Weather in Saranda in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Saranda and ranks 108th of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within Albania it is 1st of 2 (Albania in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Saranda is 5.0°C warmer by day and 3.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Saranda peaks at 12.7°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 16.0°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 6.0°C; one night in ten drops to 1.6°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 19.5°C (2010-12-01) and the coldest night -6.5°C (2001-12-19).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 14 days with 1 mm or more, 224 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2005 with 452 mm, the driest 2016 with 2 mm. Humidity averages 79%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 17.2°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.2°C to 18.2°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (25.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 3.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:54 and sets about 16:16 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 57%.

Is December a good time to visit Saranda?

December is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Saranda on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Milder days, but pack for cold evenings

The daytime average makes walking more appealing than sitting outside for long periods, particularly when the sun is absent. A jumper with a windproof, waterproof outer layer is a more useful starting point than summer clothing. Milder days can reach 16°C or above, but do not build the trip around that possibility. At night, the average drops to 6°C, and the coldest nights can fall to around 2°C or below. Bring a warm layer for evenings and footwear you can comfortably wear in wet weather. This is a month for adjustable layers rather than packing as though the coast guarantees warmth.

Rain is the main compromise

December is wet enough that a rigid outdoor itinerary is likely to feel frustrating. With about 14 rainy days, leave room to move walks into clearer spells rather than committing to being outside regardless of the forecast. Rain does not necessarily mean an entire day indoors, but a waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with puddles are sensible essentials. Sunshine averages about 3.9 hours within 9.2 hours of daylight, so make use of brighter periods when they arrive. If your holiday depends on long, reliably sunny days, this is not a good fit; flexibility is more valuable than a packed schedule.

Treat the sea as scenery, not the main activity

At 17.2°C, the sea is cold rather than comfortably swimmable. Its December range of 16°C to 18°C does not offer much scope for a warm-water surprise, so a swimming-led holiday would be a poor match. Unless you already enjoy cold-water swimming, plan to spend your coastal time on land. The cool air also makes getting out of the water less appealing, particularly without sunshine. For travellers content with short walks and time looking out over the water, that may be an acceptable trade-off. For anyone picturing lingering in swimwear or regular relaxed swims, December asks for a substantial change of expectations.