Weather in Rhodes in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Rhodes and ranks 71st of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within Greece it is 11th of 44 (Greece in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Rhodes is 8.1°C warmer by day and 10.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Rhodes peaks at 15.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 18.3°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 13.0°C; one night in ten drops to 9.7°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 20.8°C (2010-12-03) and the coldest night 5.2°C (2006-12-27).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 12 days with 1 mm or more, 113 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2012 with 270 mm, the driest 2015 with 13 mm. Humidity averages 69%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 19.3°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 18.1°C to 20.1°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (27.1°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.1 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:12 and sets about 16:53 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 47%.

Is December a good time to visit Rhodes?

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

Mild afternoons, but keep a layer handy

December is comfortable for being out and about without summer heat, but it is not reliably warm enough for sitting outside in light clothes all day. Average nights are around 13°C, while the coldest nights can fall to about 10°C or below. Pack trousers, a jumper and a jacket rather than relying on a summer wardrobe. The warmer days reach around 18°C or more, so removable layers make sense when the sun comes out. Even then, treat a pleasant afternoon as a chance to enjoy being outdoors, not a promise of beach weather. This month suits travellers who prefer mild conditions to heat.

Plan around showers and shorter days

Rain is the main catch, so avoid an itinerary that depends on being outdoors every day. There are about 5.1 hours of sunshine within 9.5 hours of daylight: enough for useful bright spells, but not long summer-style evenings. Put outdoor plans into the brighter parts of the forecast and keep something indoors as a fallback. A waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet ground are more useful than extra beach clothes. Check the forecast before committing to a full day outside, and leave room to change plans. December works best if a wet afternoon would be an inconvenience rather than a spoiled holiday.