is milder, and even inland Andalusia (e.g., Seville) stays around 15–18 °C.

Likewise, Portugal’s Algarve offers daytime highs around 16–18 °C (61–64 °F). Island nations like Cyprus see December highs of ~18 °C, and Malta around 17 °C. These regions not only have pleasant weather but also fewer crowds, making December an ideal off-season escape.

Sunny Spain in December

Even Spain’s southern cities and islands enjoy winter sun. December daytime highs reach up to 18 °C. Visitors can enjoy the Andalusian coast, the Canaries, or historical cities like Seville and Granada without shivering. Spain’s warm winter climate and rich culture (plus less rain than northern Europe) make it one of the top hot countries in December.

Portugal’s Mild December

Portugal is one of the countries that is warm in December in winter. Daytime temperatures usually range from 8–16 °C nationwide, with the Algarve coast often reaching 16–18 °C. Lisbon and southern cities remain sunny, and beaches (like the ones near Lagos or Faro) are delightful for off-season walks. Aside from the weather, visitors can enjoy pastel de nata in Lisbon, coastal trails, and even the Douro Valley’s calm winter vistas with fewer crowds.

Cyprus’s Warmth

Cyprus is one of the hot European countries in October to December. Coastal areas average about 17–21 °C by day, and typical highs are near 18 °C. This island offers sunny beaches, archaeological sites (like ancient Kourion), and festive village celebrations. Even swimming is possible: the sea stays around 19 °C. Cyprus’s mix of sunshine and culture (think village taverns and Aphrodite’s legend) is perfect for December sun seekers.

Maltese December

Malta’s winter climate is pleasantly mild, making it one of the hidden gems in Europe. Daytime averages are around 17 °C, warmer than most of Europe in December. Coastal breezes keep the islands comfortable, and you can stroll through historic Valletta or Mdina in a light jacket. Attractions like the Blue Lagoon (Comino) or coastal cliffs can be enjoyed with fewer tourists. Malta’s festive Maltese Christmas tradition is enchanting, as the warm weather remains one of the main attractions.

Greek Islands in Greece

If you are wondering: where is hot in December in Europe? You must come to Greece. It has a blend of mild Mediterranean and cold weather, but its southern islands are exceptional. For example, Crete’s December highs are about 14–18 °C, some of the highest in Greece. Other islands like Rhodes or Karpathos are also relatively warm. Athens stays mild (~12–15 °C) and festive. You’ll find sunny beaches and ancient ruins (without summer crowds). The key is that southern Europe can still be warm in winter, especially around the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

Sunny Italy

Italy’s warmest December locales are in the south. Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria see averages around 11–16 °C. For example, the Sicilian coast near Cefalù or Palermo can reach 15–18 °C on sunny days with hot weather in December. Southern Italy offers the perfect blend of mild climate and lively culture: dine on Sicilian gastronomy, wander through old towns, and take a walk along the seashore. Mainland cities like Rome and Naples have highs around 13–15 °C and festive markets. Italy proves that you don’t have to freeze while sightseeing at the Colosseum or Pompeii in December.

Coastal Croatia

Croatia’s winter is cool, but its Adriatic coast remains gentler so it could be a place where is warm in December. Cities like Dubrovnik and Split average 7–10 °C in December. The days can be crisp but sunny, perfect for exploring old towns and islands. Kayaking in clear winter waters or hiking nearby hills is quiet and enjoyable. While not “hot” by tropical standards, Croatia’s seaside climate is among the mildest in Europe this time of year.

Montenegro’s Winter Coast

Montenegro also has a mild Adriatic winter. Coastal towns (Kotor, Budva) typically see December highs around 10 °C. That’s cool, but still above freezing, and southern Montenegro gets a fair share of sunny days. You can wander historic Kotor Bay with 50 °F weather and clear skies. The mountains above even have snow, making Montenegro unique for both the hottest place in Europe in December and alpine backdrops.

Albania’s Riviera

Albania’s southern coast (the Albanian Riviera) is usually one of the warmest places in December, though still cool by Mediterranean standards. Daytime temperatures in beach towns like Sarandë rarely exceed 13 °C. However, on sunny days, you can enjoy hikes, Ottoman-era towns (like Berat), and coastal views with mild weather. It’s less touristy than its neighbors and has a rugged beauty, not exactly “hot,” but the coastline is one of Europe’s least cold places in winter.

Turkey’s Mediterranean

Turkey bridges Europe and Asia, and its southern Mediterranean coast shines with hot cities in December. Regions like Antalya and Alanya see December daytime temperatures around 16–18 °C. Istanbul is colder (~6–12 °C), but southern beaches stay mild and mostly sunny. In Antalya, you’ll find broad sandy beaches and ancient ruins under clear skies. The Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Kas) is akin to an extension of Europe’s warm spots. Even inland sites (like Cappadocia) have daytime sun, though cooler nights. Overall, southern Turkey is one of Europe’s warmest winter regions.

Done with Europe? Step in the USA

If you haven't visited Europe, it's time to step out and explore the USA. Check out our best places to visit in December in the USA with great tips in the end. The list of places includes amazing experiences that will be worth a trip around. Check it out to get started.

Tips for Traveling Warm Winters

If you are traveling to Europe for the first time, here are the things you should know:

• Pack light layers: Your Europe packing list must be vibrant that suits all conditions. Even warm destinations can have chilly evenings. Pack a sweater or light jacket and bring some shorts and long-sleeved shirts.
• Travel documents: Make sure your passport is valid, and check whether you need a visa for each country. December is still a holiday closure time in many European countries.
• Stay connected: To navigate and translate easily, get an eSIM Europe for your phone. (It’s hassle-free to top up data in destinations like Spain or Turkey).
  

Explore the Best of Europe with the Airhub

When you chase the sun in Europe, buy an eSIM online from Airhub. Airhub offers reliable data coverage across all the destinations above, so you won’t miss a photo opportunity or a navigation turn. Plans work instantly: simply install the eSIM on your phone and go, no physical SIM swap needed. Over 5 million travelers trust Airhub for their trips.

With Airhub’s flexible data packages and 24/7 support, you can roam Spain, Greece, Turkey, and more without roaming charges. Whether you’re posting beach selfies in Malta or looking up ferry times in Croatia, Airhub keeps your maps, messages, and social media flowing in hot places in December in Europe (and beyond). Now you don’t have to wonder: will my phone work in Europe? Yes, it will with Airhub.

Starting Your Warm December Trip

Heading to hot places in December in Europe means choosing southern sunshine over snow. From Spain’s shores to Cyprus’s coast, these destinations offer mild weather and vibrant culture when much of Europe is frosty. December highs of 15–18 °C are common in the Mediterranean; even 10 °C in the Balkans feels warm compared to northern winters.

Pack layers, plan for some rain, but expect plenty of sun. Most importantly, keep connected. An eSIM from Airhub lets you share every sunset and find your way in these warm European getaways. Wherever you go, enjoy the blend of sunshine and festive cheer that Europe’s warm December spots have to offer!

FAQs

1. Where’s the warmest in Europe for Christmas?

Typically, the Spanish Canary Islands and parts of the eastern Mediterranean (Cyprus, Malta) are the warmest at Christmas. Expect daytime highs around 20–22 °C in the Canaries and 17–19 °C in Cyprus or Malta, making them Europe’s warm Christmas hotspots.

2. Are there beach destinations in Europe that are warm in December?

Yes. Coastal resorts like Spain’s Costa del Sol, Portugal’s Algarve, and Turkey’s Antalya still have mild weather in December (often above 15 °C). You can find several empty but sunny beaches in these areas. (Water is chilly, but beach walks are pleasant.)

3. Is Southern Europe warm in December?

Southern Europe is milder than the north. Countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal have cooler weather but many days of sunshine. They are not hot, but cities like Athens or Palermo can reach mid-teens °C on sunny days, which feels warm if you come from colder climates.

4. What should I pack for warm European destinations in December?

Pack light layers and some rain gear. Include T-shirts and shorts for daytime warmth, plus a sweater or jacket for evenings. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen for sun-soaked afternoons. Comfortable walking shoes are key for sightseeing, and don’t forget an adapter for European outlets.

5. Is December a good time to visit the Canary Islands?

Yes! The Canary Islands (Spain) are famously warm year-round. In December, you’ll find temperatures around 20–22 °C and lots of sun. It’s one of the warmest places in Europe for winter, ideal for beaches, hiking volcanoes, and escaping the cold.