Weather in Algarve in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Algarve and ranks 66th of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within Portugal it is 6th of 13 (Portugal in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Algarve is 8.5°C warmer by day and 7.6°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Algarve peaks at 16.2°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 10.3°C; one night in ten drops to 6.8°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 22.6°C (2018-12-06) and the coldest night 0.6°C (1994-12-26).

Rain in December

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 77 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 1996 with 284 mm, the driest 1993 with 1 mm. Humidity averages 79%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 16.7°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.0°C to 17.5°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (20.7°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:38 and sets about 17:16 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 52%.

Is December a good time to visit Algarve?

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

Mild afternoons, but keep a warm layer handy

Plan for comfortable walking weather rather than spending the day in swimwear. An average high of 16°C can suit being outdoors, especially during sunny spells, but it is not dependable warmth for sitting still in light clothing. The warmer days reach around 18°C or more, while the coldest nights can fall to around 7°C or below. Bring trousers, layers and a jacket you will be happy wearing after dark. This is a good fit if you dislike hot afternoons and prefer being active; it is less suitable if your main aim is to feel warm from breakfast until bedtime.

Make daylight count and allow for rain

With about 4.6 hours of sunshine within 9.5 hours of daylight, December rewards making use of bright spells rather than assuming clear skies all day. There are about 8 rainy days, so rain is a practical consideration without being a reason to rule the month out. Pack a waterproof outer layer and shoes that can handle wet ground, and keep outdoor plans flexible. Aim to do your walking during daylight and leave less weather-dependent plans for wet spells or evenings. The main compromise is flexibility: this suits travellers happy to adjust their day, rather than those wanting a fixed schedule of outdoor activities.

Treat the coast as walking territory, not swimming weather

The sea averages 16.7°C, which makes it cold rather than comfortably swimmable. Even the warmer end of its December range, 18°C, is still bracing, so do not choose this month expecting easy, lingering swims. Time by the water makes more sense as a walk with layers to hand than as a full day devoted to bathing. If swimming is central to your holiday, December is a poor match. If you are content to enjoy the coast from dry land and take sunny spells as they come, the mild daytime temperatures can still make being outside appealing.