Weather in Zante in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Zante and ranks 82nd of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within Greece it is 17th of 44 (Greece in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Zante is 7.3°C warmer by day and 9.6°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Zante peaks at 15.0°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 17.7°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 12.3°C; one night in ten drops to 9.0°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 21.2°C (2010-12-01) and the coldest night 3.8°C (2001-12-18).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 14 days with 1 mm or more, 173 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2002 with 448 mm, the driest 2015 with 34 mm. Humidity averages 72%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 17.9°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.9°C to 18.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.2°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.4 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:45 and sets about 17:18 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 55%.

Is December a good time to visit Zante?

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

Milder than London, but pack for cool evenings

December offers a noticeable temperature lift from London, where the average daytime high is 7.7°C, but Zante is still mild rather than hot. A jumper or light jacket is a more useful starting point than beachwear, with layers you can remove when the sun comes out. Average night-time lows are around 12°C, while the coldest nights can fall to 9°C or below, so bring something warmer for evenings. Midday is a sensible time to plan outdoor time for warmth rather than a period you need to avoid because of heat. This suits travellers who prefer cooler conditions and do not need reliable sun to enjoy a break.

Rain is the main catch, and the sea is cold

Rain needs to shape your expectations: December is wet, so leave room to move outdoor plans around rather than relying on a fixed daily schedule. A waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet ground deserve space in your luggage. You may still get useful sunny spells, but this is not dependable weather for sitting outside all day. The sea is another limitation. At an average of 17.9°C, it falls in the cold category, making a relaxed swim a poor basis for choosing December. If swimming matters to you, treat it as an optional activity dependent on conditions and your tolerance for cold water, not the centre of the trip.