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Algarve Weather in December, Portugal

Slide and Tap Other Months

  • What is Average Temperature?
    The average high temperature and the average low temperature for that month, on a daily basis, divided by 2 equals the average temperature for that month

    Temperature

    13°C
    56°F
  • What is Average High Low Temperature?
    The sum of high temperatures/low temperatures divided by the number of days in that month, recorded daily

    High Temperature

    17°C
    63°F
  • What is Average High Low Temperature?
    The sum of high temperatures/low temperatures divided by the number of days in that month, recorded daily

    Low Temperature

    9°C
    48°F
  • What is Average Day Temperature?
    The average temperature recorded between sunrise and sunset

    Day Temperature

    14°C
    58°F
  • What is Average Night Temperature?
    The average temperature recorded between sunset and sunrise

    Night Temperature

    12°C
    55°F
  • What is Average Sea Temperature?
    Average daily sea temperatures and divided by the number of days in the month. Sea Temperatures are taken from buoys, ships and even satellites can calculate sea temperature based on energy that is radiated from the sea's surface

    Sea Temperature

    15°C
    59°F
  • What are Average Daily Sunshine Hours?
    Total sunshine hours for the month, divided by the number of days in the month. Sunshine hours are taken with a sunshine recorder, either a Campbell-Stokes recorder or an Eppley Pyreheliometer

    Sunshine Hours

    5 hours
  • What is Average Rainfall?
    The amount of mm in rain for that month divided by the number of days, and the number of days that it rains during that month on average, over a given period of years

    Rainfall Days

    12 days
  • What is Average Rainfall?
    The amount of mm in rain for that month divided by the number of days, and the number of days that it rains during that month on average, over a given period of years

    Rainfall

    117.2 mm

December, 2024

Sun
1 Avg 13º 55º
Mon
2 Avg 13º 55º
Tue
3 Avg 12º 54º
Wed
4 Avg 13º 55º
Thu
5 Avg 14º 57º
Fri
6 Avg 14º 57º
Sat
7 Avg 13º 55º
8 Avg 13º 55º
9 Avg 13º 55º
10 Avg 13º 55º
11 Avg 14º 57º
12 Avg 13º 55º
13 Avg 14º 57º
14 Avg 15º 59º
15 Avg 15º 59º
16 Avg 15º 59º
17 Avg 14º 57º
18 Avg 13º 55º
19 Avg 13º 55º
20 Avg 12º 54º
21 Avg 13º 55º
22 Avg 13º 55º
23 Avg 13º 55º
24 Avg 14º 57º
25 Avg 13º 55º
26 Avg 13º 55º
27 Avg 13º 55º
28 Avg 12º 54º
29 Avg 12º 54º
30 Avg 11º 52º
31 Avg 11º 52º
Forecast
Avg Historical Daily Average

What's The Weather Like in Algarve in December?

Decembers in the Algarve are usually much sunnier than over central and northern parts of Europe. The capital, Faro, has an average of 167 hours of sunshine, which is between five and six hours a day.

What's Christmas Like In The Algarve?

The relatively kind climate makes the region an attractive option for a December or Christmas destination for guests from colder locations. Christmas day is usually bright and sunny. 2019 was 16°C and 2018 was 13°C but the high peak is often around 17-18°C.

Is It Hot In The Algarve In December?

Temperatures are generally mild, with an average maximum of 17°C and an average minimum of 10°C. Frosts are generally absent near the coastline although they occasionally crop up in the hillier northern parts of the region.

Does It Rain In December In The Algarve?

December is usually the wettest month of the year in the Algarve. However, the rain is often heavier and shorter-lived than is the norm in northern parts of Europe. On average it rains on 11 days out of a possible 31.

Is The Sea Warm In The Algarve In December?

The sea temperature usually falls to around 15°C during December which means that it is not a great time of year to go swimming.

Hotels for Algarve in December

Quinta Jacintina Hotel

Accommodation options in the Algarve are numerous and there are many good hotels to choose from. Those on a romantic Christmas break can consider the Quinta Jacintina Hotel, at Quinta Jacintina, Almancil, which is a boutique hotel and offers wedding planners and golf packages, among other attractions, so it is particularly good for couples preparing to tie the knot early the following year.

Herdade da Corte

A less expensive option is the Herdade da Corte hotel at Santa Catarina Da Fonte Do Bispo, Tavira, which contains a lounge bar, a swimming pool and a relaxed atmosphere..

Praia Village

Self-catering accommodation options include Praia Village at Vilamoura.

Beaches for December for Algarve

Ilha de Culatra

December is not one of the best times of year to head for the beaches at the Algarve, but nonetheless the beaches still have some attractions. The island of Ilha de Culatra, just off the coast from Olhao, contains a wide range of facilities including villages, a mini market, and fishing outlets, making it a good resort for many tastes.

Praia la Luz

On the mainland, the beach at Praia la Luz is close to a good range of restaurants and even a couple of supermarkets.

Restaurants and Bars for Algarve in December

Oiliveira Dourada

There are many good restaurants available in the Algarve, catering for almost all tastes. High quality local cuisine is served at the Oiliveira Dourada restaurant at Sitio de Conseguinte, Vilamoura, which is a pleasant and relaxing family-run restaurant.

II Cappuccino

For those after a relatively light snack, high quality snacks are served at the Il Cappuccino café at R. Quinta da Correira, Albufeira, alongside a selection of main courses.

Tunes Bar

The Tunes Bar at Praca Miguel Bombarda 32, Albufeira, serves a variety of traditional pub food including cooked English breakfasts, and broadcasts sporting events.

Things to Do in Algarve in December

Fortress of Sagres

Given the relatively unreliable weather in December, it is quite a good time of year to check out the region's landmarks, rather than lazing on the beach. The Fortress of Sagres at Sagres on the coast of the Algarve is impressively mainly for its views over the nearby bay and ocean, and features an exhibition centre and centre for visitors. There is not a lot left of the fortress itself, though what remains is quite impressive.

Cerro da Villa

The Cerro da Villa ruins are located in Villamoura, and date as far back as the 1st century. Again the ruins are quite limited, but the premises also contain a museum which boasts some Roman mosaics in the adjacent outdoor area.

Alferce village

Another good place to visit is the village of Alferce at Monchique. It has numerous medieval-style buildings, and Roman remains, and contains good views over the nearby mountains. These attractions give some insights into the sort of settlements that the Romans developed in the Algarve region.

Quinto do Francees Estate Family

The Algarve has some good wineries and shops to try out. The Quinto do Francees Estate Family located at Odelouca River Valley, Sitio da Dobra, Silves offers and showcases a large range of wines, it has 8.5 hectares of wineyards and also an in-house wine shop.  There are guided 15-20 minute tours showing the range of facilities that are on offer.  The winery is open from 0900-1200 and 1400-1730 on Mondays to Fridays although it is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.   

Quinta dos Vales

Another good option is Quinta dos Vales at Sitio dos Vales, Estombar. This site offers some sculpture gardens to explore, and displays of farm animals, and many of the exhibits are free.  They also offer golf and tennis and massage packages, among other attractions, and guided tours of the facilities, plus a farm shop and a web shop (where wines can be purchased online).

Algarve Events December

Religious holiday


25 Dec 2024
25 Dec 2024

Christmas Day 🛐

The Portuguese have their main Christmas celebrations on the 24th December where the family gather for a meal of Bacalhau (salted cod) and their traditional Christmas cake, Bolo Rei (king cake). The meal tends to finish very late followed by midnight mass. Christmas presents are then given out after the church service at midnight. Christmas Day is a more low-key affair in Portugal and similar to our Boxing Day. Christmas is still a national holiday, however, so if you are coming to the Algarve for Christmas make sure you book a restaurant for your Christmas meal. Most of the hotels offer fantastic Christmas fare for lunch and dinner.