Southern Europe in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Southern Europe in December.
Country Weather in December
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 13° | 5° | 84 mm | low | Cold |
| Spain | 11° | 3° | 53 mm | low | Cold |
| Greece | 14° | 8° | 67 mm | low | Cool |
| Portugal | 15° | 9° | 118 mm | low | Cool |
| Cyprus | 18° | 8° | 66 mm | low | Cool |
| Malta | low | ||||
| Andorra | 7° | -1° | 65 mm | low | Cold |
| San Marino | 9° | 2° | 71 mm | low | Cold |
| Vatican City | 13° | 5° | 78 mm | low | Cold |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
Iberian Peninsula (Spain & Portugal)
Late winter begins to feel like a slow thaw: February still carries brisk winds and rainy spells in the north, but southern Andalusia and the Algarve brighten up with early spring sunshine and fewer tourists. Carnival in Cádiz and Tenerife (if you travel out to the Canaries) draws lively crowds, though the latter lies outside mainland Southern Europe. It’s a transitional month - pack layers for temperature swings and a sturdy umbrella for Atlantic rain.
Southern France & the Riviera (Provence, Côte d’Azur, Languedoc)
Early winter’s combination of damp Atlantic fronts and occasional cold snaps makes January and February dynamic in the region: southern ski resorts get snow while coastal towns remain comparatively temperate. The mistral is still a feature in sudden blasts, so pack windproof and warm layers for evenings. It’s a quiet time for tourism unless you’re heading to the southern Alps to ski or to enjoy winter festivals in towns and cities.
Italian Peninsula, Sicily & Sardinia (Italy)
Early winter in January tends to be cold in northern Italy with reliable snow in the Alps and frequent fog in the Po Valley, while central and southern Italy stay comparatively mild and less prone to freezing. Sicily and Sardinia will usually avoid hard freezes, making them attractive for off-season escapes. Pack warm layers for inland nights and waterproofs for coastal rain; ski resorts remain a strong draw for winter travellers.
Adriatic & Balkan Coast (Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Spring’s early warmth accelerates reopening of island hotels and restaurants in March-April; wildflowers bloom inland and coastal promenades brighten. By April the conditions are increasingly pleasant for walking historic towns, cycling in Istria and starting to take short ferry hops between islands. Pack sunscreen, a light windproof jacket and be ready for better service options as the season ramps up.
Greece & the Aegean (Greece mainland, Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete)
Late winter moves toward spring by February, with more sunny intervals and rising temperatures particularly in the south; the Meltemi becomes less aggressive and ferry reliability improves. Crete and Rhodes are increasingly pleasant for off-season exploration, while Athens begins gearing up for early-season tourism. Travelers will enjoy fewer tourists at major sites and should still pack for variable weather, from warm daytime sun to cool, windy evenings.
Malta & Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean islands)
Early spring returns by March with steady warming and extended daylight: temperatures are more reliably in the high teens and low 20s°C, great for coastal hikes and exploring ancient ruins without summer heat. Rainfall tailors off compared with winter months. This season is ideal for travelers who want comfortable walking weather and fewer crowds at major sites; sun protection and a light jacket for evenings are sensible.